The Do It All Dating Game, Nottingham Contemporary, April 2011
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.
If you missed The Do It All Dating Game when it was live, you can watch it in Let's Paint TV's stickam archive embedded below.
Apologies for poor quality, but I will be editing a high resolution version from the DV tapes we recorded at the event asap.
I'm thrilled to report that last night's performance was a fantastic
success. It was an evening filled with laughter. I have loads to say about it, but unfortunately my only option to
write this blog this morning is through my cell phone. I'll report
back in much greater detail later tonight hopefully.
success. It was an evening filled with laughter. I have loads to say about it, but unfortunately my only option to
write this blog this morning is through my cell phone. I'll report
back in much greater detail later tonight hopefully.
Do It All Date Eirini has come up with some provocative questions to ask our bachelors on tomorrow's show. With so many good ones to choose from, it's a shame she'll only have time for three or four...
- From time to time I like to dance naked in front of men, how do you feel about that?
- I hate taking it slow, if I were to choose you, how long would you wait before you kissed me?
- In Greece we have this idea of a woman being a ‘conquest’- how do you feel about that?
- If you were me, which one of the other Bachelors, beside yourself, would you choose and why?
- What’s something that your ex has of yours that you want back?
- I really appreciate a feminine side in men, from a scale of 1 to 10, how feminine do you think you are and why?
I think neurotic is sexy, what do you find sexy and why?
- Being an artist is my way of exploring my boundaries and discovering again and again who I am. What is the thing you would never want me to do?
- I love farting in bed, do you wake up easily?
-
I like to pretend I am your thirteen-year-old cousin in bed. How do you like to pretend you are and why?
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I am relentlessly romantic and yet very promiscuous. Most people think this is a contradiction. What is it about you that people find contradictory?
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I like to be patronised in bed, what would you do to please me?
I would like to choose a girl from the audience that will be up for kissing all three of you and tell me who is the best kisser.
I am obsessed with being obsessed and people that are obsessed. What is your favourite obsession?
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What is Uralic and are you turned on by it?
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.
More About Do It All Date Eirini...Just like Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, Eirini hails from Greece – Crete, to be specific. She currently resides in London where she thrills intimate audiences with her provocative performance art. Her hobbies include reading, cycling and men. She describes herself as "soft, crispy and ready to eat". Eirini is joining us on The Do It All Dating Game because she's ready to meet the love of her life - a man who isn't afraid to express his feelings and won't shy away from her "too much"-ness. Can't wait to hear more? Join us live at Nottingham Contemporary at 7pm G.M.T. or watch at home via Let's Paint TV's stickam broadcast.
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.