One of the truly great representatives of the 20th century spirit of modernism and experimentation, Harry Everett Smith made his mark as an experimental filmmaker, anthropologist, shaman, artist, and collector. Smith drew little distinction between spheres of knowledge that he found interesting, and much of his work reflects this inclusive, non-discriminatory mindset. His early film work was comprised of abstract animations that he painstakingly painted frame by frame directly onto film stock, and some examples of paintings that survived his scattered lifestyle are note by note interpretations of his favorite jazz pieces. He was a voracious collector of both art and music, amassing a huge collection of Ukrainian Easter eggs and the world's largest collection of paper airplanes. In 1952 he released the Anthology of American Folk Music, a comprehensive, meticulously notated collection of rare folk recordings culled from his private collection. One of Smith's last public appearances was at the 1991 Grammy Awards where he received a Chairman's Merit Award for his incredible contribution to the world of folk music. Smith accepted the award graciously, stating that "I'm glad to say my dreams came true. I saw America changed by music." Harry Everett Smith died on November 27, 1991, in the arms of Italian poet Paola Igliori at New York's Chelsea Hotel. He is purported to have spent his last breaths singing.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Great Men in History: Harry Smith
One of the truly great representatives of the 20th century spirit of modernism and experimentation, Harry Everett Smith made his mark as an experimental filmmaker, anthropologist, shaman, artist, and collector. Smith drew little distinction between spheres of knowledge that he found interesting, and much of his work reflects this inclusive, non-discriminatory mindset. His early film work was comprised of abstract animations that he painstakingly painted frame by frame directly onto film stock, and some examples of paintings that survived his scattered lifestyle are note by note interpretations of his favorite jazz pieces. He was a voracious collector of both art and music, amassing a huge collection of Ukrainian Easter eggs and the world's largest collection of paper airplanes. In 1952 he released the Anthology of American Folk Music, a comprehensive, meticulously notated collection of rare folk recordings culled from his private collection. One of Smith's last public appearances was at the 1991 Grammy Awards where he received a Chairman's Merit Award for his incredible contribution to the world of folk music. Smith accepted the award graciously, stating that "I'm glad to say my dreams came true. I saw America changed by music." Harry Everett Smith died on November 27, 1991, in the arms of Italian poet Paola Igliori at New York's Chelsea Hotel. He is purported to have spent his last breaths singing.
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3 comments:
What a remarkable human being! Thank you for sharing this. Where did you find out about him?
I found his Anthology of Folk Music in high school through a book about Bob Dylan. If you haven't already, check out the NPR link in the post about the collection. The music is eerie and wonderful. Next time you're in a library it's worth looking for a copy as the reissue has a replica of the original LP liner notes which are an impressive accomplishment in and of themselves. I recently read a quote that referred to him as the "world's greatest magician" but I haven't been able to confirm that yet.
As for his collection of paper airplanes, a little boy dying of cancer in the Midwest is trying to beat that number before he passes away.
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