SUPPORTING THE ARTS at THE HUNTINGTON and LA OPERA with a TEA CEREMONY IN BETWEEN

Monday, June 5, 2017

SUPPORTING THE ARTS at THE HUNTINGTON and LA OPERA with a TEA CEREMONY IN BETWEEN

This was in the Huntington’s May Calendar. Kinda like where’s Waldo only not! Note to self: Perhaps you could close your mouth on occasion….Or at least curb your enthusiasm...Just saying! Fullsizeoutput 156f8

In any event (no pun) this was another lovely luncheon given for the Successors.

I’m always up for food……

The lecture after our luncheon was so interesting…’Drawn to Drawings: The Story of the Huntington’s Collection of British Drawings'

Now to the sublime. The Brand Library and Art Gallery has a lovely little Japanese Garden and ceremonial tea house where a memorial tea for beloved Tyrus Wong was held.

These precious tea cakes were served after the ceremony. They seemed to be yummy Mochi with something sweet & interesting inside.
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Everyone attending was also given a bowl of Matcha tea….love it!
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Tai Ling then showed a video of the magnificent CBS Sunday Show interview with Pam Tom, the Producer and Director of ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’ along with segments from the film.

You can order this beautiful book ‘WATER TO PAPER, PAINT TO SKY: The Art of Tyrus Wong' on Amazon.
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Back to the L.A. Opera’s 'Young Artist Program’ 'MOZART: TRUTH THROUGH BEAUTY’ which was held at four venues, one being Brand Library and Art Gallery. I was delighted it was so close and easy to get to.

Oh how wonderful!!!

Thank you Peter for saving a seat for me. You are so very kind and thoughtful.

Elizabeth Zharoff and Nicholas Brownlee “Susanna, or via sortite” from The Marriage of Figaro. They were astonishing! Bravo Young Artist Program!

Michelle Siemens and Nicholas Brownlee “II core vi dono” from Cosi fan tutti

Absolutely loved it and was so inspired by the high level of young, talented singers our LA Opera developed.

Lest we not forget that May is ‘CAKE’ month for me as the count is now ten, I thought you’d like to see a picture of me with the original ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ gal! This was at the L.A. Opera League’s 'Backstage Magic' event at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Besides learning all about costuming we were treated to dinner!

Where would we be without the arts. Now more than ever they need our support.

May you always have cake!

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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.