Shall We Dance

Definitely rated this at 1 star out of 5. To me, the plot was thin as were the characters. I think and fin ballroom dancing very beautiful but don't think it makes the best fit with Hollywood. If I had to pick a favorite character it would be a toss up between Link and Bobbi. They both seemed to have a little bit more substance than the remaining gaggle of characters. However, I did find Vern's idea of proposal very sweet. He wanted to propose while dancing which is a very cute idea. FIN.

Billy Elliot

This movie was so very touching. I was brought to tears many times by the story and the great job the actors did portraying their respectful rolls. The family dynamic of the Elliot's in this highly stressful time of mourning, stress, anger, and the burden of taking care of the elderly was just so astounding. The similarities between Tony and his father in terms of deep frustration and anger with the contrast of Billy's personality (which I imagine mirrored similarities of his late mother) and interests in non gender role specific things was a very nice touch...especially when he finally decided to stand up for his passion. Loved his "poof" friend and the determination of "miss". Aside from the great acting and storyline, I loved the setting. The rustic views of England were lovely.

Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision

Maya Lin is so very dynamic. Yes, her artwork is absolutely stunning but I could not get enough of her commentary on the "why", the concept, her feelings and grasp of the history she would aid in memorializing. Her pieces are so organic to me. Her reasons for using a circle in the civil rights memorial and the water. So amazing and thoughtful. Loved her honesty as being the "right" architect as she openly admits that she is very sensitive to the site...ie: "If you told me you wanted a Jeffersonian style house I would gladly refer you to the right architect." I also really really loved her work as an artist-in-residence in Columbus, Ohio where she mimicked topography with tons of glass (literally). Overall, great documentary that gives you in-sight to a woman who has created so much more than just an awesome war memorial. A truly diverse and exquisite artist.

Art Splash!

On Saturday, September 25th, I splashed on over to Carlsbad's Art Splash where a TON of artists had been asked by various companies and people to chalk-paint an area of asphalt for them. My good friend, Lydia Martin, was asked by Peabody's (delicious bar and grill with multiple locations) to participate for them. It was a hot day and I did not envy the multi-colored artists on their knees

chalking their hearts out...however, I did enjoy their creations...

My friend, Lydia, and her gorgeous piece "Sea Swept"

I loved this artist's earthy pallet and subject matter...I am such a sucker for anything native looking.

I love this woman's color use in this breathtaking piece. Reminds me of the art on the Nika bottles. So much color.

This was a neat piece. I loved it's simplicity and the pop of the colors together. I also loved the note from the artist, "Back in 5 mins" Let's just put it this way...he/she never did come back.

The biggest Zooey I've ever seen!

So much patience!! I loved the mosaic look and feel of her work.

Classic Van Gogh...I just had to have it in here.

Love, love, LOVE, their noses. Totally dig big robust schnozz's like these.

Love the symmetry, the warm earth tones, and the nautical feel.

Not sure about this one...but I did like that the subject reminded me of Frida Kahlo.

Overall, it was a super inspiring lovely day. It is also neat to know my neighboring city is so supportive of our local artists and the art culture. Maybe when next year rolls around all get the UMPH to enter...and if so, hopefully it won't be as hot.

Basket Weaving

A couple Tuesday's ago, I had the chance of attending a demonstration and talk on the art of basket weaving and some local Indian culture. The two key ladies were Lydia Vassar and Rosemary. They ladies were both talking to people they knew in the crowd while basket weaving before the talk started and I admired the laid back feel of the demonstration. Their tables were elaborately adorned by baskets that had been weaved, cactus/ cactus fruit, chia seeds, dolls, and other native foods. The show began with a story told by Lydia's cousin of a little Indian girl who wanted to weave the most beautiful basket for her grandmother. It was a neat story with the moral of kindness and determination as its foundation. Rosemary did most of the explaining while Lydia weaved, and told her audience about the process of weaving, collecting, drying, dying, and the food you eat along the way. Lydia chimed in every so often to elaborate on something. Both ladies were very nice and the demonstration was very interesting. I also really enjoyed how hands on it was...as in they were passing around things to smell and touch.

Buena Vista Social Club

A documentary on the Cuban jazz-like music scene and what it used to be. The film was made by a father and son who wanted to record these great Cuban musicians. There were multiple musicians featured in the film and they talked about how they first got into music and how it progressed as they grew older. I would have to say my favorite scenes were when it was just the music. When the people all played together or sang the song they were talking about in a recollection. Have to say that the film really did not hold my interest. I found it dated and leaning towards the dull side. I did enjoy the Cuban landscape...the buildings the coast...the cars...but other than that, it was a very difficult movie to sit through.

Stomp Live

Playful, energetic, humorous, and full of some of the most amazing rhythms...Stomp Live is an explosive and dynamic piece of art that completely holds your concentration. The music the team creates is beautiful and their charm interacting with one another is terrifically priceless. A couple of pieces I really enjoyed was the rubber tube piece and the piece performed with the sinks. I got a complete kick out of the man who was constantly the one being picked on by the others. His whole persona while on stage was just classic. Shoulders that eat his neck and a smile that is more like a frown. I loved that his specialties consisted of doing one things as opposed to the others who would slap-clap-& dance away when they took center stage. The fact that they didn't talk to one another or the audience was really cool too.