March 24, 2010

Inspiration - Agnes Varda


Inspiration -- I intend to write more often about sources of inspiration in my life.
Some are long-term, others sporadic, some serendipitous, and others quick snapshots.

This weeks inspiration comes from a movie Alan and I watched--
the movie (DVD via Netflix) The Beaches of Agnes.

Agnes Varda is a filmmaker and photographer. The Times said that "Born in 1928, she is still an artist of undiminished vigor, curiosity and intelligence."

I was intrigued and teased by Beaches of Agnes, a retrospective memoir-collage. I wanted to learn more about Varda, order some of her other films, and reflect on her success in a then-considered male profession. I also was inspired...to take out my camera, to muse about the photos I enjoyed taking during my sabbatical (The Dream Year) -- which include the photos in the Intentions and Inspiration heading (which some of you have asked about). And my thoughts about Varda's film have mixed with my own thoughts about memoir and the myth of our personal memories.

What or who inspired you this week?

3 comments:

  1. Looks like you have a great blog. Thanks for checking mine out. I joined as a follower and am interested in what you write about next!

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  2. thanks, jill

    we look forward to more of your comments --
    let us know which topics inspire/interest you!

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  3. Hetaaher Ann4/04/2010 8:54 AM

    Geoffrey Canada absolutely enthralls and inspires me. Canada is the CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone, a non-profit organization working to end the cycle of poverty in a 100 block zone in Harlem. I first learned of Canada on This American Life, where he talked about "Baby College", a parenting class for young, impoverished parents. Children whose parents stay with the program are then part of the educational program which includes pre-school and extended day charter schools. HCZ also includes health care and community services. The Obama administration is using HCZ as a model for educational initiative in 20 cities in the USA. Check him out!

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