The S.B. Questionnaire: Norman Lowe

Norman Lowe is the incredibly congenial venue manager of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s movie theater during SBIFF.

He’s been a film fest volunteer for decades, and inspires all with his joie de vivre and professionalism. Every time I run into him, he’s looking after fest-goers with genuine warmth and care. It’s clear that everybody loves “Stormin’ Norman.”

During the rest of the year, Norm is a mechanical technician at Electro Optical Industries in Goleta. I’m glad he answered the Proust Questionnaire.

What is your most marked characteristic?

The ability to make friends and converse with anyone.

What is your current state of mind?

Euphoria! Hey, it’s film festival time — it doesn’t get any better than this.

Who do you most admire?

This was a no brainer. Martin Luther King Jr. The courage and strength he had, in those times. Wow! Amazing. My hero.

What do you like most about your job?

I like the work environment. I get along with my co-workers, and having every other Friday off is awesome!

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I don’t know if there is such a thing but there are perfect moments. Being with someone you love, on a island resort, having a Fireball, with no care in the world. That would be perfect!

What is your greatest fear?

The fear of heights. Rollercoasters, driving San Marcos pass, walking on the pier. They’re all nerve-racking to me.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I bought a car for a woman I lived with. We’re no longer together and I got stuck with a car I really didn’t want. Ouch!

What is the quality you most like in people?

Trust is huge with me. You can’t form any type of relationship without it and you won’t be a part of my universe if I can’t trust you.

What is the quality you most dislike in people?

Selfishness. People who care only about themselves with no regard to the effect it has on other.

What do you most value in friends?

Their loyalty. A friend, to me, is someone who cares about you unconditionally. No matter your faults. Right or wrong. They are always there for you.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“Whoop Whoop!” I actually stole this phrase from a friend and I’m not giving it back.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I could swim. I had a near drowning experience when I was younger and I’ve been afraid of water ever since.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I would grow my hair back. It would be gray, of course…hmmm…okay, nevermind.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Raising my ex- girlfriend’s children. Four boys. I don’t have children of my own. First time father. Wow! I didn’t think I could do it but I did. It was an amazing experience.

Where would you most like to live?

Japan. The people, the culture, the history, the architecture. It’s just a beautiful country.

What is your most treasured possession?

My mint copy of Journey into Mystery, which has the first appearance of Thor. $$$$!

Who makes you laugh the most?

Ha! Ha! My family! Each of them is a character unto themselves. When we are all together it doesn’t take much to make us laugh.

What is your motto?

“The crows sing to me.”

On what occasion do you lie?

When it is to ease the pain for someone else.