“Look Here!”  A Portrait of Sylvia Sleigh

Producer's Notes

"It is well with me only when I have a chisel in my hand"
 Michelangelo

I first met Sylvia Sleigh in 1989.  I was taken immediately by her exuberance and striking figure and as a professional actress, I appreciated the aura of drama surrounding her.  Since actors study character and behavior, I could not help but think of how totally unique and appealing a woman she was and how, in time, it would be awfully fun to know her better.  That opportunity presented itself in 1990, when art critic Lawrence Alloway, Sylvia's husband of 36 years, died and I began working as her personal assistant part time.  Over the past decade, our relationship has blossomed into a wonderful friendship.  I have benefited from Sylvia's generosity of time and energy and can certainly attest to the care and feeding (literally) she bestows on her friends; too numerous to count.  Am I the perfect candidate to produce a documentary video of this significant artist?  I cannot answer that question without recognizing that I, too, like all artists, am only content when I am challenging myself artistically as Sylvia has done and continues to do with her painting.  A departure from my regular routine of acting and producing theater, the creation of this video documentary has enriched my life and, I trust, has illuminated the life and work of Sylvia Sleigh for you, the viewer.

One final note.  The universe has been cooperating with me since I began this adventure in May of 1998.  I never, I repeat, never could have accomplished my goal of presenting this edited "trailer" version of "Look Here!" A Portrait of Sylvia Sleigh without my co-director and editor, Diana Sutherlin and her team of professionals, Brent Robison (Director of Photography) Bill Kempner (Sound) Neil Ostrander (Second Camera) and Minna Packer and Wendy Robison (Production Assistants).  Diana's talent and expertise have been invaluable to the project and her contribution to the piece is monumental.  In addition, the insights and information afforded me by Sylvia's archivist Louise Weinberg have helped to guide me through unchartered waters. I wish to thank critics Arlene Raven and Mark Daniel Cohen for their invaluable insights and Fay Robison of Farkas Films for serving as my mentor and advisor. SOHO 20 Gallery, Tom Slaughter, Director, graciously offered to be my fiscal sponsor for the project, a wonderful gesture.  Ingrid Roettele, owner and chef of Roettele A.G. Restaurant hosted two outstanding cocktail party fundraisers and I gratefully acknowledge Ingrid and her staff for such terrific events. In addition, 29th Street Rep generously donated their theater space for a lively benefit party in the winter of 1999.  Thank you to all who were involved in that benefit, especially Ken Frank and Larry Kantor for the musical magic. Finally, I wish to thank Sylvia Sleigh for having faith in me.  I continue to be inspired by her focus, discipline, humor and optimism.  I trust you will be, too.

Paula Ewin