I’VE BEEN FLYING…….

Friday, January 27, 2012

I’VE BEEN FLYING…….

……as high as one of Tyrus Wong’s exquisite kites since he graced my studio with his sublime presence. Tyrus is my hero, the ultimate Chinese Brush painter with a truly great soul……this artist extraordinaire is a National Treasure!

I first introduced you to Tyrus on October 13, 2008 in my blog ‘BRUSHSTROKES in HOLLYWOOD’ when we went to the benefit for Pamela Tom’s featured documentary film about Tyrus.

I next wrote on October 25, 2009…….

‘TYRUS WONG…..is a NATIONAL TREASURE’ showing you one of the happenings the 4th Saturday of each month at the Santa Monica beach when Tyrus unfurls his amazing flying art constructions. They’re kites but actually more than that and have to be experienced.

Tyrus being assisted by daughter Kim.

Erik Friedl’s short film ‘FLIGHTS of FANCY’ was posted on ‘MORE of our NATIONAL TREASURE’ on December 6th, 2009. This video is a must watch and will make your heart sing!

Tai Ling and her father Tyrus Wong

Can you see how delirious I am?

1 comment:

Okami said...: I adore the Panda kite!! What fun and thanks for sharing the video.; January 27, 2012 at 7:13 PM

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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.