In the Mist of Mulholland

The evolution of In the Mist of Mulholland

In the Mist of Mulholland

A four-sided paint story inspired by a song.

Side 1

“Deep dark” is scribbled in light blue over one gold corner. “Pounding” is written on the opposite one.
“Do you remember dreams?” and “the lure of autumn” run diagonally across the canvas, parallel but upside down to each other.
“With the radio on” floats up above it all.

In the mist of Mulholland, Eden stands looking toward the lights of Hollywood. Innocent in red pigtails, her toys at her feet — I see a unicorn, a monkey, and a giant purple ball. A deep purple silhouette of a lady, emerging from golden light, watches her go.
She is surrounded by a silver mist that will follow Eden to California and beyond.

“Simple things lost” is scribbled in blue over the faraway strip of glowing yellow light — the one that will draw her like a firefly.
For now.

Side 2

Eden is now standing in the centre of a gown so beautiful it can only be imaginary — vermillion, gold, and deep purple patches the same color as the shadow that once watched her leave.
It has a tight crimson bodice and a neon pink-and-purple sash that circles her waist and flows behind her in a train. A tiny purple figure of a lady appears to be riding the sash like a wave.
“Floating up above it all” is scribbled across the skirt of her dress.

Her hair is pink now.
The lights that once lured her are now a statue — an Oscar — still just out of reach.
“Deep dark” and “pounding” sit upside down in the bottom corners, like forgotten relics she stepped over to get here.

The silver mist now ascends from the bottom pool of her dress and begins to rise, covering her back.
Her arms are so white.

Side 3

Eden is now holding the statue. She has short red hair, and whatever features are still distinguishable seem laden with sadness. The silver energy is still with her, but it’s lifting — floating up toward the pounding.

A giant purple moon is off in the distance, just out of reach.
She is far below the deep dark corner now.
Dark purple fragments drift between her head and the upper canvas.

There are buildings everywhere. Near her feet, there’s a blue cube with two heads popping out.
I see them as Jackson and Mae.
They first emerged from the songs — and now they appear throughout the paintings. Mae, who feels like the god-version of me, and Jackson, her cosmic counterpart. Partner? Sibling? Lover?
They are meant to reunite across worlds and lives. I will find you in a dream.
Their forms are still a bit unclear. But I know they’re there.

Eden is wearing blue shoes.

Side 4

One turn clockwise and Eden is now lying flat. The Oscar lies on top of her — crushing her, holding her down.
“Simple things” is scrawled upside down across it.

She’s floating, and the only thing holding her is the silver mist — a trail of crimson descending through it and into the pounding.
Her frown has softened. It might even be a subtle smile.
Maybe she’s finally relaxed.

The purple moon rises.
“Do you remember dreams” is scrolled across it.
A pair of crimson pigtails floats closer to it.
“The lure of autumn” is now underneath the ground.
And soon, she will be too.