Well, where do I start? First of all, my wonderful wife had a birthday on Saturday. And my Daughter was in for the weekend and Paul Stanley had another showing of his art at Wentworth Galleries Sunday afternoon.
So, like last year, we made arrangements to see him, talk, catch up on things, and have him have an inspirational talk with my daughter who is struggling to become who she is and become a viable entity in this world of ours.
Once we arrived, I saw Al Soluri, Paul's personal and KISS' official photographer. A real Gentleman I might add. We worked together, but separately on Paul Stanley's solo "Live to Win" tour on 2006. We caught up on things about what he is doing and how things are going on his end of the world. Talked a bit about the camera's, lighting accessories and the really cool Custom Bracket he was using for his camera rig and why he designed it the way he did. This guy is one of my favorite concert photographers. A really, REALLY cool guy. He seems to be really interested in conversation and no bullshit stuff. I hope to see him on the next tour. We exchanged e-mail addresses and promised to keep in touch. If you ever get the chance to meet this guy… be sure to say hi and give him 'thumbs up' on his work.
Paul came over a few minutes later and said hello and went to the back to get ready for the slew of people purchasing his art. My wife, daughter Rachael and I waited until most everyone left and hung out with Paul for about an hour. My wife and daughter get so nervous around him. It's so cute. So Paul gave Angella really big hugs and ask if that made her feel better? So he gave her one big squeeze and she started to relax a bit. Then Rachael got her hug, one of many.
We discussed his art work, one in particular, "Karma". My wife loves this piece. He described his reason for painting it and where the original hangs over his Son's bed. It gives off an inner light of hope to what you do in this world and what you can achieve and get back in return. It is a real honest piece of art.
Rachael wanted to know where the inspiration came from and why he chooses the colors he uses for each painting. Paul explained that he does not paint in Black and Grays… The world is full of color. He points to a painting called "SCREAM," (a very vibrant piece showing a face screaming with a broken heart in the middle.) and said I painted that when I was miserable.
We also talked about how people short change themselves on their abilities to get things done in life because of so called obstacles or not believing in themselves. My daughter is in the transition of trying to find her 'self', like so many of us have done at LEAST once in our lives. Paul told her not to worry about what others are thinking about or criticizing. Do what you like and make it work for YOU. Not others. If Paul would not have done this, he would not be where he is today. His house was built by critics. There are people out there that enjoy what they do and there are people out there that enjoy what these people do and will pay for their efforts.
I always thought of it this way, if you always do what you like to do and get paid for it… are you really working? So work Smart... not hard.
Yes people, we need to pay our bills. We need to eat. But artists, actors and yes, even musicians take on odd jobs to cover these needs to fulfill their lives with the things they enjoy doing.
I'm a photographer. I love my "job". But I was once a musician and have worked in delicatessens, warehouses…etc… But when someone asked me what do I was doing for a living? I answered, I am a musician. Some people shrugged it off as a passing phase. But I was not looking for approval from anyone. They could only see that I drove a car, lived in a house, and was able to pay for my own food. So perception becomes reality rather quickly.
Paul was nice enough to dedicate a small painting to my daughter that he put together right there on a black piece of paper in silver ink. It was a rendition of his "Forever Flowers" painting with "Love Always" and his signature. He then handed it to her and told her to "Go PAINT!" Meaning… do what you need to do for you.
We also discussed a couple personal issues about me and my health and he gave me some added support to see as many doctors as possible to get things fixed or at least controlled. He is so sincere and kind and seems extremely interested in what your life is all about.
Now I know Paul is a 'shopper' and I always have adored his choice in watches. I like them too. Last year he had the new Oakley Minute Maker with diamonds on the dial. Nice timepiece. But this year he was wearing a time piece from Italy that was stunning. Diamond incrusted (to his specifications) with a beautiful leather band. He told me that Eric Singer is the watch buff of them all and knows so much about timepieces. So, I'll make sure the next time I see Eric I'll be sure to talk 'time'.
So before, we took off to catch up with Craig Chaquico in downtown Orlando and my bestest buddy Randy, I had to get a picture of Al Soluri and I just for me. Al has always been so nice to me. A genuinely kind soul.
So, if you like art, take a look at Paul Stanley's paintings. You might find something you would enjoy looking at in your own home for years to come. You can find his pieces at the Wentworth Galleries website. If you have questions about the pieces, call the gallery and ask to speak to a rep that can explain the pieces to you from Paul's perspective.
I wish everyone a large amount of happiness and success, on their own terms.
Regards,
Michael van Gelder
Photographer
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