Celebrating the Life of Robert Redford, Hollywood Icon - "I Sense an Inherent Connection to My Comfortable Place"
Robert Redford, one of Hollywood's greatest icons, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, at the age of 89, according to the New York Times. Born on August 18, 1936, in a working-class neighborhood of Santa Monica, Redford grew up in the aftermath of the Great Depression.
His passion for the visual art was evident from an early age. Redford spent his early twenties in Paris, where he created his first sketches. He later traveled to Europe to study art, and his work included female nudes and charcoal portraits.
Redford's artistic journey remained a personal endeavour until 2011, when his second wife, artist Sibylle Szaggars Redford, convinced him to make his works public. His drawings were exhibited in Monaco as part of the Arternativelight exhibition.
In addition to his art, Redford is best known for his illustrious career in film. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, a non-profit organisation that supports young, independent filmmakers. The Sundance Film Festival, also founded by Redford, has become a prestigious platform for independent films.
Redford's home in Utah, a building he constructed and expanded with a focus on ecological principles, serves as a creative centre that continues to support young, independent filmmakers. The Sundance Institute is located on this estate, which also houses a ski resort. The Utah home, now with over 98 hotel rooms at the foot of Mount Timpanogos, boasts strong Western accents, according to Guide Michelin.
Redford's charisma, radiant smile, and golden hair defined his on-screen characters, earning him the status of a Hollywood icon. His contributions to the film industry were recognised with an Oscar for Best Director for the film "Ordinary People" in 1981.
Beyond his artistic and cinematic achievements, Redford's life was his life's project. He reportedly told his lawyer at the start of the project, "I want to buy a canyon." This dream became a reality, as he built his home in the heart of untouched nature, transforming it into a haven for art and film.
Redford's legacy continues to inspire, not just in the world of cinema, but also in the realm of visual art and environmental conservation. His commitment to nurturing independent talent and his dedication to the art will forever be remembered.
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