Monday, May 26, 2014

Transform

Hi,

We seem to have two constants in our lives these days:  The heat and the coup.  Even with those things going on, art prevailed this weekend and we had a busy, fun time.

The 'Old School Friday' song was "Papa's Got A Brand New Bag" by James Brown.  'Easy Monday' should be easy for some, we've sung it before:  'Try to see it my way, do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on?  While you see it your way, run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone.  __ __ __ __ __, __ __ __ __ __."  Hint:  It's about trying to find a solution.  It's by four lads who want to hold your hand.

Saturday morning when we arrived at Art Bridge, the activities were already in full swing.  There was a large group of high school students in the outer gallery listening to a discussion on traditional Thai art.  The entire restaurant area was being used as a 'studio' for members of Art Bridge who were working on new works.  Lisa had a spot on the patio near the river inlet and began working on a piece she had started at home.  As I walked around, I could see the beginnings of shapes and forms, not knowing what some of them would become.  

I returned to Art Bridge during the mid-day lunch break.  It seemed busier than before.  We packed up the paints with a plan to return the next morning.  One thing about working in the intense heat is that the paint dries fast.  

We still don't have any international news channels, but they gave us back much of the TV world, including our sports channels.  The internet has been our only source of information regarding the state of things here in Thailand.  Locally, there are only a few blocked roads, and there are alternate routes around them that aren't difficult.  The nightly curfew has taken it's toll on some businesses and activities.  There was no 'Walking Street' on Saturday night, and no 'Happy Street' on Sunday. We don't participate in the 'night life' so we don't stay out near the 10pm curfew, but there are a lot of clubs and bars that have surely been hurt by the time limit.  Many shops have to close early so their employees can get home in time.  

Sunday morning at Art Bridge was an amazing sight.  The students were working on their art in every available spot.  The bulk of them were in the outer gallery on the floor, but a few were in the main gallery, and a bunch in the restaurant.  Everyone had been given a black T-shirt to commemorate the event, so it had quite an impact visually.  Many of the member artists have their own unique styles and some of them can turn out a stunning piece of art in a couple of days.  Some of the students created beautiful work.  Cat's friend artist Fern met us there, and it was her first visit to the gallery.  After a couple of hours we left, and the four of us had lunch in town since the food was too spicy at the gallery.  In the evening we returned to Art Bridge and looked at all of the work, and hung out with the artists while they ate more spicy food.  Later in the evening it became a party.  We went home and I got to watch the F1 race from Monaco.  

Today's photo is an example of the artwork being created at the two-day event at Art Bridge.  This piece was created using a small spatula.


There was a thunderstorm this afternoon, with a token sprinkle.  The dogs are missing their afternoon playtime because it's just too hot.  Running in the mornings is all they get to do for real exercise.  They want rain too.

Have a Great Week.

               Peace,
                         Danny

"Don't spend time beating on a wall
hoping to transform it into a door."
~Coco Chanel

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