Mixtape

John Lithgow

Out of His Element

John Lithgow: Out of His Element
John Lithgow

What is the role of an artist in society?

Artist’s Note

“Greetings, friends, from an actor momentarily idled by an industry brought to a halt by COVID.

“I join my fellow commissioners from the Arts Commission of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in offering you a little glimpse into my current creative life. This glimpse reveals a new adventure of mine which has little to do with acting but a lot to do with our current social and political climate. As such, it is a considerable departure for me, yet dovetails with my lifelong enthusiasm for performance, language, humor, and provocation.

“I’ve captured the process of creating a book of poems with my own illustrations. I do not present this little video as self-advertisement, but if you happen to open the finished book in the coming year, you’ll have the unique experience of seeing the results of a process which you actually witnessed taking place many months before!

“Thanks for watching.”

– John Lithgow, 7/8/2021
 

About the Artist

John Lithgow, a member of the Academy and Cochair of the Commission on the Arts, is an actor and author. 

John A. Lithgow

Independent
Academy Member
Commission Member

Commission on the Arts

The Commission - drawing on the expertise of its members who are artists, scholars, activists, and leaders, as well as the input of people across the country who participated in listening sessions - dedicated itself to recognizing and supporting the essential role of the arts and artists in American life.