It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
I survived puberty because of Johnny Depp. The countless characters he portrayed have fuelled my imagination and his portrayal of Edward Scissorhands has taught me the world is not always fair but even if you feel out of touch, everyone still has a purpose and a place.
My dream was once to take a conceptual photograph of John Christopher Depp, better known as Johnny Depp in order to show my gratitude. However, as time passed, I realized that dream was maybe a bit beyond the stars. Plus, I concluded everybody who meets Johnny, wants or can use something from him and I did not want to be like that.
So I decided to give him something. Something you can’t buy with money or fame. I went for anonymity. A thing not easily wrapped in gift paper, so I looked for a more arty approach.
That’s why I gave Johnny Depp a spot in my “1-0-1 art series”. Which means he gets a conceptual self portrait accompanied by a handwritten letter.
For this self portrait I envisioned myself as a faceless person because I wanted to give Johnny my visage. “Weird” is probably the first thing that comes to mind, I concede, but hear me out. I’m an unknown person, sure I’m not fully anonymous. But I’m pretty introverted so even if I go out, not many people will recognise me. So for Johnny Depp's standards I am pretty damn unidentified. Surplus, it gives the present a nice and personal touch.
This project became the start of a very sticky, smelly and dusty living room because I had to make 2 props. Prop 1: the face of a faceless person. Prop 2: a variation of a Moratta mask based on my face. Keep in mind, I’m a graphic designer and photographer with a rather limited budget. In short words; “I could not hire a professional to make the masks”. Proud to let you know I succeeded to keep at least 5 eyebrow hairs still attached to my face! And I cannot urge the importance of vaseline enough.
With every remaining hair brow, a slightly declined hairline and good intentions I will take the mask, the self portrait, the letter and a backpack full of hope to Graspop. Johnny Depp will play at that festival with his metal band “The Hollywood Vampires”. They start around 23u15, plenty of time to drink some courage and to scream some bravery into my body.
Wish me luck to reach for this star.
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