I love patterns!

It's no surprise . . . I am in love with patterns and interesting textiles.  I had entertained the thought last year to get a certificate in textile design at a local art school but we'll see.  It seems I have an ongoing list of things I want to do and it changes every month.

I created this pattern using hot pink duct tape and wall decals.

I found this traditional Korean origami paper at a gift shop in Koreatown.  LOVE!

The table runner was a gift from an old co-worker who brought it back from Indonesia.  The vase was from the good old Salvation Army. 

Learning more about Calder

*I would like to note that I wrote 'Jonathan Calder' instead of Alexander Calder in my previous post.  The error has been fixed.  I don't know why I get those two names mixed up so often.

Anyway, I went to the opening weekend of Alexander Calder and Contemporary Art: Form, Balance, Joy last weekend, and it was amazing!  It was a small show with a good collection of Calder's mobiles and three other contemporary artists' works who were very much influenced by his style.

I had always thought that Calder's sculptures and mobiles were hyper-modern and industrial given his use of sheet metal and wire, but this exhibit helped me see how organic and natural his forms and shapes really were.  One mobile in particular, "Nineteen White Discs," made me think of the sculptural leaves of an eucalyptus tree.

Alexander Calder, "Nineteen White Discs" sheet metal and wire, 1961

Image from www.plantoftheweek.org

One other piece of information I found interesting was that Calder's work was largely dismissed in the '90s by the art world.  I'm starting to learn that a piece of art is not in museums just because of its beauty or its strong statement, but as in everything else, politics, power, and economics come into play as to who and what gets wall space.  If you think about it, the people in power in the art world are still old, white men so there are stories, points of view, and experiences we can miss out on as a result. 

Don't get me wrong--I love what museums and galleries offer to the public, and my life has been enriched as a result--but if you had to think of five female artists and five non-white artists, who comes to mind?   

Well, one practical idea I had to address these questions was to write regularly about new artists I discover, especially those not in the mainstream for lack of a better word.  I already have a working list so I look forward to my future posts!  Thanks to those who have kept up with my posts!

Alexander Calder at OCMA

I caught an amazing exhibit at OCMA on Alexander Calder last weekend.  More on this exhibit soon . . .

Image from OCMA

New painting

I'm not sure how I feel about this one yet but it was fun to paint.

Dragon Fruit

I tried dragon fruit for the first time this weekend.  I'm a fan.  I think I prefer scooping it out with a spoon rather than cutting up pieces.  I also made some spring rolls with curried chicken, sprouts, and other veggies.  I will eat anything wrapped in rice paper.

I have deeper thoughts to share, I promise. 

Art for Japan

A friend saw my previous post where I dedicated a drawing to the earthquake victims in Japan and connected me with a relative who was actually collecting art work and notes to send over to people.

So in addition to my peony drawing, I created this:

This was an old print I created from a linoleum block I carved a while back.  The design and red ink reminded me of the Asian signature stamps (hanko seal?) I used growing up and saw my aunt use on her paintings.  I looked up the spelling for 'hope' in Japanese which shown here is 'kibou'.  I grew up painting Asian calligraphy with sumi ink so it was fun to get back into it, although I'm in need of a better brush to make the letters (the ones shown in the picture are done in marker).

I hope my drawings can bring a few people some comfort.

Bird Internet

Perhaps it's because all the birds are back from migration that I've had birds on my mind these days.  I never paid much attention to them living in Irvine until recently because there are so many pretty, bright-colored birds in my neighborhood.  I even went bird watching at a nature reserve this weekend.  You need lots of patience to bird watch . . .

Sometimes I wonder if I'm turning into an old lady.  

The ducks are back in Irvine and enjoying the sun Socal style.

It's hard to tell in this picture but this bird has the brightest blue coloring.

The rabbits are always around.

I liked the red and green contrast.