Today's Featured Biography

 
Penelope Stames

Hi Everyone, I've really enjoyed reading all about the wonderful lives, and great families you all have. I must admit I'm a little bit envious!
I spent the first couple decades after graduation working mostly in Denver in live Theater and Dance as a Costume Designer with a degree from CU.
In the mid 80's I received a phone call from someone who'd been given my name and was in town working on a film. She asked me to create some Victorian, Southwestern Christmas ornaments. Ahh, so what is that exactly?? Humm, Ok, figure it out... I did and that call ultimately was responsible for me being hired to work on the Oliver Stone film The Doors and a career in Hollywood where I'm now a Set Decorator.
Most people who find out what I do have the misconception that it is a very glamorous life, filled with A list Celebrity friends and high profile parties... and Most people would be incorrect. The work I do in the Art Department is highly creative, often lots of fun and always a LOT of long hours and very hard work. Imagine moving in and out of your home every week! Well, that is a big part of what we do!
As for Celebrities, I was once working on Bodyguard and one Friday afternoon a bunch of us were in the office having a little FAC. I was sitting in the chair next to Kevin Costner and didn't even recognize him!
Life here is different, we are project oriented free lancers. It's the ideal life for someone with a commitment phobia, but I'm NOT talkin'!
My Career has admittedly been hard on my personal life. I've had a few serious relationships but have never married and don't have children. I am still HOPEFUL though! It would just take a very special guy!
Most people can make their lives a priority, I seldom have that option. The adage "The Show Must Go On" is absolutely true. Babies are born, dinners grow cold, games are won and lost and children grow up and a series of firsts come and go, all too often without us being able to be there.
I don't mean to make it sound sad or terrible though,
I love what I do. I have a job that people come from all parts of the world in the hope of having. I've been very fortunate, blessed to be able to find something that allows me to use so much of myself to create what I call The Silent Character in a movie.
A set is more than just a collection of furniture, It sets the scene, gives insight into the private lives of the characters, offers huge amounts of subliminal information that can't be conveyed in the standard 90 minutes any other way. I could go on for quite a while about it but will resist!
I've had remarkable opportunities to travel, experience things, live for months at a time in other cities, meet some of the most interesting people in the most unexpected places, I make movies.
On the whole it's been a good life, not an easy one but adventurous and fun, sometimes a little lonely but Never boring!
Sitting in my seat at graduation I never could have imagined I would be here and doing this.
I don't think I'll be able to make it to town to see you all and am very sorry. I will be there in my heart. I want to take this moment to wish you all happiness and health. If you come to L.A. Please get in touch. It would be my pleasure to show you the world behind the camera! Hugs all around. Penny Stames

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