Counting to Ten

Ten years ago, in August of 2003, Greg and I embarked on a journey to a small village in the Austrian Alps called Reichenau for a Visionary Artist workshop. Our mission was to learn a secret and ancient painting technique called Mishe that had been resurrected by the contemporary visionary painter Ernst Fuchs.

The process is laborious involving extensive preparation of the board, a detailed egg tempera painting with meticulous layers of oil glazes. The origins of the mixed (mishe) media method is attributed to the Flemish brothers Jan and Hubert van Eyck.

As we learned and practiced the process we also traveled into Vienna for museum tours and saw slide presentations. During this period I was working as an illustrator, practicing and teaching aromatherapy and learning how to create natural perfumes. During 14th and 15th there were guilds of painters, perfumers and alchemists. At this workshop in Austria I became aware of the sacred triad that existed between art, perfumery and alchemy. The unifying component within this triad is the prima materia which is completely botanical in nature. The supplies which the individuals in each of these guilds used was plant matter. Traveling back in time we see that the origins of Alchemy as we know it in the west come from Egypt, one of the core homelands of perfume.

While mixing the different preparations for the mische technique I was reminded of the meticulous processes one employs to create botanical perfume; the grinding, the mixing, the mindful addition of prepared materials at specific temperatures. I had a pivotal moment of knowing when I realized the connection between the artists, perfumes and alchemists of ancient times and the current visionary/fantastical art movement. When technical skills are mastered and then coupled with imagination a great work of art can transcend the ordinary.

I feel deeply connected to the lineage of visionary artists, much more so than modern day perfumers. Although I work in a medium that was not employed nor included by this tribe, I see my botanical perfumes as an evolutionary modality within the genre.

Photos: Opening image is of some train cars within Reichenau. 2nd image was taken by a fellow student on the workshop named Jaqueline. We are sitting in front of the Ernst Fuchs Villa /Museum. 3rd image is the making of the imprimatura. 4th photo is me during a weekend visit to Vienna, I remember it being a very hot day. The French style, school girl hat I am wearing was found on the street.

Eiko Ishioka

In January of this year the great Japanese artist, creator of gorgeous, surreal and fantastical costumes died. Her name is Eiko Ishioka, in my opinion one of the most creative and inspirational costume designers to have graced planet Earth. I was intending on doing a blog post on the day she died but got side tracked.


Last night at the 2012 Oscar show the Academy choose to snub her in their "In Memoriam" slide show. Given that they used a clip of Bram Strokers Dracula in a presentation, has worked on a number of blockbuster films AND won an Academy Award for her work in Bram Strokers Dracula it appears to be either a deliberate snub or major faux pas.



Besides her contribution in film she also created costumes for Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai” (2002), the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing and singer Grace Jones. Her most recent work can be seen in a new film Mirror, Mirror by one of her most regular collaborators Tarsem Singhs.


Images are from a variety of blogs: , ElPostDelDia, OpenersBlog, SoulBots, TrouvaillesDujour

Spontaneous Combustion

While in art school at Otis I fell head over heels for the work of an illustrator named Lane Smith. The specific piece is this one pictured above from the third American Illustration Annual that we were both in. This image was created using alkids and was part of his portfolio, although there was no title the description reads: Illustration showing the effects of spontaneous combustion.
He-he, so very Lane-like.

Later when I moved to New York Lane became a dear friend and introduced me to a handful of art directors who gave me some of my first big jobs. One of those art directors was his wife Molly Leach. Those were fun times back then in NYC in the 80's. I must admit I miss sitting at my drafting table conceptualizing ideas for assignments and then painting them. Life as an editorial illustrator was much easier than that of a perfume artist. I miss the camaraderie between the artists. Nothing like the cat fights one encounters in Natural Perfume, yuck, that's a whole different story.

Here's a recent video featuring both Molly and Lane in their home/studio in Connecticut.

Artist Feature and Giveaway: June Shin

Today I bring to you the gorgeous work of fellow Artist and Etsy seller June Shin. My goodness, what beauty filled stunning work this lady creates and she is super witty too. I must admit, there is something in the combination of high art and wit that completely captivates me.

June lives and works in Georgia and is a great example of Artist as Brand™. Why? Because while working in the high tech world of computer consultation in New York City, June courageously followed her creative muse. Too feed the hunger of her inner muse June took courses at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).  After moving to Atlanta, she taught herself how to create jewelry using semi-precious stones and metal wire and soon after, launched her jewelry company.

The image opening this blog post is of her Icarus earrings. These beauties illuminate her fine craftsmanship, style and aesthetic. Combining vintage materials with a modern sensibility, June’s jewelry tends to be dainty and delicate, intent on catching the light and always lifting the spirits of the wearer.


Besides her shop on Etsy June also has a strong online presence with a website and a blog. It was her blog where I first came across her. June also conducts fabulous giveaways with Etsy artists. The charm with which she conducts her interviews was what first captivated me when I first arrived at her blog.

I asked June a few questions so that we could all get to know the creatrix behind the art:

1.) What is the one thing you find most inspiring to feed your creative spirit?

Seeing other people's creations, whether it be a painting, architecture, a beautiful flower arrangement, photography, a dance, etc. I'm a very visual person and am always amazed at people's imaginations.

2.) What is your favorite scent from the natural world?

Mint

3.) If you were Queen of a village what would you wish for your kingdom?

Peace and happiness, and a self-sustaining village.

4.) How did you find yourself creating jewelry? 

A few years ago, the idea of making jewelry came to mind and I enrolled in a metalsmithing class in NYC. When I moved to Atlanta, I taught myself to make jewelry using bead and wire, and the rest is history...

5) Tell us a secret?

I used to be a poker dealer, but don't really know how to play strategically.


June, it's a pleasure and honor to have you here, thank you so much for sharing a bit about yourself with me and the readers here. I'd like to live in that self sustaining village with you.

NOW...the Giveaway!
For this giveaway, June is offering the winner a choice of any item from her Etsy shop priced at $25 or less. Lucky, lucky!!

To qualify to win this prize, please....

Begin by visiting the June Shin shop on Etsy and sharing in your comment what item you most crave from her shop. You must include your first name -or- etsy username AND email address with each entry or it will not be included.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, please leave a separate comment for each entry.

• 1 entry: Be or become a follower of the JuneShinDesigns blog
• 1 entry per day of the contest: Twitter this message: RT @RoxanaVilla is hosting a giveaway with JuneShin! Visit http://journal.illuminatedperfume.com for a chance to win
• 2 entries (total) - Blog about this giveaway, leaving the URL to the post in comments (1 blog per entrant, please)
• 1 entry: Be or become a follower of the creator, JuneShinDesigns on Twitter
• 1 entry: Be or become a fan of JuneShinDesigns on Facebook
• 1 entry: Be or become a follower of this journal: IlluminatedPerfume
  

More fine print, learned along the way
1. If we cannot contact you we will give your prize away to someone else.
2. The featured seller will do their very best to mail the winners package in a timely manner, please contact them directly if you have any questions.
3. Each entry is assigned a card from several decks here at the house, I then shuffle all the cards and have someone handy (like my daughter or husband) choose a card for the winner and a runner up.
4. If you have won the Artist Feature and Giveaway in the past you may enter again.
5. Please don't make up any new guidelines, what is outlined above is what we follow.

The giveaway ends Moon day, November 16th at 10 pm PST with the winner announced shortly there after. Please help us get the word out. Anyone who posts comments after 10pm on November 16th will not be entered in the draw.

This is one giveaway I myself would like to enter! Good luck!

Two Left Hands Winner!

Thank you so very much to Liz and all the participants who journeyed over this way for the Two Left Hands feature.

Are you ready? Drrrrrrrrum roll please...the winner of the sweet Little Forest Mossie is...the Jack of Clubs from the Red deck. That card was assigned to DG, it was the blog follow that won her the Mossie. DG's favorite items from Two Left Hands are Hansel and Gretal and the witch, pictured above and below.

Enjoy DG!!! A very happy All Hallows to each of you.

Artist Feature and Giveaway: PoleStar Jewelry

Ah Autumn and her dance of vibrant color where as Albert Camus says, "...every leaf is a flower." The Etsy Artist feature has returned from her summer rest. On this day I bring you a cherished individual who I have gotten to know through her daily tweets on Twitter. I am continually astounded on the internets ability to connect individuals. I bring you a friend, a mother and an extra-ordinary cultural creative Jennifer Cogwill of PoleStar Jewelry.


The two pictures above illustrate the beauty filled adornments Jennifer so skillfully creates. In the very wide Universe of the Etsy "jewelry" marketplace Jen has garnered herself over 1255 sales since joining in September 2008. Part of the mastery of her skill set is expertly crafted items, well photographed products, excellent customer service and great marketing skills which include both Facebook and Twitter.

Personally, I can vouch for all of the above. I own a pair of the Peloponnese, Peridot Onion Earrings which are absolutely divine. Jennifer is one of those individuals that embodies all aspects of the feminine. By looking at the artistry she creates it is quite obvious she is very skilled as a jewelry artist. Her wit and cleverness is seen best on her Twitter feed. Check it out, you will see what I mean, in fact I suggest following her. As a fellow member of the tribe of mothers, wives and online seller, her tweats have me chuckling quite often.

I first came across Jennifer through a series of auspicious events. It began with a "Bee" themed treasury I created on Etsy. In that particular treasury I included a pair of little honeybee earrings of another seller on Etsy which eventually led me to PoleStar on Twitter. One never quite knows what road the Universe may lead you, just remember to always follow your own guiding principal, your polestar, your heart.




Here are a few questions I asked Jennifer so that we could get to know her just a little more:

1.) What is the one thing you find most inspiring to feed your creative spirit?

I suppose walking in the woods and being around nature is the most inspiring to me. We live in front of a protected wetlands area and I try to get back there fairly regularly. I really feel an energy from a natural environment and I feel revitalized after spending any time in a forest setting. I used to live in a very forested area where I graduated from college and to this day if I need to calm myself I close my eyes and imagine myself in the little clearing where I lived, the soft sounds of the breeze and the soft buzz of insects, the warm dappled sunlight. I am very homesick for it!

2.) What is your favorite scent from the natural world?

When my parents lived in Hawaii for a few years I visited a few times and the air was always so fragrant from flowers, it was like living in paradise. I also have fond memories associated with a relative's house on a lake, the woods behind her house backed right up to a lake and there was a shady area with a mossy carpet you could lay on and throw Cheerios to the fish. I loved the earthy smell of the lake and the moss.

3.) If you were Queen of a village what would you wish for your kingdom?

My wish would be that we could all work together to sustain each other, so we could all flourish.

4.) How did you find yourself creating jewelry?

I have made little things all through my childhood and up through high school, beaded necklaces, etc. I thought I would get more serious about it one day, bought some books and started making things and decided to start selling.

5) As a work at home mom of two young boys what tips can you give other work at home moms?

I could probably talk for an hour about this subject. My first advice would be to not forget your marriage partnership, whatever that entails in your own relationship. Try to get as much done while your children are napping or in school. I devote the first half of every day my kids are home to getting out of the house and doing something with them, whether that is taking them to see friends, to run errands or go to a park. I cannot make jewelry when my kids are awake, they would be entirely too curious and it would lead to conflict for all of us, so I only make jewelry at night. I do the marketing, administrative, photography, listing when my toddler is napping or we are having a siesta time where my two boys (4.5 and 2.5 years old) relax and play quietly. You may feel guilty at times, but try not to. Chances are, 200 years ago, you would have been working in a farm field with your children at your side. Work is part of the human experience, it is only a modern ideal that women can stay home and devote ALL their time with their children. Most households need two incomes, and if you want to stay at home with your kids and can maintain a work at home job as well, you will find it very rewarding.

Thank you so much dear Jennifer!

NOW...the Giveaway!


For the giveaway Jen has graciously selected the stunning necklace pictured above titled Glowing Lunar Light Necklace. At her PoleStar Jewelry shop she describes this beauty as:

AA Grade fire blue Rainbow Moonstone faceted briolette is wire wrapped in oxidized and polished sterling silver and suspended on an oxidized and polished sterling silver chain at 18 inches (45.5cm) with a lobster trigger clasp.

The Moonstone briolette reminds me of a full glowing moon on a clear night.

Moonstone briolette is 10mm x 10mm
Gem has a natural tiny black mineral deposit which you can see on the photos.

Here's how to enter:
1. Begin by leaving a comment on this post mentioning your favorite item on Jennifers shop on Etsy, PoleStar Jewelry. You may only enter once and you must include your first name -and- etsy username or email address with each entry or it will not be included.

For additional entries you can do the following and post in the comments to let me know:
(2 extra) Twitter this Giveaway and supply your twitter name. You may do this every day, each tweat counts as another entry if you submit them individually.
(2 extra) Become a fan of PoleStarJewelry on Facebook, (if you already are a fan of PoleStar on Facebook, just let me know)
(2 extra) Purchase an item of $25 or more from PoleStar Jewelry shop during this Giveaway.
(1 extra) Follow my blog (if you already follow, just let me know)
If you do any of these you must let me know for your additional entries to be included. You got the "let me know part" right?

If you do any of these you must let me know for your additional entries to be included. You got the let me know part right?

More fine print, learned along the way
1. If we cannot contact you we will give your prize away to someone else.
2. The featured seller will do their very best to mail the winners package in a timely manner, please contact them directly if you have any questions.
3. Each entry is assigned a card from several decks here at the house, I then shuffle all the cards and have someone handy (like my daughter or husband) choose a card for the winner and a runner up.
4. If you have won the Artist Feature and Giveaway in the past you may enter again.
5. Please don't make up any new guidelines, what is outlined above is what we follow.

The giveaway ends Sunday, September 20th at 1opm PST with the winner announced on Tuesday (The Autumn Equinox) on September 22nd. Please help us get the word out.

Good Luck!

Heartworks by Lori Giveaway Winner

Thank you to Lori and all the fabulous attendees that came out for this giveaway. The winner of this months Etsy Artist Feature Giveaway has been chosen. Whew,we had quite a lot of entries, but, alas, only one gets to be the recipient of a very own Heartworks by Lori art pendant. The lucky winner is TrayMona. Congrats!!

Please come back next month when we will feature yet another luminous talent from the Etsy community. I just recently discovered this seller and am so very excited to introduce her to all of you. It's a secret until then.

Artist Feature and Giveaway: Heartworks by Lori

Here we find ourselves, once again, at the Etsy Artist once a month feature. Today I bring you a very special individual who I owe much gratitude to for helping me with my Etsy shop and awareness. She is a friend, a mother and a very creative hardworking gal. I bring you...drum roll please...Lori Patton of Heartworks by Lori.

The picture above is Lori with some of her works of heart during the Comic Con in San Diego, California at Greg's booth. Almost all those pieces have since sold, however, if there is something your heart desires Lori can create it for you. She has created many custom items for me that I treasure.

Lori is the sister of a dear buddy of Gregs, Brad Weinman. Brad came to Greg one day mentioning that his sister Lori was extremely fond of his artwork and wanted to create jewelry with it. After a few e-mails Lori came over for a meeting here at our little house in the woods and shared with Greg her ideas. Greg then shared his vision. Eventually the master-art-minds melded and Lori's line titled "Adorning the Muse" was born!

When I saw how beautiful the pieces were I asked Lori to do some of my artwork as well. She most gleefully accepted and soon I too was part of the "Adorning the Muse" collection. Since then, Lori has opened a shop on Etsy which features some of the pieces from this line as well as the work she has collaborated on with other Etsy artists.

Besides her talent as a jewelry artist and business woman Lori is also a mother to three very lively young lads and a wife to a very charismatic and handsome gentleman. Her life is indeed full!!


The best selling item Lori and I have collaborated on is necklaces and lockets which feature the bee logo from my perfume company. (Pictured above) Currently we are working on a new project which I will share with you all shortly. If you are still on the hunt for a beautiful, unique, handmade item for Mother's Day, than Lori's work may be the perfect fit.

See Lori's art jewely shop on Etsy here: www.heartworksbylori and her website here: www.heartworksbylori.com, find her on twitter here.

Now...time for the interview, let's get kto now Lori a little better.

1.) What is the one thing you find most inspiring to feed your creative spirit?

The one thing that is most inspiring to me is the beauty of art, whether in illustration form or photography. I love to look at pictures and images that are profound and too deep for words. They invoke and stir up emotions within me that compel me to create. It's like diving into another world and I love to stay there and play. It transports me out of this reality and into a different one, a more creative one. I dream with my eyes wide open and create in that sphere.

2.) What is your favorite scent from the natural world?

My favorite scent from the natural world would have to be lemon. I have a lemon tree in my backyard and sometimes I just pick one and hold it up to my nose and smell the beauty over and over and over again. I love how it smells even without cutting it open...it exudes freshness.

3.) If you were Queen of a village what would you wish for your kingdom?

If I were Queen of a village, I would wish for everyone to love one another and do that by serving each other. What better example of love is there than to prefer others and meet their needs? Think of how much peace and unity there would be if people wouldn't be caught up in selfish gratification, but focused on loving their neighbor as thyself...it's one of the greatest commandments, and as Queen, I would strive to set that example for everyone to follow.

4.) How did you find yourself creating jewelry?

I started creating jewelry back in 1991 when I got tired of seeing such high prices for the jewelry I wanted to buy. I taught myself over the years how to make jewelry through trial and error and I've evolved over time. My styles change and grow as I do and I build upon techniques learned and create pieces that I personally love and would wear. I've always had a passion to make things with my hands and a little piece of me is infused into each piece I create. It all makes sense now that I look back and realize that there was a reason why I took Wood Shop, Metal and Plastics in school! It all prepared me for this amazing journey.

5) As a work at home mom of three young boys what tips can you give other work at home moms?

Being at home with my boys is such a blessing! In order to run a business from home, I've learned the importance of prioritizing my time and schedule. Family comes first, so often times I'm up till after midnight finishing jewelry or packing up orders. I make sure I take care of them and then I have my 'fun time' with my business. Make sure you love what you do or else it will be just a duty void of joy. Having a disciplined schedule really helps so you're not tossed by a flood of unexpected orders or having to run errands last minute or anything else that comes your way. Also, use your business and practices as teaching opportunities for your children. I love to teach them about working hard and earning money for your labor and craft as well as how to take care of customers and other special details of running a business. Kids are smart and they pick up tons of information when they're exposed to it. I make sure to include them in part of my business, even if it's something as small as sticking a label on a bubble mailer...they'll feel special and gain a sense of worth and responsibility, which will be helpful as they grow older and join the workforce one day.

Thank you so much Lori for sharing a bit of yourself with all of us!

The Giveaway!
For the giveaway today Lori has selected an item from her Adorning the Muse collection which features one of my illustrations! The image is based on an illustration I created for the cover of the LA Times Health section. This is how Lori describes the necklace on her website:

"Resistance" is beautiful in shades of brown, blue & green!
This work of art is captured in an oval lace edged bezel and showcased on an exquisitely detailed antique oxidized brass filigree. Strung on a tiny brass rolo chain and secured with a spring ring clasp. Length- 16 inches.
Pendant measures 1 3/4 inches

Here's how to enter:
Begin by leaving a comment on this post mentioning your favorite item from Lori's etsy shop. You may only enter once and you must include your first name -and- etsy username or email address with each entry or it will not be included.

For additional entries, you can do the following and post in the comments to let me know:
(2 extra) Twitter this Giveaway and supply your twitter name
(3 extra) Follow my blog (if you already follow, just let me know)
(3 extra) Subscribe to the Heartworks by Lori newsletter on her website (if you already are a subscriber, just let me know)
If you do any of these you must let me know for your additional entries to be included. You got the let me know part right?

The giveaway ends Thursday, May 14th at 1opm PST with the winner announced on Friday, May 15th.

Good Luck!

The Minds Eye

It's sort of official now...Maestro has started his art sale. I am rather reluctantly seeing beautiful gems depart from our little woodland home. Of course, they've been tucked away in flat files, so it's a good thing that they now will be appreciated and displayed.


Here is what he states:

¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨

Welcome to my exhibition and sale of original art!

I have lived in the world of Illustration for 26 years, creating art for most of the national magazines, book publishers, and newspapers.
In the 80's, 90's, all my art was created the old fashion way, via drawings, paint, and various mixed media. When an assignment came my way I worked hard to create a concept that would reflect the story in a unique way. Then I jumped into the process of making art, experimenting with many materials.

Different techniques were realized, and many award winning pieces were born from this journey. Most of the art I was commissioned for at that time was social/political commentary, and portraits. Hence, much of this work has historical references.

Along with the illustration you see here will be some personal work, that includes drawings, and class demos. All art showcased here is one of a kind. No prints or reproductions.

Throughout this entire year, seven art pieces a week will be released for sale. In some instances a book, magazine or page from the publication the illustration was printed in will accompany the sale. All art not sold by the end of the year will be permanently retired.

You may learn more about me, see hundreds of my images (until the end of the year), experience my music, and film designs at my website.

¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨¨¨°ºOOº°¨¨

Here is the direct link to the first few items he has put up.

If there is a specific piece that you have always admired, I suggest contacting him and making an offer quickly. Friends have been dropping by the studio...so many have already been nabbed.

Roxana Illuminated Perfume™

Modern Bards

The bards have begun descending in Southern California for the biggest event in popular art culture in America, Comic Con. The excitement is building, I can feel it in my bones. Dave (McKean) contacted Greg to let him know he would be in LA this week for an opening at the The Merry Karnowsky Gallery. The show opens this Saturday evening, July 19th from 8-11pm. An exhibition catalogue will be published along with the show.

In my opinion Dave McKean is a master of storytelling, a true visual bard. A bit dark, yes, but definitely a master. I was introduced to his work about nine (?) years ago through Greg. There are influences of both Greg and Matt Mahurin in the work, yet, Dave transcended their styles into his own definitive voice.

Daves artwork has graced the covers of comics, many of the works of another master bard, Neil Gamen, and music albums. Mirror Mask, his first feature film and a collaboration with Neil, was released for worldwide distribution a few years back. It is currently available on DVD.

Dave will be at Comic Con this year, you might catch a glimpse of him at the Allen Spiegel Fine Arts booth. Allens booth is located just across from us. Our booth is 4704 in the Illustrator's section near Hall G.

Dave McKean
The Merry Karnowsky Gallery
Comic Con
Images are ©Dave McKean, see more at his website.

The Soul Cracked Open

My roots as an artist were first nurtured by the visual arts. Artists creating fantastical visions delving into other realms of the psyche, many from Europe, were what fed my creative appetite. One such artist is now featured in a new documentary, he is the French artist known simply as Moebius, his real name is Jean Giraud. In the field of SciFi, Comics and Fantasy arts he is considered one of the Gods, in fact he was deemed The Pope of Comics. Besides being a "drawing machine" as Gieger refers to him, he is a visual storyteller and contributed visual production for film including The Fifth Element among others.

New York, New York

I took my hearthrob, aka Greg, to the airport last night. He caught the red eye into NYC. He invited me to come along, now I am rather thinking I made a mistake in not going with him. I chose to stay and focus filling orders, custom perfumes and the second edition of Chaparral. After all, we are going to be in San Diego soon and Mexico after that. Still, New York beckons, it's in my blood.

Shortly after graduating from Otis Art Institute I moved to the big apple. I was fortunate to get freelance illustration work immediately. My first apartment was in the Cobble Hill district of Brooklyn. After a few years, with the help of my mother, I purchased an apartment in Brooklyn Heights. The building had once been a hotel right on Montague Street a few blocks from the Promenade. An old brick building featuring apartments high ceilings. I loved it there and still regret selling the apartment with the view of the Statue of Liberty from the balcony.

I also shared a small studio space in Manhattan with a painter. The studio was for my rather large and cumbersome Van der cook letterpress. More on this soon.

{{{{ sigh }}}}

Greg is in New York for ICON, the illustrators conference. He is the moderator for a panel discussion called "Moving Imagination: Concept Design in the Film and Gaming Industry" with his buddies Stephan and Barry. Ugh, I'm getting really jealous just keystroking this information, best focus now on what I stayed here to do...perfume. Comic Con is right around the corner anyway!

Greg Spalenka
ICON 5, NYC

The Art Spirit

“When the artist is alive in a person, whatever his kind of work may be, he becomes an inventive, searching, daring, self-expressing creature. He becomes interesting to other people. He disturbs, upsets, enlightens, and opens ways for better understanding. Where those who are not artists are trying to close the book, he opens it, shows there are still more pages possible.”
~ Robert Henri

There are individuals in the world who call themselves artists, yet work on closing doors, setting boundaries and systematically destroy all the inherent properties of truly living in the art spirit. Really, you are not living in the art spirit if you are policing others and helping to set systems in place that hinder creativity and artistic endeavor. The quote above is by an American artist and teacher who inspired a wealth of students to live in the art spirit. Greg, my beloved, has been sharing quotes from this book with his students since his introduction to the book at Art Center. It’s one of those books that will always have prominent place in ones heart and bookshelf.

The photograph above was taken while Greg and I were in Prague. ©Roxana Villa

Romio, Oh Romio!

On the evening devoted to LOVE Greg and I had the pleasure to meet the renown T’angka painter Romio Shrestha. His paintings are found world wide, both in museum and private collections.

When Romio was a wee lad of five years two Buddhist monks came to visit him at his home in Katmandu. He was informed that he was the reincarnation of Arniko, the master Tibetan T’angka painter and that he would open a school of painting. Before departing the monks left him with the art materials needed to begin his lifelong devotional work.

In person Romio is an extremely centered, loving soul who greets one with a strong bear hug. At the evening event many of his original T’angka paintings, some which had been at the residence of the Dalai Lama, were on display. He paints in the old tradition of illuminators, utilizing ground precious pigments and gold. Each stroke of these paintings in filled with intention.

The Valentine festivities began with the arrival of many cherished and beloved friends followed by a fantastic dinner facilitated by the Goddess of the house, Teresita. Tables had been arranged through out the open kitchen, dining and family areas to accommodate all the guests. I sat at a table with Teresitas father, who on discovering I was a botanical perfumer, went and unearthed a stash of Damiana Orange Liquor from Mexico. Damiana is a shrub native to California and Mexico with fragrant yellow flowers. It has gained recognition mostly due to its aphrodisiac properties.

After dinner, we assembled in the grand living room for a talk and presentation by Romio. He began by speaking of the Divine God and Goddess that lies within each of us. With the help of two assistants from the audience large paintings on linen were unrolled and shared with us. These illuminated works are truly divine. The piece titled "One Thousand Buddhas" was particularly splendid and sold a few days ago to a very fortunate recipient.

When Romio had fully enchanted us all with his stunning visual display the singer songwriter from the 60’s, Donovan, performed three songs for us with his dandy friend Kelly, a bright green colored guitar.

Thus, with our hearts open, our bellies full and our visual and auditory senses satiated we made our way back to our abode.

Currently Greg and Romio are collaborating on a piece together. It’s been terrific to witness the process and I promise to bring you more details, including visuals soon.

Romio Shrestha
The Dalai Lama
Damiana Liquor
Damiana Liquor 2
Damiana info
Donovan

The image above is from the book cover featuring Romios work, The Goddesses of the Celestial Gallery.

Art is Food

During a holiday party on a chilly Topanga night in December, we heard a fantastic story. Steven told us about a car trip he took to visit Santa Claus with his two young daughters. The youngest had asked "Daddy, does Santa really exist?" Steven answered, "Of course he does, he lives in the Northeast Kingdom." Steven is a sculptor, in his younger days he had worked with the artist Peter Schumann, founder of Bread and Puppet. He drove his wife and two daughters across country, up to Canada and down to Vermont to visit Peter. The car trip was filled with anticipation, compounded by the scenery which became more and more fairy tale like as they approached the predetermined destination. They traversed lush green hills and eventually arrived. Spotting a large barn, the family decided to explore. They entered and encountered an enormous, magical space filled with giant puppets. The girls were enchanted. This was followed by meeting several of the colorful apprentices that worked with Peter. Eventually Peter appeared, complete with a long white beard, suspenders and big rubber boots. He greeted the family with rosy cheeks, a twinkle in his eyes and invited them to stay and work. Work meaning...make bread and puppets.

Peters puppets were seen most recently in "Across the Universe" by the Visionary Director Julie Taymor. While Julie was in her teens she worked at Bread and Puppet.

Bread and Puppet
Image above from the Bread and Puppet Museum in Vermont.

Julie on Charlie's Greenroom
Across the Universe website