Creeping down the Promenade
Near my hotel in Santa Monica, there’s an outdoor shopping mall called the Third Street promenade. It’s one of the rare places in Los Angeles where pedestrians are free to wander and, as a New Yorker, I have always been attracted there. The first time I visited Third Street, 10 or 15 years ago, it consisted primarily of old stores that seemed to have been there for decades. Five and dimes, second-hand clothing stores, bejeweled movie palaces, a couple of great old bookstores, that sort of thing.
It’s completely unrecognizable now. Or should I say it’s completely familiar. That’s because all those old, local businesses have been replaced by the march of globalization.
Barnes and Nobles, J.Crews, AMC theatres, McDs, Jamba Juices and, of course, Starbucks line Third Street as they do streets around the planet. I have seen the same line up in New York, Paris, Rome, Berlin, Cleveland, and all points in between. The inexorable creep of multinational corporations rob us of one of the main pleasures of travel. When every street looks the same, you feel as if you might as well have saved the airfare.
While, it’s true that, on one level, human beings crave the safety of consistency and like to know that we can dull the anxiety of being in a very foreign environment with a Big Mac and fries, this dull homogeneity feels threatening to all of us. As animals who are the product of evolution, we know deep down that trying to erase all variety from our environment is a very dangerous game. Katrina showed us what happens when we delude ourselves into thinking that we can control our world, can set up camp in Louisiana as if we were in Kansas, can treat an ocean shoreline like any other line on the map. We are just fragile critters, despite our hubris. Third Street may look like the Champs Elysées but it won’t if the San Andrea fault rebels.
Globalization is not the only story these days, of course. There’s also the backlash, seen most prominently in the Middle East, where the mullahs would take the people back five hundred years, long before the invention of the internal combustion engine, the thong, and the double decaf latté. Here in America, right between the Olive Trees and the Banana Republics, folks are growing fed up and reactionary. They’re also using religion as a levy, trying to hold back the rising tide by opposing Brokeback Mountain and Bolivian busboys. But right-wing politics, which is after all, complicit in enabling the corporations that now dominate the world, is in no position to fight back against it now.
While I completely understand the impotence one feels when facing the faceless, godless corporate landscape, I find comfort not among the supreme mullahs or the Supreme Court but in my drawing book. By slowing down and taking my pen in hand, I can always see particularity in the world. I am able to look at the Third Street promenade and see more than corporate logos. I see people, I see trees, I see the edges of buildings against the bright blue California sky. And I see beyond. I pack up my drawing gear and look for the rest of the city, the real city. I look for moldering buildings, tangled telephone lines, the homeless, the taco stands. If I was content to be a garden-variety, guidebook-toting tourist, I wouldn't spend half an hour in an alley looking at broken windows. I wouldn't sit on the curbside watching pigeons eat fast food wrappers. (Now that's a vacation!)
One of the many great things about drawing is how it helps you find the beauty in anything, anywhere. Really seeing something helps you appreciate and understand it, and to know it from all others. I can draw a pebble or an apple core and see the universe within its pits and dents. With a pen and paper in hand, I am sure I will never feel utterly dehumanized. My drawings show me the world as only I can see it.
Sure, it’s dull drawing the engineered lines and committee-selected colors of a Burger King, but even gleaming plastic and fake brass give up interesting reflections and shadows that can confound its designers attempt at uniformity. The golden arches glow differently under the Pacific sun than they do in the North East, and so I can find beauty there. I have drawn them on Broadway, in Paris, in Florence and Hollywood. It’s my small gesture against the corporate creeps. They can try to force the world through their gleaming cookie cutters but artists will always see the truth.
A record of my exploration into all aspects of drawing, illustrated journaling, creativity, and the inspiring aspects of art. By the author of "Everyday Matters," "The Creative License", and "An Illustrated Life" and other books.
Comments
I find it interesting that you are unhappy about the lineups of multinationals that are homogenising the streetscapes around the world. All of the establishments that are mentioned in your essay have all originated in the US, so rather than homogenising they are in reality Americanising the rest of us. I am pleased that there is a sensitive American who understands the sadness that the rest of us feel when our cultural landscapes are concreted over with American icons.
I love this set of drawings, Danny. They are a little different from your usual and have a sensitive feeling to them.
Posted by: Robyn | April 3, 2006 07:35 PM
Interesting and inspiring comments to read, as I prepare to leave my home in Hong Kong to vacation in Rome and Florence over Easter. I want to draw and (watercolour) paint as much of these two cities as possible while there. Will I be overwhelmed, however, by the architecture, painting and food!?
Posted by: Michael Mayer | April 3, 2006 07:37 PM
Creeping Down the Promenade is absolutely beautiful. I'm in total agreement. Your drawings on taupe paper with white chalk highlights are powerful. How far you have come in these few years you have been journaling. Keep on keeping on.
Posted by: Doris Mouton | April 3, 2006 08:27 PM
Danny,
I totally agree. The Third Street Promenade used to be one of our favorite places to trek out to at least once a week. My husband proposed to me nearby, on the Santa Monica Pier. Alas, every favorite "spot" has been replaced by either another "famous" shoe store or a mindless chain "clothing" store. Where we had a ton of small, Mom & Pop restaurants (ahh, like "Mario's" -our personal favorite, now gone :( ) and a small handful of awesome indie and "used" bookstores we have huge conglomerate businesses that offer us the "same ol' same ol". Needless to say, I can't remember the last time we went there. It now does look like every major "shopping mall" in America.
What happened to supporting small businesses? Those are the ones that should be flourishing. Those are the ones that we should be "proud of". I'm tired of the chains. I'm tired of everything looking the same. I try to keep my business to the small Mom & Pop shops as much as I can.
You also forgot one more "wonderful" "new" offering of the city of Santa Monica: the lack of public bathrooms. In the city's attempt to "cut down on the homeless", they've encouraged the stores in that area to NOT offer public restrooms. Stores that I know USED to have public bathrooms have closed them off (Barnes & Noble has one on the third floor, but they closed it and now have people go through Starbucks). Soo, now people have to pull their children by the arm in a hurry to find a potty before the child has an accident. In a twisted and warped attempt to "Fix" the homeless problem, they've made it worse. Now the homeless have not choice but to basically "do their business" in public...They also are cracking down on the homeless by busing them out to the middle of nowhere and leaving them there.
It's also the same city that got rid of rent stabilization/rent control and it paved the way for other cities to follow. *sigh* That's one of the major reasons, if not THE reason, why Santa Monica looks the same as everywhere else-they raised the rents on the small businesses. So the small businesses had no choice but to close and give way to "Big Business" with "Big wallets".
Go to Venice-it's more "artsy" and more "indie" BUT, that being said, give it a few more years and it will look EXACTLY as 3rd Street Promenade looks now. It's a practice that is on the rise all over the place-especially in America. Raise the rents. Give way to the people who can afford it. Those who can't, push them out and aside.
Yeah, I'm a "proud" American these days...*not*. :(
Posted by: Kelly | April 3, 2006 09:36 PM
I also sometimes grieve at the loss of individuality and uniqueness that is happening as our neighborhoods become homogenized...but on the other hand, I was thrilled when our local Barnes and Noble moved in, because up to that time we had almost NO decent bookstores. Only option was Waldenbooks in the mall, and their selection always left a great deal wanting, especially in the areas of my interest. And I have to say too, none of the local mom & pop restaurants ever had anything but dishwater-dregs coffee -- but you gotta admit it -- Starbucks is GOOD brew!
Your drawings, by the way, are so lovely. I especially like the pigeons and starling (I think?) -- they may be the "cockroaches of the air" to some but you caught their beauty. I never see them in the city but what I am reminded that even in the midst of concrete and auto fumes, nature finds ways to fill the spaces around us with vibrant life.
Posted by: Kathleen Piercefield | April 3, 2006 09:52 PM
What we choose to draw, and how we feel about what we have chosen says so much about who we really are. If I could articulate it half as well as you I would be on cloud nine. Great post, Danny.
Posted by: Nancy Grim | April 3, 2006 09:57 PM
Did you see the Psychic Cats while you were there? They were my favorite part of the Promenade!
Yes, I was disgusted by all the commercialism, but there were still so many fun things to see there. We also went to a really interesting club nearby when I was there.
Love your drawings! I think the interest I see in drawing, crafting, and creating these days is amazing. So many of us are tired of the commercial, corporate world...
Posted by: donna | April 3, 2006 10:06 PM
I just read your piece about the global commercialism and thought you might like a book I just found: A Year in Japan by Kate T. Williamson (from NYC, by the way). It's a sketchbook/journal with lovely, simple pictures and descriptions of so many things that are unique to Japan: seasonally decorated sweets, moon viewing, taxi cabs with magazine pockets and fresh flowers, plug-in rugs, and much, much more. It makes me want to go to Kyoto.
Your sketches are lovely. They are getting more wonderful all the time.
Posted by: Vicky | April 3, 2006 11:46 PM
Danny...
Did you by any chance get to visit this great art & architecture bookstore right around the corner? The best part of being down in Santa Monica is right there!
http://www.hennesseyingalls.com/hennessey/about.asp?s_id=0&
Posted by: Paul V | April 4, 2006 01:52 AM
"They’re also using religion as a levy, trying to hold back the rising tide by opposing Brokeback Mountain and Bolivian busboys. But right-wing politics, which is after all, complicit in enabling the corporations that now dominate the world, is in no position to fight back against it now."
Danny,
Globalisation is no more an artifact of conservative politics as it is liberal. They don't check your voting record when you buy stocks in Burger King or a grande mocha decafe latte at Starbucks. Nor, for that matter, is the backlash against illegal immigration a "religious" issue. There is a niche in our labor landscape being filled by illegal workers. If there were no niche there would be no workers. The niche is created by business owners and managers (again, a completely bi-partisan group) in charge of hiring illegal workers.
Aside from that, I agree that artists will always see "a truth" but whether it's "the truth" is another matter entirely. Sounds too dogmatic for me! :-)
BTW - How was the latte?
Posted by: Philosoap | April 4, 2006 05:57 AM
Revolution by sketchbook. Slow, perhaps, but beautiful :)
Posted by: Anja | April 4, 2006 06:27 AM
amen.
Posted by: dan price | April 4, 2006 07:53 AM
what to say...words....images....I am, as always, soulfully impressed and inspired...and absolutely tired of my middle school job...next september something else!
Posted by: fern | April 4, 2006 08:56 AM
Dear Danny, I've been carrying around CREATIVE LICENSE like a Bible.... and today was reading about changing your P.O.V. I've been forced to change point of view recently with my husband's recurring depression and anxiety episodes. Feeling quite drained and at "wit's end", I took your suggestion and drew 10 pieces of candy--I'm up to 7 now, and what a joy & lightnes it brought to my day! Instead of eating those pieces (which I'm prone to do in times of strife) I sketched them with delight! Thank you for all you do! Rose
Posted by: Rose Toth | April 4, 2006 10:56 AM
Fantastic post, Danny. I agree with your observations on the demise of local character. Thanks for demonstrating how picking up the pen can shatter the veneer of sameness and allow for a richer world view.
Posted by: Sharon | April 5, 2006 01:20 AM
Beautiful sentiment, Danny, beautifully said. Drawing what is... rather than the thought of the thing.
Posted by: shelley Noble | April 5, 2006 01:43 AM
This is some intense work. I love the paper. Is this the new 45 journal? Great sketches, but they have quite a solemn mood, maybe due to the paper? Intense! Welcome Back Danny.
Posted by: Lainey | April 5, 2006 05:36 AM
Danny I recently found your site and love it. It is the vocation of folks just like you that lead me to discover so much. Recently, your site, and my experiences tell me that one can travel the whole world in search of satisfaction and wisdom or get the same results simply by really listening to one's dinner partner. As for this entry and the take over of a favorite haunt by commercialism you make corporate america to be the bad guy. I really see a give and take in this life. In my college days grad students in our archaeology lab complained constantly about "big business" were they so stupid not to know that it was'big business' alone that made all their research, grants, and history saving jobs possible? How about the technology of the web, or just how do we find out and obtain great supplies for our vocations or hobbies? Recently around here so many folks complain about pollution, that from their modern home that replaced a swamp or their gas guzzling vehicle, or their constantly running computer. Seems to me the problem is caused by greed, not by big business. My husband is employed by a large corporation, in pollution control none-- the-- less. These days pollution control is a very busy field. Yes he is one of those engineer guys in a suit and tie, he spends many many more hours than the average guy punching #'s trying to keep the world clean and safe(from shoddily made machines,in his spare time he works with youth projects through----you got it-- a conservative religious organization, projects promoting youth activities, alleviating the effects of poverty, and why yes aiding more men and women going into religious vocations, especially vocations that care for the poor. Really not a bad use of time by a right wing corporate guy,ya think? All this said Danny, unlike my workaholic husband I do have the time and will use it to visit your site, because I love it! My post is very long and I do not need nor expect to see it posted. Have a great day.
Posted by: Pamela Zagar | April 5, 2006 02:00 PM
arrgh! am I obsessed or what? Or perhaps just lousy at coming to the point. The 'corporate' guy I talked about in my post-----well he is very busily employed in pollution control in the papermaking and print industry-----I like to think that my 'hobby' keeps him in business.
Posted by: Pamela Zagar | April 5, 2006 02:37 PM
Thanks for your thoughtful post, Pamela.
I agree with many of your points, of course. Greed and a lack of imagination are the problem with so many things in the world today. If only people could slow down and see how beautiful the world is, they would have a lot less need to constantly consume. They would also be a little less judgmental about others and create more love instead of more junk. I think religion of all forms is nice thing, except when it tries to suppress, control or limit what other people do.
Your husband sounds like a great person; and as someone who also works within the capitalist world (I write advertising for one of the world's biggest banks, for cryin' out loud), I am glad that he is using his talents and energies to guide the power of his company to make the world a better, cleaner place.
Your pal,
Danny
Posted by: danny | April 5, 2006 06:21 PM
Bought your book today...and after a long discussion about you with the clerk at Barnes & Noble, she bought one, too! She's calling me when "Every Day Matters" comes in - her's AND mine. Enjoy your site so much.
Doesn't matter that I don't agree with your perspective on every issue...wouldn't life be boring if we all thought alike? We bring our own life experiences to the table and it helps make us who we are...individuals. Keep up the good work...I'll be checking in daily to see what's new...and so will that clerk at B&N ;).
Best to you and your family.
Posted by: Pat | April 5, 2006 10:31 PM
Dear Pat:
That's a hilarious story! You can be my new head of sales and promotion.
Thanks for your encouragement.... and your disagreement!
Your pal,
Danny
Posted by: danny | April 6, 2006 07:57 AM
Homogenization. It really IS sad, isn't it? My own town is beginning to take on that look, at least out on the edges, on the highway. Thank God for the old downtown area, still quirky and individual and some of it crumbling in a picturesque way! (My favorite is a tiny antiques store between two buildings...it's been closed for decades, and now the back of the building is open to the sun. It really IS an antique store!)
Posted by: kate | April 10, 2006 12:26 PM
Hey Danny. All that talk of Santa Monica while we're looking at drawings of Olvera Street?! Talk about not a Gap/Barnes & Noble/Subway/Jamba Juice place. It and it's traditions have remained intact for a very Loooong time as you saw. I know where those drawings are from because I was with you that day with the So.Cal sketchcrawl group. By the way folks, he did all four of those top ones in a bit less than an hour. All that detail. Anyway, I'm just back from Mexico where we sketchcrawled wonderful architecture. You might be seeing it soon on the So.Cal Yahoo site.
Posted by: Andy | April 11, 2006 06:33 PM
Bravo! Bravo!
Posted by: John Ediger | April 13, 2006 07:24 PM