Our Christmas Backdrop
"What I like, is to do it for a purpose," said Marc Lignier about painting. Marc is our custodian, and his most recent mural painting (his 13th for BHS) is the stage backdrop for this year's Christmas programs. "The kids all say thanks, and even the little ones. It's nice," he admitted very humbly.
"I used to paint on canvas; they were making reproductions and selling them," he said with his still prominent French accent. He's self taught - never taken lessons. He still paints on canvas every now and then. "If I paint something on canvas and give it to someone, it's a blessing," he said.
Marc explained that painting on paper for the backdrops is a more freeing experience. "Because it's on paper, I'm listening when I do it," he said. "I have to trust and just do it because I can't go back and change it. I take more liberties on paper." Then he added, "It's like that in life. The fear, you know, gets in the way. The more you think about it, the more it stops you."
Sanjay Chandani, the drama teacher and show director wanted Marc to create the atmosphere he wanted for the programs. "I asked Sanjay what he wanted - a winter village and a big tree in the middle. Then I added the rest. My strength is color," he demurred. "I like the color. It always come out happy." Then he added with a smile, "It's kind of nice that a lot of people are enjoying the backdrops." It took Marc two full days to paint it during a weekend. We are all grateful for the special gift Marc's given to our community so many times. It makes our Christmas programs all the more special. Thank you, Marc.
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"I used to paint on canvas; they were making reproductions and selling them," he said with his still prominent French accent. He's self taught - never taken lessons. He still paints on canvas every now and then. "If I paint something on canvas and give it to someone, it's a blessing," he said.
Marc explained that painting on paper for the backdrops is a more freeing experience. "Because it's on paper, I'm listening when I do it," he said. "I have to trust and just do it because I can't go back and change it. I take more liberties on paper." Then he added, "It's like that in life. The fear, you know, gets in the way. The more you think about it, the more it stops you."
Sanjay Chandani, the drama teacher and show director wanted Marc to create the atmosphere he wanted for the programs. "I asked Sanjay what he wanted - a winter village and a big tree in the middle. Then I added the rest. My strength is color," he demurred. "I like the color. It always come out happy." Then he added with a smile, "It's kind of nice that a lot of people are enjoying the backdrops." It took Marc two full days to paint it during a weekend. We are all grateful for the special gift Marc's given to our community so many times. It makes our Christmas programs all the more special. Thank you, Marc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA, Berkeley Hall School is a private, coeducational school for students in preschool through grade 8. Rigorous academics in a supportive atmosphere and grounded character development allow students to become fearless scholars and conscientious citizens - gain a love of learning, leadership with social responsibility, creativity with moral integrity, and self-esteem with compassion for others and the environment.