Paolo Roversi

Originally Posted Thursday, January 3, 2013

(Photo by Paolo Roversi)

I love the work of Paolo Roversi.  Who doesn't?  He does so many things so well.  There is always a simplicity in his pictures even when he has opted for obscenely complex wardrobe and makeup.  That part of it is probably not left much in his hands, anyway.  I don't know much about how all that works. There is an artistic director who makes up the set.  There is a wardrobe person, a stylist, a makeup artist, and a hair designer.  There is also someone setting lights and reflectors, loading film or setting up the tether from the camera to the computer.  And there are post-production specialists who work in Photoshop and other programs.  When that is all done, he may have a few suggestions to one or another, but he really just has to focus on making the picture. 

Help!  I am trying to do all of that while working at the factory.  I'd settle for a set designer, really.  I need an art director.  The image above has such soft, creamy tones yet deep contrast.  How?  This is going to be my new project.  Creamier tones.  I am on a quest. 

I went back to the factory yesterday.  It did me in.  Everything is gone, all motion toward some average bliss.  I'm not talking about ecstasy, just something the other side of miserable.  I don't like the way people look at me there any longer.  It is like there is a secret they are not telling me.  They've been talking about me, I can tell, and they have come to some conclusions they are not telling me about.  They smile those fake, toothless smiles, but their eyes are turning inwards to their dirty little secret.  I was unnerved the first day.  I can't take their collective gaze. 

So I am as anxious and worn as I was two weeks ago.  Maybe if I just keep my mouth shut, I think, and  try to stay out of the way, they will forget about me.  The cat loves me.  I just want to stay at home. 

By all reports, it will be a gray day.