Photograph by Richard Avedon

The winter months in Boston are getting harder to handle for my Californian blood. I have spent a great deal of my time at my home to escape the cold. Since there isn’t much to do in my 10×12′ box, I have been working and reading a lot. Last night, I watched “Don’t Look Back” by D.A. Pennebaker. The film which follows Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour has been recognized as being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant,”and truly is a work of art. I couldn’t help but to watch the film and compare it to what I have shot with Josiah over the last year. More on this later.

When I got home from school today, I was greeted by a package from Emory Holmes.  Emory wrote the essay that appeared on the front page of the Los Angeles Daily News on Inauguration Day that I posted some time ago.  His vast knowledge in screenwriting and essay writing helped me develop an appreciation for character development.  A lot of what he taught me was put to use when I got asked to work with Josiah.  I had no doubt that Josiah was an incredible songwriter when we first met, but the knowledge that Emory gave me allowed me to capture his story as a complex character on film.

The envelope that I received included a copy of the newspaper.  In handwriting, he wrote: “To my great friend Matt – One of the most gifted young artists I know.  - All the best, Emory.”  (I scanned it below.)  That truly made my weekend – I really appreciate the copy.  If you haven’t read the essay yet, read it here.

If I had to select a single favorite song, there is no doubt that I’d pick “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan. I’ve probably posted five different clips of Dylan and Baez singing it, but I can’t help posting another version! Maybe I’ll get to meet Mr. Dylan one day.  In the mean time, this in an electric performance from Newport Folk Festival.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt_fDuBjqqA&hl=en&fs=1]