“The ideal society of the Taoists was cooperative, not acquisitive.”

- Joseph Needham

Our friends Samir and Lisa had a most beautiful, sunny, calm, sunset wedding. It was a very sweet, simple, and wonderful ceremony. Congratulations to the gorgeous couple!

We had a summer guest for a moment in our wood pile. This weasel was not at all afraid of us and really seemed to like Ander.

Wondering why this little guy came to visit, I did a little research:

Long-Tail Weasel Teaching : Protection
Among the Karuk Indians of northwestern California, the Weasel is considered a teacher and protector. There are many stories about Weasel outwitting witches and serving as a crusader against the evil actions of those who are jealous, wicked, and mean. Weasel is a powerful animal ally called upon to protect oneself and one’s family against the challenges and attacks of sorcerers.

Important Long-Tail Weasel Teaching : Offering Truth
Look to weasel power to tell you the ‘hidden reasons’ behind anything. Observe who or what needs attention, or a solution and offer your assistance in your own quiet or discreet way.

Long-Tail Weasel’s Wisdom Includes :
How to be Cunning and Swift
How to Protect Yourself and Keep Safe
Using Your Intelligence
Employing All Your Senses

Hmmm, a nice ally to have right now!

I just came across this: the ArtVenture Freedom to Create Prize. The US$ 100,000 prize is designed to recognize artists whose works promote human rights, free expression, empathy, equality and understanding. This international prize will recognize artists who use their talents to promote human rights, including the freedom of expression, empathy, equality and understanding.

There are three categories. 1)The main prize will be open to individuals or artistic groups in all creative fields including the visual and performance arts, music, crafts, design and literature. The winner of this award will receive US$ 50,000. 2) The Youth Prize will be open to artists who are under the age of 18 with the winner receiving US$ 25,000 scholarship and advocacy prize. 3) The final category, the ArtVenture Freedom to Create Imprisoned Artist Prize, will focus on artists who are currently imprisoned for their artwork. The winner will receive US$ 25,000 towards supporting their family, paying legal costs and supporting advocacy efforts

The deadline to apply is October 31, 2008. The get more info click here.

Another groovy light!

Climbing Light $43 Dimensions - 5w x 3d x 7h “

• Polished zinc wire
• Translucent lamp holder
• Chrome top 40 watt bulb recommended (candelabra-based)

A simple and striking wall lamp that loves to climb beside your bed to act as an effective reading light. The silver topped bulb creates a decorative down light.

Check out more cool stuff at Apt.

This last semester, I helped my dear friend, neighbor, and mosaic artist, Sarah Dorrance, teach an art class to children of the Synergy School. After a semester of work, the piece is finished. We installed the mosaic (6′ x 25′ ) at the corner of 25th and Valencia over the weekend. It is entitled, “Where Space meets Earth”. I worked on the shark. Stroll by when you are in the ‘hood.

Don’t check this out unless you want to be addicted to a very fun and beautiful moving interactive thang!
You can thank Nancy Margulies for this! http://www.zefrank.com/byokal/kal2.html

i am such a sucker for weird lighting fixtures! i just spied this on Haute Nature, one of my favorite blogs.

read more at: http://www.domestic-construction.com/for_the_home/ted_lights.shtml

I recently found this great social network for art teachers called Art Education 2.0

Art Education 2.0 is for art educators at all levels who are interested in using digital technologies to enhance and transform art teaching and learning. The aim of Art Education 2.0 is to explore ways of using technology to promote effective art education practices, encourage cultural exchanges and joint creative work, and support artistic projects, curricular activities, and professional development opportunities deemed important by our members.

I just joined, so I’ll let you know how it is, but so far looks really interesting and a great way to meet others in the field.

If you were following my Venus saga (I was not sure if this art piece was going to get into the Alta Bates Hospital Gallery due to a nudity restriction), I just wanted to follow up (I’m sure you were waiting to know!) that she was welcomed into the gallery fine. I’ve included some photos of her. It has been interesting to see my pieces in a very different environment and also in fancy display cases. I typically show them on top of other found objects which go with my recycle theme of my work. But I like the contrast of the found objects with the pristine cases. I also made “table cloths” of a beige, satiny material which I think worked well.

Background on Venus, the female form was bought at a garage sale from Catherine Favre, who used her for making belly dancing costumes, and she originally got her from Chip, who probably scavenged her up from who knows where. Most of the shells were collected by my friends Charlene and Joan, who were friends for 68 years. I think the joy and fun they had gathering those shells on vacations, energizes the Venus.

I thought it was kinda funny that this display case was positioned to the the first thing that was seen upon leaving the men’s restroom - what a sight, barnacles on a butt!

This piece, along with 5 others will be on display until July 10 at the Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley.