Hi,
We have had an art-filled weekend. We also had a doggie play-date and coffee with a friend.
Well, there must have been something very important going on this weekend because Lisa was the only person to identify the 'Old School Friday' song. It was "Goodnight My Love" by Jesse Belvin. You should know this classic R&B ballad. On to easier things like 'Easy Monday'. This should be easy since it has been 50 years since this song became a hit and changed popular music as we used to know it. (555) "__ __ __ __, you know I love you. I'll always be true, so please, __ __ __. Whoa, __ __ __." Clue: It's not a heavy song, but a fun one. The group changed music across the pond and around the world. The song has been getting lots of attention so you should get this.
Saturday morning we drove north on the Super Highway to Doy Din Dang the home/gallery/studio of Khun Somluk. He is a ceramic artist who is one of the leaders in the art community here. Entering his compound is like going to another world. The first thing that strikes you is the tall trees. It feels like a mountain encampment. There are many buildings and everywhere you look there are pots, vases, bowls and plates blending into the natural surroundings. Somluk spent many years in Japan studying various aspects of ceramic art and how to make non-toxic glazes. On our way to the coffee shop for our meeting, we passed through a workshop where young people were making small cups on pottery wheels. There was a gallery containing beautiful bowls and vases, and a gift shop. I commented on the roof of the gift shop and Somluk mentioned that the tiles were cement and would change with time. He compared them to people: "As they get older they change color, become more humble, and then pass away." We spent about an hour talking with him and two of his guests from Chiang Mai. It was a very inspiring visit and we will be returning to spend more time 'looking'.
Saturday evening we went to a birthday party/gallery opening with our friends Chalit and Amber. It was the 60th birthday of another prominent artist, Ajarn (teacher) Chalong. What we didn't realize was that it was going to be such a major event. His whole neighborhood, the whole artist community, and people from his temple were all there to celebrate. After he spoke, a famous monk spoke, and then we crowded into the two-story gallery that sits in front of his house. This is a very common practice here. Artists will build a gallery next to their home. We have been to several galleries like this. Chalong's work is unique in that his images are brought to life using tiny dots. From a distance you might see a buffalo and a rice field. A little closer it looks like air-brush art. When you get up close you realize there are thousands of tiny dots, and flecks of paint that build in density to get the shape he is looking for. We had a chance to examine and discuss the process with other artists and that was cool.
Sunday morning Gary, Jago, and two kids came over to play. When the gate opened and Daku saw who it was he barked. Yes, he's using his voice a bit more these days, even though BamBam doesn't like it. When Jago got off the motorbike he and Daku charged out onto the front lawn. The kids were laughing and BamBam was barking because she wanted to be out there. We keep her inside for a bit and then let her out. She did her usual 'Alpha' thing when she was let out, chasing Jago around the yard. Bam was running really fast and Jago was just loping along staying in front of her. Salukis are the fastest dogs in the world and Jago is very impressive. He and BamBam got a little friendlier this time, she is letting him get closer. He's still a puppy and wants to play with her but she ignores his overtures. The kids threw the ball and the dogs would bring it back to them. That was cute to watch. As their energy subsided Jago wandered off to the back and was just taking in the yard. It was a fun visit and they'll be back again soon.
The Play-Date Crew
Have a Great Week.
Peace,
Danny
"It is more important to grow your income
than cut your expenses.
It is more important to grow your spirit
than cut your dreams."
~Robert Kiyosaki
Gettin' Funky, Thai Style
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