Reflections of an Artist

Lady Gaga Understands the Importance of Image

Side Door at Carmel Mission

     I just happened upon the airing of an interview of Lady Gaga by the French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier on TV. In my former life, I graduated from Parsons School of Design and worked as a fashion designer in NYC for ten years, so I have an interest in the combined worlds of fashion and art. 

     The interview covered familiar ground as Lady Gaga told many of the same stories that are known to her fans, affectionately called Little Monsters. Often compared to Madonna, Gaga talked about being born famous. How fame is something that comes from within. Her love of fashion and everything artrageous is part of her personality. Pushing herself artistically and staying true to herself are priorities. She closed the interview by teller her beloved fans that she will continue to be fearless, to create and to change. Whatever you think of Lady Gaga and her music, listening to her interview she sounded like a mature, likable woman who knows what she is doing with her art and her career.

     As a designer in NYC, I was in the spotlight and enjoyed wearing a costume (my fashion) as my public persona to camouflage and shelter the real me from that intrusion. I think Lady Gaga does the same thing with her over the top fashion. Being in costume is very liberating and allows an artist to be whoever they want. One of the most revealing moments was when she talked about being comfortable enough to fall asleep in her wigs and costumes. She went on to say, by living the fantasy she hopes to make it her reality.

     As an artist I am constantly faced with the need to project a persona to the public. It must say, I am an artist. reconciling that with who I am can be daunting. The personal struggles of artists are documented throughout art history from Michelangelo to Van Gogh. How an artist deals with rejection, acceptance, staying connected to our muse, success and failure are the stuff of legends. Never forget that watching that struggle is very interesting to the public and makes for high drama.

     Next time I'll talk about a local artists who found a national spotlight.