Beatle Body Language

My "Spirit of The Beatles" sculpture depicts the end of the era. I believe there exists a body language that often itself speaks a powerful message and herein lies my case in point:

When working with the subjects of four distinctive, charismatic, and charming personalities whom together formed The Beatles, I knew I had a real challenge on hand. My quest was that my Beatles Tribute capture and portray something more than likeness alone. The challenge was to reflect some of their Beatles magic and comradery. Although creating this art piece required the close referencing and study of hundreds of photos, I must say that it was within one particular split-second shutter-speed click in time that I discovered a special ingredient of particular inspirational motivation to me. Known as the "Paul Peeking" photo, I consider it to be the most classic Beatles photo of all time. It was taken back in July of 1968 while The Beatles were on a break during the recording of what became known as their "White Album". I'm calling my discovered magical ingredient, "Beatle Body Language". I am not saying, nor do I believe, that The Beatles actually purposed or staged this depiction. Neither am I implying that The Beatles would in any way agree with my interpretation of it. I do realize that The Beatles were simply and naturally only again just being themselves that day and this was simply just another one of those spontaneous and entirely impromptu, Beatles' moments in time. Yet, in retrospect, it's all quite interestingly fun and to me so very Beatlesque. It does seem however to uncover more of those hidden Beatles' messages that all true Beatles fans have come to look for and love. Nevertheless, the "Beatle Body Language" that I find in this particular photo-composition was largely inspirational for me in creating "Spirit of The Beatles".

What is this "Beatle Body Language?" My interpretive read finds Lennon set apart watching proudly over his musical counterparts and positioned politically to the most "left". Maybe all the Beatles are positioned in that order, from left-to-right. Or, possibly John is set apart to the left because he (and Yoko) have drifted away from the others by this time. Lennon and McCartney are also positioned in the order of their songwriting credits. McCartney and Starr are positioned the closest to each other. Maybe because the future would hold for them to become the two longest lived Beatles and lasting friends. McCartney's pose may be interpreted as Musical Director watching over Starr's shoulder as I understand he, in the later years, advised or influenced some of the drum work to accommodate his own songwriting vision. Starr's own creative genius and congenial demeanor looks ahead in regal style as he keeps the peace and sets the beat. Harrison (the quiet Beatle and I believe the first to walk out) was the most spiritual and is furthest to the right.

Interestingly, in parallel to The Mount Rushmore Monument, John Lennon and Theodore Roosevelt are both wearing glasses. I am sure there is a piece of mountain somewhere in South Dakota or Great Britain well suited for such a sculptured tribute. I understand the "Crazy Horse" monument is coming along well. A monumental Beatles' final curtain-call spectacle could be next!

Kris Atkinson