Purplebflogirl said:

pricetag said:

Vashtix said:

We did not the piece as it was to be displayed.

.

Clearly the art was not meant for you or I

.

Denise was talented and I do not understand the need to belittle her talent or discount her as an artist.

It's not about belittling her, or whatever. If everyone were a bunch of baying sycophants in this world...then where would we be? In your world, any old tosh would get praise simply because you didn't want to hurt a person's feelings. I'm sure Vanity was very nice but she weren't no sculptor. The piece is ridiculous and silly...and one should be allowed to say that.

It was done for Prince not to go in an art museum. Look at that crap Susannah is selling. It is more proof that they were still in communication long after PR days.

anangellooksdown said:

purplefam99 said:

This piece of art seems so Prince. Seems like it would fit right in His Purple Rain bedroom. Makes sense why it broke his heart when she decided Not to be apart of something that she obviously helped inspire.

I think other peoples creativity was so important to him at a very deep heart level, because he knew what his meant to him.

There is more involved in this piece than anyone could know.

.

A few months back I was trying to tell Debbie about something Denise had written and about a box (for a small coffee table photo book and CD w/ a PDF file of Blame it on Vanity) she had designed, which she had made a few prototypes with gold labels that read "The Black Box."

The story and the box had the same name, but Debbie only heard the name and began telling me a story about neither.

What she said and described could only be a description of Denise making this sculpture... that it is (the first) The Black Box

.

The woman and the baby... I won't speculate, as many do seem to appreciate the symbolism in her creative reasoning for each meaningful piece.

.

The contract? I'd be guessing. But if he knew... if Regis and Kathy Lee knew... if you know what to look for, there is enough DNA in that sculpture to clone him; if that is The Black Box.

.

Nothing too gross... as far as I know.

.

.

"He's obsessed with me but he could never love anyone more than he loves himself."

Circa late 80's.

Evidently their obsession was mutual.

Toban said:

Vashtix said:

Toban said:

There is more involved in this piece than anyone could know.

.

A few months back I was trying to tell Debbie about something Denise had written and about a box (for a small coffee table photo book and CD w/ a PDF file of Blame it on Vanity) she had designed, which she had made a few prototypes with gold labels that read "The Black Box."

The story and the box had the same name, but Debbie only heard the name and began telling me a story about neither.

What she said and described could only be a description of Denise making this sculpture... that it is (the first) The Black Box

.

The woman and the baby... I won't speculate, as many do seem to appreciate the symbolism in her creative reasoning for each meaningful piece.

.

The contract? I'd be guessing. But if he knew... if Regis and Kathy Lee knew... if you know what to look for, there is enough DNA in that sculpture to clone him; if that is The Black Box.

.

Nothing too gross... as far as I know.

.

.

"He's obsessed with me but he could never love anyone more than he loves himself."

Circa late 80's.

Evidently their obsession was mutual.

So much I am curious about with this sculpture. Is this sculpture the jewelry box spoken of before?

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

Vashtix said:

Toban said:

There is more involved in this piece than anyone could know.

.

A few months back I was trying to tell Debbie about something Denise had written and about a box (for a small coffee table photo book and CD w/ a PDF file of Blame it on Vanity) she had designed, which she had made a few prototypes with gold labels that read "The Black Box."

The story and the box had the same name, but Debbie only heard the name and began telling me a story about neither.

What she said and described could only be a description of Denise making this sculpture... that it is (the first) The Black Box

.

The woman and the baby... I won't speculate, as many do seem to appreciate the symbolism in her creative reasoning for each meaningful piece.

.

The contract? I'd be guessing. But if he knew... if Regis and Kathy Lee knew... if you know what to look for, there is enough DNA in that sculpture to clone him; if that is The Black Box.

.

Nothing too gross... as far as I know.

.

.

"He's obsessed with me but he could never love anyone more than he loves himself."

Circa late 80's.

Evidently their obsession was mutual.

So much I am curious about with this sculpture. Is this sculpture the jewelry box spoken of before?

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

It is interesting/intriguing to tryto understand what was the pull that keep whatever it was between them going for decades.

pnv said:

Toban said:

So much I am curious about with this sculpture. Is this sculpture the jewelry box spoken of before?

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

[/ Thank u for this.... Simply put. I believe Denise was the love of his life....sometimes a break up can be so painful and heart- breaking. But finding a way to keep that person in your life can make it so much bearable.

Something kept them close for a long time.

Vashtix said:

It is interesting/intriguing to tryto understand what was the pull that keep whatever it was between them going for decades.

pnv said:

Toban said:

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

[/ Thank u for this.... Simply put. I believe Denise was the love of his life....sometimes a break up can be so painful and heart- breaking. But finding a way to keep that person in your life can make it so much bearable.

Toban said:

Vashtix said:

Toban said: So much I am curious about with this sculpture. Is this sculpture the jewelry box spoken of before?

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

Thank you Toban. A lifelong fan of Vanity's uploaded this Regis and Kathy video from his personal collection for the first time to the Facebook group, 'Prince And Vanity Fan Club,' because he thought the description of the jewelry box we were talking about fit this sculpture that she showed off on this show that he begged his sister to tape in 1990 while he was in summer school. The video since took on a life of its own making the rounds on YouTube and to all Vanity and Prince-related sites, but when it was first uploaded to the Prince and Vanity fan club group a few weeks ago, it was due in comparison to the jewelry box. The sculpture opens up like a jewelry box and fits the description heard of it, so most of us thought it was indeed the jewelry box spoken about. Have you seen the Jewelry box she made for Prince? Is it similar in appearance?

*

Denise was such a paradoxical artist. This piece is mystifying and intricately beautiful, interlaced with the couples bond and history - all at once putting to rest, the rumors that she only had a brief association with Prince, the rumors of false statements from books that made her out to be a non-essential part of his life. This Regis and Kathy show was aired in 1990. Vanity was promoting 'Memories Of Murder' in this video. It was the first original movie produced for the Lifetime Television Network. Due to the film's popularity, the movie was subsequently released on VHS and DVD on July 31, 1990. She still spoke of Prince as being an immediate part of her life in that year. Prince wrote up a contract to hold on to the piece. It meant a lot to him. Knowing that this was not the actual jewelry box he kept in his bedroom, it's clear this sculpture wasn't the only piece he had of hers that meant a lot… Prince was the first to do the demolishing of false rumors about them when he told us that he used to love her deeply at his tribute to her… (though we still never hear about that tribute in any of the books…) They had a lifelong connection and I love how these little truths are finally coming forward chipping away at prior misconceptions about Prince and Vanity's relationship…. The woman and the baby placed to protect him… Deep. Just another conundrum left for us to ponder what is the anomaly between Prince and Vanity /Denise Matthews…

[Edited 12/27/17 15:44pm]

Toban said:

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

Could the sculpture she had in storage in the 2 storage boxes, be something that possible Prince made her?

[Edited 12/27/17 16:09pm]

luvgirl said:

Toban said:

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

Thank you Toban. A lifelong fan of Vanity's uploaded this Regis and Kathy video from his personal collection for the first time to the Facebook group, 'Prince And Vanity Fan Club,' because he thought the description of the jewelry box we were talking about fit this sculpture that she showed off on this show that he begged his sister to tape in 1990 while he was in summer school. The video since took on a life of its own making the rounds on YouTube and to all Vanity and Prince-related sites, but when it was first uploaded to the Prince and Vanity fan club group a few weeks ago, it was due in comparison to the jewelry box. The sculpture opens up like a jewelry box and fits the description heard of it, so most of us thought it was indeed the jewelry box spoken about. Have you seen the Jewelry box she made for Prince? Is it similar in appearance?

*

Denise was such a paradoxical artist. This piece is mystifying and intricately beautiful, interlaced with the couples bond and history - all at once putting to rest, the rumors that she only had a brief association with Prince, the rumors of false statements from books that made her out to be a non-essential part of his life. This Regis and Kathy show was aired in 1990. Vanity was promoting 'Memories Of Murder' in this video. It was the first original movie produced for the Lifetime Television Network. Due to the film's popularity, the movie was subsequently released on VHS and DVD on July 31, 1990. She still spoke of Prince as being an immediate part of her life in that year. Prince wrote up a contract to hold on to the piece. It meant a lot to him. Knowing that this was not the actual jewelry box he kept in his bedroom, it's clear this sculpture wasn't the only piece he had of hers that meant a lot… Prince was the first to do the demolishing of false rumors about them when he told us that he used to love her deeply at his tribute to her… (though we still never hear about that tribute in any of the books…) They had a lifelong connection and I love how these little truths are finally coming forward chipping away at prior misconceptions about Prince and Vanity's relationship…. The woman and the baby placed to protect him… Deep. Just another conundrum left for us to ponder what is the anomaly between Prince and Vanity /Denise Matthews…

[Edited 12/27/17 15:44pm]

Thank you for sharing the history of the video.

DeBorah originally told me the story about the box, that was covered with pearls, that Denise had made and that her white snake lived in, over 20 years ago. If it was referred to as a jewelry box it was not because of what it was used for but because of the image or design she had placed on it (i.e. family jewels). This doesn’t appear to be that.

However, this sculpture, the Black Box that DeBorah mentioned and the jewelry box that has been mentioned in other threads is most likely to be one and the same.

DeBorah would not have thought of this sculpture as a jewelry box, nor would she have called it a jewelry box.

Although it would make sense that it was eventually used as a jewelry box.

Toban said:

Vashtix said:

Toban said: So much I am curious about with this sculpture. Is this sculpture the jewelry box spoken of before?

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

.

Denise was an artist long before she was known for anything else. She was always creative, an original in everything she did.

If you notice her wardrobe, how it's often spoken of at the beginning of most (Hollywood) interviews? To quickly move past the superficial discussion of how she looked or how beautiful she was, she is deliberate, she controls the opening conversation by redirecting attention from her (sexy) self to her (creative) self and what she has created in what she is wearing when she walks out on stage.

That was her comfort zone… her creativity, her art.

.

She made most of her clothes mainly by modifying some old vintage piece, a man’s suit coat or a very large outfit. She created all the graphics for her book and many more which were not used. She made 80 plus original paintings for her poetry.

Her storage was filled with arts and crafts materials, blank canvases, paints, stamps, various types of paper stock, glue guns, etc.…

Back in 2013 she gave me a container filled with beads, pearls, amber, and jewelry (mostly broken), pieces I now see in her photos (like the “V” pin in her hat).

.

There is something similar to this sculpture that was in her storage. I didn’t think much of it because it didn’t appear to me that is was something she created. It was too fragile, seemed more like a gift, and she had it protected within two see through boxes. So I briefly wondered who gave it to her and why she kept it.

For now it’s just one of a 1000 things I’ve wondered about regarding some of the items in her storage.

.

The sculpture itself should not be as significant as when (the year) she was creating it and what she was saying about his observations, questions and comments about it as her was making it.

This should help establish that they continued to see each other 6 or 7 years longer than most knew, that they kept their relationship a secret, and that they continued keeping that secret a secret long after; which makes sense if they remained close.

.

It’s easy for everyone to understand and even explain why Prince initially noticed and was attracted to Denise back in January 1982 and why he deeply loved her. What about in 1985, 1988, 89, 90, 2000’s… what was it about her, why?

I understand…

I understand that he loved her, had been in love with her, but it should be obvious that he also really liked her and liked her in his life.

After... It seems for the first time he was willing to share Denise, to tell what it was about her and share what she meant to him.

.

The sculpture just might be too cryptic to ever fully understand.

Hey Toban, thank you for clearing up about this sculpture not being the jewelry box. I know there was some banter about it on the net because the sculpture could open and close. Still, it did not fit the description you gave a few months back, about it being so big and heavy, that Prince could not move it.

*

Anyway, if I may and if you know, why did they feel the need to keep their relationship and then friendship a secret for long after? Would their relationship/friendship have been compromised due to the media? Prince was very private and feel much of what we were shown was part of the "show". I just wonder for the need for secrecy.

PennyPurple said:

Could the sculpture she had in storage in the 2 storage boxes, be something that possible Prince made her?

[Edited 12/27/17 16:09pm]

There might be enough clues in its design to determine who made it.

First of which would be the top label, which reads "Our Love Is Here to Stay" Ira Gershwin.

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I recognize many of the materials she used in her sculpture from the container of items she had given me back in 2013. I have never seen any of the materials used to decorate the box in storage.

.

When I have time I'll post a few pictures of the other items someone might recognize.

Toban said:

PennyPurple said:

Could the sculpture she had in storage in the 2 storage boxes, be something that possible Prince made her?

[Edited 12/27/17 16:09pm]

There might be enough clues in its design to determine who made it.

First of which would be the top label, which reads "Our Love Is Here to Stay" Ira Gershwin.

.

I recognize many of the materials she used in her sculpture from the container of items she had given me back in 2013. I have never seen any of the materials used to decorate the box in storage.

.

When I have time I'll post a few pictures of the other items someone might recognize.

Thank you Toban.

Toban said:

Toban said:

luvgirl said:

Thank you Toban. A lifelong fan of Vanity's uploaded this Regis and Kathy video from his personal collection for the first time to the Facebook group, 'Prince And Vanity Fan Club,' because he thought the description of the jewelry box we were talking about fit this sculpture that she showed off on this show that he begged his sister to tape in 1990 while he was in summer school. The video since took on a life of its own making the rounds on YouTube and to all Vanity and Prince-related sites, but when it was first uploaded to the Prince and Vanity fan club group a few weeks ago, it was due in comparison to the jewelry box. The sculpture opens up like a jewelry box and fits the description heard of it, so most of us thought it was indeed the jewelry box spoken about. Have you seen the Jewelry box she made for Prince? Is it similar in appearance?

*

Denise was such a paradoxical artist. This piece is mystifying and intricately beautiful, interlaced with the couples bond and history - all at once putting to rest, the rumors that she only had a brief association with Prince, the rumors of false statements from books that made her out to be a non-essential part of his life. This Regis and Kathy show was aired in 1990. Vanity was promoting 'Memories Of Murder' in this video. It was the first original movie produced for the Lifetime Television Network. Due to the film's popularity, the movie was subsequently released on VHS and DVD on July 31, 1990. She still spoke of Prince as being an immediate part of her life in that year. Prince wrote up a contract to hold on to the piece. It meant a lot to him. Knowing that this was not the actual jewelry box he kept in his bedroom, it's clear this sculpture wasn't the only piece he had of hers that meant a lot… Prince was the first to do the demolishing of false rumors about them when he told us that he used to love her deeply at his tribute to her… (though we still never hear about that tribute in any of the books…) They had a lifelong connection and I love how these little truths are finally coming forward chipping away at prior misconceptions about Prince and Vanity's relationship…. The woman and the baby placed to protect him… Deep. Just another conundrum left for us to ponder what is the anomaly between Prince and Vanity /Denise Matthews…

[Edited 12/27/17 15:44pm]

Thank you for sharing the history of the video.

DeBorah originally told me the story about the box, that was covered with pearls, that Denise had made and that her white snake lived in, over 20 years ago. If it was referred to as a jewelry box it was not because of what it was used for but because of the image or design she had placed on it (i.e. family jewels). This doesn’t appear to be that.

However, this sculpture, the Black Box that DeBorah mentioned and the jewelry box that has been mentioned in other threads is most likely to be one and the same.

DeBorah would not have thought of this sculpture as a jewelry box, nor would she have called it a jewelry box.

Although it would make sense that it was eventually used as a jewelry box.

Oh wow, so the box got the name jewelry box due to the "family jewel" design on it? Interesting! I had to laugh when I read that and also about the white snake living in it. Too funny! Only something V would do for sure! I'm still a little confused on which box you think he kept in his bedroom though. Are you saying that this might indeed be the box he kept in his bedroom or do you think it was the one with the "family jewel" on it?

[Edited 12/29/17 16:07pm]

Toban said:

Vashtix said:

Toban said: So much I am curious about with this sculpture. Is this sculpture the jewelry box spoken of before?

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

Hi LuvGirl

Not trying to over extend but TOB explained it is not the Jewelry box but I agree it is interesting that Vanity kept the snake in the jewelrybox type box.

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Vanity was one of a kind.

[Edited 12/29/17 17:07pm]

Vashtix said:

Toban said:

No. Not the jewelry box.

DeBorah had mentioned a number of pieces Denise had made for him over the years.

I wonder if DeBorah would be interested in visiting Paisley Park.

Hi LuvGirl

Not trying to over extend but TOB explained it is not the Jewelry box but I agree it is interesting that Vanity kept the snake in the jewelrybox type box.

.

Vanity was one of a kind.

[Edited 12/29/17 17:07pm]

Hello Vastix. Yes, I understand about the jewel box being different from this sculpture. That's not what I was asking Toban.

purplefam99 said:

Toban said:

There might be enough clues in its design to determine who made it.

First of which would be the top label, which reads "Our Love Is Here to Stay" Ira Gershwin.

.

I recognize many of the materials she used in her sculpture from the container of items she had given me back in 2013. I have never seen any of the materials used to decorate the box in storage.

.

When I have time I'll post a few pictures of the other items someone might recognize.

Thank you for your time and thoughts.

These photos were taken earlier. I’ve only been home for 2 or 3 days since Dec. 27th and haven’t had time to go to my storage to reexamine this box.

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As mentioned, I didn’t think much about it when I first saw it in April 2016. I probably reacted the same way you are right now.

I thought it was odd and wondered why she made it.

Then a second thought, that maybe she didn’t, but who would have known to give her something like this and why did she keep it? Both the gift and her keeping it seemed too sentimental, like an arts and crafts Mother’s or Father’s Day project you keep for years because your child made it.

.

Except for telling DeBorah about it when she mentioned the Black Box (which is why I even bother to take more pictures) I hadn’t thought about this strange box since I first saw it until this thread was posted and I saw the video.

.

Today, when looking at these pictures I did notice a date inside the box and thought, if in fact Denise did make it, maybe it was to display something sentimental.

.

Raspberry Beret 3:56

All speculation? Perhaps… thus far.

It’s just another of many questions and curiosities that were uniquely them.

Thanks for posting the pictures Toban.

Hi Toban,

I've only just read this thread and would like to thank you for taking the time to take and post the pictures.

Do you think Prince made this for Denise?­­ It certainly has a lot of things that relate to him, butterflies, birds, flowers and what really do look like his cuff links from the Raspberry Beret video. The other piece of jewellery is interesting too, I'll be scabby eyed looking out for that, Are they pink crosses or is it just that the picture is stretched?

Whoever made this spent a lot of time and effort and Denise must've had a huge sentimental attachment to it.

What a nice story.

Toban said:

Toban said:

These photos were taken earlier. I’ve only been home for 2 or 3 days since Dec. 27th and haven’t had time to go to my storage to reexamine this box.

.

As mentioned, I didn’t think much about it when I first saw it in April 2016. I probably reacted the same way you are right now.

I thought it was odd and wondered why she made it.

Then a second thought, that maybe she didn’t, but who would have known to give her something like this and why did she keep it? Both the gift and her keeping it seemed too sentimental, like an arts and crafts Mother’s or Father’s Day project you keep for years because your child made it.

.

Except for telling DeBorah about it when she mentioned the Black Box (which is why I even bother to take more pictures) I hadn’t thought about this strange box since I first saw it until this thread was posted and I saw the video.

.

Today, when looking at these pictures I did notice a date inside the box and thought, if in fact Denise did make it, maybe it was to display something sentimental.

.

Raspberry Beret 3:56

All speculation? Perhaps… thus far.

It’s just another of many questions and curiosities that were uniquely them.

What an interesting connection between the cuff links in Raspberry Beret video and the pieces in this beautifully designed box. I wonder if the brooch showed up somewhere too? Anyway, thank you for sharing this with us.