Saturday July 21st, the Dallas Museum of Art hosted a special Arts & Letters Live event with author Daniel Silva. I have not read his new novel The Fallen Angel yet, but I'm a follower of lead character Gabriel Allon's adventures and I look forward to an exciting thriller. However, the talk delved much deeper - Silva's research, travels, world economic and political chat, and his view of publishing today were all on the evening's menu. We enjoyed appetizing plot teasers as well as deep dish opinions.
Mr. Silva began writing as a Middle East correspondent. After returning to Washington and working for CNN, he began his first novel, The Unlikely Spy. It wasn't until his fourth, The Kill Artist, that he created Gabriel Allon - an art restorer and Israeli secret agent. Now with his fifteenth book, Silva still doesn't bore us. He blends art, smuggling, danger, and world threatening secrets. Espionage, intrigue, and fascinating characters are the hallmarks of Silva's novels.
When asked, "Which is harder - writing the book or doing the book tour?" Mr. Silva laughed, paused, and said, "Well......I like meeting the readers, but the actual travel is a beating." He proceeded to tell some funny travel horror stories from his current tour. It's not glamorous.
Because the publishing industry is demanding, he'll return after Labor Day and hunker down to work on the next novel with the expectation that it will be completed by March 2013. He writes seven days a week, full work hours. His research is thorough and his editing precise.
He personally is not keen on social network expectations and prefers paper to e-books. He works alone and doesn't "understand the idea of writer critique groups. I'm not reading my work to a bunch of people." Silva does run words by his wife, but otherwise, he relies on his own ability as a writer to produce product.
Daniel Silva was a delightful interview. His sense of humor and his obvious intelligence gave the audience a well-rounded sense of a quiet talented man. If you haven't read any of Silva's books, seek one out now and you'll be hooked.
Showing posts with label Dallas Museum of Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dallas Museum of Art. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
Fashion: Jean Paul Gaultier
Way out there exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art - The fashion world of Jean Paul Gaultier. The man had a vision even as a young boy influenced by his grandmother in France, or digging through her drawers and creating a bustier for his teddy bear.Whether it's futuristic designs for movies like The Fifth Element, or costumes for Madonna's Blond Ambition Tour, Gaultier's designs are unique, eyepopping, and distinctive. The couture aspect is demonstrated with the amount of hours noted to complete a piece. Sequins, feathers, lace, etc. are hand stitched, appliqued, or woven into intricate patterns for his seasonal themes.
I got a kick out of the cammo/wild hunter theme - oh yeah, I could see my husband in those outfits at his deer lease.
The museum exhibit is a fabulous experience. The mannequins' faces are animated - thus they pout, blink, and appear alive. It's disconcerting at times, yet fascinating. Step out of this world and into the future that is now - see Jean Paul Gaultier's exhibit through February 12, 2012.
C'est magnifique!
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