David Lynch Inspiration: London Eye for Tribute Magazine
November 2022: Jack Eames explores the inspiration of David Lynch for Tribute Magazine
I am delighted to introduce my column for Tribute Magazine - a regular piece where I share my insights and interests in the contemporary cultural landscape. In my first article focussing on art and culture news I particularly explore various media focussing on David Lynch inspiration - the things that influenced and informed his artistic decisions and approaches. The piece below was originally published in November 2022.
1/ Lynch/Oz: David Lynch
The BFI film festival recently showed a brand new documentary about David Lynch, who is one of my all-time favourite directors. The documentary shows the literal and subliminal impact on Lynch of the film The Wizard of Oz (1939), and examines links between his dark disturbing Americana and the Victor Fleming classic. An excellent dive into David Lynch inspiration.
2/ @46pgs
Instagram? I have a ‘love/hate’ thing with it. I spend too much time on there looking at visuals, and recently the algorithm targeted my obsession with collage. In particular, a Croatian graphic design magazine 46pgs. Check it out. Space and void are so important in art; to know how and when to switch it up.The grunge aesthetic with the typography and models/artists in the pieces is so stimulating. Seeing this kind of collage has taken me into various archives; who recalls magazines like Raygun, and artists like David Carson or Chris Ashworth? If you want to geek out at my studio in Shoreditch, feel free to pop by and we can lay the mags out.
3/ Faithless
My partner Anna and our boy Freddy moved to Whitstable one week before the first Lockdown – fortuitous it transpired. One of the great things about Whitstable is the proximity to Margate. I love 'Dreamland' and the ‘kiss me quick’ retro beach feel of the town. There is also a fabulous gig venue at Dreamland which is truly intimate. Faithless were a big part of my teens, and to see them play (well, Sister Bliss) in 2022 was too much of an opportunity to miss. I went on my own, mainly to soak up every nuance of the day and evening, in particular the visuals that dance bands like Faithless are famous for. If you get the opportunity to catch Sister Bliss, I fully recommend this sensory experience.
4/ Holiday experience (Air Stream)
Shameless plug, incoming. As we’re talking about life in Kent, my partner Anna has started her new venture in Air Stream rental. She took a year to track down the one she is starting her fleet with! Ally was born in 1975 and is a beauty, like most things in their 40s. I’m really proud as this has been a life-long dream for Anna.
5/ Podcast: The Collective Podcast
The Collective podcast is a set of podcasts speaking with various creatives in the film industry that I regularly revisit. The host Ash Thorpe found his career took an exciting turn when he designed the Bat Mobile in the most recent Batman film. I came across it five years ago, and to be able to listen to a host and the interviewees talk candidly about issues concerning creatives felt like a catharsis. I am late in life to being a father, and to listen to how freelance creatives are trying to balance that out was reassuring.
6/ Smith & Lyall, show directors
Software giant Adobe ran a three-day conference Unleashing Creativity this October, featuring artists working in visual culture. Smith and Lyall have been making the stage and visuals for the Chemical Brothers since the beginning of the band’s journey. Both in their mid/late 50’s they remain 'on it'. The main reason is curiosity which is at the root of so much good stuff in life. See how they mix analogue with digital. In this illustration (opposite) the pair painted dancers dressed in black with neon paint, then took the video into the digital suite, and pumped the contrast up to get this incredible movement and feeling. You can find the Unleashing Creativity webinar online – I can recommend.
7/ David Lynch Inspiration/ Room to Dream: A life in Art
by David Lynch and Kristine McKenna, Canongate Books
I am really enjoying researching more about Lynch’s approach as I explore more into David Lynch inspiration; his family life, influences, painting, photography and the music he makes. If you’re a Lynch fan then I’m sure you already watch his daily weather update on YouTube. I’m watching Twin Peaks again, and find a whole new meaning having this in-depth look into his processes.
8/ Haircuts4Homeless
I’ve been involved with Haircuts4Homeless for three years now. Photographically this gives me a chance to channel my origins in social commentary, while capturing the beauty of every guest. Founder Stewart Roberts is one of those people that makes an incredible bond with everyone he meets. The charity is always looking for volunteers and has recently started a salon ambassador programme, get in touch.
