Art and Italian food in affirming community

What a ride it was this weekend!

A visit to the Insight for the solo exhibit of mixed media works of urban artist Alexander Smith - a gentle low-key gathering -; followed by a stop at Altered Space Gallery on Abbot Kinney, to look at new works by Michele Mikesell, entitled “Chapter 3: Disambiguate”. One can tell artists as Dubuffet, Klee, Miro, among others, have influenced her. Let the child in you emerge.

Hot ticket was The Distillery, where artists MB Boissonnault, Judy Nimtz, Gary Palmer, and Jim Budman opened their studios for friends, art lovers and alike.

Judy’s recent, merely realistic paintings are the result of a plain-air trip through Istanbul, Paris and Normandy. Exotic escapism for some moments, directing my eyes to a figurative piece of a dancer, the dancer in me favors it. The eclectic crowd and plentiful of libations kept the energy moving in various ways. My travels on Sunday afternoon led me to Alessandra’s most stylish house and garden, for her goodbye lunch before she leaves for Italy for a few months. On the menu: an array of delicious homemade, authentic Italian platters, evoking the senses. Mama Mia! Not to speak of the Italian vibes that floated around, (predominant Italian) chatter – love to listen to it! - laughter, music … all guests shared in the enjoyments of the simple things in life.

Even if the sunshine was sparse, the warmth felt by these gathered friends and neighbors felt wonderful. Festa d’Alessandra…grazie!

City of Lights, City of Angels

Also known as COLCOA, a week of French film premieres in Hollywood. I love French films and since we don’t get to see them in Los Angeles that often, I usually like to check out a few of the latest French films “not to be missed.”

On Tuesday evening, my friend and I headed out to the Directors Guild of America pour une soirée de cinema.

Escaping into another world for a couple of hours, mingling with the French community of Los Angeles, enjoying some French conversation (read: small talk) – Bonsoir, comment-ça va? –, to see and be seen. And to partake in a famous aspect of the French joie de vivre, sipping a glass of wine, at the cocktail reception thrown by the Ile de France French Film Commission and Variety, before the screening of “Tete de Turc”.

Happy I don’t need subtitles to watch French films, I couldn’t help to let out a slightly indignant shout when catching the translation of the film’s title: “Turk’s Head”. So off! It’s kinda a play of words in French, and hard to literally translate into English. But in case you’re wondering … the closest it gets is “Bone Head”.

PERSIST

Reading a definition in the Merriam-Webster dictionary: “to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning”. Does that reflect in many ways my personality? Must admit.

It is also the title of a new book by Peter Clothier: “Persist, in praise of the creative spirit in a world gone mad with commerce.” His latest book is a collection of essays, written over the past thirty years, addressing in a variety of ways the predicament of the artist in a cultural climate in which celebrity and established commercial track record too often count for more than talent and quality of work.

I attended a lecture this weekend by the author and writing coach at Arena 1 Gallery. What struck me is that he is against the “artist statement”. Just “do it”, and be persistent with your “personal, creative practice”, says Peter.

Wouldn’t call it an artist statement per se, yet Michele D. Lee “began a serious pursuit of painting to relieve the stress and tension that accompanies her high powered job”. Since her work, figurative abstracts of moving nudes, inspired by dancers, resonates with me, I dropped by The Happening Gallery where Michele is part of a group show, on Saturday eve. We exchanged some interesting thoughts about the energy emerged from dancing and creating art.

Shifting the artistic palate to an oenological one, with a nice wine tasting and good conversation on a beautiful deck overviewing the ocean, to end a motivational weekend.

To persist through creativity, cheers to that!

The Process of Reinvention

On this sunny day I met with my friend Barbara for a walk on the beach. She lives most of the time in Mexico and I hadn’t seen her in over a year. Her creativity flows in several directions: actress, documentary filmmaker, teaching theater and mind/body energy workshops, to name a few. She also has that “bohemian” fire in her.

We talked about our challenges and struggles in life right now. Barbara verbalized some very interesting philosophical insights. To be added to my list of (daily) positive affirmations. Well, her uplifting energy created good karma. Encouraging voicemail and email awaited me back home.

This evening, I ventured to a well hidden treasure, “The Urban Craft Center” on Main Street, for a book signing and art exhibit by Michael de Meng. Love the title of his book, “Dusty Diablos”. De Meng discussed the philosophy of transforming landfill-bound junk into rustic and mysterious works of art. Michael revealed some of the secrets of his unique process of reinvention, as well as the inspiration behind his strange and demented artwork.

Creative approach of reinvention and transformation, the way to go!

Creating the Venice Labyrinth Park

This afternoon I rode my bike a few blocks down to meet with artist Robin Murin and see the Labyrinth Park she is creating on the corner of 6^th and Juan here in Venice. Very intriguing...

Robin is the founder of “Venice Public Art”. It brings together creative and active individuals and businesses to beautify and build community ties through public art and green space projects throughout Venice.

The current project is transforming this blighted lot into a beautiful and fascinating neighborhood park with in-ground labyrinth. What a wonderful initiative! It combines art, environmental awareness, spirituality, in building community…

Everyone is invited to help create, on Tuesday, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm.

The big inaugural celebration of the Venice Labyrinth Park will take place on May 1, coinciding with the World Labyrinth Day and the Venice Garden & Home tour.

Swing by!

From Beckett, and the Bohemian Exchange to modern dance class

What keeps me going this weekend?

Yesterday’s evening Gerry Fialka’s “Messin’ with Beckett” at Beyond Baroque. A bizarre concoction of readings, music, a video of a “Waiting for Godot” play, a Bunuel-esk short silent film by Beckett featuring Buster Keaton (!), audience participation … absurd, not exactly uplifting my senses.

Looking forward to tonight’s first anniversary of the “Bohemian Exchange” on Abbot Kinney. Deborah’s cozy store carries cool, fun and colorful gypsy kinda clothing. Her warm heart and music by the Seventh Ray should incite the bohemian fire in me.

Can’t wait to attend Fannie’s modern/contemporary dance class tomorrow!

Mind, body, somatic connection: fall, release, suspend and expressing myself in true modern dance. That’s what I need! Fannie implements a unique combination of technique, body awareness and fun! At times she challenges you in an encouraging way... Her positive comments and energy are truly inspiring!

More info here: fanniekalis.blogspot.com