Role Model of The Week: John Kilduff (a.k.a. Mr Let's Paint) OR 'Infomercials on Acid'

I finally started the daunting task of writing a draft of my first chapter for my PhD and ended up writing quite a bit about John Kilduff’s Let’s Paint TV which will no doubt be scrapped eventually. Embrace failare buddy! 

The initial inspiration for The O Show was John Kilduff's Let's Paint TV which ran from 2002 to 2008 as a public access show in Los Angeles and ended up as a daily spot on stickam.com, a website that enables interactive broadcasting via webcam and chat rooms. Kilduff’s show entails him running on a treadmill, blending mixed drinks, painting canvases and answering calls from random members of the public; all performed in front of a blue screen which shows alternative angles, such as close-ups of what he’s painting or cooking, adding another level of visual chaos. It looks sort of like something you would expect to find on US daytime television – a combination of Bob Ross and exercise infomercial, but on acid. 
 

 The early episodes were very much about testing John’s multitasking abilities or lack thereof, seeing how many activities he could do (or not) simultaneously, adding things like interviewing special guests and playing chess on top of his usual mix of activities. Each episode played with form and content; for example, one episode shows John playing table tennis with the invisible man (a man draped in fabric so that blue screen special effects could wipe away all but his sun-glasses and ping pong paddle). Kilduff’s experimentation with materials/technology and his gift for delivering an amusing, at times absurd, at times profound, oratory play-by-play fuelled the series and earned him a place in both LA counter-culture and UCLA’s highly competitive Masters in Fine Art programme. With the advent of the internet, his videos went viral and gained an international audience; some of his youtube clips have had more than a million views. The more recent stickam episodes which are filmed at his home in The Valley, have a much more DIY aesthetic and are geared towards interacting with his dispersed but committed, web-based community of fans who chat in the stickam chat room.

Day after day, episode after episode, Kilduff espouses the benefits of creativity, perseverance and “embracing failare” [sic], but Let’s Paint TV viewers are divided about whether or not his preaching is ironic or heartfelt. I would argue that it’s the mixture of both that allows their identification and keeps them coming back for more. Critic Doug Harvey describes it aptly: “[b]oisterous, irreverent and surreal, Let’s Paint TV is nevertheless utterly sincere in its espousal of painting as a path of creative liberation’, although I might substitute the word ‘painting’ for ‘multitasking’ or maybe even ‘play’.

Let's Paint TV can be analysed as an example of post-modern parody, especially the cable-access episodes; using absurdity and irony, Kilduff critiques the values of perfectionism and consumerism espoused within US daytime TV programming. On one level, Let’s Paint TV repeats the conventions of the infomercial with the critical difference being that the balding, out-of-breath Kilduff replaces the coherent, attractive and aspirational figure of the salesperson. John is the ultimate ‘everyman’, someone who viewers identify with perhaps more readily and intimately than they would the sun-tanned, muscle-toned body trying to sell them the latest exercise gadget. On another level, the show places itself at the end of a lineage of hobbyist, how-to painting shows, with the critical difference between John Kilduff and Bob Ross being that Ross demonstrates a certain level of skill that can be copied, a fact made all the more poignant because the main message of Let’s Paint TV is to be yourself.[1] 

 


[1] Doug Harvey elluciates this history in his LA Weekly article on Kilduff “The Joy of Painting Saddam” from 2 September 2004, available online: http://www.laweekly.com/content/printVersion/38879

Behind The Scenes of The Do It All Dating Game - Part I

I promised to write down my thoughts about how The Do It All Dating Game performance went. This is Part 1 of a lengthy reflection on the events of the day...

 

On my way up to Nottingham on the day of The Do It All Dating Game my boyfriend pretended to interview me, asking about the intentions behind the work and how it relates to art. The simple answer is that the hosts of the show, John Kilduff and I, are both artists and this piece is a continuation of our creative collaboration. I’ve been told this answer isn’t good enough, so I’ll pad it out here.

John’s show Lets Paint TV, which originally aired on cable access TV in Los Angeles in 2005 and is now a weekday fixture on stickam.com, mimics tropes found within American daytime television – it is Bob Ross meets infomercial. John (a.k.a. Mr. Let’s Paint) ignites canvases with oil paint, jogs on his treadmill, prepares healthful blended drinks and occasionally stirs in a few extra elements such as ping pong or a game of chess, plus he takes calls, adding a layer of spontaneity to each episode. His show deals with the pressures of contemporary life – of ‘having it all’ and needing to excel in so many different areas. To me, John is the ultimate everyman and his message to ‘embrace failare’ [sic] is multifaceted – it’s about creativity and perseverance, allowing oneself to make mistakes and accepting or even embracing one’s fallibility as a human being. His show uses the frantic pace of life as an excuse to play, to blunder and to make a mess. To me, John’s treadmill-induced, phone call-stimulated approach to creativity is analogous to that of Salvador Dali who arrived at his surrealistic imagery by balancing a spoon over a glass as he was about to take a nap, the noise of the spoon waking him up so as to remember his dreamy visions.[1]

The Do It All Dating Game continues my habit of citing pop culture within the context of art. It is also a byproduct of my enquiry into how artistic strategies can help one to achieve wellbeing and self-actualisation. The notion that getting in touch with your creativity can lead to meaningful self-exploration and fulfillment is a cliché – but it is one that I hope John and I imbue with both sincerity and hilarity.[2] Not only do John and I (and in fact most artists) struggle with the creative process, but we fight to fit it into our busy lives. Artists, perhaps more than other professionals, really battle against time pressures – because so many of us have to have second or third jobs and the creative process has no clearly defined end-point. I like to invoke the British turn of phrase: ‘How long is a piece of string?’ If you want to pay your bills, have an active social life, keep up with the art scene and/or have a family on top of making art, it is a real challenge. That’s what The Do It All Dating Game is about – it’s a reflection on both the creative process and the mating rituals popularised by the great mythmaker that is TV.

I was hoping that The Do It All Dating Game would repeat the corny flirtations of the original gameshow, but differ from its predecessor in the representation of gender and sexuality. The implicit question in our version being: Are women really better at multitasking than men? It’s been stated as fact, but having done the research, I know there’s no scientific evidence to imply that women are in fact more capable than men at handling many tasks at once. The fact of the matter is, each human being has but two frontal lobes, which means taking on more than two tasks at a given time will exceed one’s natural capacities. My feeling is that the assumption that women are better multitaskers exists solely because it justifies the expectation that women should excel in a career, raise the kids, cook dinner and clean the house. Hence the punch-line: ‘Why not stick a broom up my ass so I can sweep the floor while I’m at it!?’ As I was stating this to my boyfriend, he objected that it was women who perpetuated and benefitted from this comparison; to him, this idea was a feminist ploy. When women are engaged in a couple of tasks and at the same time listening to their significant other talk – they can more easily get away with pretending to hear by invoking the idea that they are masters at multitasking. We had this conversation before the show aired, so I hoped that the show might shed some light on this difference of opinion. Having now been through it, I believe The Do It All Dating Game proves that the ability to multitask has nothing whatsoever to do with sex or gender.


[1] I read about Dali’s method in Richard Wiseman’s self-help book 59 Seconds which elaborates on scientifically proven methods for being more creative, most of which entail distracting the conscious mind so that unconscious thoughts and solutions can emerge. Wiseman, R. 59 Seconds: Think A Little, Change A Lot, New York: Borzoi Books, 2009.

[2] Interestingly, art critic Doug Harvey, who is a big fan of Mr. Let’s Paint, is scathingly critical of this concept about creativity and self-actualisation. Harvey states:

       Among the most widely and openly despised paradigms for artmaking today is the process-based therapeutic approach to art, with its roots in the popular conflation of creativity with mental illness ... Basically, it suggests that the practice of artmaking has an inherent healing effect on psychological trauma, and that this practice is available to anyone. Furthermore, it claims that the practice of artmaking can guide already well-adjusted psyches along the path toward spiritual self-discovery. In fact, academia, the international art trade, art museums, and professional art criticism frequently may be seen defining themselves in opposition to this romantic and indiscriminate model.

Harvey, Doug, ‘Help!’, Art Issues, no. 66 (January/February 2001), p. 14-17. Harvey must read John’s work as employing these clichés in a wholly ironic way – whereas I read a layer of sincerity into it, perhaps because I know how much my work as an artist has transformed my identity in positive ways.

Today's The Big Day!

Tonight's the night The Do It All Dating Game will finally be a reality!

This morning at 7.37am Clare and Jen (of The Cutting Room), who curated the event, spoke on BBC Radio Nottingham. We'll be recording a follow up broadcast at 4pm which will air tomorrow on BBC Radio Nottingham. 90 seats have already been booked so act now if you're in the area and want to attend!

The Do It All Dating Game - Script

This is the Script I wrote back in January when The Do It All Dating Game was just a dream. On Tuesday it will be a reality and probably quite different (especially since the cast of characters will be entirely different). 

 The Do It All Dating Game - Script

Stage is illuminated, spotlights swivel around stage area. Theme song plays (this tune: http://paulettenichols.bandcamp.com/track/do-it-all-dating-game with lyrics written and sung by Paulette Nichols)

 Projection Screen illuminates and John appears, introducing himself as the host of the show.

 

                                                            John

                        Welcome to the Do-It-All Dating Game, I’m your host John

                        Kilduff, otherwise known as Mr. Let’s Paint! I’m joining you via                                       
                        cyberspace all the way from Sunny California. Tonight we have

                        some very special guests who will be putting their multi-tasking

                        skills to the test all in the name of love. But first I want to introduce

                        you to my lovely assistant Oriana.

 

 Oriana enters stage wearing something snazzy like Vanna White, smiling and waiving.

 

                                                            John

                        Oriana is going to introduce you to this evening’s eligible

                        bachelors…

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Thank you Mr. Let’s Paint. Tonight we have with us a very manly

                        group of bachelors, let’s meet them.

 

Bachelor Number 1 spotlight is illuminated and he waives and smiles. Applause from audience.

 

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        Bachelor number one is a graphic designer originally from London.

                        He describes himself as a quirky romantic, he enjoys warm waves, cool                              
                        breezes and existential philosophy…give a warm welcome to Robert  Bowes.

 

Bachelor Number 2 spotlight is illuminated, he waives and smiles. Applause from audience.

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        Bachelor No. 2 lives here in Nottingham and one of his favourite

                        places is The Broadway. A martial arts instructor with a sensitive side,

                        he can’t live without a good cup of tea and his dog Sparky. Say hello

                        to Paul Chappel.

 

Bachelor Number 3 spotlight is illuminated, he waives and smiles. Applause from audience.

 

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        And last but certainly not least, Bachelor No 3 is a school teacher from                              
                        Liverpool - we ladies love those Scouse accents. He’s a junky for politics                                 

                        and loves the opportunity to rally for causes and campaigns, Ken Murray.

                       

Applause.

                                                            Oriana cont’d

                        Over to you John.

 

                                                            John

                        Now to prevent our bachelorette from hearing anything about our

                        bachelors, we’ve kept her in isolation backstage. Let’s find out

                        out more about her before we bring her on stage…She’s from Newcastle

                        and works as an advertising executive. She’s also a keen singer and is

                        a member of her community chorus. She says she’s tired of dating                                      

                        wimps and needs someone who can step up and be a man. Welcome     
                        Shelley Smithson.

 

Bachelorette comes to the stage, stands by Oriana who shakes her hand. Bachelorette then smiles/waives at audience. Applause from audience.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Hi Shelley how are you? What does a guy have to do to prove

                        he’s the man for you?

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Well, Oriana I’m a very strong, independent woman and a lot

                        of guys are intimidated by that.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Oh, I know honey, you don’t have to tell me.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        So I need a man that can handle me.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Well, you’ve come to the right place Shelley, we’ve got

                        three eligible and capable bachelors here for you and we’re going to

                        put them to the test.

 

                                                            John

                        That’s right. Our three bachelors are not only going to be

                        answering your questions Shelley, but they’ll also be

                        exercising, drawing and making sandwiches.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        I hope you boys are ready for this creative cardio-challenge!

 

The three bachelors jump on their mini-trampolines.

 

                                                            John

                        So we’ll get back to bachelor number one to say hello to Shelley.

                       

                                                            Bachelor No 1

                        Hey there Shelley. I’ve got a pastrami on rye coming up for you

                        right here.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Sounds great.

 

Applause.

 

                                                            John

                        And bachelor number 2…

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 2

                        Hi Shelley, this is bachelor number 2, if you need someone strong

                        who can go the distance, then I’m the man for you.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Wow, hi bachelor number 2.

 

                                                            John

                        Bachelor number 3 say hi to Shelley.

                       

                                                            Bachelor No. 3

                        Good evening Shelley. I’m going to be drawing a picture of the

                        Breath-takingly beautiful spot I’ll be taking you to on our first

                        romantic getaway.

 

Applause.

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Oooh, sounds lovely, nice to meet you bachelor number 3.

 

                                                            John

                        Alright gentlemen, good luck to you. Shelley let’s play the dating game.

 

Applause.       

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Ok bachelor no 1, I’m wood and you’re sandpaper, tell me the sound I                              

                        make when you rub me the wrong way.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 1

                        I’d only rub you the wrong way if you wanted it baby. So I imagine

                        It would sound something like (in a falsetto voice) oooh oh, that’s

                        the spot!

 

Hooting and applause.

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Ok. (giggles and covers face in embarrassment) Bachelor no. 2, what’s                              

                        your secret to beautiful skin?       

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 2

                        Well, I was born with good skin, but to keep it that way I need

                        you beside me, keeping me blushing.

 

Aw-ing and applause.

                                               

                                                            Bachelorette

                        I’ve often been compared to Princess Diana because of my

                        poise and charitable nature, which member of the royal family

                        have you been compared to and why?

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 3

                        Thankfully, I’ve never been compared with any members of the royal                                

                        family although I do have Prince William’s charm and just like Will

                        wooed Kate, I’m going to woo you.

 

                                                            John

                        All this talk of wooing, Oriana let’s see how they’re doing.

 

Oriana approaches the bachelors.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Well, John it looks like all three bachelors are breaking into a sweat

                        here. Bachelor No. one how’s that sandwich coming along?

 

Oriana makes some small talk with each one with John adding in the odd comment.

 

                                                            John

                        I think it’s time for the next round of questions Shelley.

 

Oriana goes back to Bachelorette side.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Bachelor No. 2, you are a Carnival Leader standing outside Bachelor No. 1’s tent, let’s hear about the bizarre things I’ll experience if I step inside.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 2

                        Ladies and gentlemen step right up! In the corner you will see the Thinnest Man on earth as he wrestles with his B.L.T., sweating profusely and trying to draw what looks like a bun, behold bachelor number one.

 

Laughs and applause.

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Thank you. Bachelor No. 1 same question about Bachelor No. 2.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 1

                        Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, step right up and behold this man

                        is stuck in 1985, he looks like Ferris Beuller, he’s obsessed with John Hughes movies and he thinks Margaret Thatcher is still the Prime Minister.

 

Laughs and applause.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Bachelor No. 3, now I know you’re not a Scotsman, but if you were you’d wear a kilt. Tell me some of the joys of skirt-wearing for men.

 

                                                            Bachelor No. 3

                        Well Lassie, if I were a Scotsman I’d be enjoying the breeze right now from bouncing up and down on this trampoline and the audience would

                        be amazed when they catch a glimmer of my manhood.

 

Hooting and applause. The show would continue as such. (We have to decide how much time to give to questions). A sound cue will signal the end of the question round.

 

                                                            John

                        That sound means we’re out of time on the question round. Thanks for those very thought-provoking and revealing questions Shelley.

                                               

                                                            Oriana

                        You’ve got a tough choice to make Shelley.

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        I sure do.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        These guys are really standing up to the challenge though.

 

                                                            John

                        Yes, indeed Oriana. But maybe we can help Shelley make her decision a little more easily. Now it’s time for our bachelors to supply their sandwiches for a taste-test. Let’s see whether or not the way into Shelley’s heart is through her stomach.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Mmm. Good idea John. Now you bachelors can keep busy making some finishing touches on your drawings.

 

                                                            John

                        Keep going bachelors, show Shelley what you’ve got!

 

Oriana retrieves sandwiches from the Bachelors, placing them on plates on a tray with toothpick flags stating Bachelor numbers to avoid confusion. Bachelorette tastes each one and makes comments. John also makes comments in response to the appearance of the sandwiches and the look on the bachelorette’s face as she tastes them.

 

                                                            John

                        For our final round, gentlemen it’s time to reveal your creative side. Let’s give Shelley a peek at those drawings.    

 

Oriana goes and retrieves each drawing from bachelors, placing blank covering sheet with bachelor numbers over each one. An easel is set up near the Bachelorette for Oriana to display them on.

 

                                                            John

                        Which masterpiece will capture Shelley’s attention? Will it be bachelor No. 1’s!?

 

Oriana removes the covering sheet from top drawing and holds arms out framing the drawing (as if on ‘The Price is Right’). The audience ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ fixated on the bachelorette’s reactions. John comments on drawings and her reactions.

 

                                                            John

                        Will it be Bachelor No. 2’s?

 

Oriana reveals No. 2’s drawing.

 

                                                            John

                        Or will Bachelor No. 3’s drawing open Shelley’s eyes to love?

 

Oriana reveals No. 3’s drawing.

 

                                                            John

                        Which is your favourite Shelley?

 

                                                            Shelley

                        Well, it’s a tough choice, but I like bachelor No.1’s drawing the best.

 

                                                            John

                        Nice choice, but will your two hearts beat as one?

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Let’s take a pulse check gentlemen while Shelley can take some time

                        to mull over her decision…

 

                                                            John

                        Gentleman step of off your trampolines and find your pulse.

 

Ticking clock sound begins and runs for 30 seconds. Meanwhile John explains the details of how high verses low pulse rate indicates health.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Bachelor No. 1, tell me your count.

 

They run through the numbers one at a time.

 

                                                            John

                        Now that you know all the facts Shelley, you’ve got to make your selection. Will it be Bachelor No 1?

 

Applause.

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Or Bachelor No. 2?

 

Applause

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Or will it be Bachelor No 3?

 

                                                            Shelley

                        They all sound wonderful but I’m gonna go with Bachelor No. 1

 

                                                            John

                        Number 1.                              

Applause.

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Why bachelor no. 1, what did he do or say to get you interested?

 

                                                            Shelley

                        Well, I liked his painting and his answer to the questions, he

                        sounded very spontaneous and I like that.

 

                                                            John

                        Ok, well before you meet him, let’s introduce you to the two

                        gentlemen you didn’t choose. Bachelor No. 2 lives locally and

                        is a martial arts instructor with a sensitive side. His name is Paul

                        Chappel. Come on out Paul!

 

Bachelor No. 2 comes and greets Bachelorette with a kiss on the cheek.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Thanks for coming on the show Paul.

 

Oriana indicates for him to steps to the side.

 

                                                            John

                        And you didn’t choose Bachelor No. 3, he’s a school teacher from                                     

                        Liverpool and a junky for politics. He’s Ken Murray. Come on out

                        Ken.

 

Bachelor No. 3 comes and gives Bachelorette a hug.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Hi Ken, thanks for your efforts, better luck next time!

 

Oriana takes his arm and leads him to a spot next to Bachelor No. 2.

 

                                                            John

                        He seems rather dejected, doesn’t he?

 

                                                            Bachelorette

                        Awe.

 

                                                            Oriana

                        Well, he shouldn’t be… because he and Bachelor No. 2 aren’t

                        going home completely empty-handed. They’ll each receive

                        our consolation prizes, these 100% cotton T-shirts with Mr. Let’s

                        Paint’s motto “Embrace Failure”.

 

                                                            John

                        Words of wisdom boys, take them to heart. Now Shelley, you did choose Bachelor No. 1, before he comes out let me tell you about him. Bachelor

                        number one is a graphic designer originally from London. He describes himself as a quirky romantic, he enjoys warm waves, cool breezes and existential philosophy. His name is Robert Bowes. Come out Robert!

 

Bachelor No. 1 comes out and kisses bachelorette on the cheek.

                                                            Oriana

                        Congratulations Robert!

 

                                                            John

                        We’re going to send you guys on a great date.

 

Oriana or John gives details of date.

 

                                                            John cont’d

                        Congratulations to Shelley and Robert! I hope you have a swell time on                             

                        that fantastic evening for two. Relax and enjoy the delights of Nottingham.

                        Thanks to all our guests and to my lovely assistant Oriana. And remember

                        folks…

 

John will adlib parting words leading to the interval between rounds.

 

                                                            John con’td

                        Let’s give a final round of applause to the happy couple.

 

Applause.

 

20 min Interval. This will allow John and Oriana to prepare introduction paragraphs for new contestants.

The Do It All Dating Game - Stage Set

The Set-up

  • The three contestants who are competing to win a date will be multi-tasking, this will involve jogging on a mini-trampoline, while drawing on easel and making sandwiches. The main bachelor/bachelorette will be seated comfortably with a microphone to ask questions of the three competitors. To replicate traditional dating games, the participants will be separated from the main bachelor/bachelorette by a screen or curtain.
  • The audience will be in tiered seating.
  • John Kilduff will host the show via cyberspace on his regular daily show ‘Let’s Paint TV’ on www.stickam.com. His image will be projected on a large screen above the main stage area and his voice will be amplified on speakers. 
  • Oriana will be physically present to co-host the event.

The Do It All Dating Game (advertisement)

I am working with The Cutting Room to bring you the interactive live performance, the 'Do-It-All Dating Game' at Nottingham Contemporary on 12 April at 7pm and Q&A at NTU live on 14th April at Newton Lecture Theatre 6-8pm

Do-It-All Dating Game, hosted by John Kilduff (a.k.a. Mr Let's Paint) and his doting assistant, Oriana Fox. It's just like 'Blind Date', but updated to suit our frenzied, 21st century lifestyles! Available bachelors and bachelorettes will compete for one another's affections and the chance to win a fantastic evening for two.

To be a contestant email your name and a little bit about yourself to doitalldating@gmail.com