Race to a Legacy

July of 2022, I fell down the rabbit hole known as “Masterclass” and soon found myself inspired by Jodie Foster, Hans Zimmer, and Mira Nair. I decided to write an outline and film a documentary with an iPhone. What an emotional ride this doc was! 

Initially I wanted to shoot a documentary for my 90 year old dad chronicling his 40 year career as a professional illustrator for the government and life as a fine artist. But it became so much more. Now, standing on the other side of it, I’m extremely grateful that I created this opportunity to sit down and spend so much more time not only with my dad, but my mom and sisters as well. 

About a week or so after I started this project, I noticed changes in some of Dad’s “already finished paintings”. He had painted over his beautifully intricate paintings. They were painted over with black paint, almost like a child’s scribbles. My heart sank as I wracked my brain for an explanation. My nurse brain took over and all I could think about was there must be something going on with him. I wanted to explore why he changed his paintings and more than ever wanted to hear his stories and the stories about my parents. That was when the documentary showed its path. 

My hope is that the audience walks away with some tears of inspiration, some understanding of my dad’s life and work as an artist for 75 years, and their own reasoning why he is painting over his detailed paintings.