I was watching Down By Law the other night, for the umpteenth time, and I thought of something while looking at John Lurie (Jack in the film). He walks a line between being ugly and totally beautiful.
It occurred to me that this dynamic, this dual perception, happens frequently when I'm browsing at a thrift shop, "Is this really ugly or is it unbelievably beautiful?" I've learned that when this question pops into my head to not deny it: buy it! If I hesitate and don't buy it, it's the kind of item that will haunt me later.
Exhibit A, a pair of big ass lamps:
They are made out of plaster that's been re-painted bright algae green. They have a combined weight that's greater than my own:
Red cords from Goodwill in Petaluma, little bolero sweater from Salvation Army in Santa Cruz.
The best part, the total cost of the lamps -- $10
(found at the Eureka Rescue Mission thrift shop)
Woohoo! I may get some different shades for them. This was just a trial run to see how I felt about them.
(Note: I realize that I need to get my warehouse/warehome organized.)
And the verdict is...I still think they're both ugly and beautiful. From now on I will call this the John Lurie Effect. I think I'll go play the piano now. Happy Valentine's Day!
P.S. My son Jesse shares the same birthday as John Lurie. For a period of time, between 2 and 3 years old, he asked me to play the video for Down By Law regularly. He was mesmerized by it.
