This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Dec. 4, 2012 - Wayne White, a man who wears many creative hats -- painter, sculptor, cartoonist, puppeteer, set designer, art director, animator and illustrator has a life worth documenting. From art directing a music video for the Smashing Pumpkins, to designing Pee-Wee’s Playhouse, this man is impressive. And the documentary about him, “Beauty is Embarrassing,” is a must see.
After the Community Cinema presentation of that film Dec. 5 at the Missouri History Museum, those who attend will have a chance to let out their inner artistic impulse.
“Beauty is Embarrassing” is directed by Neil Berkeley, who met White when they worked at the same design studio. Berkeley kept in contact with White after their work careers split. And after a few meetings Berkeley asked White if he could “follow him around with a camera for a while.” Intended to be a short film based on White’s word paintings, the film grew over two years to a feature length documentary about the life of this artist.
On the website for the film, Berkeley says, “The reaction I get when I talk about his achievements consistently includes wide-eyed, gaping-mouthed amazement by people who have never heard of him by name.” This reaction kept Berkeley motivated to capturing the Wayne White story on film.
The film shows White’s ability to make art a 24/7 lifestyle as he picks up found objects and makes them seamlessly into something else. The film follows the ups and downs of White’s life starting with his childhood in rural Tennessee, his experiences in television and his personal mission to bring humor into fine art.
Instead of a discussion following the film, the museum, inspired White’s energy and creative energy, is bringing in local artists who will encourage all attendees to experiment with art via group drawing, collage art and puppet making. Technology will not be left out of the evening, an iPad will be on hand to experiment with new applications inspired by White’s work. Wednesday’s event will include John Pruitt with theExquisiteCorpse.org, Emily Hemeyer with SPORE Projects and Chautauqua Art Lab, which will supply the materials to create puppets. Stan Chisholm, also known as 18andCounting, will lend his DJ skills to provide a sound track.