By: Terry Jarrell
Few filmmakers have embodied so many things about art. Visual, writing, storytelling, music… well beyond the camera. The iconic creator of Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Eraserhead and countless others, David Lynch will be forever missed.
David Keith Lynch, January 20, 1946 – January 16, 2025
“It’s a beautiful day, with golden sunshine and blue skies…”
As I sit writing this article, the words come hard. Having been a David Lynch fan for many, many years, there is hole in the sky today. Let’s take a few moments to remember some memorable videos and thoughts from this amazing, iconic artist who inspired so many of us.
“The more you understand, the less you fear.”
Personally, several filmmakers / storytellers have shaped my own sensibilities about film and filmmaking. Hitchcock, Spielberg, Kubrick all embrace the ‘big picture’ but none more than Lynch. With roots in painting, music, writing… communication and understanding. David Lynch embraced the ‘different’ in all of us.
As a student of his work, I found myself shrugging off conventionality in favor of exploring the deep waters of thought and writing. Taking words of his wisdom to heart, boundaries disappeared and the magic would appear. Just like that.
“Ideas are like fish. If you want to catch little fish, you can stay in the shallow water. But if you want to catch the big fish, you’ve got to go deeper.”
Whether a fan, musician, photographer, painter, illustrator, camera operator or all the above, Lynch showed appreciation for more than just the tools, rather what they could create. Not always obsessed with ‘making sense’ with a story or movie, that is left to the audience to some extent. His work made you, dear viewer, in on the production somehow. That is part of the fun whether a drama, thriller, absurd comedy or horror movie – making you an accomplice to the craft.
Another part of the magic is that ideas and thoughts are always swimming all around you. This means you, me and everyone. Whether you are a writer, filmmaker or literally everyone, we all dive into our own creative waters every day. Some days they bite more than others but if you wait and have patience, you will reel in a big one in when you least expect. Another wonderful lesson from learning from Lynch.
“The world is as you are inside. If you have anger and depression, you see anger and depression. If you are filled with love, you see love.”
David Lynch was pretty open about his feelings about art as well as life. He created the David Lynch Foundation Center For Resilience teaching Transcendental Meditation. Focusing on the techniques for meditation, the foundation offers programs for improving mental well being.
“Keep your eye on the doughnut, not on the hole.”
“Everyone.. have a great day!” – David Lynch