Thursday, January 1, 2015

CARFOL SOUCEK KING and ROUTE 66.......

Carol’s a STAR….always was, always will be. Quite possibly the most gracious woman on planet earth…... when she introduces you to someone you wonder who on earth is that amazing person she’s talking about.  I’ve blogged about the Salon at Carol and Richard’s where I’ve been privileged to speak twice and where  Carol gathers the most fascinating, talented people around her like a magnet.

So, when there was a phone call asking me to join her for a tour of the Autry Museum’s exhibit on Route 66 I only had to ask ‘what time’!

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The route was replaced by the Eisenhower Interstate System although you can still travel upon it from Chicago to the Santa Monica pier where it ends.

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People were asked to post their thoughts and this one is from someone who originally lived in Chicago….

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In case you’re wondering, this is a 1960 classic….IMG 1928

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Thank you dear Carol for this great serendipity!IMG 1967

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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.