Today, we are meeting Olivia. We had been informed that she may be too busy to spend much time with us, and are unsure whether to expect a darling or a diva.
We pick our way amidst the imposing residences on Malibu hills to finally locate her blossom-covered gate. We are on the way to Hollywood, and are starting to feel like that.
Dan, our wholesale contact of three years, is out to lunch. We are introduced to Joel, Olivia’s life & business partner, and immediately know we have encountered someone whose knowledge of all things erotic may exceed ours. Shelf after shelf of his spacious office is filled with erotic folios and memorabilia. Behind his back, a slide show screen saver – we don’t recognise more than a third of the images. Sensing our wonder, Joel pulls out one of his many albums to show us original vintage photos, a small sampling of his collection.
When Dan arrives, we are off to see Olivia.
We are led to a studio, the studio if we have ever seen one. Several gigantic windows opening up to a garden, all scents and masses of light. The lady of the house emerges from behind canvases, all black curls, jumper and smiles. She gives us the warmest of welcomes and apologises for “naughty boys”, her two gay doggies trying to shag. So, not a diva.
All around us, is an amazing sampling of Olivia’s art. We see her latest Cadbury bunny being all “sexed up”. With Easter around the corner, Cadbury approached Olivia to create a more saucy incarnation, just to chicken out. We look in disbelief at the rejected projects, and agree that “the old bunny sucks”.
Then off to work to sign calendars and books you have asked us to personalise. We are the only European importer of Olivia’s art and merchandise, and more happy than ever about that.
We manage a preview of artwork for Massumi Max’s new cosmetic line before being shoved out by Dan (see picture here). The lady of the house is as courteous as ever, and gives us a great big hug.
We can’t stop thinking of Ray (Leaning), and what he would give to have a studio full of southern light. We are delighted to have met another artist of his high calibre, and dig out his “Stage Show” postcard for Olivia.
Unexpectedly, Dan gifts Olivia souvenirs to us and we leave astounded by everyone’s charm.
