Daniel Lismore begins by comparing his morning routine to that of the audience, starting with checking his phone and drinking coffee.
Main idea: lives his life as an artwork.
Concept of Life as Art
Imagery of a giant jewelry box and the body as a canvas.
Mission: create a masterpiece using beautiful things from the jewelry box.
Daily routine involves presenting oneself as a work of art in public.
Statement: "I am art."
Background
Raised in Fillongley, England, a small village mentioned in the Domesday Book.
Grew up with grandparents who were antiques dealers, surrounded by history and beautiful things, which influenced his sense of aesthetics.
Had an amazing dress-up box, initiating a lifelong passion for dressing up.
Career Path
Moved to London at 17 to become a model, then studied photography.
Inspired by photographers like David LaChapelle and Steven Arnold, decided to transition from fashion to art.
Chose to live life as a work of art.
Creation Process
Uses a safety pin as a primary tool, often leading to humorous situations.
Recycles fabrics and objects, guided by color, texture, and shape rather than a specific theme.
Curates objects into 3-D tapestries over a base layer covering the whole body.
Describes creating outfits as building like an architect.
Gets ideas from lucid dreaming, wakes up to write them down.
Wears outfits until they fall apart, then gives them new life.
Notable Works and Achievements
Example: Gold outfit worn to the Houses of Parliament, made of armor, sequins, and broken jewelry. First person to wear armor to Parliament since Oliver Cromwell banned it in the 17th century.
Emphasis on finding beauty in inexpensive materials, like making outfits from trash.
Collection includes over 6,000 pieces ranging from Roman rings to ancient Buddhist artifacts.
Commitment to sharing his work through an art exhibition that travels to museums globally.
Life-size sculptures resembling himself as part of the exhibition.
Public Reception
Mixed reactions from the public: fascination, engagement, criticism, and abuse.
Emphasizes that his life, while appearing as a performance, is very real.
Most frustrating: people wanting to touch his artwork.
Learns not to take negative reactions personally.
Challenges and Personal Reflections
Faced obstacles living as an artwork, including practical issues like wardrobe storage and fitting through doors.
Wider question: What does it mean to be yourself?
Personal struggles and triumphs: flown in private jets, displayed in museums, but also faced homelessness, abuse, and bullying.
Conflicts with fashion criticism, being placed on the "Worst Dressed" list.
Ultimately believes that being oneself, despite difficulties, is the best way to live.
Reminds of Oscar Wilde's quote: "Everyone else is already taken."
Concludes that confidence and authenticity are concepts one can choose.
Closing Thoughts
Challenges the audience with reflective questions about their own identity.
Encourages everyone to create their own masterpiece.
Conclusion
Ends with gratitude and applause from the audience.