Artistic Pursuits

Our Inner Artist and the Louvre

I.M. Pei's Pyramid at the Louvre

In 1198, King Philippe Auguste began construction of the Louvre as a fortress to protect the city of Paris.  Over the next 800 years, the fortress evolved into a Royal Palace of Napoleon, and in 1793 became the Louvre Museum.

The half-mile long building has seen it all.  It protected the city through the 100-year War of the Middle Ages.  It protected and hid priceless artworks from Hitler’s invading army during World War II.

It is the world’s most visited museum with a 400,000 piece collection which includes Egyptian, Greek and Roman Antiquities, Sculptures, Paintings and Drawings.   Over 35,000 works are on display everyday such as the well known masterpieces, Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.

In 1988, famed artist I.M. Pei was commissioned to add a piece to the collection, the controversial “La Pyramide Inversee” resulted.  The Louvre is a landmark and significant part of the culture in Paris.

The unique combination of historical masterworks and modern collections is unlike any other.  The vast scope of the museum is inspiring.  From Classical to Impressionism to Modern Sculpture, the artistic spirit is felt when you walk in the front door.

I believe that every person has an artistic spirit.  We each see colors in our own way.  This is evident at a paint store which has 30 different colors of  “white”.  I have to wonder then, why is it that we ignore our inner voice instead of pursuing our artistic dreams?

The great artist, Vincent Van Gogh once said “If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.”

Critics did not consider Van Gogh a “worthy artist” and he sold only 1 painting during his lifetime.  While that rejection probably contributed to his depression and suicide, it did not stop him from painting. He painted over 800 paintings during the last 5 years of his life.

It seems odd that the number 800 applies to both the Louvre and Van Gogh.   Great artworks stand the test of time, as is proven in the building.  As an artist, there is an intense need to express what you are feeling and paint daily.

Can you imagine having that strong inner voice that needs to be creative?

Today’s Living Global idea is to be artistic.  Go to the paint store and buy something colorful.  Visit a craft store and decide to start a new hobby.  Join a pottery class at a local studio.

Let’s go and enjoy our artistic spirit – Joy

Tipica Music in Panama

Music can say a lot about a culture.  The Panamanian people are a mix of Spanish, African and Indigenous ancestry.  It seems obvious that their music would be a mix of Salsa, Reggae, and Calypso.

One of the most popular musical acts in Panama is Samy and Sandra Sandoval.   The brother and sister duet have 15 albums and perform at concerts regularly.  Their song, La Gallina Fina, was featured in the Tailor of Panama movie and is one of the fan’s favorites.

Samy and Sandra are artists in the Tipica genre which is a folkloric music with the accordian and conga drums.  Mix all of these influences together and you’ve got a great sound with a strong happy beat.

The song title, Oiga el Viejo Pa Joder, roughly translates into the “Old Pa Hears”.  Watch the video and you’ll get a feeling of what it’s like in Panama.

Musical artists often blend or adapt styles into something new.  What kind of music do you listen to?   I love the “Global Sounds” channel on my satellite radio.  Will you open your ears and mind to something new on your radio dial?

Enjoy the rhythm – Joy

International Artist in the Park

The Gates - For 16 days in February 2005, Central Park in NYC was transformed into a saffron river by the artists, Christo and Jeanne Claude.

In technical terms, it was 7,503 vinyl gates, with free-flowing nylon fabric panels, placed over 23 miles of walkways.

The two artists worked on the project for almost 25 years before it’s installation in the park.   To learn more about the project, visit http://www.christojeanneclaude.net

While I could talk about the determination of Christo negotiating with city officials, or the millions of people who witnessed the event – I want to talk about the concept of “Art” .

By definition “Art” is a creative expression which evokes an emotional reaction.

Many people questioned whether the “Gates” were actually artwork.   How could orange nylon flags be considered artistic?

It was almost comical because their very reaction of doubt or curiosity, confirmed that the project was artistic.

Seeing the project come to life was something I will never forget.  I stood at Sheep’s Meadow and compared the artists’ conceptual drawings with the reality in front of me.  I walked with thousands under the Gates and through the walkways of the park.  Tears came to my eyes at the immensity of the project and that Christo made his vision come to life.

Christo once said:  “It appears to be monumental only because it’s art.”

Will you look around your neighborhood to find, and see the art that is there?   It could be a sculpture in someone’s yard, or graffiti, or even the sky colors at sunset.  Appreciating these small things can make our lives so much richer.  We can all enjoy art, we just have to look for it.

P.S.  Christo and Jeanne-Claude are working on a project in Arkansas for 2011-2012.  I hope to see you there!  Joy