Declaration of Intent: June 2013

Shadows and light alternate in the patio at the South Coast Botanic Garden

Alright. Last month could have been more productive, less image dependent, and more focused upon my main selling points as a "culture" critic and enthusiast. To an extent, it was a shortage of time that derailed my blogging. I definitely had plenty of photos to share and many interesting topics to discuss. It's a pity that I couldn't get around to featuring them.

And that's an all-to-common refrain here at Paideia. The stores of unused photos sitting on my hard drive and back-ups are mind-boggling. So, rather than let them go forgotten, these images will be dredged up and given the spotlight, even if it's something from a couple years back. With so much material from which to select, there is absolutely no reason for me to go a day without providing an interesting image.

Moreover, I'm again going to attempt to put up posts with significant critical written content, be it regarding art, cinema, or music. And we'll get back on track with our weekly features, such as Friday Flowers. Seriously, it isn't that much work, requiring a very small investment of time in creating a popular and pretty aspect of this blog.

So, it's time to roll for initiative and get this project back in flight. ;-)

Aerospace mural in El Segundo

Enjoy!!!

Tickling the Tummy

Tummy Ticklers featuring the heads of Dora the Explorer and Iridessa, a Disney Fairy

I wonder why children would want to drink their juice from the heads of their favorite cartoon characters. Something seems very disturbing about such a desire. Yet, it is apparently "100% Fun"!!!

Who am I to judge? ;-)

Enjoy!!!

A Stroll Around the Garden

The Sculpture Garden at the Norton Simon Museum

I was able to visit the Norton Simon Museum for the first time in a few months. The water lilies were in full bloom, as were a wide variety of other gorgeous flowers. From yellow and orange to purple and green, a stroll around the pond, through the trees, around the sculptures, was a delight for the senses.

So, I figured that I would share a few photos with you all. ;-)

Looking across the pond towards Aristide Maillol's River

Aristide Maillol's Mountain

Enjoy!!!

Pure Like a Rose

Detail of My friends left me behind and went to the by Kazuki Takamatsu

Although my gallery visiting opportunities have dwindled, I was fortunate enough to pay a visit to see Kazuki Takamatsu's exhibit "Japanese Ideology of Puberty" at the Corey Helford Gallery. It was a very good show, full of complex imagery, haunting but humorous, erotic but ethereal. It is this tension between the serious and silly, the adult and the innocent, that gave this show such an engaging appeal.

The technique was distinctive, creating form and volume with simple depth mapping techniques and clear gradations between light and shadow. The resulted in a ghostly, yet iconic, set of visions.

As for the subject matter, the influence of manga stereotypes is obvious. However, the cartoon-like simplicity  hides a subtle psychological depth in the composition. Under the the surface of sword-wielding "magic girls" or dreamy school girls, there is a morbid and ominous darkness, hinting at an adult world of turmoil in which the fantastic archetypes of youth are powerless.

Detail of I expect the fog hides all which I don't want to by Kazuki Takamatsu

Yeah, the exhibit has wrapped up, but keep an eye open for Kazuki Takamatsu's work. I'm happy that I was able to check it out and am looking forward to seeing more at future shows.

Canary

Detail of The Canary (1913) by William McGregor Paxton

Canary
(By Rita Dove)


---for Michael S. Harper

Billie Holiday’s burned voice
had as many shadows as lights,
a mournful candelabra against a sleek piano,
the gardenia her signature under that ruined face.

(Now you’re cooking, drummer to bass,   
magic spoon, magic needle.
Take all day if you have to
with your mirror and your bracelet of song.)

Fact is, the invention of women under siege   
has been to sharpen love in the service of myth.

If you can’t be free, be a mystery.


It's been a while since I last posted up a poem. I figured that the day would be improved with some lovely verse by Rita Dove.

Enjoy!!!

It Burns!!!

See Dick Burn. See Jane on Fire. See Spot in Heat!!!

Be warned. This is not conducive to a romantic evening.

But it will be memorable.

;-)

2013 Weekly Wrap #7

Detail of Sunbathe Barbie at Bombay Beach (2009) by Jen Trute

Well, it's been over a month since we last put up one of these Wrap posts. I really ought to drop the "Weekly" qualifier from the title. On the other hand, I've been picking up the pace. Perhaps, we will eventually get back to a rate of production that justifies a weekly wrap.

Of course, the bulk of posts have been "image of the day" types. That's cool with me; it is better to create content and share, than let the front page stay idle. At some point, I do intend to increase the writing, reviewing, and critiquing elements of this blog. I do intend to bring back some videos and musical treats. However, for now, quickie picture posts will do the job.

And who doesn't love the occasional Barbie doll photo-blog? ;-)

Lawrence at the Getty, on a hazy day

So, let's look at the Wrap:

As mentioned above, there were many image posts, ten out of eighteen in total. These included a couple sunsets, the Palos Verdes Promenade at night, views of Los Angeles, the "Pink" Moon, an empty tram at the Getty, a train ride at the South Bay Galleria, Tapwanu masks, views of San Diego, a clocktower at the Farmers Market, and another sunset sky.

Regarding Art, we had three posts. One featured the Richard Jackson exhibit at the Orange County Museum of Art. Another focused on Bad Dog, which was featured at the Jackson exhibition. Then, we looked at a few Alebrijes. Fun stuff!!!

Two holidays were celebrated, Earth Day and Cinco de Mayo. Barbie was our hostess for each. ;-)

Friday Flowers were tulips. We listened to some Native American flute music from R. Carlos Nakai. Finally, we celebrated the thirty year anniversary of Flashdance. Woo hoo!!!

Well, that's it for now. I'm looking forward to sharing more and more interesting images, memories, stories, and thoughts with you all over the next week and beyond. Thanks for reading!!!

Richard Jackson's Bad Dog may have moved on, but he left his mark. ;-)

Another Sublime Twilight

Twilight, with a sky turned gold, pink, and purple in the fading light

Enjoy!!!

Tower at the Market

Farmers Market: Los Angeles, at Third and Fairfax

Enjoy!!!

Cityscapes: From Coronado Island

Downtown San Diego at night, viewed from Coronado Island

The San Diego Convention Center at night

San Diego by day, viewed from Coronado Island

Enjoy!!!

Warding Off Spirits

Tapwanu Masks at the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum

Enjoy!!!

Little Train Went Roaring On

Train ride at the South Bay Galleria

I think I can, I think I can, I think I have a plan
And I can do 'most anything if I only think I can

Well, let's see if I can start writing up some substantial posts, in a timely manner. ;-)

Enjoy!!!