Friday, October 27, 2006

Diwali & Sculpture Exhibit (+photos)

I caught an amazing sculpture exhibit at Kashi Art Gallery in Fort Kochi the other day. Afterwords I went with the artist to visit the owners of the gallery, an Indian man and his USAmerican wife. Anoop, Dorrie, and Reghunadhan gave me loads of ideas and feedback on the Water Project.

Diwali Lunch Here are some photos from Diwali, by Terry Berger. He's actually pictured in one of them this time. See if you can find him!

I'm off tomorrow to hang out in a mud house designed by my new sculptor friend, Santhan, for his friends in Pattambi. I believe Santhan is in the process of decorating the mud walls with etched pictures.

Friday, October 20, 2006

News from Kerala

I returned to the west coast of south India, and am delighted to report that I think I have come upon a sculptor to join The Water Project! He lives in the state of Kerala, is interested in this project, has true dedication to nature, is connected in a loving community and the Periyar Tiger Reserve, and does beautiful work. I will post more soon.

For those who celebrate it, happy Diwali.

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Fort Kochi (+photos)

I spent an extended weekend in Cochin, also called Kochi, originally a Dutch fort in the Indian state of Kerala. As these 20 amazing photos that Terry took share, there are fantastic arts shows to be seen there. We also strolled to Jew Town, and came upon a synagogue that was built in 1563.

Ship discharging near Fort KochiFort Kochi is near Ernakulam, which is distinguished by multiple waterways and a fun ferry system. Not all is upbeat in this water wonderland area, though. In doing some research on water pollution I came across an article about water in Ernakulam. This picture may give clues as to part of the problem... Many thanks to Terry Berger for this photo.

Monday, October 02, 2006

Abstract Art

I'd like to take my art to the next level. I visited two one-room, one-teacher art schools in Mangalore today. The first was open-air, allowing me to watch the monsoon rain as it swept through. The second was above a convenience store, the kind that sells trial-size packages of everything from detergent to the beauty aid, coconut oil. Both schools had remarkable pictures on the walls, showing great talent in watercolor, charcoal, and oils. Though the teachers were clearly successful, and graciously welcomed my interruption, I realized that I will not find what I am looking for here.

Ninety-nine of a hundred wise art teachers would say I need to go back to basics. Indeed this is what these schools offered and what these teachers advocated. But deep inside of me I know I don't have sustaining interest in the details of a snail, an eggshell, or a human face to take the time to learn how to render them recognizeably.

Discouraged from repeatedly finding myself interested in that which exists between what most people can relate to, I did a search on abstract art. Though I didn't yet find a school, I felt encouraged by Harley Hahn's "Understanding Abstract Art," and Info Please on Abstract Expressionism.

PS In my next lifetime I'd like to be a Bollywood star.