Watching Anderson Cooper‘s documentary “Nothing Left Unsaid” about his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, I was immediately struck by a profound connection. As an abstract painter, I was fascinated by Gloria’s childlike art, which resonated deeply with me. Her paintings, lovely and unusual, lacked recognizable faces, yet told stories in an unspecific way that I found utterly captivating. Spending time with her art became a desire; understanding her as a woman became a necessity.
A Life Unfolding: Gloria Vanderbilt’s Unusual Journey
Gloria’s life was long, privileged, and filled with old-world aristocratic coldness. Her existence, cushioned by wealth yet alienated from the majority, fascinated me, as did the religious dogmas that shaped her public image. She was called the “Vanderbilt child” in the press, an impersonal way to reference a living, breathing individual. The melancholy of her story was underscored by her relationships, her need for protection, and her restlessness to propel herself forward.
A Painter’s Reflection: My Connection to Gloria
As I dove into Gloria’s world, I couldn’t help but see reflections of my own life. I, too, have felt the drama and the pull of an unusual existence, without the Vanderbilt wealth. I have longed for normalcy while recognizing that my drive for more would never allow it. Like Gloria, I have been drawn to the arts, bypassing myself opportunities in acting, to find my mark in painting.
Our experiences with motherhood and inheritance ( or lack there of in my case ) also mirrored each other. Gloria’s decision to cut her mother off from her inheritance, telling her to “get a job,” echoed the words my daughter spoke to me during hard times. Both of us worked hard, driven by love and responsibility, striving to provide for those we cared about and find ourselves in the process.
The Artistic Soul: Loneliness and Connection
Perhaps the most powerful link between Gloria and myself lies in the internal loneliness that seems to fuel our artistic expression. Gloria’s lack of a concrete life plan, her struggles with identity, and her desire to connect through her art mirror my own feelings. This deep-seated, isolating sense of loneliness has become a driving force behind my work, propelling me forward through tragedy and restlessness.
Gloria’s inventiveness, her journey through love and loss, and her ability to continue living despite unbearable heartache resonates with me. Her life story, entwined with art and tragedy, is a poignant reminder of human resilience.
Conclusion: A Shared Journey
The documentary “Nothing Left Unsaid” offered me a glimpse into a life both foreign and familiar. Gloria’s childlike art, her relationships, her restless drive, and her intense longing for connection mirror aspects of my own life. As an artist, a mother, and a woman who has experienced the unpredictable tides of life, I see in Gloria a kindred spirit.
Her story inspires me to embrace the unpredictability of life, to find strength in love, and to express it all through my art. It serves as a reminder to tell those in my life that they are loved and supported, and to share that love more widely through my paintings.
This is more than a review of a documentary; it’s an exploration of the human soul, an intertwining of two lives connected by art, love, and a drive to understand and be understood.