7 Lives of Chance – Analog Artist Digital World

I have three sketches on exhibit this month at City Arts Factory (29 South Orange Avenue). They are part of an exhibit called Granted which is showcasing the work of artists who received grants from United Arts. Between 2009 and 2011, 86 talented artists with a broad range of creative
disciplines including visual arts, film, literature and performing arts,
received grants ranging from $1,000-$2,500 for artistic projects or
training. A total of $97,400 in grants was awarded during the three-year
period in Lake, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties. I applied for a
$1,000 grant which paid for most of my sketchbooks and pens last year. I’ve never hung my work in City Arts Factory before because they have a hanging fee. I’ve never seen the point in paying to have my work seen. The good news was that there was no hanging fee for the Granted exhibit. I still had to go to Michael’s to find $8 frames. The show runs through September 15th.

I went to the opening and was immediately drawn to a back gallery that was filled with huge balloons and beach balls. Banks Helfrich had filled the room to promote his upcoming independent feature film called 7 Lives of Chance. There was no one inside so I immediately pushed my way in and found a spot to perch and sketch. Slowly small groups of people were brave enough to push inside. The film’s soundtrack was playing from some speakers on top of a large roll top desk. Benoit Glazer had composed the soundtrack which had a distinctive French, light, breezy and fun air.

A large circular oak table had a pile of balloons that were waiting to be blown up. One guy worked his way under the largest balloon to pose for a photo as Atlas. Immediately after the photo, the balloon popped loudly causing everyone to jump and scream. He apologized profusely to me and I had to explain that I wasn’t in charge. Periodically as people explored a balloon would pop causing my line or a splash of color to jump. As I left a girl was busy stomping on the smaller balloons with her high heals. Every balloon’s destiny, large or small, was to eventually be popped.

Benoit Glazer and his wife opened their home, the Timucua White House, starting in September 2000, to bring free music to the Orlando community. I’ve sketched many of these concerts and have always been pleased to discover new talents. Benoit and his family believe and promote the following…
Art and music belong to everyone.
Art and music are the highest manifestation of our humanity.
Art and music should be enjoyed in the most intimate venue: the living room.
Every community is better when art and music are performed and nurtured within it.

After one concert, I discovered that Benoit was composing the sound track music for an independent film called “7 Lives of Chance” that was filmed right here in Orlando. This film, written and directed by Banks Helfrich, is about a woman who loves balloons and is unable to let go of the past. Her life would be so much easier and less painful if she could let go and watch her worries drift away with the breeze. The sound track features light and breezy violin music giving the story a distinct European flair. Benoit jumped at the chance to compose the music.

I sketched Benoit on the weekend as he worked in his sound studio. A collection of violins and trumpets lined one wall. A window looked out on the main stage area in his custom built acoustically designed “living room.” His flat screen computer monitor was tilted vertical so he could see all the tracks. The family was watching a neighbors dog. The Benoits also have a greyhound and this dog made the tragic mistake of nipping at the greyhound while it slept. The greyhound was jolted awake, and bit down on the the other dog’s head. The children took the dog to the vet at a great expense. The dog lay on the floor with a big band aid covering the bite. The dog was restless, and occasionally Benoit would have to soothe it, making sure the dog didn’t scratch at the wound with it’s paws.

After each concert, Benoit mixes a CD to thank the musicians for performing. He began mixing a CD for singer Ashley Lockheed. Chris Rotmeyer was on piano, Ben Cramer on Base and Allen Vache on clarinet. Benoit informed me that Allen is a very big deal, having performed with the Jim Cullen band. The music filled the tiny sound studio as Benoit adjusted the levels again and again. I was surprised when he asked my opinion on the levels of one track. I was just as surprised when he agreed with my humbly assessment. Benoit adjusted the levels using pure instinct. He doesn’t consider himself a perfectionist, he just knows when it feels right.