Since I was a child I adored the work and wonder of Walt Disney. There wasn’t a movie I didn’t like that came from their studios. I remember how excited I was when my parents told me they purchased the Disney Channel in the early 80s. I watched it all the time. I still remember my first trip to Disney World in 1992. It was so magical. In 1997 I took my girlfriend, now wife on our first trip to Disney World.
Later in life I knew that Disney would play a big part in my life besides the one it already has. I didn’t know when or how but I knew that it would.
Well, last year I came upon a mask shop in Epcot’s Italian pavilion. I was so amazed with the craftsmanship of their masks, I didn’t want to leave the store. I looked at each and every mask, then when I depressed myself since I didn’t have the cash to get one – I left.
In July of 2015, I returned and this time with cash. I found a great mask that was blue, black and silver and hand made in Venice. I had an instant vision of how I could incorporate this mask in my work so I purchased it and got right to work.
The end result was the steampunk themed “The Dancer” featuring Faye Monbleau – who appeared in many of my previous shoots. The theme was a mysterious ballerina who looked torn, worn and tired but striving to practice and get better. It’s the epitome of an artist’s heart.
When I printed these pictures, I took them to the Venetian Carnival Mask shop, they were in awe over the pictures. I proceeded to buy another mask with musical notes and came up with another idea. The result was “The Violinist” which featured Cristina Vazquez. The background was from “The Pirates of the Caribbean” ride at Disney World.
Again, I took the photos to the store and they again fell in love with them. They told me that they were going to make an album of the pictures and show them to their guests and even use them on their website.
My dream came true. I had my art at Disney – a place I admire and love. It was Walt’s dream and now it incorporates mine.
In the next two weeks I will be going back to the store to bring them two more sets of photos. One is the most recent “Pied Piper” and “Reaching for the Czars”. Both of these shoots feature their masks.
This is an accomplishment that sits HUGE on my heart. I get chills every time I think my work is at the “happiest place on earth”, in a park built by dreams which now includes mine.
A song in the movie “Cinderella” sums it all up for me. “A dream is a wish your heart makes when you”re fast asleep. Have faith in your dreams and someday Your rainbow will come smiling through No matter how your heart is grieving If you keep on believing The dream that you wish will come true.”
I never gave up on my dream and now it’s come true.
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