The Muse

File under: A True Story

An excerpt and photo selection from a work in progress by King Studio Works entitled; 

"Mémoire of an American Junkie" 

 *Some back-story: 

I had recently finished re-framing this rare, original 1973 Christine Rosamond lithograph titled; "Summer Mood" that's been in my possession for some time now. It was discovered in an obscure thrift store in Los Angeles in 2011 and once I had completed the framing process I realized there was actually the groundwork for a story that would be an important section to the mémoire. 

To understand the story a little better you would need to know that in the last 2-3 months I ended up losing my home of the last six years due to some nasty dealings with an unethical property manager. I'll save you the boring and ugly details of the ensuing months that followed. Needless to say it was heartbreaking, emotional and totally devastating since I view my studio/home as my sanctuary. 

Instead I'll jump right to the good part. Long story short I was able to get my studio back! The shady property manager got demoted and after three months of hell being displaced and feeling really lost I was finally back in my home, hence the new decorating and re-framing of the Rosamond lithograph. 

But wait...the story gets even better! While I was gone the owner of the building completely refurbished the studio with new carpet, new windows, new wood blinds, new doors and a fresh coat of contrasting paint, sand colored walls with white baseboards, door and window trim. (the building is from the 1940's which I totally dig) 

What had been some of the toughest months of my life in recent history has turned out to be nothing short of pure magic!!! 

Best of all...they kept the original glass door knobs and skeleton key holes to one of the interior doors that I love so much. 

So here's the part that ties in with the mémoire in progress. I remember it like it was yesterday. When I first got sober all those years ago after 20 years of alcoholism and heroin addiction...at some point during those first 30 days I vividly remember saying a small, silent prayer in my head that went something like this; 

"God if I could just have a cool little studio near the beach, one with glass door knobs, some money in the bank, some friends, a reliable car and be reasonably happy I will do whatever is required of me to stay sober".

No joke. True story. 

11+ years later...it's all come true and so much more!  The gift of self-esteem and purpose, a complete reunification with my family, now a college student and the coolest of all to be considered an honest, reliable, helpful, stand-up guy. 

Ya' right! Are you fucking kidding me?! Impossible. Totally impossible on September 22nd 2002 I would have said holding that very last can of beer and having just had my last shot of dope. 

No higher power you say? Nothing greater than yourself operating in the universe? Magic isn't real? Hmmm....that's gonna' be a tough sell for this kid buddy. Better save your intellectual rant for someone who can't answer "YES" to Jimmy Hendrix's infamous question; "But are you experienced?" 

Peace. 

***This photo and post is a tribute to the amazing artist Christine Rosamond who sadly drown at a Northern California beach in 1994 on her 1 year AA birthday. R.I.P Christine. Your spirit lives on and you continue to inspire