House tour with a grumpy old man
The idea of moving is looming large on the horizon. How horrible. The flat in London has a cellar, which is a wonderful asset for storing stuff, until the time comes to empty it again. A good friend is also moving soon, and we listlessly discuss just putting all our excess stuff together for a cleansing bonfire. While I was away on the island I learnt a few lessons in not having much stuff. It was both great, liberating, totally fine and an occasional pain in the ass. So I watched this little film online with interest.
Glenn O’Brien was part of Andy Warhol’s Factory and wrote for Warhol’s Interview magazine, and in this film he sort of shows us around his flat. From a decorative point of view there’s plenty to enjoy – beneath all the books there are lovely desks and book cases, and I love that blue colour in the living room.
But at the same time the weight of stuff he has – yes, even the row of sketches done by Basquiat at the start of his career – seem somewhat overwhelming. I fear living in a small apartment so full of stuff that I have to eat dinner off my knee, sitting on the balcony. I think the only thing that stops this easy accumulation of stuff is, yes… regularly moving house. And a bonfire.
Watch the full film (it’s short!) plus other films in the series, over at Nowness, here.
Am still laughing at his Olive Oil quip!!! Bohemian, hotchpotch, eclectic eccentric, you could browse for hours in their apartments, but yes the weight of ‘stuff’ would make me feel slightly unhinged.
My ‘stuff’ doesn’t make me feel empowered and creative, and that I am curating my life with meaning. It makes me feel like I’m caring for it too much, arranging, putting away, folding, washing, which leaves me feeling that I’m not living my life to the full.
I keep reading articles about minimalism and the Konmari book is in my virtual amazon trolly (i cannot bring myself to buy it). I yearn for freedom from ‘stuff’ yet if I had to give up my potato ricer and make mash myself that would make me sad too. Where’s the balance? Let me know when you find it.
Bonfire anyone?
I loved the film. Especially liked the apricot coloured lamp against the blue walls. I agree with Carol – the weight of “stuff” would definitely get to me. I think I could do minimalist as long as it still felt cosy.