Sharon Stone and Jerry Saltz

On Sunday November 12, I had a wonderful afternoon in Hollywood listening to Jerry Saltz and Sharon Stone talk about art.

It's an odd thing and a testament to his own stardom that Mr. Saltz gives off a vibe that feels as if he's someone you've known all your life. When he took the stage several people called out from the audience 'Hey Jerry'!, a spontaneous outcry usually reserved for crossing paths with someone you already know like a friend, a coworker, or a family member. That's a tough act to follow but Sharon Stone did, sparkling like the star that she is in a sequined snakeskin patterned pantsuit. The snakeskin pattern the audience would learn, is a visual theme that shows up in her paintings in a way that is no less captivating.

Her story was enlightening, funny, emotional, and at times intimate. And it was inspirational to watch and hear the two art world luminaries exchange ideas about life, death, survival, and how it all ties in to art in general, as well as to Ms. Stone's painting practice. Those in attendance were treated to huge projections of some of her work onto the backdrop where we could get a sense of her style, brushwork, composition, and what it all means from her perspective.

She has certainly had what seems to be more than her fair share of tragedy and triumph, most of which I never knew. All told, it was a fascinating experience and I left hoping that she will soon bring her work back from its current exhibition in Greenwich, CT to an accessible venue here in L.A.

Until then, I am left with these photos to enjoy. I hope you enjoy them as well.