BRUSHSTROKES IN HOLLYWOOD……

Monday, July 22, 2013

BRUSHSTROKES IN HOLLYWOOD……

…..directed and produced by Pam Tom has a completed ‘First Cut’ thanks to Kickstarter!!! More on that later. The amazingly talented, award winning Pam is moving with hubby Ted and their delightful daughters Asia & Isabella, to New York, so friend Denise had a wonderful ‘going away’ party. Pam, a critically acclaimed producer & director, was the Senior Associate Producer of ‘The Story of Mothers and Daughters’, an award winning ABC documentary that we had the privilege of watching. What a beautiful film….. a 3 Kleenex (box) for sure as we all puddled up…..not a dry eye in the place! I highly recommend you Google ‘The Story of Mothers and Daughters’….I’m going to get my copy for sure….it’s that beautiful.

No matter who you are you’ll recognize yourself in some part of this truth telling film.

Mothers and daughters were still hugging after the viewing.

Denise’s home, nestled high in the Chevy Chase Country Club hills, is so warm & inviting from the moment you enter…..

I so love the ginormous oak trees, especially this one being climbed by two munchkins…..

Here’s a view from the porch….

All manner of drinks were in the charming kitchen…..

….but I especially loved this ‘Au Revoir’ Pam, Asia Ted & Isabella!

Of course you want to see the food….(sorry I neglected to take a photo of the dessert table….too tempting!)

Now, getting back to ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’. I had not seen Tyrus since I blogged about his visiting my studio so can you even begin to imagine how thrilled I was to see him? (His wonderful daughter Kim is right behind Tyrus.)

At 102, Tyrus is still flying his kite creations the fourth Saturday of every month at the Santa Monica Pier (weather permitting). You can see one of his amazing kites in the opening of the trailer for ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’ and also be sure to read about the amazing Pam!

www.brushstrokesinhollywood.com

It was pandemonium as everyone wanted to say hello to our national treasure….Tyrus Wong!

Finally, Tyrus got to sit down but then it was photo opp. time! This one with hostess Denise.

Just to refresh you, ‘Brushstrokes in Hollywood’ directed by Pam, is the first in-depth portrait of the art, life, & enduring impact of Tyrus Wong the pioneering Chinese American artist & ‘Disney Legend’.

See www.tyruswongthemovie.com

It’s been such a privilege to donate to this important work and so can you….and get a TAX DEDUCTION in the process. For its completion contact Pam at: ptomfilm@yahoo.com

Note: There will be a major retrospective of Tyrus’s work at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco opening on August 15th! Who wants to go with me???

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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.