Artistic Pursuits

Moroccan Dance and Music

Everywhere you go around the world, music reflects the heartbeat of the culture.  I enjoy watching musical performances because it brings me closer to the spirit of the people.  My playlist of global radio stations includes all types of music from all the continents.

This clip from Morocco shows an Arabic style of music and dance.  Even if I can’t understand the language, I can appreciate the rhythms and movements.    

It is very interesting to me how music blends rhythms from across the globe.  The increase of  international artists “crossing-over” into popular or mainstream music demonstrates how we are changing our musical perspectives.  Lately we’ve had a lot of hispanic influences, I’ll keep listening for an Arabic sound like in this video.

This week in America, our Grammy Music awards will recognize the popular music of 2009.  As I watch the ceremony I will consider how the artists and styles represent American culture.   It’s not only the music, but also the fashions and tributes to legends that makeup this exciting event.

From Country to Rap, the best of the best will be showcased.  The new artist category is probably my favorite because I like finding new bands.  The Grammy’s are favorite awards show – let me know which artists are your favorites!   Joy

Kyoto Has 1,100 Years of Culture

Gates at the Fushimi, Inari Shrine, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is the ancient home of the Imperial Court and considered the center of Japanese religion, aesthetics, music, theatre and dance.

The city holds about 20 percent of Japan’s national treasures including more than 1,700 Buddhist temples and 300 Shinto shrines.  The Japanese aesthetic of serenity is felt as you visit the Imperial Gardens, the Golden Pavillion and the Toji Temple.

My friend, Gary Arndt photographed this walkway while he visited the Fushimi, Inari Shrine.  Gary is taking a global journey, his website Everything-Everywhere has amazing first-hand insights into Kyoto and Japan.  This picture reminded me of the Gates in New York City and the belief that the arts can bring ages and cultures together.

I have learned that Japan’s Ministry of Education is responsible for most official support and patronage of the arts.  The ministry has a conservative position favoring traditional arts and crafts and “high culture.”  The Ministry designates “National Treasures”  which include not only great works of art—paintings, sculptures, or architectural masterpieces but also art forms and artists.

Many traditional artistic forms and aesthetic genre are regarded as distinctively Japanese: ukiyo-e woodblock prints, dramatic forms such as No’ and Kabuki, landscape gardening, architectural styles, poetic genre such as haiku (the 17-syllable verse form), Zen philosophy, flower arranging (ikebana), tea ceremony, and taiko drum music are a few examples.

If you are traveling, Kyoto is the place to immerse yourself in Japanese culture.   Here at home, we can look beneath the surface and realize Japanese culture is already a part of our lives.  I have a “Zen Rock Garden” on my desk which was a gift to help soothe my weary mind.  A hand-painted teapot and matching cups reminds me of the beauty of a Geisha tea service.  My silk robe is embroidered with Japanese cherry blossoms.

Our world may seem very large, but we’re all connected.  Today, let’s appreciate the aesthetic beauty and serenity of Japan.  Joy

The Body as a Canvas

Panamanian Artist Alexis Benalcazar

I believe there is an artistic spirit in everyone.  The spirit is felt in different ways, but we all have one.  While mine doesn’t usually produce art, I enjoy seeing the beauty (or not) or other people’s vision.

Spending the day at an arts festival is a wonderful opportunity to see a local artworks and meet today’s artists.  Being a part of the art scene is exciting.

Next week, the Feria de Arte in Boquete, Panama is exploring the artistic spirit with a exciting demonstration on a very unique canvas.

Panamanian artist, Alexis Benalcazar uses a human body as his canvas to create his one of a kind pieces.  Some would consider him a performance artist, because the act of painting is part of the art piece.

Benalcazar is drawing upon the recent popularity of tattoos and expanding beyond his usual fabric canvas.  While his piece is temporary, it is very emotional and makes his artistic statement.

Body art, has been part of many cultures for years.  Otzi, the Ice Man found in caves dating back to the 4th century B.C. , Egyptian mummies and even Julius Caesar were all tattooed.  Some cultures tattoo for spiritual rights of passage,  memorials or magical beliefs.

The permanent inking of the skin has become fashionable in recent years.  More artists are learning the techniques and improvements in inks and equipment have made it safer.

However you feel about getting body art, it is a part of our rich cultural and artistic heritage.  Whether temporary, or permanent it is an expression of creativity and artistic spirit.

Everyday my local tattoo shop is creating art for people.  It’s an artistic collaboration between the artist and the patron whose body is the canvas.  I don’t have to wait for the next arts festival, I could go to a shop and see what’s being done right now.

Do you have a tattoo?  I don’t.  I’m not sure what kind of image my artistic spirit would create that I would want on me forever.

If you have a tattoo, what did your inner artist create?  I’d love to hear about the significance of the image and your experience.    All the best, Joy