Not to be left out of the bookstore holiday video series, Diesel, a bookstore, asked its booksellers to describe a book on each of their gift lists. I chose to highlight the book Cameron would like to receive if he was only to be given one book (a horrifying thought in and of itself) – In Giacometti’s Studio by Michael Peppiatt-because that book is high on my own gift list. I really love Giacometti’s artwork.
When I see sculpture, I fight the urge to touch it. I really think that part of the sculptural experience is feeling it, alas, that isn’t allowed. I’ve asked curators if they touch the art when no one is around, if that’s a perk of the job. They look at me a little uncomfortably and don’t answer my question, which I’ve chosen to interpret as “yes” rather than “I think you’re a little nutty.” Many years ago, it was different at some museums in Europe.
Between taking the California bar and chaining ourselves to a law firm desk, Keith and I traveled to Italy. Walking through the garden at the Guggenheim in Venice, I noticed a Giacometti and said “Keith, we can touch it!” Really, it screams to be touched. If you have seen a Giacometti, you would think it’s heavy. Wrong. We reached out and, I guess, pressed too hard. It wobbled. We grabbed it, steadied it and broke out into a cold sweat. Three years later, seated at my law firm desk, I was flipping through a valuation and a statute similar to the one we wobbled was valued at millions of dollars. Back came the cold sweat. Every time I see a Giacometti, I’m reminded of those moments. It’s a testament to my love of Giacometti’s art that I love to look at it despite my emotional response. In honor of our near catastrophe, I think Keith should get me the book.
Here’s why Cameron at Diesel wants it more than any other book on his holiday wish list:
Check out the Diesel website to see what other books the booksellers are wishing for and talking about.
Tags: art history book, book holiday gift, Giacometti experience
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