The Epic and the Exotic

This exhibition of 19th Century Academic Realism at the Weisman Museum of Art in Malibu closes April 1. 

"The Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Elizabeth, by Francois-Joseph Navez, 1823, oil/canvas

25th Annual Gypsy Awards

This year's Gypsy Award will be awarded tomorrow to Julie Andrews.

Last year, Joan Pierce, Sally Zamarin and I attended at the Grand Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

 

Jennifer Grey

Dick Van Dyke with his newly-formed quartet. 

Marie Osmund was honored with the 24th Annual Gypsy Award by her mentor, Andy Williams. 

Our Professional Dancers Society President, Mitzi Gaynor, and me at a Fall Ball. 



Ralph Lauren Store in Malibu

It's Spring!

Hiromi Paper International

I will miss my friend. 

 We loved seeing art, architecture and gardens together. 

 One of our favorites was looking at these Japanese papers.

 Hiromi Paper International is at the Bergamont Station in Santa Monica.

 Rest in Peace - Carolyn Mitchell

Einstein, The Life of a Genius

Reading a biography is, for me, a way to feel as though I know the subject.  This book is filled with facsimile documents and memorabilia, which help to understand the theories that this brilliant physicist developed.  Is that even possible?  What it does reveal about the genius are varieties in his personal life, the continued love of making music, his role in the development of the atomic bomb and his passions and concerns for political and social issues.  So much more about Albert Einstein than the famous E=mc2. 

Steve Jobs

After having read the last word of Steve Jobs' biography I felt that I really knew him.  The author, Walter Isaacson, was given full access per Jobs' wishes.  An American genius, he is compared to Edison and Ford.  He was an artist in his zeal to create products that would serve the user with beautifully minimal design. 

It happened that I was frequently swimming with a member of the team who created the first ipod commercials.  So exciting to then see, all over the world, the dancing shadow that told exactly what a heretofore unknown product would do. 

The Descendents (a film)

My criteria for a great film is one that I am wishing will never be over. THE DESCENDENTS met that criteria. It was evocative, important, unpredictable and I was involved on the emotional ride---all the way. George Clooney is going to win the Academy Award with this one. The role was there and he delivered.

"Then Again"

Academy Award and Golden Globe winning actor, Diane Keaton, has just released her autobiography. The memoir describes her life growing up in Southern California using parts of her Mother's eighty-five journals. Growing up in the same area, myself, I could so easily relate.

But, then, isn't being approachable Keaton's allure?

"Mexican" Modernism(s) in Los Angeles, 1930-1985

"Gypsy Rose" is a 1964 Chevrolet Impala. It is the ground-breaking car, heralding the profile of low rider vehicles in the custom car arena.

"Project for the Flag of a Mexican Colony," made in 1987, was woven wool with embroidery by the artist, Adolfo Patino.

Part of the fountain and architecture at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, California, is the site of this exhibit which shows until January 29, 2012.

The Women

Reading the, almost, Picasso-esque exploits of Frank Lloyd Wright should have been no surprise. But, it was. The huge personalities of some great artists include their private lives. What a great adventure, learning of Wright and his women!

Wanting to read more of this author, I discovered "The Tortilla Curtain." Again, it gives insights into the lives of those around my own. The story in this book juxtaposes the families living within walking distance of each other who couldn't be more dissimilar. The illegal immigrant family is camping in Topanga Canyon and the American family is living in a soon-to-be gated upscale neighborhood. When their lives touch we discover much about ourselves.

California Art at the Weisman

The hard reflective surfaces of the work of Vasa Mihich best expresses the qualities of the art movement that began in Los Angeles in the 1960's, virtually putting California artists on the international art map.

From his "Triangle..." series, Vasa created this laminated plexiglass sculpture in 1977.

This construction, created in 1983 by John Okulick, is painted wood.

In 1985 Charles Arnoldi created "Impound," with acrylic and branches on plywood.

This exhibition is part of the Southern-California-wide display of contemporary art called "Pacific Standard Time." Showing until December, 2011, it tells the story of the birth of the art scene which rivaled New York in its accomplishments.

The banner mounted at the entrance of the Weisman Gallery at Pepperdine University in Malibu, pictures Billy Al Bengston's acrylic on canvas, created in 1977 and called "Klenator Draculas."

Malibu Tiles

Rhoda-May Adamson Dallas, namesake for Adohr Farms and Malibu ranch heir, has died. She boasted an ideal childhood at California's seaside. Born in 1917, she spent much of her early life in an oceanfront Spanish-style house, boating in the Malibu lagoon and hiking the trails in the Santa Monica mountains.

Further enriching her experience there was being exposed to the creation of the vibrant tiles of the Malibu Potteries, a commercial venture her grandmother founded in 1926. The potteries existed only until 1932, making the exquisite tiles even more rare.

"The Greater Journey - Americans in Paris"

After having read this, and three other books by David McCullough, I am convinced if I read all of his books I would know all I want to know. This is the enthralling story of the remarkable Americans who traveled to Paris between 1830 and 1900. They were the architects, artists, writers, politicians, and doctors who wanted to be more excellent. Their story is an inspiration that lets one know what it takes to soar.

Memorial Trip for Lisa's Birthday

Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the contiguous United States. Lisa and Dick climbed that mountain.

I took this photo from a moving car, looking West to the High Sierra Mountains to the Mammoth area.


The glacier above Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, CA on US Hwy. #395 in California .
Lisa loved this place and hiked here many times, since she was a girl.

Robinson Creek near the headwaters.

The most beautiful spot we know.