LITA FORD, THE rock goddess and certified platinum solo recording artist was in Red Bank this past weekend, shooting photos around town for her new solo CD “Living Like A Runaway.” (Release date June 19). She was working with photographer and Rumson resident Mark Weiss, who is acting as both photographer and art director for her new release.
Ford began her career at age 16 with Joan Jett when they were members of the all-girl rock band “The Runaways.”
Lita took a break from the photo shoot on Sunday, March 18, to stop by Banegas Gallery at 43 Broad Street, where she signed a painting of herself by artist David Banegas, which was inspired by a 1983 photo by Weiss. She also signed a painting of her signature “Black Widow” BC Rich Warlock guitar.
“Mark and David are brilliant together,” Ford said. “It was my pleasure to meet David and see his wonderful work. Mark is like a brother to me and the best at what he does, which is why I chose him to do the cover of ”Living Like A Runaway.” The two of them together are awesome.”
Banegas and Weiss, first met in December at the “Holiday Flavour” event at the Oyster Point to benefit Lunch Break. Weiss has been auctioning his famous rock photographs to benefit the Red Bank soup kitchen. At the event, Banegas was painting “live” from a photo of Elvis. His unique execution of the image caught Weiss’s eye. The two had an idea to have David paint Weiss’s most iconic rock ‘n’ roll images. Both men, who as artists create visuals live and in the moment, want their work to help bring focus and funds to charitable causes. They have been busy collaborating both on Broad Street and beyond, and most recently, Banegas painted Weiss’s images “live” at events for rock luminaries such as Axl Rose and Zakk Wylde. The paintings have been signed by the artists and the proceeds donated to charities, such as the Grammy’s own MusiCares. The two artists recently returned from a rock ‘n roll cruise featuring a gallery of Weiss’s classic Van Halen photographs. Banegas painted live from Weiss’s 1981 photo of David Lee Rothand created a painting of Eddie Van Halen’s signature guitar. Both paintings are now on display at the gallery.
Banegas grew up in Bolivia and has been painting since he was 6 years old. He explains his unique work as “something that happens at the moment, it flows, I can’t explain it.” If there is a name for this method it would be ‘Action Painting’, it is done layer upon layer and is created with pure feeling.” Once he captures the eyes, he is “locked in place and the rest of the painting then follows.” “It comes from letting go of all fears and painting what is felt and so this is a transcendent moment.”
To learn more about Banegas and Weiss visit their websites at www.WEISSGUYgallery.com and www.davidbanegas.com
Lita Ford will be live in concert at the Prudential Center in Newark on July 11th with Def Leppard and Poison. www.litafordonline.com
