During multiple sittings in Frank's studio in New York in 2004 as the model of the printer for Frank's painting "Joseph Pennell's Printing Press" (which appears in the film), I had the experience of a lifetime to sit for Frank. During the course of several days that year I traveled from Washington to New York to be with Frank in his studio as he painted from life. I possess pages of copious notes taken during our meaningful and often deeply profound and intellectual exchanges on art theory, art history, and the debacles of art restoration, but what impacted me most was the larger than life Maestro Frank Mason who shared art stories with such wit, energy and raw humor that I often found myself doubled over in laughter and breaking my pose. My friendship with Frank defies definition because one had to experience Frank Mason to realize the magnitude of the impact of Frank's presence. In his presence, Frank Mason's essence overwhelmed you. In his death, Frank Mason's essence overwhelms you.
What Maestro Films has achieved for the audience is the masterful presentation and shared intimate experience of Frank Mason's overwhelming essence in his absence.
Simply defined for those who did not know Frank Mason (and for those who did) I believe the words of Rainer Maria Rilke will allow everyone to fully comprehend why this film must be seen by anyone remotely interested in art. Rilke says: "The artist is like a polished surface, disinterested, which mirrors the world back to itself, and by wanting nothing of it...makes it real."
Frank Mason made the world REAL. I am profoundly grateful to Maestro Films for communicating in film what Frank wanted to share with the world. Sonny, Scott, and Rick, your collaborative efforts as Director, Producer, and Director of Photography respectively, are Oscar worthy. To all of you, and to Frank's beautiful wife, Anne, thank you for your artistic brilliance and indefatigable dedication to this film.
What Maestro Films has achieved for the audience is the masterful presentation and shared intimate experience of Frank Mason's overwhelming essence in his absence.
Simply defined for those who did not know Frank Mason (and for those who did) I believe the words of Rainer Maria Rilke will allow everyone to fully comprehend why this film must be seen by anyone remotely interested in art. Rilke says: "The artist is like a polished surface, disinterested, which mirrors the world back to itself, and by wanting nothing of it...makes it real."
Frank Mason made the world REAL. I am profoundly grateful to Maestro Films for communicating in film what Frank wanted to share with the world. Sonny, Scott, and Rick, your collaborative efforts as Director, Producer, and Director of Photography respectively, are Oscar worthy. To all of you, and to Frank's beautiful wife, Anne, thank you for your artistic brilliance and indefatigable dedication to this film.