LACMA - Kubrick Exhibit

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For Luca's first visit to LACMA, we caught the Stanley Kubrick exhibit just before it left. It was a really great exhibit for the Kubrick fan. Admittedly, I'm not particularly versed in his work - I think I've only seen The Shining, but can appreciate the visuals he has seared into pop consciousness. Sergio has seen most if not all of his films so he had a fantastic time. The presentation of the items was well done. Each room was dedicated to a single film. The Shining room had red carpet, the Space Odyssey 2001 room had slick futuristic flooring, etc. I especially liked seeing Kubrick's handwritten notes.





Of course, we love the outdoor space at LACMA so much as well. It was our first time seeing Levitation Mass and the setting sun certainly cast a dramatic shadow.



For more photos go here.

East Coast Trip 2012 - Photo Diary 4

On Memorial Day, we hopped in the car and traveled a gorgeous scenic route up to Harrisville, New Hampshire. Our destination was the prettiest lakeside cabin -- Nora's cabin. The petite white structure is cradled by tall green trees all around and sits just above the road for the perfect gaze right out to the smooth, calm lake. The cozy inside is filled with so much art! Love it. It was fun to witness Sergio reminisce and rediscover childhood trinkets stashed around in nooks and crannies. I think this place deserves its own photo post so here it is.
















Isn't it adorable? I just wish the weather was a touch better. We never got to enjoy that wonderful deck! Next time. Also next time I'll bring a real Sancerre. Not a red one.

P.S. I have to admit, I am very much a city girl. Sergio was my hero in helping me handle a heightened fear of bugs in unfamiliar territory. He indulged my irrationality and did most of the cleaning and vacuuming as soon as we arrived since the cabin had been closed for the winter before us. It wasn't so bad. I guess. Mostly old cobwebs. He said there were slugs in the toilet coming up from the septic tank but he got rid of those before I saw them. Thank goodness.

Marfa Amigos at Heath

Full set here.

After Photo Camp, a few of us jaunted over to Heath for the Marfa Amigos show. In addition to the luscious leather furniture by Jamey Garza, gorgeous cozy pillows by Constance Holt, and El Cosmico posters, there was amazing BBQ (served from a giant smoker/grill towed all the way from Austin, TX, margaritas, and live music. I met Marfa brands soap-maker Ginger Griffice while in line for the restroom. She had on the most amazing yellow dress. I kind of wish I had stayed longer - the music was seriously awesome. But I was craving my pajamas like crazy so scooted home early.

(Hi Laura, Scheherazade, Morgan, Laure!)

Terracotta Warriors at the Bowers Museum

We brought Mom to see this exhibit just before they left. We saw it the previous time the exhibit was in town (2008) as well but she doesn't remember! It was a really good exhibit. I remember the last time it was way too long with too many items to look at. And it was crowded. The entire experience was overwhelming.

This time, we we went early -- right when the museum opened -- and everything had been edited down to the most superb examples. The one relic my mom was most looking forward to was the sacred boxes that Buddha's finger bone rested in. The entire exhibit was fascinating. Afterward, we had lunch al fresco at Tangata, the museum restaurant.

Realistically I'm not sure I would drive all the way back down to Santa Ana for this museum. But if they have another cool exhibit like this one, I would definitely make the effort.

From the Bowers Museum website:

"Follow this exhibition through the underworld empires of three of the most formative dynasties in Chinese history: the Qin, the Han and the Tang, each a high point of culture and technology, looked back to with pride by Chinese people and admired by others today. The treasures that accompanied China’s rulers and elites in the afterlife, and the spectacular gold and silver offerings placed in their temples, speak to the incredible accomplishments of an ancient culture whose descendants still live on today.

The exhibition features the famous life-size terra cotta warriors, protector of China’s first emperor Qin Shihuangdi, whose mausoleum complex is considered the eighth wonder of the world. Newly excavated, the painted garments and armor are clearly visible thanks to new conservation techniques. Smaller in scale but equally impressive are some of the more than 40,000 smiling terra cotta warriors from the imperial tomb compounds of Han emperors Gaozu and Jingdi. They are presented in combination with concubines, animals and a multitude of objects that insured a lavish and comfortable afterlife.

The royal and elite tombs from the Tang Dynasty were stocked with riches clearly tied to the trade of exotic goods along the Silk Road. Dazzling gold ornaments, tomb guardians, a mural depicting a game of polo and many other luxuries illustrate the taste of Tang elites and the era’s connection with the West. And, for the first time in the United States, come gold, silver and gemstone treasures deposited into the treasure-crypt of the Famen Monastery by six Tang Dynasty emperors and China’s only female emperor Wu Zhao. This important Buddhist site, sealed in 874 of the Tang Dynasty and rediscovered in 1987, was founded with the fragment of the historical Buddha’s finger bone. The reliquaries associated with the sacred relic are part of this exhibition."

Full photoset here.

Alyson Iwamoto Ceramics

I discovered Alyson Iwamoto's work at the recent State of Unique (formerly Unique L.A.) Local Love show.



We chatted with Alyson for a bit. She told us about the labor-intensive process and a cute story of how her husband doesn't know what he's allowed to eat in the fridge anymore. I really wanted one of those gorgeous melon vases. Or the radish one. I ended up with this adorable brooch instead:



This little guy has stolen my heart but I'm sure going to keep an eye out for Alyson's fruit and veggie creations. Find her here: http://www.alysoniwamoto.com

Speaking of the event, I found a picture of us on the State of Unique blog! Mental note: Those pants are way better with a heel.

Downtown Art Day

The Affordable Art Fair & LA Art Show were happening at the same time and right near each other. Art perusing is really one of our favorite ways to spend time. Also, the breezy, bright day made strolling around Downtown so pleasant.

Art Start

Began the new year with a visit to LACMA. We were especially excited to peruse the exhibit: California Design, 1930 - 1965:"Living in Modern Way", part of major SoCal art collab Pacific Standard Time.












Click here for full photo set. Such a wonderful way to spend a few hours.