Woodbury University’s 48th Annual Fashion Show Benefit….

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Woodbury University’s 48th Annual Fashion Show Benefit….

………was held at an exquisite backdrop, the Millennium Biltmore in downtown Los Angeles, Saturday evening and was perhaps the most spectacular ever. Conceived and produced by Kathryn Hagen the new Fashion Chair, with the theme of ‘A Creative Mash-up of Music and Fashion”.

Joan Geisbush, the template for community service with Rose and Ken Nielsen, President of Woodbury.

A small part of the crowd scene….

Acclaimed columnist Patt Morrison hosted the exciting event. Note one of Patt’s ever present hats. The School of Media, Culture & Design Impact Award recipient was Nic Adler of ‘The Roxy’ fame and co-producer of the ‘Sunset Strip Music Festival’ which draws over 30,000 fans. Among a myriad of accomplishments, Nic received the ‘Social Media Marketer of the Year’ award in 2011.

As you can see, I’m not quite sure how to use the camera on my Apple iPhone 4s yet. The models were stunning and did great ‘model walks’ but went to fast to get more than a blur. I’m showing you this picture because I want to be sure to acknowledge alumna and Board of Trustees member, Judith D. Tamkin ‘49 who generously funded a $20,000 badly needed fabric fund for the senior fashion design students. Judith is seated in the center to the immediate left of the model.

So mod…..

Along with the cutting edge fashions there was a showing of magnificent costume/period pieces.

I wish you could see the exquisite fabric on this outfit. Absolutely sensational, thanks to Judith Tamkin!

Just a small section of the magnificent vaulted & hand painted ceilings in the Millennium Biltmore. This grand dame hotel with it’s stylish 1920’s elegance was host to 8 Academy Award ceremonies in the 30’s & 40’s and photos of the ceremonies and stars grace one of the corridors.

FOODIE ALERT!!!

After the show, Joan & I headed for Patina restaurant at Walt Disney Concert Hall. This is Joan’s lamb dish with a ‘strip’ of barley and a few fava beans for color!

I apologize to all you vegans out there but I’m addicted to fra gras in any form and as it will be outlawed in California shortly I had to order this lovely terrine with a subtle citrus gel coating. It was divine and I relished every mouthful that I spread on the crusty French bread.. Note the salad to the left. I was instructed to eat the flowers as well.

Service was impeccable in the manner of the ‘French Laundry’ in Yountville, CA who absolutely set the bar (so high).

Thank you Joan for driving….it was great fun!

For More information:

www.woodbury.edu

www.millenniumhotels.com/biltmore

www.patinarestaurant.com

www.frenchlaundry.com

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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.