A fan’s tribute: among the messages we received after Heath Ledger’s death was this painting from artist Thorn Bierdz, titled ‘Lost Cowboys.’ Below, he explains his motivation
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“Because I am a gay former soap opera star (The Young and the Restless), I relished Heath Ledger’s performance in Brokeback Mountain. He was the ultimate fantasy for me: macho and elusive. In real life, Heath wasn’t gay, but he was reportedly shy and an insomniac, and I identified with those attributes, which is why I segued into being a painter, where I don’t have to face crowds unless I am painting at charity events. (And then I drink tequila to relax, which Heath and James Dean, being sensitive guys, may have done too.) James and Heath were the ultimate young leading men who played cowboys in their famous movies, and I paired them together in this painting. Most of the word Hollywood can be seen sinking in the distance.”
For info on prints of Lost Cowboys and other portraits, visit www.thombierdz.com.
COPYRIGHT 2008 LPI Media
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
