DID YOU KNOW…

Monday, August 17, 2009

DID YOU KNOW…

…that besides being an amazing composer/arranger (think break out ‘Classical Gas’…the most famous instrumental guitar piece of all time), Mason Williams is quite the universal renaissance man and here’s the short list…

Comedy writer, eclectic poet and a brilliant conceptual artist, most astonishingly with ‘BUS’ a full scale reproduction of a 60’s era Greyhound bus created BEFORE digital imaging. The photograph was taken at the original MoMA show. This transference of scale captured people’s imagination earning among other things, a spread in Life Magazine. On exhibit at the L.A. Museum of Contemporary Art in 2007 where Mason gave the most interesting lecture talking among so many other things of his lifelong friendship with artist Ed Ruscha, their many collaborations and the trajectory of their careers.

One of my favorite ‘creations’ is a neat word play done by Mason’s alter ego ‘Upclose Glimpse’ (there’s an umlaut over the U). (Stencil’s created by Sheri Hoeger)

“WILD GUESSES’

Edition of 100

I like the blue version best but didn’t think it would show well here. Can you see that the Wild Guesses are actually a series of two question marks that combine to make the guess/geese?

Also love ‘X O STENCILISM’

Another thing (among soooooo many) Mason has the most incredible falsetto and when he sings THE PLATTERS …’ONLY YOU’ you’ll say it’s the best thing since sliced bread!

There’s so much more to write about Mason but I’d be remiss if I didn’t introduce you to Karen, his beautiful wife. Formerly a prosecutor in Canada, Karen is an amazing artist in her own right and I wanted to get her stunning painting of ‘SUNFLOWERS’ to show you …we’re standing in front of it!

Mason in his studio in Eugene, Oregon…a memorable treat!

I was so honored and gratified to see that Karen and Mason framed my Brush painting ‘Moonlit Bamboo’ and in all the excitement forgot to take a photograph. Mason…please do send me one.

For More Information:

http://www.classicalgas.com/

http://www.masonwilliams-online.com/

http://www.edruscha.com/

http://www.moma.org/

http://www.moca.org/

http://www.madstencilist.com/

Mason Williams on Wikipedia

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Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.