Cotton picking, Ritz Carlton and Hyatt hotel sous chef and the Rome Prize for art are not often found in the same sentence, let alone same life; but in Just Right Film’s latest documentary, Riding The Tiger: The Life and Art of Bert Long, Jr., they go together like paint on a canvass.
“Every day we wake up and we get on this tiger. It’s on fire. There is no ground below it. The ocean is above it….The tiger has ferocious claws and a mouth full of teeth that will hurt you. Life is not easy. Life will chew you up, claw you up, set you on fire, toss you off a ravine and pound your ass. And what you have to do every day is wake up and say okay, I’m ready to get on the tiger.” Bert Long, Jr. from Riding the Tiger
Riding the Tiger is a documentary that explores the life and art of Houston artist Bert Long, Jr., a man who has been called one of Texas’ most compelling, creative and talented artists. It is the story of a man whose life journey started in the cotton fields of Crabb Switch, Texas, a man who transformed himself from a marine cook into a sous chef working at Ritz Carlton and Hyatt hotels. It is the story of a self taught visual artist who in mid-life transformed himself into a talent capable of creating such rich and intriguing works that he has been awarded the Rome Prize and has his works collected by major museums and national collectors.
Riding the Tiger is a revealing tale that provides an insightful look into the fascinating world of fine art rarely glimpsed by most Americans. The film transports viewers into the mysterious realms of national museums and prestigious galleries, and into studios of renowned artists and the homes of well-heeled collectors. Viewers encounter Bert and other artists planning a group show and see first hand the dynamics involved in mounting a gallery show.
Riding the Tiger is a film whose subject does not make for easy judgments. Bert Long, Jr. is a remarkable yet flawed man and artist; a provocative figure and compelling artist. The more we find out about Bert Long’s journey the more we share the sense of suddenly becoming aware of something special in our midst, of this person who reminds us of the extraordinary determination possessed by individuals from humble beginnings in their search for happiness, self-worth and the American dream. Bert Long’s quest for success becomes that of the quintessential American. His quest becomes one we care about. His quest becomes ours.
Riding the Tiger: The Art and Life of Bert Long, Jr. features extensive interviews with artists, curators, academics, patrons and collectors, including Museum of Fine Arts Houston Director Peter Marzio, L. A. Louver Gallery owner Peter Goulds, Maryland Institute College of Art Dean Leslie King Hammond, artist/curator James Surls, collectors Marilyn Oshman and Manny Sanchez, Project Row Houses Founder and Heinz Award winner Rick Lowe and Whitney Biennialist Robert Pruitt.
Executive Producer: John Guess, Jr.; Written, Produced and Directed by John Guess, Jr.; Co-Producers: Michela Aguirre, Yvonne Aguirre, Greg Carter; Editor: Edgardo Rodriguez; Narrator: TBD; Original Music: Kyle Turner; Lead Camera: Joseph Lockett; Cameras: Gabriel Lopez, Julita Rincon; Production Assistant: Kimberly Mayberry
