Sunset with Helicopters

A beautiful view of the sun setting into the Pacific ocean, marred by a couple helicopters

I figured that we would wrap up the month with this odd photo. I don't know what those 'copters were up to or for what they were looking, but they certainly disrupted the idyllic mood of the lovely sunset. ;-)

Anyways, it has been an interesting month. Let's look forward to the treasures and thrilling adventures that August has in store.

Enjoy!!!

At the Library

Redondo Beach public library

Enjoy!!!

Looking at the Setting Sun

Sunset, viewed from the Hermosa Beach pier

Enjoy!!!

Elevated Anxieties

Elevator at the South Bay Galleria

Today, I haven't any special topic prepared. However, since I've been sitting on this photo for a while, I figured it could fill the gap, inspiring some appropriate topic for "Terror Tuesday". Then, I realized that, for all my photos taken, it's rare to have an image looking down, from a balcony or cliff or any precipitous elevation.

The reason is obvious; I'm somewhat afraid of heights. The vertiginous sight on a steep incline, a plunging descent below me, makes me uncomfortable, keeping me back from the edge. Therefore, even when I approach a raised platform or high vista, I tend to record the panorama unfolding before me, not the abyss which recedes beneath me.

So, there are many photos here at Paideia that look up at a soaring structure, but extremely few that showcase the opposite vantage point. It's an amusing bias, one that impacts my craft of image-making in a manner that I had not previously considered.

Going down? Escalators at the South Bay Galleria

Yes, I'm a man of many phobias. Maybe, since it constrains my Art, I'll try to overcome this one. Nevertheless, you will not be finding any rock-climbing photos at this blog anytime too soon. And no sky-diving either!!! ;-)

Another Random Photograph

Water jets forth from the fountain top at Heritage Court, Redondo Beach

Well, another photo blog is what I'm giving to you today.

A special oddity of my behavior is my love for randomization. Every so often, when at a loss in making a decision, I like pulling out the dice or cards and letting fortune choose my course of action. That's what happened today; I have things about which I would like to write but possess no time for it on this morning.

Therefore, I opened up my image folders, counted up the viable files, selected some dice, and rolled up a result. Yeah, so this somewhat phallic "image of the day" doesn't reflect any peculiar mental state that I'm experiencing or whatnot. ;-)

One thing that is so awesome about establishing determinative randomization is that such methods may be used for a wide array of subjects. For instance, we can select music. . .

Festive Lights & Seasonal Cheer

Glowing peppermint lollipops provide a festive welcome to the house


Although we don't get any snow out here, it begins to look a lot like Christmas when the occasional house seems to be sporting holiday decorations. Here in the South Bay, no other neighborhood goes after the seasonal decor quite like Torrance's "Sleepy Hollow" district. For block after block, street upon street, the houses are all aglow with Santas, nativities, snowmen, and other such images lit up for the enjoyment of the community.

Yeah, I normally don't get into the holiday mood, but last week I found myself in the area. So, a walk around the neighborhood was on the schedule. It was illuminating. ;-)

Santa and Snowman


I'm still not big on such ornamentation, but it was an impressive show of community spirit. Transforming the neighborhood into such a spectacle of lights and music is no simple task, requiring significant resources of both money and manpower. With such widespread cooperation behind this effort, the end result was truly dazzling, a powerful demonstration of how group projects can outshine even the brightest efforts of a single household.

So, if you're in southern Torrance at night, consider giving this lovely project a viewing. Ho ho ho!!!

Glowing icicles and a balcony Nativity.


Enjoy!!!

Beyond the Beautiful Crowd

Tim Kelly Lifeguard Memorial statue at the Hermosa Beach pier, facing the Strand's nightlife district

All of the beach cities in the Los Angeles South Bay have a peculiar feel at night. They have bustling and busy centers of people partying, socializing, and drinking late into the night, filling the quiet hours with laughter, raucous sounds, and music of all types. However, when one wanders just a short distance away to the beach, leaving the lights and crowds behind, the Pacific Ocean's constant murmur washes away the noise.

It is an interesting contrast, a little creepy. It makes you feel small and transient.

But if the sublime loneliness of the beach is too much to handle, the shimmering lights of the party places are just a short stroll away. ;-)

Del Amo

Lucky Strike Bowling at the Del Amo Mall

I went to take a stroll at the Del Amo Mall. The location was once the world's largest mall, a shopping center of unequaled magnificence. The decades have taken their toll, but it's still a nice place to shop. Way better than some heartless big box discount store like Walmart or Target.

When I was a teen, back in the mid-80s, this was a major hang out. Chilling at the Orange Julius by the theater or hanging out at the food court, I spent countless hours. Seeing how it's changed over the years, I feel very nostalgic.

Oh well, I'm happy to have an internet and online shopping, but I can't help but feel like a distinct experience of consumerist culture has been lost over the years.

I have many fond memories of the old B. Dalton and Walden bookstores. I miss them. . . And, you kids, get off of my lawn!!! ;-)

Colored fountain at the Del Amo Mall, near the AMC Theaters

Enjoy!!!

Tasteless Fizzy Yellow

Image from a Stone Brewing truck delivering Arrogant Bastard Ale

Down here in the South Bay, it's common to see delivery trucks transporting all sorts of beverages, especially beers.

As I was walking about today, I decided that I would photograph a few for fun. ;-)

In total, I came across seven different trucks on my thirty minute stroll. And I passed by eight different bars. That's not an outrageous quantity. . .

La Cerveza del Pacifico: The Tide Is In!!!


I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I have a warm spot for the Arrogant Bastard Ale. I have to admire a bottle that reads:

"This is an aggressive beer. You probably won't like it. It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth."

They don't call it Arrogant Bastard for nothing. ;-)

On the other hand, here's "one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal."

Bud Light delivery truck: The favorite beer of NFL fans


Enjoy!!!

Stripes of Shadow and Light

Alternating bands of shadow and light at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center

I am fond of repetition and pattern. When looking at architectural designs, I love a good set of tightly packed parallel lines. ;-)

Perhaps, my favorite way of creating these driving, linear bands is through the use of shadow and sunlight. It's a beautiful technique that combines the geometric precision of the linear design with the ephemeral and dynamic qualities of light. As the day progresses, the experience of the stripes changes, from being loosely aligned with the casting structure to locking into a firm conjunction with the architectural design.

I love the way in which it draws my gaze into the distance or along a path.

Torrance Cultural Arts Center

This form of open architecture and the utilization of natural light and shadow are hallmarks of Californian design. It's another reason why I love living out here in Los Angeles.

To Live and Paint in LA: Opening Night

Opening Night at the Torrance Art Museum's exhibit "To Live and Paint in LA"


Just a brief post.

Yesterday night was the opening for "To Live and Paint in LA" at the Torrance Art Museum, featuring the work of about thirty Los Angeles-based artists. The premise is to explore a broad sampling of emerging and contemporary painters, through which one may discern various styles and aesthetic trends that characterize the creative vibe of today's Angeleno art scene.

I was only able to pay a quick visit and snap a few shots, but there was a good range of styles, with many distinct artistic voices. It's my hope to pay the TAM a return visit in a few days and take a good, long appraisal of the exhibit.

Many are the pieces that caught my eye; I'd like to share them with you. ;-)

Detail of Les Femmes D'Alger #14 (2011) by Asad Faulwell

Enjoy!!!

The Wind and the Tree

Mariah "Spirit of the Wind" by Frank Mando


For the third year, the Manhattan Beach Sculpture Garden is exhibiting new works of art. While visiting the Civic Center, I came across a couple of them.

So, I snapped a few photos to share with you all. ;-)

The Tree Hugger by Steven Rieman

You can't tell from the photo, but The Tree Hugger is a kinetic sculpture, which shifts in the wind. On the day that I took these pictures, it was fairly calm and didn't put on much of a show of motion. Oh well, maybe next time. . .

South Bay Focus: Torrance Wrap

End of Day (2011) by Michelle Ardeshiri


The Torrance Art Museum's exhibit, South Bay Focus 2011, closed yesterday. It was a fun show, lots of interesting art, and much to think about in regards to curation and the premise of a community art gallery. Overall, I feel that this year has been good down here in Torrance, finishing with artistic gems from our local artists.

This blog owes a huge debt of gratitude to Torrance. Although I've got plenty of interests and opinions, I have a hard time focusing on a specific topic, a fact about which regular readers are well aware, but having a thought-provoking art institute along my daily travel route kept the fine arts as a regular topic on my mind. When I finally got Paideia into regular production, back in April, covering art shows became a prominent feature.

Have all of the 2011 TAM exhibitions been excellent? No, but the approach to curation was always worth considering. Given concerns of budget and resources, availability of artists, and community expectations, the manner in which Torrance has experimented with its exhibits has shown ingenuity and innovation. Special credit goes to the curator, Max Presneill.

Detail of Cascading Red (2011) by Nicolas Kolesnikow

I'm very thankful for the various exhibitions that have been displayed at Torrance this year; I look forward to next year's offerings. From Gateway: Japan to South Bay Focus, it's been fun.

Lamentation Dance of the Sponges

Untitled (2011) by Olga Lah, three sculptural forms constructed out of sponges

Among the many interesting pieces on exhibition at the Torrance Art Museum's South Bay Focus 2011, one of the most intriguing is Olga Lah's Untitled sponge sculptural group. Although totally abstract, the forms have an anthropomorphic quality, as if they are in a kinetic dialectical relationship with each other, perhaps dancing or fighting.

This feeling is intensified as one walks around the set, or between them. The way they lean or bend creates a sense of interactive engagement, both with the viewer and within the group.

The colors and orientation of the individual sponges that comprise the forms also lead the viewers eye into the motion, a circular dance from one to another.

Untitled (2011) by Olga Lah; sponge orientation and color create a visual rhythm.

It's easy to overlook this work, to brush it off as gimmicky or banal, but, in deeper consideration, the forms have wonderful linear and spatial cadence. Likewise, the color selections are not arbitrary choices but deliberate utilizations to enhance the perception of motion and emotion. It's a deceptively complex work.

Opening Night at South Bay Focus

Olga Lah's Untitled sculptures made out of sponges were a crowd favorite.

As promised, I attended the Torrance Art Museum's Opening Night for their current exhibit, South Bay Focus, featuring works from local artists. It was a fun night.

The exhibition's Juror, Carl Berg, led a tour of the displayed artworks. Given the extreme range of styles and technique on display in this show, it was interesting to think about the underlying curatorial selection process which brought together such an interesting variety into a coherent exhibition. I was impressed with the results.

Ibex (aka Rock Bock) (2010) by Andrea Kitts Senn

I'll have to pay another visit to take a leisurely, quiet viewing of the show. Fun stuff!!!

South Bay Focus

Ranchiro Palas Verdes Lighthouse on Cliff (2010) by Elizabeth Hestevold


Throughout the year, the Torrance Art Museum has featured engaging exhibitions from artists across the globe. The curation has been aggressive in creating an aesthetically stimulating vision for this small, community venue.

It's been a fine series of shows, successfully engaging local art enthusiasts in considering the potentialities of curation within the civic context. I have been impressed and inspired by both the process and the results of this artistic exploration.

However, one of the critical roles of a "community" museum is to showcase the workings of "community" artists. And that's the premise of South Bay Focus 2011. Local artists have been selected to express their own artistic vision and, as an aggregate, to delineate the "South Bay" style.

South Bay Focus will be on exhibit at the Torrance Art Museum until December 16.

I haven't been able to give the show a full viewing just yet, as the official opening isn't until this Saturday, but my quick glimpse revealed plenty of interesting works. I'm hoping to attend the opening reception this weekend to get a better view of the exhibition. It'll be lots of fun ;-)

The Way of Rain (2011) by Rency Punnoose


Enjoy!!!

Life in LA: Image of the Day #1

Classic wooden sailing ship cruises in the South Bay


My photo is mighty grainy, but I couldn't pass up on sharing the occasional odd sight that characterizes life in Los Angeles. ;-)

I guess there's a movie in the works that needs nautical footage. A few years back, some filming for the Pirates of the Caribbean was done down off the Palos Verdes peninsula.

Enjoy!!!

Dialogue between Wind and Waves

Point Vicente Lighthouse


Jutting into the Pacific Ocean, the Palos Verdes peninsula reaches its southwestern limit at Point Vicente, where the old lighthouse looms along the bluffs.

On a clear day, the view is gorgeous, the Pacific stretching out without end beyond the horizon, punctuated only slightly by the isle of Santa Catalina across the channel. But on a gray day like this, the dark sea merges into the leaden sky, and you feel as though you are standing at the World's End, only mist and darkness extending forever into a formless void. The waves murmur over one hundred feet below, an anxious chorus that echo across this forlorn scene.

It is on a day like this that you expect to witness the "Lady of the Light" strolling along the cliffs. Yes, true to type, the Point Vicente lighthouse is rumored to be haunted. But it's only a trick of the light. ;-)

Point Vicente was named in 1790 by Captain George Vancouver

Tearing myself away from morbid fantasies, I turned to the Point Vicente Interpretive Center to see the teaching facilities for marine biology.

Pine Wind Garden

Pine Wind Garden: Three Level Waterfall


Size is not the determinant of quality. It's all about how skillfully you utilize that which you have. This is true for most aspects of life, but it is equally as important for laying out a garden.

The Pine Wind Garden (Sho Fu En) of the Torrance Civic Center is a prime example of how a small space can be transformed into a place of beauty. Designed by Takeo Uesugi & Associates in 1991, this small Japanese garden transforms a modest courtyard into a peaceful oasis of contemplation. Through creative techniques of delineating space, such as elevation contrasts or using a screen of trees to create a sense of seclusion, the garden feels as though it is much larger than it actually is.

Pine Wind Garden: Gateway

It always pleases me to find these little garden gems that are scattered across Los Angeles.

Mysterious Galaxy

Mysterious Galaxy, an independent bookstore specializing in Mystery and Speculative Fiction.


Today was the Grand Opening of Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore in Redondo Beach.

Of course, I had to head over to support a local indie bookstore. It's been years since Los Angeles has had a quality Science Fiction/Fantasy retailer, ever since Dangerous Visions in Sherman Oaks closed down in 2002. Likewise, westside Mystery fans have been left without a good indie option since the Mystery Bookstore in Westwood shut its doors in January of this year. So, this opening is a fantastic event!

Mysterious Galaxy is an expansion from San Diego, where the store has been a vital part of the SF/Fantasy and Mystery community for years. Author signings, book groups, and miscellaneous book events are frequently sponsored by them. It's a huge boon to the fan communities to have an organized and professional independent store in the region.

And they had cake! How can you beat that? ;-)

Yum!!! Cinnamon cake!!!

Considering that the event occurred at 10 am on a weekday, there was a decent crowd that turned out. Hopefully, this is indicative of a strong community that will support the store. As you all may recall, I am not a fan of physical books. Nevertheless, I made sure to make a purchase. It is imperative that those who love reading sustain those special places wherein such habits are developed and cultivated.

The ceremonial ribbon cutting

As regards this store in particular, I like it's location. It's only a few blocks west of the 405. So it should be fairly accessible to anyone on the westside of LA. There is a good selection of SF/Fantasy, Mystery, and Horror. And the facilities are generous for hosting book signings or other social events.