Art Connected

Art Connected ~ The name came from an e-mail I wrote to my friend, Marissa, in Romania at 8:00am. In my morning stooper, I mistyped. It happens to everyone with an iPhone, and a lot more often than we'd like I'm sure... but something about it made me keep it.

This is what I wrote to her:
I'm so excited that we're doing this together even though we're an ocean appart. It means so much to me that we art connected.

Ok, I meant 'are connected', but it turned out to be art instead. Horray for Freudian slips! I was, afterall, looking for a name for the art show I was putting on at my gym, Boulevard Fitness. At first, I was terrified to do a show because there were only 6 pieces from my collection and 4 from Impact Visual Arts. So in this big, wide space there were 10 total. Not enough I assure you with a yoga room, loft, and front reception areas to fill.

I put out the call to every artist and friend I knew. Miraculously, they started to come forward. One by one, and then 2 more and then finally there were 11 of us including  Marissa and my late Uncle Stan. With over 40 pieces of art, 3 vendors, the most delicious buffet, and a live musical guest... we were rockin'! All of this came from the artists and their friends.

Annie & Family

Thank you to all of my friends and readers who came! Even if you weren't able to make it (or I skipped you on the invite list SO SORRY)... the art is still up and we'll for sure have another event in the near future.

Dia de los Muertos

In celebration of the dead, Dia de los Muertos provided a joyous opportunity to honor and share my love for those who have passed. My dear friend, Juan, invited me to the procession from Sherman Heights to Chicano Park. What an experience! I started the evening by viewing the many altars at the Community Center in that same area. Each one was unique, made with devotion, and the purest intention of staying connected. Some had beer, snacks, and Chargers paraphanalia... just the little things that matched the personality and spirit departed.

I met up with Juan and we got our makeup done. Don't we look drop dead gorgeous!?!? We carried candles and paraded down the streets of the Barrio behind the large pick-up truck carrying the Aztec dancers and alongside the low riders. It was a MIX. The drumming would start, and then the hydraulics would go, and I would just start cracking up looking at this mish-mash of history and modernity.

At the park, we met up with more friends and watched the dancers form a circle and perform. Each dance had a different beat and set of movements, but many were similar and blended into the next one. I was told that they go for an hour straight, and that is part of the ritual. Whew... if you did this kind of dancing, you would be fit in no time! It requires stamina and lots of quad strength.

The crowd was invited to give an offering to the great alter in the center. I gave my candle. Before you set your offering, you are blessed and cleansed with incense. It smelt amazing, like a mellow pine flavor. So subtle and yummy. Reminded me a lot of copal, the incense that the Mayans used and still use today in Guatemala. I bought some on my trip in '07. I might have a few nuggets left even.

In reflection, my blog seems to be one continuous altar. It's a living, expanding connection to a life and a life lived ~ a writing alter. I like that idea! I just read that an alter is 'a place to grow the soul', and that's exactly how I feel about this blog. It has pictures, video, poetry and story. All it needs is a sugar skull, a few candles, some marigolds... and I'm set.

Bessos mi amigos! Here's to life and its great cycle!