We've all know veteran European cult cinema legend Gordon Mitchell for over 30 years through the lens of the camera and the canvas of the screen. A well respected actor of many film genres, now Gordon is gaining acclaim in a whole new realm of expression, the art world. Instead of a sword or a pistol, this time Mitchell wields a paint brush as his weapon of choice. And oh how he masterfully handles it. Like a battling centurion of the Italian sword and sandal films, Mitchell pulls out the brush and dazzles the canvas with swirling color and imagination.
An educated man who it certainly couldn't be put past to make the transition
from one art form to another, Mitchell had definitely gained the credits and
credentials, studying at USC (University of Southern California) and later at
Suola Delle Arti Ornamentali in Rome. Always an advocate of staying healthy and
active, Gordon grabbed the diverse community of abstract painting by the horns
and has not let go. It's not only a craft this kind and gallant star has taken
up, but also a passion he loves. It's evident by his incredible work that his
heart and soul is very much into it.
"My paintings are a mystery to me, which is what I enjoy about them", recently commented the film icon. "I don't have the slightest idea what they are going to be when I sit down to paint. I guess some people would say my work is Expressionist. For sure, I am not interested in portraying what can be perceived from without; only what I feel from within. Occultists might say my painting is "automatic" like "automatic writing" which is allegedly directed by a spirit or by the unconscious mind. My work is done quickly and without judgment, painting whatever comes to mind, "without consciousness", as if in a trance", Mitchell tells us. "Painting has been very helpful to me in helping me get through a bad depression."
Certainly Gordon's unique abstracts have already thrust him into the spotlight
with his wonderful talent. Represented by Tom Binder Fine Arts in Marina Del
Ray, California, Mitchell's first very successful exhibition was held there on
September 8th, 2001 at which Gordon received a special visit from friend and
admirer Arnold Schwarzenegger. The blockbuster mega-star would also purchase a
very excited Gordon's first painting. "I like Arnold very much, he's a very
good friend but I didn't expect him to come to my show. He's extremely busy, and
usually avoids public functions like this. I was shocked to see him. And
delighted of course", Mitchell recalls. "It was incredibly kind and
supportive of him to show up, and it gave a huge boost to my career. I feel
deeply indebted to him", he humbly commented.
Since that time, Gordon's art showings have taken him to different corners of the world, much like his film career has. Not only did he hold a second showing at Tom Binder Fine Arts two months following the first one, but his acrylic abstracts have taken him to beautiful Santa Gertrudis, Spain at the Galeria Can Daifa, the 2002 Artexpo in New York, and all the way to Tokyo, Japan in March of last year. Most recently Mitchell's work was admired in Munich, Germany. Quite an impressive journey thus far. Mitchell's works have grabbed the attention of several respectable publications as well, earning coverage in the November and December 2001 editions of Art World News and the February 2002 issue of Art Business News.
Such great results in going after his new found dream may lead fans to ask if
Gordon, the star of well over 100 films, is straying away from the acting world.
Gordon addressed this for us. "I am still busy making movies. I just
returned from Munich to shoot a black comedy called MUSIKILL. I also shot a
couple of student films last year. It's exciting to work with young people. I
think my painting compliments my acting", he explains.
Much like some of the fantastic films he's appeared in, each one of Gordon's eye
catching beauties tells a story in itself through color and thought. Gordon
himself has compared his acting to his painting. "My acting technique is
the same as my painting. I don't like working from a script, and my first takes
are always my best", Mitchell says. "I like to be very spontaneous;
follow my feelings in the moment."
The use and influence of the natural elements in Mitchell's abstracts work as well as Gordon himself does in his own natural elements of film and art. It's without a doubt he forever has created a strong legacy in both. "I guess the most important impression I want people to take from my work is mystery and beauty- like the photos taken by the Hubbell telescope of our universe- the nebulae and galaxies; the cometary globules. What a miracle life is! Same with painting."
It's clear Gordon Mitchell is content with his accomplishments and that his
desire has always burned on. Judging by his outstanding artwork, the desire will
always be.
-Article written by Cinema Nocturna contributing writer Devin Kelly
Also on behalf of myself, Devin and the whole Cinema Nocturna staff, I wish to extend a special thank you to Mr.Gordon with not only allowing Devin to do this piece, but for providing the pictures as well. It as been an honor to learn and display Mr.Gordon's love for art. Thank You!