Atwater Village Park/ LA River

Silverlake Meadow

no strangers @ The Annenburg Space for Photography

Small, intimate space. Well composed exhibition and a noteworthy documentary on indigenous culture around the world.

FYI- Always free admission and validated parking!

Paul Landacre @ PMCA

Under the Influence @ El Camino CC

Check it out at 16007 crenshaw blvd, Torrance, ca 90506.

Elysian Park

We painted at Elysian Park just off of Stadium Way. This location has an amazing view of downtown and a full tree-scape of palm trees. I opted for the palm trees because I have a fear of straight edges. 

Driving Directions: 

If you are coming from the 5 freeway direction (north to south) you will want to take Stadium Way into Elysian Park and drive about one or two miles.At the first intersection, take a right and park there under the big trees. There should be a sign that reads "Grace E. Simons Lodge". Do not go to the lodge. Walk directly up the grassy hill to the top (approx. 100 yards).

If you are coming from Dodger Stadium (south to north) Follow Stadium Way about two or three miles to our destination. Stadium Way will pass through some giant palm trees on both sides of the street just past a street called Scott.Then to continue on stadium Way you must take a quick right at the stop sign, then another quick left at the second stop sign. This zig zag turn at the stop signs is only about about 20 yards long. Continue on Stadium Way (north) to the first intersection and take a left.There should be a sign that reads "Grace E. Simons Lodge" at the intersection on the left. Do not go to the lodge.

Park at that intersection just on the left (west) and take a short hike up the hill to the painting destination.

Vista Hermosa Park, Echo Park

We spent this chilly Saturday at Vista Hermosa Park, Echo Park painting. My fingers were frozen by the end of the session but it was worth it. I highly recommend this vista point, which has only been in existence for 4 years!

Vista Hermosa Park, just off of Glendale Blvd.  The address is: 100 N. Toluca St., Los Angeles, CA 90026 

Here is a webpage for the park: http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=672

Park in the lot and walk up the ramp to the grassy area to get a great view of Downtown LA.

September is back to painting month!

It's been awhile since I last painted so I enrolled myself into a plein air (outdoor painting) class, at Barnsdall Art Center, to motivate myself.

Our first class was this Saturday at Barnsdall Park, in a secluded area wig full access to a view of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith observatory. It was one of the hottest days of this summer; my hands were so sweaty underneath my gloves that all 10 of my fibers turned into prunes! However, it was worth every minute being able to paint outdoors and complete a piece!

Title: Barnsdall Park
Medium: oil on canvas
Date: Saturday, September 15, 2012

Photo print, Attempt #2 & #3

I'm currently working on photo prints and for some odd reason, a weird water blotch keep reappearing on my print. The first one is very dark and cold, while the second one has an eery feeling to it. Hopefully, the 4th plate will be successful. 

This print is from a photo of a drawing of my grandparents in their mid 20's. The drawing was created by a local artist from their hometown, who had an amazing talent to draw portraits from memory.

Collograph, attempt 1

Laura Stickney, My Awesome Printmaking Teacher

     

My AWESOME printmaking teacher, Laura Stickney, presents her illustrated epic poem about the inter-continental flight of aviator, Amelia Earhart, as well as etchings depicting early American quilts paired with historical women’s faces (see above) at the In Tandem exhibition, now until March 9, 2012 at the El Camino Art Gallery, located in Torrance, CA. 

In tandem with her partner, Vilma Mendillo, they combine efforts to produce elegant accordion-folded books by Stickney presented in beautifully crafted boxes designed and built by Mendillo.  

Movie Club: It Happened One Night

My friends and I decided to start a movie club so we can all get together every few weeks to watch a movie (preferably something none of us have seen), make some food, and enjoy one another's company. Because we're suckers for romantic comedies, we decided on It Happened One Night. It's an extremely beautiful film that captures the cultural and historical significance of the 1930s. I highly recommend it!

National Cherry Blossom Festival

Regardless of the lingering winter breeze, the blossoms never fail to bloom every year for two weeks. The blossoms are absolutely breathtaking, particularly with its branches stretching toward the tidal basin. I've made my way to Washington DC twice- despite the crowds and a treacherous bus ride- just to see the blossoms and my good friend, Jon, of course. 

Source: http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/

The Divine Sister

Upon watching The Divine Sister, I anticipated this to be a story of a transvestite who became a nun. I did get one thing right- the nun was a man, but he was definitely not a transvestite. Overall, very "kitschy" but entertaining. Definitely check it out during the 20at20 deal (http://www.20at20.com/).

Resource: http://www.divinesisteronstage.com/

What Happens When The Lights Go Out at PLAY DEAD?

I had to take advantage of 20at20 week, in which participating Off-Broadway shows were only $20! Not your typical play but Robbins, the guide for the evening, draws you into a dark, haunted experience of surprises, screaming, and laughter. Through storytelling and stage illusions, you test your nerves and face your fears of the returning dead.

Source: http://www.playdeadnyc.com/

The Art of the Steal

A well-executed documentary capturing the struggle for Dr. Albert C. Barnes' 25 BILLION DOLLAR collection of modern and post-impressionist art.

Next Stop: Barnes Foundation, PA!

OMGoodness, Usher!

Despite Usher's reputation as a womanizer, he is truly a talented, captivating performer! He definitely works his sex appeal via stripping down to his bare six-pack and thrusting, I mean dancing skills. As much as I cringed during these moments, I was amazed by his capability to draw so many women, of all ages, to scream, dance, and reminisce back to their 8th grade slow dance.

Highlights: remix of all his greatest hits, special guest: Justin Bieber and of course, the amazing choreography.

Rubin Museum of Art: Art of the Himalayas

Located on West 17th, between 6th and 7th avenue, the Rubin Museum exhibits the largest Western collection of Himalayan art. Absolutely beautiful and moving!

FYI, they also have great programs such as "K2 Fridays" where the cafe is transformed into a lounge from 6-10pm! Free admission as well!

Source: http://www.rmanyc.org

Toshiko Nishikawa: Senbazuru @ The Vilcek Foundation

A trip to the Vilcek Foundation was initiated by my students, who first learned about the Toshiko Nishikawa's exhibition via facebook. I was ecstatic to learn about their desire to immerse themselves into the Japanese culture through their own means, particularly in the arts. The Vilcek Foundation was founded by two immigrant lovers, a biomedical scientist and art historian, who wanted to create opportunities for immigrants like themselves. The Foundation achieves its mission through hosting immigrant artists and performers at their gallery space in NYC, such as Toshiko Nishikawa.

Senbazuru, a interactive installation by Toshiko Nishikawa, offered viewers to see oneself in 1,000 different ways (senbazuru is Japanese for "1,000 origami cranes" and refers to a prayer for others' health and happiness). Each of the 1,000 orbs, which are also hand-painted by the artist, is connected to those around it, and by peering into the concave mirror contained within each orb, visitors not only see themselves, but become linked to those standing nearby. As a viewer, the idea of interconnectedness on a global level truly unveils as I see my students, who are from the South Bronx, place themselves in the perspective of those surrounding them, as well as the artist.

Source: http://www.vilcek.org/gallery/on-view-now/index.html

Learning to Love You More Assignments @ SFMOMA

Learning to Love You More, Miranda July & Harell Fletcher

Miranda July has always caught my eye in some way or another and it was no surprise when I gravitated toward this piece, Learning to Love You More, at SFMOMA. 

70. Say goodbye.

69. Climb to the top of a tree and take a picture of the view.

68. Feel the news.

67. Repair something.

66. Make a field guide to your yard.

65. Perform the phone call someone else wished they could have.

64. Teach us an exercise.

63. Make an encouraging banner.

62. Make an educational public plaque.

61. Describe your ideal government.

60. Write a press release about an everyday event.

59. Interview someone who has experienced war.

58. Record the sound that is keeping you awake.

57. Lipsync to shy neighbor's Garth Brooks cover.

56. Make a portrait of your friend's desires.

55. Photograph a significant outfit.

54. Draw the news.

53. Give advice to yourself in the past.

52. Write the phone call you wish you could have.

51. Describe what to do with your body when you die.

50. Take a flash photo under your bed.

49. Draw a picture of your friend's friend.

48. Make the saddest song.

47. Re-enact a scene from a movie that made someone else cry.

46. Draw Raymond Carver's Cathedral.

45. Reread your favorite book from fifth grade.

44. Make a "LTLYM assignment".

43. Make an exhibition of the art in your parent's house.

42. List five events from 1984.

41. Document your bald spot.

40. Heal yourself.

39. Take a picture of your parents kissing.

38. Act out someone else's argument.

37. Write down a recent argument.

36. Grow a garden in an unexpected spot.

35. Ask your family to describe what you do.

34. Make a protest sign and protest.

33. Braid someone's hair.

32. Draw a scene from a movie that made you cry.

31. Spend time with a dying person.

30. Take a picture of strangers holding hands.

29. Make an audio recording of a choir.

28. Edit a photo album page.

27. Take a picture of the sun.

26. Design an article of clothing for Mona to crochet.

25. Make a video of someone dancing.

24. Cover the song"Don't Dream It's Over".

23. Recreate this snapshot.

22. Recreate a scene from Laura Lark's life story.

21. Sculpt a bust of Steve.

20. Take a family portrait of two families.

19. Illustrate a scene or make an object from Paul Arensmeyer's life story.

18. Recreate a poster you had as a teenager.

17. Record your own guided meditation.

16. Make a paper replica of your bed.

15. Hang a windchime on a tree in a parking lot.

14. Write your life story in less than a day.

13. Recreate the moment after a crime.

12. Get a temporary tattoo of one of Morgan Rozacky's neighbors.

11. Photograph a scar and write about it.

10. Make a flier of your day.

9. Draw a constellation from someone's freckles.

8. Curate an artist's retrospective in a public place.

7. Recreate 3 minutes of a Fresh Air interview.

6. Make a poster of shadows.

5. Recreate an object from someone's past.

4. Start a lecture series.

3. Make a documentary video about a small child.

2. Make a neighborhood field recording.

1. Make a child's outfit in an adult size.  

I absolutely love lists, especially since my mind seems to constantly organize and categorize lists. Lists provide a sense of peace for me; it's a concise and direct way for me to place my thoughts together on paper. 

Source: http://www.learningtoloveyoumore.com/