Michelle the ARTIST (perspective for medal-wishers)

[Limberlost Girl]

Lately I've been putting my favorite skater into perspective…the last two years I have built my hopes up and then been devastated because I have put so much stock in competitions and medals.

But what if we view Michelle Kwan not as an athletic competitor--valued only for worth of medals, number of jumps, length of spiral--but as an artist along the lines of the great painters, musicians, and writers?

Her lack of Olympic gold and recent World gold suddenly loses importance and the sheer weight of her career comes into bright focus.

What I am saying here is that many great artists experiment, have "periods," have success and failures, and yet as a whole are still viewed and respected as generators of great works of art. (I could use examples of what I mean, but I'd rather not expose my ignorance of art or use a music/writing choice that someone dislikes and thus ruin the idea.)

I would call this Michelle Kwan, ARTIST, and that would include not just her career but her coach/choreo choices, music choices, personality, etc. (And by using the word "artist" I am not just talking about the old score component we used to grade choreography, artistry, and the like)

For example, Michelle's periods could be jumping bean, surprise seductress, elegant grace, fierce competitor, post-Frank, and post-2002 Oly's (experimentation, rediscovery…) The periods of the ARTIST inform, flow into, enrich each other.

Others have posted thoughts similar to mine…I'm just throwing in my two cents. It was essential for me to come to this conclusion before I freak out at another Olympics :eek

Woohoo for off-season!

[MKGrace]

I like that perspective. Michelle definitely takes skating to the level of fine art. I still like to think of her as an athlete/skater--she's the best there too in terms of championships, longevity, quality etc.

[GinnySmith]

Nice thread.

There have been several occassions at MKF where I have compared what Michelle to Impressionist Painters such are Renior. She conveys a mood with the way she moves across the ice and expresses herself, unlike any other skater out there today.

Her presence is just magnficent. I remember somebody posting a link in a description of the word "Presentation". When you clicked on the link, up popped a photo of Michelle.
:RP

Of course we will always have the treasure of the Kirk Wessler article written right after the 2003 Nationals. IIRC Kirk referred to Michelle as a Michelangelo on the ice. He said something like "what Michelle does belongs in the Louvre." Just thinking about that article gives me goosebumps.

:LP :SE

[Eeyora]

I have thought about here as an artist many times myself. When bashers criticize Tosca and Aranjuez for being not as complex as hyer past programs I think back to something I learned in Visual Merchandising class. "Sometimes simplicity makes the biggest statement".

[missmarysgarden]

I loved your post, LLG. I am often teased by good friends about my "obsession" (as they call it) with Michelle. I've never had an obsession in my life before Michelle, and it began with Salome (even though I had an interest in her for a couple of years before). What captivates me, lifts me up, gives me joy, transports me is Michelle "the Artist." To me, there is Michelle and everyone else. It is almost indefinable, as if it reaches me on an ethereal level. It feels personal. I want to say to her "I understand, and thank you!" It is like being overcome by the beauty of a moment, a sunset, a garden, a dance, a voice. That's what its all about for me. And that's the only reason I care whether she wins or even places - I want the world to see exceptional beauty and reward it, because it says something good about the world. I can get excited about athleticism, and admire it, and the person who develops it. But I don't think it says anything about the pulse of the world, and the people in it, and what elevates them. When Michelle is rewarded as the one of a kind that she is, I feel somehow that its just as it should be, and all is right with the world. And I want her to be rewarded for cultivating her art to create such beauty, and give us moments of pure joy.

[lemonade16]

Wow, I am simply overcome with emotion from your beautiful, eloquent post.

In words more eloquent than mine, I just wanted to say "I understand, and thank you!" :)

lemonade16

[Krista]

wow, mmg, ITA :) .

Especially about the

It is like being overcome by the beauty of a moment, a sunset, a garden, a dance, a voice. That's what its all about for me.

Couldn't agree more. Thanks for putting it in words :)

[missmarysgarden]

Thank you, lemonade and DMBchic. Its so good to know that others have this almost spiritual experience of her, with her. I don't think there will ever be another like her.

[MK Simply Stunning]

Michelle has given me so much joy and emotional gradification. Her artistry, grace, beauty, delicacy, detail, pazazz, emotion all done on ice, has moved me like no one else. :TJL

[SGuntur]

LLgirl, Hi! As soon as I saw your post, my first thought was "Sasha and Michelle American skating dolls". Priceless thread!! Thanks again for a great laugh.

And thanks for this great thread too!!