About Conversations on the Art of Living - Davis Mankowitz Tapes
Explore the depths of creativity and the human experience in 'Conversations on the Art of Living,' where host Les Davis curates profound dialogues between writer Wolf Mankowitz and artist Gerald Davis from their 1992 recordings. Journey through their reflections on art, culture, legacy, and the echoes of wartime, captured in a series of audio cassettes. Delve into topics spanning cinematic history, interactions with Hollywood legends, and the essence of artistic expression.
Ep.13 Conversations on the Art of Living: Ep.13 Gered Mankowitz
Gered Mankowitz shares intimate stories and personal insights into his father Wolf Mankowitz's life, legacy, and creative spirit, offering a profound glimpse into a cinematic and literary icon's enduring impact.
27 Jul 2024
Ep.12 Conversations on the Art of Living: Ep.12 How to Survive
In this episode, we delve into the themes of mortality, legacy, creative evolution, and cultural reflections. Wolf shares candid anecdotes about his near-death experiences, battles with cancer, and ideological journeys during and after World War II. This episode offers a unique perspective on the interplay between personal experiences and broader historical events, highlighting Wolf's resilience and professional dedication in the face of life-threatening challenges.
Project website: Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
21 Jul 2024
Ep.11 Conversations on the Art of Living: Ep.11 The Writers Craft
This episode spans a wide array of topics, from the early struggles and inspirations of Wolf’s writing career to his experiences in Hollywood and reflections on artistic ambition. This episode delves deep into themes such as the practical realities of a writing career, the evolution of creative pursuits, and the delicate balance between commercial success and artistic integrity. Through candid anecdotes and insightful reflections, Wolf offers a rich tapestry of a life dedicated to storytelling.
Project website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
13 Jul 2024
Ep.10 Conversations on the Art of Living: Ep.10 Marketing the Muse
(https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)The first conversation explores the intersection of art and commerce, examining the economic realities of filmmaking and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. Wolf shares his experiences as a student, practitioner, and entrepreneur in the arts. The second conversation transports listeners to Italy, where Wolf recounts his vibrant experiences working with notable figures like Carlo Ponti and Richard Burton
Project Website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
5 Jul 2024
Ep.9 Conversations on the Art of Living: Ep.9 Gold and Glamour
Take a deep dive into the life and contributions of Alexander Korda, a pioneering figure in British cinema. The conversation reveals Korda's influence on the film industry, his ability to nurture talent, and the indelible mark he left on filmmaking. The episode transitions from historical reflections to a candid discussion on the economics of filmmaking, comparing financial landscapes from the 1950s to today.
Project website - les-davis.me/artofliving
28 Jun 2024
Ep.8 Conversations on the Art of Living - Ep.8 Exquisite Cadaver
This episode delves into Wolf's transition from narrative storytelling to the abstract realms of Dadaism and surrealism. Highlighting how art became a therapeutic lifeline for him, the episode explores themes of mortality, creativity, and the unpredictable intersections of life and art. With vivid anecdotes and reflections, Wolf shares his late-life ventures into visual arts, emphasizing the profound impact of unconscious creativity and the beauty found in chaos.
Project Website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
22 Jun 2024
Ep.7 Conversations on the Art of Living - Ep.7 Long Way Home
This episode takes us on a journey from the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Ireland, exploring how his environment shaped his artistic journey and personal growth. Wolf shares his experiences escaping the pressures of the film industry, his reflections on class and Jewish identity, and his contributions to the Irish film scene. Along the way, we uncover personal stories, historical references, and cultural discussions that paint a vivid picture of a life lived on the move.
Project website - Art of Living (www.les-davis.me/artofliving)
15 Jun 2024
Ep.6 Conversations on the Art of Living - Ep.6 Archetypal Trickster
Explore the trickster archetype in art and literature. Dive into Mankowitz's creative process as he shares captivating stories and insights with Gerald Davis. Discover the magic behind storytelling, the influence of historical contexts, and the pragmatic realities of living as an artist. Join us on a journey through creative evolution, artistic deception, and the enduring legacy of art.
Project website - Art of Living (www.les-davis.me/artofliving)
8 Jun 2024
Ep.5 Conversations on the Art of Living: Ep.5 Minimal Participation
Wolf shares his unique experiences of surviving the chaos of war with minimal involvement, navigating the dangerous coal mines, and stumbling upon unexpected roles in the diplomatic world. His stories, filled with humor and resilience, offer a fascinating glimpse into how one man's quiet determination and adaptability shaped his extraordinary life.
Project website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
1 Jun 2024
Ep.4 Conversations on the Art of Living: EP.4 A Kid for Two Farthings
In this episode, we have a double feature of sorts, we explore the vibrant tapestry of London's past and the glamorous yet gritty world of 20th-century cinema and theatre through the life of Wolf Mankowitz. First, we visit the East End of London, delving into the immigrant community's resilience and Wolf's early ventures in commerce. Then, we transition to his illustrious career in Hollywood, highlighting his storytelling prowess and enduring influence on cinema.
Project website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
25 May 2024
Ep.3 Conversations on the Art of Living: EP.3 Cigars for Orson
Delve deep into the cinematic and theatrical worlds that shaped the legacies of iconic figures like Orson Welles, Federico Fellini, and John Huston. Wolf shares intimate reflections and anecdotes about these towering figures, offering a glimpse into their struggles, triumphs, and the often tumultuous relationship between art and commerce.
Project website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
17 May 2024
Ep.2 Conversations on the Art of Living - Ep.2 Shadows of Fame
This episode delves into the enigmatic world of iconic figures from Hollywood's golden era, exploring the complex interplay between their dazzling public personas and their private struggles. Wolf Mankowitz shares poignant insights from his personal and professional relationships with stars like Peter Sellers and Richard Burton. Through his stories, we see the psychological burdens and identity crises that often accompany stardom, highlighting the steep personal cost of fame.
Project website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
11 May 2024
Ep.1 Conversations on the Art of Living: Ep.1 All Dead
Welcome to "Conversations on the Art of Living," where we start at the end. Wolf with decades of experiences shares poignant tales and musings about the luminaries he's encountered along the way—figures like Alexander Korda and Orson Welles. Through stories of loss, legacy, and the passage of time, this episode isn't just a recount of the departed; it's a celebration of the indelible marks they've left on the world.
Project website - Art of Living (https://les-davis.me/artofliving/)
9 May 2024
Plains FM Feature interview with Les Davis - Conversations on the Art of Living: The Davis Mankowitz Tapes
In this Plains FM Feature interview Les shares the long (and winding!) road the cassette tapes his father Gerald Davis recorded with Wolf Mankowitz, took from recording, to being digitized and curated for this special project. The series focuses on Wolf Mankowitz's reflections on life and his creative journey of from impoverished East London, via the hallowed halls of Cambridge, to the Oscar winning highs of Hollywood.
15 Apr 2024
Trailer - Conversations on the art of living, Davis - Mankowitz tapes
A trailer to a limited podcast series coming soon:
Explore the depths of creativity and the human experience in 'Conversations on the Art of Living,' where host Les Davis curates profound dialogues between writer Wolf Mankowitz and artist Gerald Davis from their 1992 recordings. Journey through their reflections on art, culture, legacy, and the echoes of wartime, captured in a series of audio cassettes. Delve into topics spanning cinematic history, interactions with Hollywood legends, and the essence of artistic expression.
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