DEBBIE KORBEL, AN ARTIST TO WATCH

On December 12, 2017 on nanrae.blogspot.com I wrote a blog about 'DEBBIE KORBEL ARTIST EXTRAORDINAIRE' and said "This may be the most important blog I've ever written".  That has not changed.

What can I even begin to say about someone who can create unimaginable works like this horse. 'WILD' is formed with bits and pieces of detritus. (The blue pieces are resin.)

You just have to experience it in person which is what I did seeing her exhibit
 'DEBBIE KORBEL'S STRANGE CIRCUS' at:
SHOEBOX PROJECTS
Brewery Art Colony
660 South Avenue 21 #3





'Metamorphosis' is one of my favorite pieces.  It lingers in your minds eye long after you experience it.

The poem written on it says,
"I see your lips moving
But I can't hear a sound
I am lost in the cathedral
Of your eyes


Bravo Debbie!

For me, Debbie is a true exemplar of the term 'artist'.  Unschooled in art and starting at minus zero... from classes in Brush painting she segued into sculpting.  Horses in particular.  Using found items that speak to her these amazing creations come into being.  Her anatomical skill is staggering and the impact of her images and poetry take the viewer to a new and completely different place.  So perhaps we could say that an artist is a soul who embarks on a journey of discovery.  Discovery about themselves, the world and their place in it.  A soul that needs to create, no matter how difficult the journey.

Debbie has said "Ideas are like a river, you just dip your cup into it". That said, Debbie's river is ever flowing.

DEBBIE KORBEL ARTISTE EXTRAORDINAIRE

This may well be the most important blog I’ve ever written.
Last July, I received notice of 'Beyond the Lines' gallery’s exhibition at Bergamont Station featuring Debbie Korbel, an artist who had studied with me years ago.  May I say that no one else could get me out to Bergamont Station.  Off I went with Nikka and Amy.
‘SILVER’  by Debbie Korbel

I suppose it’s really unseemly of me to take any credit for awesomely talented, creative Debbie Korbel but why not.  Why not indeed when it was the Brush painting classes years ago in my studio that first started Debbie on her artistic journey.  Here’s some of the proof!





Debbie and I have remained somewhat connected through the years and I was so happy to have a chance to see her again.  To say that I was completely staggered, blown away by her work, does not even begin to describe how in awe I am of her creativity and her ability to bring her concepts into three dimensional reality. Experiencing that, I knew just then that I had to write a blog about Debbie and share her gift with as many people as possible.


How is it even possible to create such a perfect anatomical horse with scraps of flotsam & jetsam, bones from animals, driftwood, odd steel pieces…..
Here’s ‘Silver’.
And a beauty cast in bronze…..
I knew that a visit to Debbie’s studio was in order because I absolutely needed to see and know more of her process.
Can you even begin to make sense of all this detritus?  Debbie scours construction sites wearing boots and heavy gloves looking for all manner of salvage, organic matter that she sees beauty in and that will be re-purposed into something amazingly wonderful.

The only recognizable item here is the elks horns, driftwood and some lacy metal thing.
 My memory tells me this is going to be part of a fish….
And this????

Everything you see here will be used and that beautifully!


I was right.  This piece is going to be a large fish.  Debbie is holding driftwood and a deer antler.
DK: "Once I started with driftwood I realized I didn’t have to stop there because you’re just looking at shapes and colors."

Debbie can’t help creating and I suspect that’s what an artist is.  She sees things that no one else sees and then brings them into being and the world says ‘why yes….of course'!
The horses are simply amazing.  Take a moment to see all the various materials used to bring this beauty into being...
 Debbie’s faces are absolutely perfect and beyond being lovely…they transport you to another dimension….

 I have to say this is my favorite piece because of the sensitivity that goes so far beyond the sheer skill in creating it.  The idea of beauty in a wounded warrior….This piece is “DREAMING”.  I’m in awe of Debbie’s anatomical skill and again, the beauty she obtains in each face she molds.

NR:  "What was the inspiration for this piece?"
DK:  "The impetus for the sculpture was a combination of things.  I wanted to create a figure that was “damaged” yet beautiful and passionate.  Love makes “wounded warriors” of us all.  The figure is that of a man who is separated from his beloved and yearning to hold her close to him again.  I wanted to write poetry that complemented the feeling of the piece.  I think that when we are in love we see everything in life through that lens, even the common nighttime sounds reflect and amplify the emotions we are feeling."

On the jawbone there is the poem...
''Cicadas in the night
Calling out for love
I search the constellations for your face''

 Again, using all manner of objects and then combining them to create this ethereal winged creature.

 Another view…...

 I mentioned Debbie is also an accomplished poet and how beautiful is this seen on the wing of the ‘butterfly'!
                                                                                                                       “ I see your lips moving
                                                                                                                         but I can’t hear a sound
                                                                                                                         I am lost
                                                                                                                         in the cathedral of your
                                                                                                                         eyes"

Time to sit down and ask Debbie some questions:

NR: “How did your artistic journey begin?
DK: “Your Brush painting class was the genesis. I had no formal art training until I came to you.  Making jewelry caused me to hit my stride and that led to classes in sculpture with various teachers.  I started in clay and then into mixed media.  Deborah Butterfield’s driftwood pieces and mixed media horses were an ‘ah ha moment' for me when I thought ‘I can do this!’  From mixed media I found an electric wood drill and electric screw driver and so it went."
NR: “ Ahhhh…a woman with tools!" …..laughter….”Before you even thought of being an artist, what did you consider yourself."
DK: “I was always creative, making jewelry, writing poetry and children’s stories.  I did a lot of things to express myself. What can’t be taught is creativity, coming up with the concept and having a sense of balance and design."
NR: “Do you remember your first sculpted piece?"
DK: “It was of a great big fat woman with wire in her hair."
NR: “When was that?"
DK: “About seven or eight years ago."
NR: What you do is very complicated, coming from your core, your soul.  When you talk to the public at an exhibit, how much do you have to explain or how much do they grasp of what you do?"
DK: “The question I am most asked is ‘Where do you get your materials’ and ‘How do you come up with all these ideas?'  “For me, ideas are like a river, you just dip your cup into it.  You have to be calm.  Stress is a creativity killer."
NR: “What about the notion regarding Van Gogh, that an artist has to be tortured?"
DK: “Artists can be a little depressive or neurotic…it’s a release."
NR: “Where do you see all this going?"
DK: “I would be content with selling a few pieces and continuing doing what I’m doing."
NR: “From your heart, what would you like to say about your work?"
DK: “I don’t like pretentiousness.  I would like to communicate, be creative, in the zone….It’s like a whisper in your ear.  Of course it’s affirming when someone likes what I do. I always remember a Jeff Koon's quote, “Art is a humanitarian act.  Art should be able to effect mankind, to make the world a better place. The only thing the artist can do is be honest with themselves and make art."
NR: "Debbie I shall never forget this day, your inspiration and the thrill of watching your process."                                                                                       The poem embedded in this work:
                                                                                       "I want to be your mantra
                                                                                         a soft sound on your lips...
                                                                                         a murmuration of love rising
                                                                                         like a cloud of starlings
                                                                                         against a dusky red sky."


Debbie’s work may be seen at:
CHURCH BOUTIQUE
7277 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA. 90046
http://www.churchboutique.com

Gibson
7350 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA. 90036
http://garygibson.com

POST RANCH INN
47900 CA-1
Big Sur, CA. 93920
May you always follow your heart!

BUTTERFLY WISHES MAKING A GRAND SEND OFF

 Well you saw the preparation for the celebration of my mom’s life so here’s the wonderful event starting with grand flowers from Amy at Le Jardin Privé!! Mom’s favorite color was yellow!!!

 Valerie, our beautiful ‘Hostess With the Mostess’ helps Amy place all the arrangements.

My dear and precious Lisa Bowman sang at our wedding.  No surprise there as she was one of the stars of ‘A Chorus Line’!  Lisa not only got the musicians for our celebration, she supervised their setting up! Watch for a photo of Patricia, our amazing singer, later in this blog…..
Amy you’re beautiful and wonderful, talented and creative beyond description….
 Here’s Valerie with her incredibly amazing staff, getting ready to provide delicious yummies for all the guests…..

 The tables in the garden were so lovely, each having it’s own elegant china pattern and crystal goblets…..All the tables and chairs belong to Valerie….no rentals here.  That sort of tells you how used she is to pulling off an event such as this!

This table’s china even had butterflies on it!Dear Josie, the best chef in the world (along with being the sweetest) ……..



I don’t know why Andrew didn’t get photos of the tables laden with deliciousness…...


Let the celebration begin!

 Nikka was at the entrance to the garden with the basket filled with 100 butterflies waiting to be released with wishes…..Dear Clara is about to receive hers!

Everyone received a butterfly still encased in it’s little box along with instructions to release the butterfly upon entering the garden.  This was crucial as they had to be set free before sundown in order for there to be enough warmth to fill up their wings to fly.

Dan Brumer gets proper instructions!
 Nikka made sure she released one too!

 I do believe Beautiful Susi actually had a conversation with hers….

 It was such a joy to have dear Danielle, Jim Folsom’s #1 at the Huntington join us.  Danielle has been my angel there since 1994….imagine!

Precious Bridget with her beautiful long flowing locks and fairytale pink dress is in the view to the seating area from the gardens extension which is home to delightful chickens and bees!  If you ask for some honey or eggs you just might get lucky.
Mary and Dr. Keith take it all in….

 Bill Guy chats it up with Laurie Pie and handsome hubby Dan…...

 Love this shot of Amy taking a photo of Lisa and her butterfly before it sails off….

This photo of Precious Carol is so dear for me because of the memorable picture of her making a wish to her butterfly at Charles and my wedding….In the background you can see Olga and George talking with Farnaz.  Andrew….We needed pictures of everyone!!!
 And here she is.  Multi-talented Patricia who brilliantly entertained us throughout the evening.  Thank you Patricia!

 Dr. Stan and wife Helene, long time friends of mom…..Helene said she wore that same outfit to mom’s 100th….I think there was something different for the 90th!

 How can I even begin to thank these two.  Dr’s David and Eileen who did yeoman’s duty helping me at mom’s and always being there for countless other things….they are amazing, kind and loving!

 These two cuties, Sue and Steve, are from mom’s building where they all formed a love connection.

 I’m not even going to try to express how I love Marine and Aram my new heaven sent neighbors. They and their family are the loveliest souls one could ever hope to know.  When mom left us, Aram came to my house and asked if there was anything he could do….You just don’t forget things like that!  I just wish Marine’s adorable sister Eliza and Tyler her great guy had been in town!

 Dr. Farnaz and I have shared many a meaningful evening and how wonderful to introduce her to Precious Patricia the sweetest of the sweet.  I so love them both!
Haaaaa……Long time student Ralph and somewhat new but already dear to my heart bestie Maggie sit it out for a bit with Prince, all fluffed and puffed for the evening….

 If you’ve seen my studio it’s time you see my brilliant architect Monique Schenk with wonderful hubby Ron Vock.  We’ve remained friends and I love to remember how pregnant Monique was when the project was nearing completion and she had to climb the stairs…….I just wrote a letter to Gabby, Monique’s lovely mother, living in Switzerland, who remembers lunches with mom.

 Kind and brilliant Michael and Hildegard,long time friends who also knew mom…….

 Now this is something really special.  Grandmaster Don Baird, world famous owner of the American School of Martial Arts kungfukarate.com and also the Academy of Kung Fu in Palmdale, shares a moment with me.  I can’t begin to describe the high esteem he is held in by countless people…..

 The three Amigos!  Lovely Bridget, Amy and Maria on the right.  Maria is also a Grandmaster, Don’s wife and partner in every endeavor!  How I love them all!

 After this blog finishes I’m going to start one on Debbie Korbel, ‘Artist Extraordinaire’! Debbie says on her website, www.debbiekorbel.com ,

"Or maybe making art is a bit of a compulsion, channeled into a healthier behavior than excessive hand-washing or collecting a giant ball of string. Or perhaps it is like an instinctual drive. Food. Sex. Art. 

Anyway, luckily I became a sculptor, and not a drug addict or a career criminal."

And just think, this awesome sculptor began her journey with my Brush painting class but more on that coming soon….Here’s Debbie with Ed, her ever so supportive husband and all around great guy!

Time to look at another lovely table….
 Do I have to even mention how much I adore and respect Lovely Lissi, creator of the most exquisite hand painted china (remember my photo’s taken during tea times at The Peninsula?) with beautiful Valerie and ever stylish Angel.

Oh my goodness, long time student and friend Kathy, another gifted artist, with great hubby David chat it up with brilliant Satinder and creatively adorable Lulu! Check out Kathy Wong Artist on Facebook!
 Repeating myself, I wish we had better photos of the delicious food.  You saw the menu in the first blog.  There isn’t even a picture of the memorable chocolate cake and other dessert goodies….


 Let’s hear if for some crowd scenes.  Can you find yourself?

Here’s Andrew, our photographer who apparently was just having too much fun chatting it up with the guests.  Can’t say I blame him as Charlie and Bonnie are about the most interesting and interested people on planet earth.  They were with the group I led to Japan and added so much to it.  I’m also proud to say one of my scrolls hangs in their Tatami room.
 Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking….'Remembering Rosella, A World of Thanks’… https://youtu.be/1jBPl_M_mCE

 Time to give thanks to everyone who made the evening so memorable….


 I bet they’re wondering when I’ll stop…….

 This is the only photo I have of Dear Dr. Jerry and his precious Alice…...

 Oh my….am I still talking?

 Nikka designed two wonderful posters.  This one shows all of the lovely people who knew mom and in the center is her favorite Emerson quote which was also included in the gift boxes of cards designed with mom’s art work that were given to all the guests as they left.


Of course we had to have a poster all about mom!
And here is my mother’s life-long favorite quote:

TOMORROW IS ANOTHER DAY

Finish each day and be done with it, you have done what you could.  

Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in, forget them as soon as you can.

Tomorrow is another day, begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.  

The day is all that is good and fair.  It is too dear with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on the yesterdays.

Ralph Waldo Emerson