Chess Pieces

Aren't these the most amazing chess pieces? What's even more amazing is that these are real people. This is a living chess board. You probably can't see it in this small photo, but the little Page just behind the queen has his eyes open and is looking at my camera.

If you've never been to the Pageant of The Masters in Laguna Beach you simply must go! They have been doing this show as part of the Laguna Festival of Arts and Sawdust Festival for decades. They take famous art pieces - posters, sculptures, statues and recreate them with living people. When they do posters or paintings they LOOK 2 dimensional on the stage but there are actually real people in the paintings or posters. They even show you how they set up the illusion so you can see for yourself how amazing the transformation is.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to attend their Media Night in 2001. I got to see the people getting into make up and costumes (almost everyone working on the show is a volunteer), got to go back stage and see the set pieces and watch them put the actors into the scene. It was simply amazing.

If you are a make up artist or painter (or know one) - this is an absolute must. The usual job of a makeup artist (and even a traditional painter) is to add depth and dimension to a person's face. In this case it's just the opposite - the people are painted to look very two dimensional.

Don't take my word for it - check it out at http://www.foapom.com The show runs for a few weeks in the summer (I think starting in July). If you want to go, keep an eye on the web site and buy your tickets early. They sell out fast!

(and no, I am not affiliated with them in any way - just a really fanatic fan!)