I’ve been reading a lot. Specifically, I’ve been reading a lot about Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music. I find him, especially, to be fascinating, although it is frustrating to read interviews with him as he hates them and likes to keep his private life separate from his on stage persona. And it is very much a persona, from what I can tell. It’s the same way that Archibald Leach invented Cary Grant and then became Cary Grant. So, too did Bryan Ferry become The Bryan Ferry. His is a completely art-directed life, to steal a phrase from one of the authors I’ve just read.
I’m working through why this is fascinating to me as I type, so please bear with me.
Maybe it’s to do with that distinctive character trait of “Americaness” which I have in spades. Kids of my generation were brought up with the admonition that we could be anything we wanted to be. Want to be President of the USA? You had but to strive and aim high. Try that in England where not just any hardworking, bright young man can grow up to be Queen. (If that’s too soon, my apologies.)
My high-school aged kids are already thinking along the lines of careers. In high school, I was usually thinking about my next meal, or the distracting way that the co-eds just sat there in a couple of my classes. No idea which classes they were, but I distinctly remember the three girls just sitting there in all their non-boyness.
I’m guessing that my fascination with reinventing one’s self stems from being an Army Brat. New post, new you. Whatever didn’t work last time was discarded and lessons learned the hard way in the school yard were now S.O.P.
Ferry is, by all accounts, a true artist. A trained art school sculptor, painter, ceramicist (well he picked that up teaching at a girls school while he was waiting to launch Roxy), what today we would call a “creative.” His media just happen to be music and glamour. How very modern. Or it was. I’m not sure that glamour is in such high demand these days. Perhaps I just don’t recognize it for what it is.
Peter York said of Ferry that he was such a work of art, that he should hang in the Tate next to Bowie.
Thinking of Ferry and Grant, I catch a glimpse of what I was trying to do with this blog. I say trying because it didn’t really work. Or rather, it did, up to a point. As it tends to do, “life” got in the way of “lifestyle.”
Thank you for your post. First of all, nice Jag! Love that.
I see so many subtleties and gray areas to this style and persona thing. Maybe that’s why Bryan Ferry is so intriguing because he just goes “all in” with that persona. For me it’s more of an indecisive, hesitant process where I’m trying to feel what’s me and what’s a little “put on”.
Don’t know if you’re familiar with Quentin Crisp and his book, Doing It with Style, but he really grasps what style is and how to find it for oneself. He was really unique but totally himself. He calls it being yourself, but on purpose.
Actually, think there is sooo much to what you’re getting at here–worthy of an entire book. I would be very interested to hear more on this topic.
Very nice piece. Love the car. As a graduate student I lived at 1834 Monument Avenue so I admire the various shots of your home. You’re a lucky guy, Best of the holidays to you.
Such a delight to find you in my inbox today!
I’m a longtime Ferry appreciator and acknowledge your photo homage to the photo of Bryan beside his 1950 Studebaker. Ferry’s life is truly one of Re-Make/Re-Model; his father tended pit ponies that went into the mines and his children attended Eton. Except for wearing that famous Gaucho outfit in the 70’s his public appearances have been generally flawless. Seek out the story of his plane being hijacked for an example of his grace under pressure and never wear yellow socks should you have a chance to interview him.
Stay Cool is still the main rule ,
Dearest Chris,
Bryan Ferry at least does present himself better dressed than the majority at present times…
Pieter and I were just discussing yesterday that the meanings of: Respect—Dedication—Commitment and very much — Presentation of oneself in public has totally lost its meaning.
People seem to be brainwashed ‘en masse’ and when will such style and dignity ever get renewed?
Wishing you a meaningful Advent and an even better Christmas Season!
Hugs,
Mariette
Yes, I feel like it’s some kind of false modesty the way people just slop around. My daughter, age 21, carries herself with style and professionalism. I love it, and it definitely sends a message!
Thanks for your comment!
I support a Pastor in rural Mississippi. His resources are extremely limited. I went to meet him, and he’s standing there in pressed jeans, a nice collared shirt, and a pair of Jordans. That image was so true — it just spoke Winner, undefeated, etc. It was the picture of faith.
I have resources and a full set of clothes. I can do better.
Dearest Jay,
Kudos to your daughter and she should continue to send a message of style!
Thanks for your reaction!
What a pleasant surprise to find you in my email! I started following you 15 years ago but somehow lost you in one of my last big moves – new husband, new state, new culture! I’m going to snuggle right back into your happy blog!
Can’t believe that Bryan Ferry flew under my radar for so long. Both my husband and I are lifelong musicians – we met in Miami – so when we write, we always default to Jobim, pop, and jazz. And yes, Ferry’s style is unmistakable elegantology, n’est-ce pas?
And I agree with everyone else, and Jay, who suggested that “there is so much to what you’re getting at here”. I agree, worthy of an entire book. Blessings to all and safe travels through the holidays!
Hello All and thanks for the comments! “Linus and Lucy” by Guaraldi is playing as I write this Sunday morning. For those of you who are long-time readers, thanks for hanging in there as I sort things out. For you new to the site, I’m working on getting the archives back and available.
Mr Hill, I live very close by, but not on Monument. And that’s my tailor’s car borrowed for the shoot (as were the clothes.) Still a treat to live here and wear his clothing.
Mw. V-V, so glad you’re here, as always.
Ms. D, likewise. Without regular readers like you all and your comments, it would be like listening for at least an echo. Writing wouldn’t be nearly as much fun.
Mr. Webber, thanks for noticing the homage. Don’t tell my tailor as he’s convinced I’m a creative genius. “When you know enough to steal the very best” as my writing mentor used to tell me.
Mr. McC, Another book for the E&EL Library! Already dispatched from ABE.com. Thanks for the head’s up. Quentin Crisp did a scene or two in a modern short on American Mods that took me by surprise. His last foray onto film as I understand. Looking forward to learning more about being one’s self on purpose.
All-in,
C
?
Well, the emoji did not come through… just a happy face with two waving hands!
I am so excited you are writing again! I wish I could think of something clever to say, but really I just want to let you know how much I enjoy your site and how much it means to me.
I agree with this comment. I love this blog because of the commitment to quality of life and it’s not promotional. Most media I come across is “sticky”; I get e-mailed too much and there’s too much content. To me this site is just quality and an attitude of “hey, enjoy it if you like”.
Chris,
Great post on the fab Mr. Ferry! You know my position on BF going back to the mid 70s when I discovered Roxy Music here in Richmond, through our various conversations and emails on the subject.
I always considered BF as a cool older brother that I tried to emulate through art, fashion and music.
I think you captured the arc of BF through your comparison with Cary Grant and the American opportunity to be anything you strive for.
Well said old friend!
Chris,
Great post on the fab Mr. Ferry! You know my position on BF going back to the mid 70s when I discovered Roxy Music here in Richmond, through our various conversations and emails on the subject.
I always considered BF as a cool older brother that I tried to emulate through art, fashion and music.
I think you captured the arc of BF through your comparison with Cary Grant and the American opportunity to be anything you strive for.
Well said old friend!
Thank you Greg!The books really were inspiring.
C