Chapter 23: 1993
Life Events | Products | Music | Television | Movies | Styles | Printed Matter | World Events | The Resulting Art
Life Events of 1993
Death Valley
In February of 1993, I traveled to Death Valley with my sister to research the unique and rugged landscape for the sequel to my book Desert Rose. The sequel, titled These Are the Badlands, would be set against the stark beauty and dramatic contrasts of this iconic location. Seeking inspiration and capturing reference photos, we explored the expansive park, marveling at its vast salt flats, rolling sand dunes, and rugged mountain ranges. We immersed ourselves in the desert's solitude and extremes, allowing the environment to inform the story's tone and imagery. Our stay at the historic Inn at Furnace Creek added a touch of comfort and charm to the journey, providing a serene base from which to experience the park's unparalleled beauty.
Products
Music
In 1993, pop music saw several iconic hits that shaped the year’s sound. Whitney Houston continued to dominate with "I’m Every Woman," while Janet Jackson scored a major hit with "That’s the Way Love Goes," blending sensual R&B with pop. Meat Loaf made a strong comeback with "I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)," an epic ballad that topped the charts.
In country music, Garth Brooks remained a major force with "Ain’t Goin’ Down (‘Til the Sun Comes Up)," bringing a high-energy mix of country and rock. John Michael Montgomery's "I Swear" became a crossover hit, appealing to both country and pop audiences. Alan Jackson also delivered with "Chattahoochee," celebrating Southern life with a catchy, upbeat tune.
The music of 1993 highlighted the continued crossover between pop and country, as both genres saw massive hits that appealed to diverse audiences. Pop was marked by powerful vocals and ballads, while country brought a blend of traditional sounds and modern influences, further pushing the genre into the mainstream.
Television
TV Programming Overview of 1993
In 1993, American television reflected shifting cultural interests and viewing habits, with sitcoms continuing to dominate prime-time. Seinfeld cemented its place as a massive hit with its unique observational humor, while Cheers concluded its celebrated run, marking the end of an era. The debut of Frasier, a spin-off of Cheers, brought intellectual humor and sharp wit to audiences, quickly becoming a fan favorite. Other sitcoms like Roseanne, Home Improvement, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and Full House maintained their popularity, while new entries like The Nanny captured viewers with its fresh comedic dynamic.
Dramas and procedurals remained integral to television in 1993, with NYPD Blue gaining attention for its gritty realism and bold storytelling. Law & Order continued its rise, setting the stage for its long-term success, while Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman offered heartfelt period drama. The quirky and character-driven Picket Fences retained a loyal audience, and reality television began solidifying its place, with Cops and The Real World showcasing unscripted storytelling that appealed to a growing demographic. Game shows like Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! continued to captivate daytime viewers.
Saturday morning cartoons thrived, with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman: The Animated Series, and X-Men remaining favorites. The debut of Animaniacs brought clever humor and cultural references, appealing to both kids and adults. Meanwhile, sports programming, led by Super Bowl XXVII, remained a significant draw. News coverage of major events like the Waco siege and the World Trade Center bombing kept television central to American life, blending entertainment with critical information. In 1993, television embraced both tradition and innovation, ensuring its continued relevance across a broad audience.
Movies
In 1993, American cinema showcased a variety of films that captured audiences with groundbreaking effects, powerful stories, and unforgettable characters. Jurassic Park, directed by Steven Spielberg, revolutionized the use of CGI and animatronics, thrilling viewers with its lifelike dinosaurs and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Schindler’s List, also directed by Spielberg, presented a haunting, deeply moving portrayal of the Holocaust, earning critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Mrs. Doubtfire, starring Robin Williams, charmed audiences with its blend of comedy and heartfelt moments, as Williams’ character disguises himself as a nanny to be close to his children. The Fugitive, featuring Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones, kept audiences on the edge of their seats with its intense action and suspense. Meanwhile, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray, offered a unique and humorous exploration of time and self-improvement, becoming a beloved classic with its thoughtful and entertaining storyline.
Here is a list of some popular movies from 1993:
Jurassic Park
Schindler's List
Mrs. Doubtfire
The Fugitive
Groundhog Day
Philadelphia
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Tombstone
Sleepless in Seattle
The Sandlot
These films encompassed a wide range of genres, from thrilling action and animated fantasy to heartfelt dramas and comedies. The releases of 1993 brought innovative storytelling and cinematic advancements, creating movies that continue to be celebrated and enjoyed today.
Styles
Fashion Trends:
Grunge Fashion - Dominated by flannel shirts, ripped jeans, oversized sweaters, combat boots, and thrift-store finds, inspired by Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Baggy Jeans - Particularly popular among teens and skaters, often paired with graphic tees.
Doc Martens - Staple footwear for both grunge and alternative styles.
Crop Tops - Frequently worn by pop stars and emulated by fans.
Overalls - Often styled with one strap undone for a casual, cool vibe.
Floral Dresses - Long, flowy dresses paired with combat boots created a mix of feminine and edgy.
Chokers - Leather or plastic "tattoo" chokers were must-have accessories.
Baseball Caps - Worn backward or as part of casual streetwear.
Velvet Fabric - Dresses, tops, and even shoes featured luxurious velvet.
Denim Everything - Jean jackets, denim skirts, and head-to-toe denim outfits remained popular.
Hairstyles:
Scrunchies - Colorful, oversized hair accessories were everywhere.
Curtain Bangs - Soft, face-framing styles continued their popularity.
Crimped Hair - A fun texture for casual or party looks.
"The Rachel" - Inspired by Jennifer Aniston’s character on Friends, which debuted in 1994 but began gaining influence late in 1993.
Frosted Tips - Popular among men, especially in boy band culture.
Pop Culture Fads:
Pogs - Cardboard discs became a playground obsession.
Troll Dolls - Continued to be a collectible craze.
Super Soakers - Essential summer water guns for kids and teens.
Beanie Babies - Gained traction as collectible toys.
Nickelodeon’s Guts - Kids were captivated by physical challenges and "Aggro Crag."
Jurassic Park - The movie and its merchandise became a massive cultural force.
MTV’s The Real World - Continued to shape reality TV and influence youth culture.
Magic: The Gathering - The first collectible trading card game launched, sparking a new hobby.
Music Trends:
Grunge Music - Nirvana’s In Utero and Pearl Jam’s Vs. defined the era.
Gangsta Rap - Albums like Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle and Dr. Dre’s The Chronic dominated.
Boy Bands - Groups like Boyz II Men soared with hits like "End of the Road."
R&B Renaissance - Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey topped charts with powerful ballads.
Alternative Rock - Bands like Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead gained more traction.
Entertainment:
Jurassic Park - The groundbreaking film became a box-office smash and pop culture phenomenon.
The X-Files - Debuted in 1993, captivating audiences with supernatural and conspiracy themes.
Beavis and Butt-Head - Gained popularity for its irreverent humor and commentary on music videos.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers - A major hit among kids, with accompanying action figures.
Animaniacs - A witty cartoon that appealed to kids and adults alike.
Super Mario Bros. Movie - A cult film adaptation of the popular video game.
Technology and Gadgets:
CD Walkman - Portable CD players were the must-have gadget for music lovers.
Home Computers - Windows 3.1 was a staple in homes as computers became more widespread.
Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) - Dominated gaming alongside Sega Genesis.
Arcade Games - Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter II remained popular in arcades.
Pager Beepers - Still a status symbol for teens and professionals alike.
Lifestyle Trends:
Environmental Awareness - Recycling campaigns and Earth-friendly messaging gained traction.
DIY Crafting - Friendship bracelets, tie-dye, and bead-making were popular hobbies.
Rollerblading - A favorite outdoor activity for teens and adults.
Collecting Comic Books - Fueled by the rise of superhero movies and shows.
Baseball Cards - Still a favorite collectible pastime.
Sports and Recreation:
Michael Jordan Mania - His return to basketball after a short retirement continued to captivate fans.
Skateboarding - Gained further popularity with younger audiences.
World Series and Super Bowl - Major television events with strong cultural influence.
Karate and Martial Arts - A trend influenced by action movies and TV shows.
Cultural Highlights:
Bill Clinton’s Presidency - Captured public attention with his policies and charismatic appeal.
NAFTA Debate - Discussions about the North American Free Trade Agreement dominated political discourse.
Grunge and Youth Rebellion - Reflected a general cultural shift toward anti-establishment ideals.
MTV Unplugged - Acoustic performances from artists like Nirvana became iconic.
Printed Matter
World Events
1993 was marked by major global events that shaped international politics and society. One of the most significant was the signing of the Oslo Accords in September, a historic agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which aimed to bring peace to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This moment was a major step toward reconciliation in the Middle East.
In the United States, Bill Clinton was inaugurated as the 42nd president in January, bringing a new generation of leadership focused on economic reform and healthcare.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the European Single Market came into effect in January, further integrating the economies of the European Union and promoting free trade and movement of goods, people, and capital.
In Africa, South Africa's transition to democracy gained momentum, with the approval of a new interim constitution, setting the stage for Nelson Mandela's presidency in 1994 and the official end of apartheid.
These events reflected significant political, economic, and social transformations across the world in 1993.
The Resulting Art
Briggs Tattoo Interpretation, February 7, 1993.
Presentation: An owl superimposed on a three-triangle design.
Medium: Pen-and-ink on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Cross-hatching.
Toothbrush spatter.
Inspirations:
A concept from the Twin Peaks television series.
Comments:
Published in the official Twin Peaks fan magazine Wrapped In Plastic.
Projected and traced.
Under the Sycamore Trees - Ghostwood, February 19, 1993.
Presentation: Describe the subject of the art.
Medium: Type.
Notable art techniques:
Ex: Cross-hatching.
Inspirations:
Possibly this, or definitely this (Include footnote or link).
Comments:
View back of artwork: 1
Projected and traced.
The World Spins Logo, February 19, 1993.
Presentation: Describe the subject of the art.
Medium: Ink on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Toothbrush spattering.
Inspirations:
Possibly this, or definitely this (Include footnote or link).
Comments:
Illustrated for the Wrapped In Plastic magazine.
View back of artwork: 2
Projected and traced, and drawn free-hand.
The Owls Are Not What They Seem, February 19, 1993.
Presentation: A character from Twin Peaks named Bob looks from the end of a bed with an owl superimposed over his face.
Medium: Ink on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Cross-hatching.
Toothbrush splatter.
Inspirations:
From an episode of the television series.
Comments:
Where the Twain Meet, February 22, 1993.
Presentation: Characters and scenes from the Twin Peaks television series.
Medium: Ink on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Cross-hatching.
Toothbrush spatter.
Inspirations:
Twin Peaks concepts.
Comments:
Submitted to the official Twin Peaks fan magazine Wrapped in Plastic but not used.
Projected and traced, drawn free-hand.
Let Me Out, 1993.
Presentation: A nude man is trapped inside of an imaginary box of his own making.
Medium: Colored pencil on paper.
Comments:
Used myself as a model.
Drawn free-hand.
Portrait of Evil, 1993.
Presentation: Leland Palmer and Bob combined.
Medium: Ink on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Cross-hatching.
Toothbrush spatter.
Inspirations:
Characters from the Twin Peaks television series.
Comments:
Published in the official Twin Peaks fan magazine Wrapped In Plastic.
Projected and traced.
Jennifer Lynch, 1993.
[Image. Remember to add caption.]
Presentation: A portrait of Jennifer Lynch.
Medium: Ink on paper.
Notable art techniques:
Ex: Cross-hatching.
Inspirations:
Possibly this, or definitely this (Include footnote or link).
Comments:
View artwork framed: 5
Projected and traced.
Title, 1993.
[Image. Remember to add caption.]
Presentation: Describe the subject of the art.
Medium: Type.
Notable art techniques:
Ex: Cross-hatching.
Inspirations:
Possibly this, or definitely this (Include footnote or link).
Comments:
Viewpoint and memories about the art.
Projected and traced. Drawn free-hand.
© L.HUNT
THERE’S MORE TO THIS STORY!
The fully illustrated, printed book Finding My Way In the Art World: Book 23, 1993 is available HERE.
Finding My Way In the Art World Soundtrack: Book 23, 1993 is available HERE.
The Songs:
ARCHIVAL NOTES FOR BOOKS 1–23 This section contains cataloged references to all figures, uncut home movie QR codes, and supporting materials spanning the first twenty-three books of this series. Each entry is labeled with a unique archival number for cross-reference in the index.
Archival Note AN 1.001
Uncut Super 8 footage, March 1966. Family at Eagle Mountain trailer. Related edited video: Fig. 1.018.
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Chapter 24: 1994
Life Events | Merchandise | Music | Television | Movies | Styles | Printed Matter | World Events | The Resulting Art
