Charles Eugene Forsythe
1928 - 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Saturday, August 4, 2012
"Nadine" Rumbles To A Close
Joe Loeiro, Joe Loiero, Sr., & Me
(Photo by Andrea Loiero)
It's a wrap!
Last evening marked the final shooting session for my newest film, Nadine (See my January 31, 2012 posting). Just days shy of one year in the making, we ended with a couple scenes in Havre De Grace, Maryland.
After shooting both The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own (2010) and The Flow Of Forsythe (2011) in Frederick, Maryland, I wanted to avoid another 90 minute trek to Frederick that spanned over four years. Searching for a new idea, things worked out and I didn't think I'd end up finding a project two doors down from my home.
Over the last year, I've shot much footage, but have only viewed it while uploading to my editing program. I then moved on without any further work on footage. But now my canvas is ready. I have all the needed colors. It's time to begin painting my story. I'm excited, but a little nervous, as it's time to see if I can produce what I've envisioned and bring the story to life: A clairvoyant and one man's tale about a 1947 "Knucklehead".
Currently, musician/composer, Jamie Garonzik, is creating soundscapes for the film. I'm pretty excited. I approached Jamie, a fine guitar player, and asked him if he was interested in creating pieces for the film. He was eager to give it a try. What he's provided so far has been fantastic. His creations are spot on and I feel they help take my footage to the next level.
In the meantime, however, I'd like to thank Joe Loiero and his son, Joe, for their time and willingness to be part of the film and embrace my vision. When I approached them with the idea, they didn't hesitate jumping on board. Our sessions together have been fueled by laughter, fun, and the desire to do something creative.
Joe Loiero, Sr. & Me
(Photo by Nancy Chester)
(Photo by Nancy Chester)
Okay, stay tuned, my friends. I will keep you posted about the film's progress.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Forsythe Flows At F3!
I'm very pleased with feedback from viewers. It seems the film captured their attention and they enjoyed seeing and hearing Charles discuss his world. His moments of time, of which have spanned over the last eight decades.
Both Charles and I have enjoyed the entire run of our project. We had a great time talking, being creative, and living in the moment during the six months of getting together on a near weekly basis. Not only did we create a film that we are both proud of, but also a formed a fast friendship that will continue.
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Film festival 'an eclectic mix'
Originally published June 25, 2012
Originally published June 25, 2012
By Brian Englar
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Photo by Bill Green
Artist Charles Forsyth was the
subject of one of the films shown at the fourth annual Frederick Film
Festival, which concluded Sunday.
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The fourth annual Frederick Film Festival came to a close Sunday, wrapping up a weekend during which attendees had a choice of 13 films and a number of short pieces from around the world.
Some came for just one film, while others came for a whole day or more of screenings, organizer Walter Chalkley said. "We've had a great, great crowd of very enthusiastic film aficionados," Chalkley said.
Many of the films shown were the work of local filmmakers, including Sunday's last film, "The Flow of Forsythe," a 30-minute documentary by Keith Chester.
The film explores the life and work of Frederick County artist Charles Forsythe, a former Hood College art instructor and department chair whose untitled abstract oil paintings invite viewers to develop their own interpretations.
Forsythe said Chester approached him about making the documentary after the two were introduced by Forsythe's daughter, who met the filmmaker while the two were students at Gov. Thomas Johnson High School. The two struck up a friendship after learning they shared a mutual interest in the work of filmmaker David Lynch."What he's produced is a work of art," Forsythe said. "I'm more or less just a stage prop. It was a really interesting experience."
Frederick cinematographer/ director Hans Weise was on hand Sunday for the screening of his 25-minute documentary "Final Exposure." The film follows renowned National Geographic photographer Steve McCurry -- famous for his photo of Afghan refugee girl Sharbat Gula that appeared on the magazine's cover in 1985 -- as he shoots photos on the last roll of Kodak's Kodachrome film in existence.
"We had heard that Steve had asked them to shoot the last roll, and we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make a film to document this moment in history," Weise said. "It reminds you in general how different it is in this age of digital. It's inconceivable now to think that you would have to shoot a roll of film and then send it halfway around the world and wait for it to be developed before you can even look at it."
Chalkley said two other locally produced films did well at the festival, including Jason Fraley's 18-minute "Liberty Road," which is set in Frederick County and tells the story of a young man who takes drastic action when he loses his job as a waiter at a seafood restaurant after an oil spill devastates the area fishing industry.
"Record Paradise: The Musical Life of Joe Lee," which documents the life of the legendary Silver Spring record store owner, producer and manager, was the top drawing film of the festival, bringing in people from throughout the metropolitan area, Chalkley said.
Steve Barney and Sally Alt, who came to see "The Flow of Forsythe," said they have seen at least one film at the festival for the past three years since moving to Frederick. The two hail from Austin, Texas, home of the prestigious South by Southwest film and music festival. They said they would like to see a similar level of enthusiasm develop for the Frederick Film Festival.
"It's likely that many of these same films would screen to packed houses at South by Southwest," Barney said. "I love film, and it's frustrates me that more folks don't attend the festival."
Mount Airy resident Bri Pope said she first heard about the festival on Friday, and after seeing a few films over the weekend, she said she plans on being a regular in the future.
"It was great," Pope said. "There was a very eclectic mix. It's great to see local filmmakers get together and really showcase this area. It's really hard to find local, as well as indpendent films here. It's really important for places like this, the Weinberg as well as other places in the area, to get involved with this."
Chalkley said interest in the festival, as well as in independent films in general, has been growing slowly but steadily in the area.
"We certainly hope to continue growing," he said. "The people who have come and been very enthusiastic have been asking "why isn't this sold out?'"
Frederick News Post Online
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In closing, I'd like to quote Charles, who let's us know, What's next?:
"One of the things I've discovered about myself is that if I talk too much about what I'm going to do, that's usually it. In other words, simply talk. And it never happens. So, we'll know when I get started what the next project is."
Monday, June 18, 2012
Frederick Film Festival(F3) 2012
Hey film lovers! For those of you living in and around Frederick, Maryland something is on the way. Beginning this weekend (Friday, June 22 through Sunday, June 24), if you are interested in doing something fun and different, stop by and check out the Frederick Film, Festival (F3). I'm really excited that
The Flow Of Forsythe is an official selection of the festival and will be screened amongst a fantastic group of films from around the world.
Word Is Spreading!: Gazette.net, Maryland Community News Online
The Flow Of Forsythe is an official selection of the festival and will be screened amongst a fantastic group of films from around the world.
Word Is Spreading!: Gazette.net, Maryland Community News Online
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
"The Flow Of Forsythe" Screens At The Delaplaine
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Saturday, June 17, 2012 from 2-4pm
The Pavilion at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center in Frederick
"As prelude to the 2012 Frederick Film Festival (F3), the festival is hosting a screening of the documentary “The Flow of Forsythe” which follows the life and career of Frederick abstract artist Charles Eugene Forsythe. The screening will take place at the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center on Sunday, June 17 from 2-4pm. The artist will be on hand to talk to visitors and a collection of his artwork will be on display."Forsythe is a life-long artist whose career spans back to the 1950s when he came on the scene as an abstract painter. Beginning in 1959 Forsythe also began navigating his path in the academic world, eventually becoming assistant principal for what is now known as the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC.
"The film follows the narrative of Forsythe’s life through the use of his own words as he describes his ideas, life experiences, and philosophy of art all while weaving in stories of his fascinating life.
Also on hand for this special Frederick Film Festival event is the director of the film, Maryland filmmaker Keith Chester. Chester is no stranger to Frederick, one of his previous films, “The Skeptics: In a World of Their Own” followed the path of Frederick’s The Skeptics, a rock band in the 1980 who gained national and international notice before breaking up.
"This screening of “The Flow of Forsythe” is one of several pre-festival events the F3 has hosted to bring awareness of the Festival but also the role of film in the appreciation of other art forms.
Other events and all the movies are listed on the Festival’s website at www.FrederickFilmFest.com
"The Frederick Film Festival –the F3 – is a result of a partnership between Frederick’s premiere performing arts venue, the Weinberg Center for the Arts, and Frederick’s film organization CinemArts, who have been bringing under screened, independent, and foreign film to Frederick on a biweekly basis for nearly 7 years. The purpose of the partnership is to provide an opportunity for a world-class film festival in Frederick and to promote a wide range of films. Films on the schedule include acclaimed foreign films, documentaries and independent films, most being shown for the first time in Frederick, some for the first time in the region, and some for the first time on the East Coast. The F3 also features works from Maryland filmmakers."
Posted by The Frederick Film Festival
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I found Keith Chester’s short documentary, The Flow Of Forsythe, about fine artist, Charles Forsythe, to be an insightful visual meditation. The documentary has a very David Lynch type feel to it, which suits Forsythe’s approach to life and art. Keith is able to capture a brief look into an artist’s soul while doing it in a way that complimented Forsythe’s style and approach to his art. He talks about his struggles and his relentless quest in finding how to express himself artistically and how it constantly changes and evolved as he matures. The documentary sticks with you long after viewing it. Having been fortunate to be a former student of Mr. Forsythe, I am simply overjoyed Keith had the insight and fortitude to create a documentary about a man who is a very important to many who have met and come into contact with or even lucky enough to have had the fortune of being taught by him.
John Kreng -
For those new to my Blog, I first met Charles in the summer of 2009.
I had sent him a spontaneous email. At the time, I was editing The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own (Also see earlier postings in this Blog) and Charles’s daughter, Mina, was one of the fans I interviewed for documentary. Communicating with Mina, I discovered her father was an artist
and had posted pictures of his latest work in Gallery 1 and Gallery 2 of his Face Book page.
One evening I decided to take a few extra moments and check
out Charles’s work. I was immediately drawn to his paintings. I found them very inspiring. Over the next
several months, we kept in contact. It was during this time I became more enthusiastic about Charles's work and asked if he was game about letting
me make a film about him and his life with art. Skeptical, but curious, Charles eventually
agreed to give me a chance.
Beginning in October, 2010, Charles and I began our journey, getting together nearly once a week. Six months later, I had completed shooting and began editing. I approached my project as if I was painting. Each time we got together, I shot a couple scenes ( what I was calling colors) and added them to my palette. After accumulating all my colors, I began blending them, of which resulted in The Flow Of Forsythe.
I hope you enjoy the documentary and both Charles and I look forward to meeting everyone who comes out for the show.
Beginning in October, 2010, Charles and I began our journey, getting together nearly once a week. Six months later, I had completed shooting and began editing. I approached my project as if I was painting. Each time we got together, I shot a couple scenes ( what I was calling colors) and added them to my palette. After accumulating all my colors, I began blending them, of which resulted in The Flow Of Forsythe.
I hope you enjoy the documentary and both Charles and I look forward to meeting everyone who comes out for the show.
The Flow Of Forsythe is an official selection of the
2012 Frederick Film Festival (F3) and will screen again at The Weinberg Center For The Arts on Sunday, June 24, 2012, at 4:00 P.M.
Monday, April 9, 2012
"The Flow Of Forsythe" At Frederick Film Festival
I'm really thrilled to be part of the Frederick Film Festival. Having the opportunity to screen this short documentary on the big screen is really exciting.
If you're looking for something home spun, then drop by. Who knows?, you just might enjoy hearing about art, as told by an artist named Charles, who is definitely in the flow of Forsythe.
Don't forget to mark your calender.
Stay tune for further updates.
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Sunday, March 18, 2012
Three Miles To The Exit
By the early 1990s,"Three Miles To The Exit" was a staple song I'd include in all my travel tapes for the car. I always found this song a go-to tune, as the main lyrics, "three miles to the exit", were always appropriate for my task at hand. They seemed to have a deep meaning that provided me a host of feelings that always felt correct. As one who always hears the music before the lyrics, I can't even remember what this tune is about; and it doesn't matter. And I do know it was, and is, about anything I need it to be at any given time. But more importantly, the song makes me happy. I don't know why.
"Three Miles To The Exit" is from The Skeptics'album, Snallygaster. The following video was shot for the documentary, The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own, but it was not included in full. It reveals the boys on the way to practice at their secret location in Frederick, Maryland.
So, here's the full version, and who knows, maybe those of you reading this blog entry will find something in this song and we'll meet on the exit one day...or night:
Get your copy of the documentary about The Skeptics, The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own, at FilmBaby.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
The Way They Stare
Though I love their work as a three-piece, I feel there was something very special and dynamic about their sound as a four-piece. It was a nice alchemy. The following scene is from the documentary, The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own. In this clip, we see rare footage from a 1984 video recording that was shot by Dick Davis in a warehouse located in Frederick, Maryland. This early footage captures one of my favorite, if not favorite, songs by The Skeptics when they were a four piece band.
Get your copy of the documentary about The Skeptics, The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own, at FilmBaby.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Moon Pie
Moon Pie
Get your copy of the documentary about The Skeptics, The Skeptics In A World Of Their Own, at FilmBaby.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Flowing Into Spring
Spring is just around the corner. It's a time of color and change. It's a time each year when nature begins to paint . So, welcome nature's fresh palette of color by taking a few minutes to visit Charles's world in The Flow Of Forsythe.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Science Fiction Becomes Science Fact
In 2003, while finishing up research for my book, Strange Company - Military Encounters With UFOs In WWII, at the National Archives, College Park, Maryland, I came across the above drawing. Corporal Carmichael, attached to 9th Air Force Intelligence drew this picture, as based on interviews with U.S. pilots. The artists were a very important element of air intelligence. Not sure how many became famous.
The drawing shows a U.S. P-51 Mustang fighter encountering several German ME-262, jet-propelled, and ME-163, rocket-propelled fighters. These new aircraft did not come on the scene until late summer 1944. At the time of this drawing, the allied pilots had not captured these new German aircraft on their gun cameras, so artist renderings were needed to help formulate an accurate picture of what was being seen. For those of you who know German aircraft, the drawing of the aircraft were not quite accurate, revealing accurate intelligence was still incomplete.
What a scary time. It's the summer of 1944. Allied air intelligence knew these new German aircraft would soon make their appearance in combat. All that could be done at that moment was wait and see. Worse scenario was being a crew in a bomber. They were about to face a new enemy weapon. Making it worse, the allied air forces had nothing in their arsenal to even match the enemy's new developments and technology. The first allied airmen to encounter the new German jet and rocket-propelled aircraft must have lost a couple heartbeats (if they saw them coming at all), as the strange looking aircraft made their approach for the kill.
Interestingly, many of the U.S. flyers were followers of science-fiction during those times. And as they flew in over enemy-occupied territory, they were about to see science-fiction become science fact. One can imagine their initial horror. Must have been very unnerving, especially since the P-51 Mustang could only fly at 427 mph, whereas the ME-262 could max out just over 540 mph, and the ME-163 could hit speeds up to 596 mph.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
"Nadine" In The Making
I’d like to announce production of my new short film, Nadine. It’s about a clairvoyant, a found object, and one man’s tale of a 1947 “Knucklehead”.
I began the film in August 2011 and hope to complete by early spring. Then I'll begin editing for a summer release. Stay tuned for updates.
In the meantime, I’d like to remind you that my short documentary,The Flow Of Forsythe, was recently released on Filmbaby. This short documentary is about Frederick, Maryland abstract artist, Charles Eugene Forsythe. If you are interested in art, and enjoy learning about the life and work of an artist, as told by the artist, then I feel this film will surely be of interest to you.
For more information about my other films, see previous posts.
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