As I delve deeper into the captivating world of Denise Di Novi, a woman whose art is not just painted onto canvases but also woven into the very fabric of her life, I find myself utterly fascinated. Her journey, marked by sorrow and loss, yet propelled forward by an indomitable spirit, serves as a testament to the power of creativity in healing and expression.
Creativity can sometimes feel like a magical force. It could be a spontaneous surge from the subconscious or something that seems random but gains significance later on. At times, it’s as if the art itself brings the artist into being. If you’re an artist, you might wonder, “Where did this inspiration originate? How did it end up here?” Especially when it’s something new and unexpected. This was the case with renowned film producer Denise Di Novi, who is hosting her first gallery show after four years of painting. In an interview with MovieWeb before her exhibitions (here’s more info), she stated, “I didn’t have any background in painting whatsoever. I mean, I’ve always been a creative person, and my parents are creatives too. My father is a jazz musician, and my late mother was a dancer, many of my relatives are artists.”
Di Novi has a long list of classic productions to her credit – “Heathers”, “Edward Scissorhands”, “A Walk to Remember”, “Batman Returns”, “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Little Women”, “Focus”, “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love”, to name a few. She’s made her mark in Hollywood with both production and other impressive feats. However, she sees filmmaking as an external expression, while painting is a deeply personal and distinct form of artistry. (Take a look at her artwork here). In her own words:
As a filmmaker, I’ve always approached my work from a creative perspective when it comes to producing. However, this project was something entirely unique – a direct outpouring of my individual creativity. For the first time, I embarked on an endeavor like this, and it served as a profound reflection of my personal journey. Furthermore, it provided me with a soothing respite for my spirit, much like a balm to my soul.
The Producer Paints Her Grief
What she experienced was a concentration of grief and worry. She didn’t begin painting with the intention of having an exhibition; instead, it served as a means to help her stay alive, albeit not in a dramatic way. Her husband had passed away on the day before lockdown, making for a challenging period. The lockdown and pandemic only added to her struggles, and these difficulties were magnified by the loss of her husband. Di Novi also mentioned that the art she created could be found at The Honarkar Foundation in Laguna Beach (more information can be found here).
I found myself utterly engrossed in painting without end, and as it turned out, others took notice and offered words of encouragement. Notably, I reside in Laguna Beach, where I was raised, and serendipitously, the opportunity to showcase my work arose.
At times, art can be too intense for others and we may choose to keep it private. Given the source of her inspiration, it’s understandable if Di Novi was ever reluctant to expose her work; it stems from grief. However, the path forward is through, and she’s prepared. As Di Novi pondered over it, she felt a strong urge to reveal her creations for various reasons. “I believe that the natural progression of creativity is to make your work public,” she stated, continuing:
“To put it simply, my main goal was to convey that beauty can emerge from sorrow, and that you have the power to navigate towards creating something beautiful, no matter what form that takes – be it gardening, sewing, painting, writing, or anything else. I believe creativity is a remarkable human trait that isn’t always fully appreciated in our society, especially here in this country. That’s why I’m sharing this thought, in hopes of inspiring others.”
After spending four years honing my craft as a painter, I believe I have evolved into becoming a skilled painter, or rather, an artist.
Di Novi added, “I truly believe these paintings are a tribute to my late husband, and it moves me greatly to witness such powerful reactions from others. However, there’s often debate about whether pain drives better artists… It certainly provides inspiration for art. I suppose you can make art when you’re joyful as well, but there’s no denying that delving into deep, sometimes painful emotions intensifies creativity. So, in a way, it serves as an outlet to express those feelings when you eventually share your work.”
Lifting ‘The Veil’ with Denise Di Novi
On Di Novi’s website, a notable section of her biography states, “My work is a fictional realm where the boundary between worlds is delicate, and the misplaced can be rediscovered.” This understated association seems to resonate with a remarkable TV series she recently developed for FX on Hulu titled “The Veil“. The miniseries was penned by the gifted writer Steven Knight (known for works such as “Eastern Promises, Locke,” and “Peaky Blinders“) who served as both the writer and executive producer.
Di Novi shared, “I didn’t come up with the title, ‘The Veil,’ for the series. That was Steven Knight, the writer, who chose it. As soon as he said the title, I thought, ‘What a fitting name for this show!’ The reason being is that the story revolves around exploring the depths of relationships and uncovering authenticity beyond stereotypes. For instance, one character is an MI6 agent, while another is an ISIS commander. Initially, we assume they’re good versus evil, but it’s far more complex than that. The show delves into the veils or masks they wear in front of each other, revealing their true identities.”
“I came up with the concept myself,” Di Novi explained, sharing the unique genesis of “The Veil.” “I was having a chat at my hotel bar with a former French intelligence officer, who spoke about the challenges in Paris due to terrorism and related crimes. He mentioned that they had to collaborate with MI6 and the CIA, and the cultural conflicts among these groups in Paris were causing significant issues.” She continued her narrative:
“Well, as a movie enthusiast, an idea struck me: ‘Imagine a woman working for MI6, considering the high number of female agents they have. What if she’s sent to Paris and is tasked with this mission?’ I then shared this concept with my long-time buddy Steven, who turned it into a captivating tale featuring these strong, dynamic women.”
Elizabeth Moss delivers an exceptional portrayal as the seasoned MI6 agent in the recently debuted series, which launched on April 30, 2024. “I feel comfortable saying this, as numerous reviews have echoed my sentiment,” Di Novi remarked with a smile, “this may well be her finest acting effort to date.” Simultaneously, Di Novi is engaged in the development of various upcoming projects, such as a follow-up to her beloved ’90s production, ‘Practical Magic.’ At the moment, her creative juices are flowing, leaving us all eagerly awaiting the enchantment she has in store for us.”
Watch The Veil
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2024-08-11 04:03