Andy Warhol, America, 1985
“Everybody has their own America, and then they have pieces of a fantasy America that they think is out there but they can’t see. When I was little, I never left Pennsylvania, and I used to have fantasies about things that I thought were happening in the Midwest, or down South, or in Texas, that I felt I was missing out on. But you can only live life in one place at a time. And your own life while it’s happening to you never has any atmosphere until it’s a memory. So the fantasy corners of America seem so atmospheric because you’ve pieced them together from scenes in movies and music and lines from books. And you live in your dream America that you’ve custom-made from art and schmaltz and emotions just as much as you line in your real one.”
August 7th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
I am a new reader to your blog - just wanted to thank you for this quote and your wonderful writing. I saw your tweet/post about your friend - I hope he returns home safe and sound.
August 7th, 2008 at 5:40 pm
Thank you, Judy, for stopping by and the well wishes on my friend.
Best.
Rachel