Temp Work

Some of us might think of "temp work" as a two-week job in an office grinding away in front of a computer. But not Lori Escalera. Working as a Modannari (Street Painter), Lori's temporary artwork is a source of joy for both artist and viewer.

This is a photo of her Trompe L’Oeil Koi Pond from a street painting event in Mission Viejo, CA.

She doesn't mind that the work is temporary. "It seems to be part of its beauty. People seem so sad to know that after the weekend the art will be gone. Washed away with the street sweepers. But life really isn't about permanence anyway!"

Lori is well-known to Culver City-ites. She is the founder and past president of the Culver City Art Group and her work shows up around the city in surprising places.

You can see more of her latest "temp work" here.

(Photo copyright Lori Escalera)

Dali: Painting & Film

If you think you're done with Salvador Dali exhibits, think again. The current offering at LACMA focuses on his career in film and cinema. Well, folks, this IS Hollywood! Did you know he counted Alfred Hitchcock and Walt Disney among his friends? Most people are probably familiar with his work on Hitchcock's film "Spellbound" for the dream sequences. (Note to self: must rent from NetFlix to see for the umpteenth time.) The oil paintings (in grayscale) that he created for the sets of that movie are wonderful works of art in themselves. In fact, they were my favorite pieces in the show of approximately 100 Dali paintings, sculptures, photographs and films.

One piece not film-related (as far as I know) was the lobster telephone (1936). As my souvenir for the exhibit I couldn't resist buying the plastic lobster for three bucks. It now adorns my bathroom wall, as you can see in the photo, and stares at me as I brush my teeth.

My all time favorite Salvador Dali exhibit was at the Tate Gallery in London in 1980. I still have the poster in the entryway of my home, sadly faded over the years. The image is cropped from the "Swans Reflecting Elephants" painting. I prefer it to the original painting as it focuses on the three swans and elephants, the woman/tree reaching skyward and the boat beached in the background.

Although Dali is not one of my top ten favorite artists, I recognize his importance in the history of art and film and I am awed by his imagination.

Dali: Painting and Film ends January 6, 2008.

(Photo copyright roslyn m wilkins)

A Familiar Place
I was browsing around some of my friends' blogs to see what was new and interesting. I was struck by Katherine Kean's painting of Monterey Cypress Trees at Point Lobos. I feel like I've walked down this same path in dreams or meditations many times. In my interpretation, the end of the road overlooks a green valley with a village nestled in the hillsides. This village is very colorful and full of creativity, music and laughter. (I'm probably channeling "Brigadoon," one of my favorite movies.) I feel comfortable in this village. I settle in there as an artist, living in a small cottage with birds and butterflies enjoying the flowers in my garden. Of course, I live happily ever after, surrounded by friends who are also artists, musicians, poets, philosophers... I'm saving Katherine's painting to my file of favorites so I can look at it from time to time. It's my metaphor for the New Year: walking through unknown territory to find a very familiar place.
http://katherinekean.blogspot.com/2007/12/new-work.html