Famous Nappers 3

Salvador Dalí: master of the non-nap and progenitor of the "slumber with a key" technique

In 1948, Salvador Dalí, one of the best known surrealist painters and himself a Spaniard, published 50 Secrets of Magic Craftsmanship, consecrated to “sav[ing] Modern Art from chaos and laziness.” We’ve talked at length about napping and laziness, and I think it’s noteworthy that in this effort to combat laziness, he provides detailed napping instructions.

La persistència de la memòria by Salvador Dalí (no rights asserted as to image). Clearly painted by a well-rested man.

Dalí’s instructions:

1. Sit in a bony armchair (preferably Spanish style)

2. Tilt your head back and rest it on the chair back

3. Hang your hands off the chair arms and relax them completely

4. Delicately hold a heavy key between your left thumb and forefinger

5. Relax, nod off, and let the key fall from your hands and wake you

Dalí says that this kind of nap need only take less than a quarter of a second (“sleeping without sleeping,” he says). He warns that anything longer would be harmful to your work. Interesting, as we typically go 20-60 min. Will have to give it a shot.

Salvador Dalí and John Waters c/o Atomic Books 1989 (no rights asserted as to image). Who wins the stache off? Obv the answer is John Oates circa 1975 or Sam Elliott any time since 1989’s Road House or I suppose Dennis Farina any time ever or Nicolas Cage when he has a fake stache in Face Off. Fun story: almost 10 years ago, I was in Baltimore for work and to visit a friend. I went to The Brewer’s Art for dinner and a beer, and as I was walking in, John Waters was walking out. It was the most Baltimore thing ever.

Dalí is off his chain in this piece — going to dive in further in a future post.