Known for legendary performances in music and movies, Barbra Streisand flexes new muscle this year, showing love of architecture, symmetry and design in a new book “My Passion for Design.”
“Due out this November, the $60 coffee table books features homes designed by Streisand with the help of her husband, actor James Brolin. Streisand also coordinated the building of each structure.”
In a staged interview conducted by Oprah Magazine’s Editor-at-Large Gayle King in front of an audience of 2700 at the book industry’s annual book expo, Book Expo America in New York City, King evoked Streisand’s passions.
“I have kept journals over the years and wanted to write an autobiography, but that was hard so I wrote a book about design instead. It was easier,” the legendary artist quipped. “I like photography and I like the process of building. I took most of the photos in the book myself.”
The two powerhouses discussed all things Streisand, including her affection for antiquing, love for certain colors (PURE lipstick red), disdain for others (orange and yellow) and keen eye for symmetry-which she admits has driven more than a few building contractors crazy.
“It’s a curse and a blessing to see things the way I do. I see symmetry and that’s sometimes a curse because you see what is wrong,” she said, referring to a before and after photo of a mirror in the upcoming book — the “after” being 3/8″ out of alignment, compared to the “before.”
Equating that photograph to many of her projects and even her life, Streisand said, “There are things that you have to compromise on and accept what the universe is presenting — so you have to accept what is here. Sometimes I don’t like to take no for an answer.”
King asked if Streisand regretted her quest for perfection, to which the diva charmingly asserted she searches for excellence and fully understands that nothing is perfect. Referring to an exposed beam in the ceiling of one of Streisand’s houses, King wondered aloud, “Who is going to notice if a beam is off?” to which Streisand explained the importance of obeying your personal needs: “I will,” she answered.
Recalling a speech she’d made many years prior, Streisand highlighted the differences in how society views a woman’s assertiveness versus a man’s, and relayed why it’s important to be true to yourself. “If it’s off, it’s off. They say that men are commanding but women are demanding. I make no apologies. They say that a man is a perfectionist, while a woman is a pain in the ass.”
Streisand’s childhood may provide insight to her passions. Growing up in a $40 per-month apartment in Brooklyn, New York, where five people shared a bathroom and used the dining room chairs for seating, nothing about her current life resembles her old. But she’s glad for the experience, and thinks it makes her a stronger person. “When I was growing up I had a hot water bottle instead of a doll and my caregiver knit her a little pink sweater. But it made me use my imagination. And I don’t regret it. It added to my success.”
Though, on the surface, “A Passion for Design” covers one woman’s love of beautiful surroundings inside and out, surprisingly, it also gives a window into the thinking and the soul of one of America’s cherished performers. From color to symmetry to being true to oneself, this tribute to design could also serve as a tribute to the woman who brought us songs like “The Way We Were,” and movies like “Yentl.”
In her own clandestine way, I think she gave us that memoir after all.
Lifestyle expert Doni Luckutt believes by increasing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via email Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: www.SimplyAliveWorld.com/Blog.
