The last Dare

I was able to complete several tasks, projects and books this week despite the week being so chaotic against the backdrop of SXSW. Completed was the biography on Dare Wright by Jean Nathan. Dare's life ended somewhat tragically and sad. As I read the bio I saw the similarities between her life and that of Edie Beale's. However, after the death of "Big Edie", "Little Edie" carried on and was even able to perform on stage a few times as she had wished.

Since I didn't skip ahead in this book, and knew nothing of Dare Wright's life I didn't know how it would end. I found it strange and weirdly unexpected how this book shed much light on the passing of a former co-worker as both these women seemed to have walked the exact same road before their death. I struggled through the end of this book because it was just like looking into the life of this troubled co-worker. It was also hard to read of such a beautiful woman with so much talent and so loved by her extended family and friends, fall far from life and living and into a pit of despair. Our perspectives can make what is often unreal and non-existent so very real and threatening.

I still wish there was a book with nothing but Dare Wright's photographs, her entire body of work. Dare came before Cindy Sherman and I wonder if she was ever influenced by a Lonely Doll book in her childhood. Seeing the few self-portraits in the biography reminded me so much of Cindy Sherman's work. I am left wanting more of Dare and I have a feeling I am only one of many. "Revealing the Lonely Doll: The Story of Dare Wright" by Brook Ashley is a promising lead but I have found nothing in print for sale.

I have written more than one entry on Dare Wright and it is because she has left me in quite the mood. I haven't felt this way since I first discovered Grey Gardens. These are true stories of women who for one reason or another became trapped within themselves at some point in their lives. Much to offer the world, much loved and yet unable to break free and live the lives they were so capable of living. But geez, don't ever let this happen to you...live, live!