A Perfect World: Words and Paintings from over 50 of America's Most Powerful People
by Debra Trione
Overview
From the Publisher
Name two things you hope will be true about the world in 50 years. Tell me about an environment in which you personally thrive. Now paint a picture of your ideal world." That is what author Debra Trione asked over 50 of the most powerful and influential leaders in America to do-describe their perfect world using words, then picture their perfect world using paint. The result is an extraordinary, first-of-its-kind collection that opens a new type of window into the high aspirations and lofty dreams of many of our national leaders.
You can be sure that such public figures as Norman Schwarzkopf, Alan Dershowitz, Nancy Pelosi, and Julian Bond know full well how to set goals and articulate their vision. But when the author pulled out a box of acrylic paints and oil pastels, every one of the usually lucid leaders who were interviewed for this book sat for an awkward moment in stunned disbelief.
"This is not an area of my brain that I normally call into play," complained national correspondent James Fallows. "I've never used any kind of paint," howled Senator Alan Simpson.
"I can't imagine anything more difficult to do," Patricia Ireland protested.
One fascinating way to experience this book is to compare the statements and illustrations to each other. What dominant and recurring themes emerge among these varied individuals? Are paintings done by bitter political adversaries as different as one might expect? What new goals or ideals do the paintings uncover that words alone cannot convey? A Perfect World offers graphic answers to these momentous questions and more. This unique book will entertain and enlighten the intelligent, engaged, and curious reader in us all.
My thoughts
I enjoy art so I found this book intriguing. I haven't quite figured out how the author managed to get all these influential people to participate in the project, but it is interesting indeed.
It's not the most riveting reading but it is interesting to learn the sometimes surprising views of the interviewee.
Favorite Passage
I don't have a favorite passage, but I'll give you a few quotes to give you a flavor of the book.
Kim Gandy: I hope for myself and for my two daughters that women will finally get equal rights and equal opportunities not just in the United States but all over the world.
Linda Chavez: I would like to see virtually everyone in the world living under a system in which they are able to freely elect their leaders.
Knight Kiplinger: As a society, we don't pay enough attention to our children. We're overindulgent materially and underindulgent emotionally and spiritually.
Sally Quinn: I have a very strong sense of place, where I am and how it looks, the aesthetics of my envrionment. I feel that I have to be able to look out and sense water nearby.
