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

Fashion and Paris go together.  Fashionistas and celebrities travel from all of the world to see the latest creations from the design houses.  Clothing designers are some of the most popular artists of our time.

The great French fashion names are well known – Chanel, Dior, Vuitton, Hermes and Yves Saint Laurent.  Every season there are new, up and coming designers that travel to Paris for their time in the spotlight.

This video clip is from a newer designer, Gareth Pugh and I liked how it gave a behind the scenes view.  It’s amazing how these shows set the trends and colors for the next fashion season.

Christian Dior once said – “It is not money that makes you well dressed, it’s understanding.”

Understanding the fashion designers can be quite difficult.  Are they trying to shock us with an outfit?  What is the designer saying with that guarded, almost walled-up jacket?  Is that black and white striped skinny pant a “must-buy” this fall?

While most of the clothes on the runways are not going to be worn by the average person, it does give everyone the feeling of sophistication.  We follow the celebrities in their glamorous  lifestyle and try to bring it into our own lives.  If you think about it, understanding how clothing reflects our personality is easy.

Taking the time to put on an outfit and makeup, just makes a person feel better.   Dior was right, I don’t have to spend a lot of money, it just takes effort. Why do I always wear the same jeans and t-shirt?  It’s no wonder that nothing exciting ever happens in life, is it?

So today, go look in your closet and find something colorful, or flirty, or powerful.  Pick out shoes that make you stand tall and proud.  Add a great necklace or scarf and don’t forget the lip gloss.

Imagine you’re in Paris on that runway and go strut your stuff!

Something great is going to happen – Joy

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