Fall '23: Excited, Rejuvenated, and Feeling Creative
Best Wishes, Dad
Oh my gosh, what an end to summer!
My father, Henry, sold his Baltimore home and moved. Now we can all exhale! His fabulous home was bought by a great couple who will surely make their own treasured memories there. While it’s never easy to say goodbye, we are so eager to see what Henry's next chapter looks like.
I am genuinely excited, and I know Mt. Vernon, Baltimore will be thrilled to know that my dad will be making his way back into town.
It’s a big change for us, but most of all for Henry, who just celebrated his 80th birthday on October 5th! Happy Birthday Dad!!
To all our readers who shared the listing of his home for sale, and helped get the word out, you have my eternal thanks <3
Baltimore Pride
During mid-September, our Baltimore crew, James, and I traveled to Los Angeles to attend John Waters’ exhibition and opening party for John Waters: Pope of Trash at the Academy Museum. Later in the week we attended John Waters’ unveiling ceremony of his Hollywood Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
How spectacular it was to marvel, witness, and gawk at what has been John Waters’ career of movie making magic and a life of outrageous self-expression and creativity.
I feel like I have so much I could say about this experience, but it’s hard to do it justice. The magnitude of creative talent that John enlisted to help him create his movies was mind blowing. The exhibition touched on creative masterminds such as Van Smith the costume designer, Vincent Peranio the production designer, Pat Moran the casting director as well as the actors, actresses, and film departments and all their amazing contributions. I consider myself very lucky to have worked as 2nd in the makeup department under key artist Cheryl “Pickles” Kinion on two of John’s films, “A Dirty Shame” and “Cecil B Demented”.
I find it's amazing that someone as radical as John Waters has found public acceptance and inclusion in the mainstream world. It is very refreshing to see unusual and unique talent being celebrated and respected! If we can be ourselves, be kind, work from the heart and never give up, there may be a place and some recognition in the world for us too.
The sentiment felt from us all was how fortunate we were to be a part of, and to grow up in, such a talented freak show! Baltimore, you will always have my heart.
Spooky Birthdays Are The Best
While we were in L.A., James and I celebrated our birthdays with the best of friends and dear family. We stayed at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel which is known to be haunted. I can say it lived up to its name as we encountered several ghosts over the week.
We ate at what is now my favorite Chinese restaurant called ‘Formosa’. It is a blast from the past and has booths where both Elvis and Marilyn Monroe dined. The moody red and black decor is really stunning, and I could move right in!
The Formosa Cafe - Best Chinese Restaurant in West Hollywood and Los Angeles
Fresh Projects For The Season
Other than our West Coast jaunt, we have been working steadily on projects that are ready to be released for the start of the South Florida season. The Amanda James Gallery looks fab and has been designed with art works we've collected and created over the past few years.
This season, I’m especially looking forward to sharing my latest art fashion collections with you. Click the link below for a little look at my process:
Amanda Johnson Studio (@amandajohnsonstudio) • Instagram photos and videos
Last Hurrah
James and I have one more venture to tend to before the launch of the season. Please note that the Amanda James Gallery will be closed October 11th, 12th, and 13th, reopening Saturday, October 14th.
We’re Hiring!
One final note, if you or someone you know is looking for a fun part-time job send them our way! We are looking for an energetic salesperson for the boutique and/or front of house.
They can email us at AmandaJamesGallery@gmail.com if interested.
As always, thank you for being on this journey with me. With all my love!
XXOO
- Amanda J.