Throughout history, the flower has captivated mankind and has been an integral part of cultures around the world – from Cleopatra’s famous encounter with Antony on a bed of roses, to the Middle Ages use of flowers and herbs for their “magical properties”, to the Asian and Indian use of the lotus to represent both gods and the human soul.
Read MoreMourning Swan | Mourning Swan has a special significance to the Shatners. It is a photograph of a bloom taken in their side yard in the early light of the day. The imagery represents the process of grief, coming out of the darkness, into the light. Mourning SwanOut of Darkness emerges Light. Mourning to Morning. From the Ugly Duckling of grief And loss is born a Beautiful swan of Light, hope and Love. “Our Souls are Warmed from lives that were torn…before” The Mourning Swan SagaSometimes, things are just meant to be. Mourning Swan was taken during a time when Elizabeth and Bill were honoring their first spouses. Each died the same week, though years apart. The Shatners chose to take time to reflect on and give tribute to these special relationships which had come and gone by writing haiku by their pool. The story continues when Bill Shatner was approached to make an album by Ben Folds. During the creative process, Bill offered a variety of writing pieces including the words he and Elizabeth had created together. Out of a variety of selections to choose from, those special words were chosen. Fittingly, it was paired with digital music by Lemon Jelly and Bill’s voice to become the song “Together” on the album, William Shatner Has Been. Yet another inspirational connection was made when Margo Sappington, while on vacation could not stop listening to Bill’s album and particularly the song, “Together.” She was inspired to approach Bill about creating a ballet based upon the music. He agreed. As a part of the deal, he filmed and narrated the development. During the creative process, the art of Mourning Swan was chosen to be a primary image backdrop for the ballet. The ballerinas dance as if coming out of the petals. Paired with the song and lyrics, along with inspirational voiceover by William Shatner and even a bit by Elizabeth, a beautiful ballet was born. “Common People” premiered to critical acclaim and a standing ovation in Milwaulkee, Wisconsin, touchingly, right around the time of the Shatner’s anniversary. The inspiring saga continues to take on a life of its own. William Shatner’s Gonzo Ballet is the documentary and philosophical work which William Shatner created to chronicle the development of the ballet. It has gone on to win critical acclaim worldwide, at such diverse venues as The Nashville Film Festival in Tennessee, where it won the President’s Impact Award and at Marbella International Film Festival in Spain, winning Best Documentary.   Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces |
Cherry Blossoms | Cherry Blossoms taken on a horse ranch inspire thoughts of spring, new beginnings, and youth. Framed Special Inquiries and Bespoke Pieces |
