As many of you who follow my work know, I am a massive fan of David Lynch, who passed away this week. It’s hard to say anything meaningful about Lynch’s life and work that hasn’t been said a thousand times before, or in the many wonderful tributes that poured in this past week. But, I just wanted to say that no other artist, in any medium, has meant as much to my work, or my life as David Lynch.
It’s taken a few days for the reality of living in a world without David Lynch to start to sink in. Obviously his work will live on, and continue to inspire and befuddle millions, but just knowing he isn’t still out there dreaming up new mysteries is hard to believe.
I didn’t know him, but his work meant so much to me that I can’t possibly express it here. He was a singular artist, and in a world where “content creators” and “IP” are all that matters, I doubt we will ever see another filmmaker or storyteller like him.
Rest In Peace David Lynch. Thank you for inspiring me to become an artist, and for showing me the importance of focusing on the joy of doing the work itself, not what may come from it.
See you in the trees.
-Jeff
When they filmed the Fire Walk With Me movie close to where I lived I went up and watched them film a scene that ended up being cut. Many years later when they returned to film the third season, I was very fortunate to be at the Palmer house to watch them film the finale episode final scene. At the time the fans there had no idea what we were witnessing. David allowed us fans amazing access, we were literally right in front of the action. Most directors would have closed down several blocks and every street but David didn't do that. It was a night shoot, 12 hours long, mostly neighbors, over 100 watching them film the first half of the shoot. When I arrived shortly before midnight, most had left, they had six more hours of filming, so it was about 15 of us left. Watching David direct and hearing him softly speaking over the megaphone, a tradition for him, was incredible, despite it being almost 10 years ago, it seems like yesterday. When they wrapped, David had his driver slowly pass us as he waved and smiled, seemingly making eye contact with each and every one of us. Eventually I will share my video clips but being one of the lucky ones to watch him direct was like Charlie opening up the candy bar to find the golden ticket. David will be missed beyond words.
I just wanted to say that I recently finished reading Gideon Falls and I started watching Twin Peaks (I finished season 1 in 2 days). It's amazing to see how much it inspired your work and so many others. My friend is a big fan of Alan Wake and I suggested some of your work because I knew it was inspired by similar things. Now I'm also suggesting Twin Peaks.