Monthly Archives: July 2016

7-20-16. Beijing subways.

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The subway system worked out just fine. It reminded me of Tokyo’s system with the multi-levels and signage in an unreadable let alone unpronounceable language juxtaposed with our native English. Once inside, the tunnels were like an underground maze without the advantage of natural landmarks to indicate north and south. I learned early on to refer to an old-school compass, the kind with a magnetic needle in order to correctly orient our subway maps. This artwork started from an ordinary snapshot inside a subway car filled with a jumble of commuters, backpacks, and umbrellas. I liked the final result of eliminating the visual clutter by painting on the photo. A stranger’s lone arm and the subway pole were the only things left.

The subway system worked out just fine. It reminded me of Tokyo’s system with the multi-levels and signage in an unreadable let alone unpronounceable language juxtaposed with our native English. Once inside, the tunnels were like an underground maze without the advantage of natural landmarks to indicate north and south. I learned early on to refer to an old-school compass, the kind with a magnetic needle in order to correctly orient our subway maps.
This artwork started from an ordinary snapshot inside a subway car filled with a jumble of commuters, backpacks, and umbrellas. I liked the final result of eliminating the visual clutter by painting on the photo. A stranger’s lone arm and the subway pole were the only things left.

7-15-15. Beijing.

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10:03 AM. This was an interior snapshot of a typical convenience store similar to our 7-Elevens. It was hot and late in the afternoon so we ran into the store for its air conditioning and to do some retail exploring. It’s interesting to check out the packaging, items for sale, and see their prices. I rarely buy but sometimes come away with usable snapshots like this one that was painted on top of it. By the way, everything was inexpensive because the dollar is strong to the yuan.

10:03 AM. This was an interior snapshot of a typical convenience store similar to our 7-Elevens. It was hot and late in the afternoon so we ran into the store for its air conditioning and to do some retail exploring. It’s interesting to check out the packaging, items for sale, and see their prices. I rarely buy but sometimes come away with usable snapshots like this one that was painted on top of it. By the way, everything was inexpensive because the dollar is strong to the yuan.

7-15-16. Haruki Murakami.

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9:57 AM. I’m not a runner but the book is good. Surprisingly, it was in a sale bin so maybe it wasn’t a popular seller but I think that anything Murakami chooses to write about will be interesting. He’s known for his fiction so this memoir-like piece is a departure from his usual. It really explains the impact of running on his writing. So, if you like Murakami, then check out this fast read for insight into his psyche.

9:57 AM. I’m not a runner but the book is good. Surprisingly, it was in a sale bin so maybe it wasn’t a popular seller but I think that anything Murakami chooses to write about will be interesting. He’s known for his fiction so this memoir-like piece is a departure from his usual. It really explains the impact of running on his writing. So, if you like Murakami, then check out this fast read for insight into his psyche.

7-8-16. On Kawara.

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9:26 AM. Two of my favorites, On Kawara, the conceptual artist and my Shiba Inu dog. “On Kawara-Silence” by Jeffrey Weiss and Anne Wheeler is a great catalog that helps to explain the extent and mystery of this elusive artist. Study Kawara and be inspired. Many have. Also, Shiba loosely translated means “brushwood” and make great pets if you like your canines to be active, independent, and alert. Mine is a great watchdog too.

9:26 AM. Two of my favorites, On Kawara, the conceptual artist and my Shiba Inu dog. “On Kawara-Silence” by Jeffrey Weiss and Anne Wheeler is a great catalog that helps to explain the extent and mystery of this elusive artist. Study Kawara and be inspired. Many have. Also, Shiba loosely translated means “brushwood” and make great pets if you like your canines to be active, independent, and alert. Mine is a great watchdog too.

7-7-16. Getty Center.

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6:43 PM. Fresh from a visit to see two specific shows, the “Cave Temples of Dunhuang” and “Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium.” Speaking of the diverse themes at a single venue, the Getty has done a great job pulling this off. I was really happy to see the China show having returned from there a few weeks ago. Seeing the exhibit gives added incentive to revisit mainland China. The exhibits are free and parking is $15. I recommend both. The “doctored” photo was shot at the southern end of the campus and started as a mundane image of a lawn and wall.

6:43 PM. Fresh from a visit to see two specific shows, the “Cave Temples of Dunhuang” and “Robert Mapplethorpe: The Perfect Medium.” Speaking of the diverse themes at a single venue, the Getty has done a great job pulling this off. I was really happy to see the China show having returned from there a few weeks ago. Seeing the exhibit gives added incentive to revisit mainland China. The exhibits are free and parking is $15. I recommend both shows. The “doctored” photo was shot at the southern end of the campus and started as a mundane image of a lawn and wall.