My two-day vacation at the Getty Villa

I’ve been to the Getty Villa a gazillion times but I’ve always been there for a specific exhibit or a lecture or a class. I’ve never taken any of the regular tours before so I decided to remedy that. My excuse came when I discovered that Lillian Sizemore, a mosaic artist and teacher, was scheduled to give a talk and a demonstration at the Villa. So I decided to make a reservation two days in a row and do and see all the things I have never done and seen before plus view a couple of current exhibits.

On Thursday at 11:30am I started out with Point of View: Lillian Sizemore on Mosaics. As everybody knows, I have a love affair with ancient Greek and Roman mosaics. Although I certainly appreciate mosaics as an art form, my personal “point of view” comes from a historical, sociological and architectural (not to mention archaeological) perspective. I enjoy looking at an ancient mosaic and imagining how and where it would have been used, and by whom. So, although I have seen the few mosaics in the Getty collection a multitude of times, it was a treat for me to gain an artful insight into this delightful medium.

First up was the Mosaic Floor with Medusa (about 115 - 150 A.D.). Lillian pointed out the concentric circles, creating alternating black and white spirals. She mentioned that the perception might be that the ancient artists weren’t that clever but her view is that they were very intelligent, knowing exactly what they were doing. I agree. They may not have had the benefit of computers or technology, but given the tools they had to work with, their work is amazing. Personally, I have always been fascinated with geometric designs created with such implements as a compass and triangle.

Next we looked at a fountain, a copy of that in the garden of the House of the Great Fountain at Pompeii. This is my second favorite mosaic piece at the Getty Villa (oh, but it’s so hard to choose!).

My favorite mosaic in the Villa collection is Floor Mosaic with a Lion Attacking an Onager (Roman about 150). I once gave a half-hour presentation on this one mosaic. I made a full-scale print and laid it on the floor under the mosaic (which is installed horizontally on the wall) so my audience could look at it from its intended viewing point. Because of the lack of space, and museum convention, we have the unhappy situation of looking at floor mosaics from the wrong perspective as if they are wall paintings. Even when they are presented horizontally they are usually shown on a raised bed so most people never have the joy of viewing a floor mosaic from the correct position. Hence my interest in preserving mosaics in situ wherever and whenever possible (but that is a whole other blog—or book.)

When I talk about mosaics I am always amazed at the interest from my audience, be it friends or classmates or artists, maybe because mosaics have always been brushed aside as not being very important—at least the ancient kind—and therefore there is not much ongoing conversation about them compared to painting or sculpture. Or maybe people are merely being polite!

Separating the figurative image from the background in some mosaics is a single or double row of tesserae set in a curving line in the field color. I always thought of this as the lazy mosaicist’s way of defining the outline of the figure (animal, plant, human) instead of attempting to cut all the pieces so that they butt up to the colored pieces evenly, but I never realized this was actually a technique used as a rule. Aesthetically I still don’t like it, although now I know it was a purposeful technique I have more respect for it.

We moved on to Mosaic Floor with a Boxing Scene (about A.D. 175). When I tour the Getty with friends I am often asked why this is not my favorite mosaic in the collection as it is in as perfect condition as any in the museum. It is truly wonderful and I love the fact that the corners of the frame were not planned well, which says to me that the center emblamata piece was designed at the workshop and delivered to the site where the perimeter geometric mosaics were installed in place. I was happy that Lillian pointed out the corner misalignments as I think most people do not notice this. So why isn’t it my favorite? It does have an interesting story, but just not my cup of tea.

My next event was the Architecture Tour. Although I know the Getty Villa pretty well I enjoyed the perspective of the guide. He actually apologized for his interest in the mathematical proportions but I found that the most interesting part of the tour. And, in case you are wondering how the Romans figured anything out in the system of V, VII and X, they did not use that for their calculations. They had an abacus to do their calculations. One of the Chinese tourists in our group stated that, of course, the abacus had come from China. Our tour guide was not so sure, pointing out that because of trade between the two civilizations at the time, nobody knows who thought of it first.

I then joined the Culinary Garden Tour. I own a couple of cookbooks with recipes of food prepared during the Roman Empire (yes, I am sure I lived during that period as I feel so at home with everything that occurred during that time). The docent described the plants, herbs and fruits growing in the Getty gardens that were used for culinary purposes.

My last tour of the day was Life in a Roman Villa but it was not what I expected and in any case, by then I was tired and my ADHD was kicking in big time, so it was time to leave for the day.

Once again I was in awe of the majestic views of the Pacific Ocean as I drove along Pacific Coast Highway towards Santa Monica and the entrance to the freeway.

Day two of my vacation at the Getty Villa I attended Lillian Sizemore’s Artist-at-Work Demonstration: Mosaics. Lillian is an amazing artist in this very difficult medium. I have tried to put together a few small mosaics myself and it is no easy task, which is why I have such great respect for the ancient mosaicists. Lillian showed us how to cut the stones into pieces of tesserae with the hammer and hardie. As I have managed to cut myself with knives and scissors over the years I am not sure this would be a suitable profession for me!

She had several examples of different kinds of mosaics on display. I was most intrigued by the sample of opus sectile (translated as cut work) which had the effect of looking paper thin.

I wanted to stay longer but I was off to explore the outdoors with the Garden Tour. The Villa has four gardens. One of the most ubiquitous plants in the gardens is the acanthus which inspired the Roman (originally Greek) Corinthian columns. In the herb garden there is a lovely example of an Italian Stone Pine tree.

As I have been to the Getty Villa so many times, on this trip I decided to take some photos of the flooring and walls, so along with a few shots of Lillian’s tour and some photos of the gardens, that is what you will see in the slide show.

I had intended to return to Lillian’s workshop in the afternoon and take some more photos of her working on a mosaic but I made the mistake of answering my phone and duty called. Every time I visit the Villa I think I don’t need to go back for a while as I have seen everything. But there is something magical about that museum that keeps calling me back and I know I will be returning soon.

Click here for photo gallery.

(All photos copyright roslyn m wilkins)

The art of Lucknow and a tuna melt

I don't even remember when was the last time I visited LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). It may have been as long as a year ago, but certainly too long to be away from one of my favorite places in LA.

There is something very satisfying about standing in front of a piece of art (whether it is a painting, a sculpture, a textile or...). Of course, there is a considerable amount of "art" I don't want to be standing in front of... but usually in any exhibit or gallery I can find one piece that resonates with me and makes the whole experience worthwhile.

On this very rainy past Sunday, my good friend BG and I decided to spend the afternoon at LACMA. Neither of us had checked the website so we really didn't know what exhibits were available. That can be fun, just wandering around seeing what there is to see.

Rain in LA is like a blizzard in other parts of the country: nobody wants to venture outside. So the museum was lightly attended, which was fine with me!

The first exhibit we noticed was India's Fabled City: The Art of Courtly Lucknow, so we decided to give it a shot, not knowing what to expect.

From the LACMA website: "Lucknow was an extraordinarily elegant and sophisticated Indo-Islamic kingdom that flourished in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This is the first exhibition devoted to the opulent art and culture of the city, which boasted the wealthiest court and most ostentatious cityscape in northern India."

Need I say more? Well, this is my blog, so I will anyway!

First of all, I was amazed at the size (approximately 200 pieces) and depth (paintings, costumes, jewelry, weapons, decorative arts, glassware, and more) of the exhibit. Very impressive. Walking from gallery to gallery it just kept on going.

Although I enjoyed all facets, I was most taken by the intricate paintings executed in water color and gold leaf... exquisite renditions of the architecture, people and life in general of that era. We commented that the work must have been done under very powerful magnifying glasses by artists with extraordinary eyesight and tiny hands. You have to see it in person to appreciate the delicacy.

Equally impressive were the portraits by Tilly Kettle, especially in his rendition of the rich fabrics worn by his subjects. (I looked him up on Wikipedia as I had never heard of this artist who died in his early 50s. Out of money, he returned to India in the hope of replenishing his bank account but traveling overland through Asia he was never heard from again.)  

One nice touch in the exhibit was a room devoted entirely to a panoramic photograph of Lucknow mounted on the wall as a mural. Walking into the room was like walking into the city, surrounded on all sides by the view.

If you think you know everything there is to know about Indian art, or you think you don't care, either way I highly recommend seeing this wonderful exhibit. If nothing else, it is an interesting insight into an episode of India's history.

Having been blown away by the art of Lucknow we traversed the plaza to the new Korean galleries. The space is very nice but after the previous experience the art on display was rather bland. We checked out a few other favorites in the main building but at that point our brains had sucked up about as much art and information as we could manage... so as our hearts and minds were full it was time to feed our stomachs.

Marie Callender's Bakery and Cafe is just a few footsteps down Wilshire Boulevard so it is always a convenient restaurant for a post-museum discussion and meal. BG and I, along with other friends, have spent many an interesting couple of hours there in the afterglow of LACMA. We always order a salad, and usually the same favorite that we each have. We laugh about this as every time we peruse the menu as if we are going to try a new item, but it rarely happens.

I was cold down to my bone marrow all day and walking in the torrential rain to the restaurant did not help matters. The thought of my usual salad did not appeal to me. But the tuna melt sure did. We both ordered it, BG with french fries and for me the cole slaw (I had to get my green veggies in somewhere).

As a connoisseur of tuna melts I have to tell you this was one of the best I have ever eaten. Perhaps THE best. I don't normally eat four-legged animals but I decided to make an exception this time as the sandwich came with two strips of deliciously crispy bacon (yes, I could have ordered it without but I didn't want to). That first bite was heaven. The cole slaw was yummy too with peanuts and raisins sprinkled in with the colorful cabbage slices. I may have found my new Marie Callender's "usual." (I don't believe this Marie Callender's is associated with the chain around town so don't try to order this at the one on your corner.)

A very pleasant rainy Sunday afternoon that covered all the senses.

Vickie Myers Wows Again for the Culver City Art Group

The members of the Culver City Art Group who attended the Annual Membership Drive at Graphaids today were once again treated to the innovative art of Vickie Myers as she entertained us with some imaginative ways to use water colors.

From collages made of our paintings we don't like so much to the ever-popular carrot people to using tools and brushes creatively, even the seasoned painters in our group learned a lot.

This was the third time Vickie has shared her talents with our group. Never a one-trick pony, she always has new and different methods and effects to demonstrate. Ask her anything and she will answer in detail with great patience.

Vickie has been teaching at the Joslyn Center in El Segundo since 1993. You can contact her via her website at http://www.vmyersart.com/.  

And thanks to Graphaids Culver City who very generously allows us to hold our membership drive in their store every year.

(Photos copyright roslyn m wilkins)

“Rivers of the World” Community Mural Fundraiser and Live Street Art Event

A fundraiser and live street art event is scheduled for Sunday, September 12 from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm at Zakheim Conservation Studio, 3633 Eastham Drive, Culver City, CA. The goal is to raise awareness for the protection, restoration, and preservation of all Culver City murals.

Enjoy an afternoon of arts and entertainment. Meet renowned artists and celebrities including mural artist Art Mortimer and artist/actor Thom Bierdz of The Young & the Restless.

There will be a panel discussion with Shakuntala Zakheim, art conservation specialist; William Brutacao, famed attorney in the Kent Twitchell million-dollar Visual Artists Rights Act case; Lucy Blake-Elahi, public artist; and Ricardo Guerrero, Graffiti Lab Director. RAWartists.org, a non-profit national artist and environmental group, will be documenting the afternoon, making the stop on their national tour.

Community participation is important to show support for the future of public art and murals in Culver City.

“When I see public art in Culver City, I feel good about being part of a city that values art and thinks it should be available to everyone,” says Corinne Lightweaver, local artist and member of the Culver City Art Group. “I never noticed the Postcards from Ballona mural (on the bike path behind the Julian Dixon Library) when it was covered in graffiti. Now that I have had a role in restoring it, I visit it often and take action if I see graffiti or weeds blocking it.”

The Postcards from Ballona mural was successfully restored last year thanks to the efforts of the city contracting one of the original mural artists, Lori Escalera, and approximately 90 local volunteers. This spring Day to Night mural in Syd Kronenthal Park was also restored, lead by Escalera and the help of community volunteers. The Rivers of the World mural, also located on the bike path at Duquesne Avenue, is the latest in a series of community murals to be renovated. Since its completion in 2000, the mural has deteriorated due to wear, vandalism and graffiti. Its restoration is scheduled for November 12-14, 2010.

At the fundraiser you will also see live spray art by Timoi De Leon, Lesley Perdomo, and Jony "Broak" Tolentino. Renowned street chalk artists Lorelle Miller, Juliana Martinez, Lucas De La Torre, and Gustavo Lozano will demonstrate their skills. Live music will be provided by established performers Craig Small and the exotic Anna Homler.

Suggested donation is $25 per person or $75 for a family of four. Make your payment by September 1 and receive $25 credit on art auction items starting at $50. You can make your donation through Paypal at www.ballonacreek.org or send a check (payable to Ballona Creek Renaissance) to: BCR, PO Box 843, Culver City, CA 90232.

Questions or want to get involved? Email Lori Escalera: design.etc@cox.net

Sponsored in part by Ballona Creek Renaissance 501-c3, RAWartists.org, Laird Plastics, Sorrento Italian Market, Culver City Trader Joe's, Artesa Winery, and your neighborhood Sprouts Market.

To receive updates or RSVP on Facebook, search: "Save the Rivers of the World Community Mural"

Photos are available at: http://picasaweb.google.com/loriescalera/RiversOfTheWorldMural

Culver City Art Group Art Salon

Musée d'Orsay, miniature paintings, the Pastel Society of Southern California, Francis Bacon, Roman mosaics—these are just a sampling of the topics bandied around at the Culver City Art Group Art Salon held at my home on July 31. The snacks were just as eclectic ranging from homemade guacamole to organic grapes to cheese and crackers. Ten members of the art group attended which was the perfect number for good conversation.


I am looking forward to our next session!

For a photo gallery please click here.

Young Summers at POST in 3D

Young Summers introduced her first three-dimensional artwork at POST Gallery (1904 E 7TH Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90021) tonight. Young, a member of the Culver City Art Group, is the creator of some prize-winning collages. She invited members of CCAG to attend her exhibit.

I always like to see new and different art. The exhibit was a lot of fun, and that is what art should be in my opinion—fun.

Yes, it can be about serious subjects but to get the point across it needs to invite the viewer in and that can only be done by creating an enjoyable environment.

Personally, I always prefer innovative, creative, adventurous art… even if I don’t particularly care for it… to dreadfully boring, serious stuff. Art should be an adventure, not a known quantity.

Fortunately, no worries, as I always enjoy Young's art work.

(Photos copyright roslyn m wilkins)

Lessons Learned: Reflecting on the Theory and Practice of Mosaic Conservation

I have to admit when I read that the articles in this book were in English and French I thought that meant this would be like an English/French dictionary with translations into the respective languages. Not so, as some of the articles are in English and some are in French, period. If you can’t read French you are on your own which I find somewhat disappointing. Would it have been so hard to translate the French into English and vice versa? However, for someone like myself who only reads English and can just about order a cup of coffee in French, there is still enough of interest to justify ordering this informative collection of reports on the proceedings of the 2005 meeting of the International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics.

I happen to love mosaics and am unashamedly passionate about the conservation of ancient mosaics, especially in the Hellenistic Greek and Roman Empire periods. From this book I learned a great deal about the different approaches to preservation and the problems inherent in those methods, the effects of tourism pro and con, the efforts to encourage appreciation for cultural heritage, the methods of scientific investigation—just to mention a few topics.

So if, like me, you salivate when you hear the word mosaics and want to learn more about the conservation and preservation of this wonderful art form from a professional point of view, I can highly recommend purchasing this record of the conference.
+