Alter State exhibit, Cell Space, 2006
I’m a little late on responding to this fun meme, but I thought it would be a nice way to get me back into my blog…
I opened the book Zen and the Art of Making a Living: A Practical Guide to Creative Career Design (Arkana)
I have recently decided to experiment with my own life to find out what my purpose is in the world. I am hungry for that connection. I need to discover where I’m called to feed. I realized my work days are too long and take too much of my time. Time that is valuable and that I’ve been spending without much consideration, without knowing what it is being used for. As I mentioned here before, there are accomplishments… But beyond that, what is the impact I have on my family, friends and community?
In these holiday times, I’m questioning what I can give besides gifts? How can I give more daily throughout the year? What is really calling me out there?
Lately, I’m hungry for new skills and tools that I could perhaps use in my quest. So, I dared to ask for a little time off work to take some web design classes at BAVC.
It was an incredible gift to change my routine for the last couple of days. I was interested in everything around me. While on a walk in the Mission neighborhood at lunch, I stumbled at plenty fun graffiti, street murals and a great show called “Alter State” at Cell Space.
So I thought I’d share info on these two special “orgs” that serve the hunger of the world:
BAVC is a top notch nonprofit media arts center that makes emerging technology accessible to independent artists and other non profits.
Cell Space works with at-risk youth and artists to minimize violence, assemble and exhibit art, produce community events, organize and promote positive social change.
How is that for inspiration? It can be done, guys!
And how yummy is to find our calling and put some good back into the world?
There is especially one superhero that’s been guiding me on how to do just that. And I want to welcome her beautiful new baby Ben here too! Congratulations to the beautiful family!
Archive for December, 2006
Gifts to the World
Monkey Mind
Howler Monkey, Belize, 2004
My mind is jumping around like a crazy monkey!
I’m trying to work, take some web classes, prep for the holidays and make time to see my extended family & friends.
In the meantime, there are some fantastic artsy events and bits happening now, that keep hijacking my mind…
Here are some of the exciting things I plan on squeezing in throughout the course of the upcoming 2 weeks before the holidays!
Checking out the “Earth Installation” by Stanlee Gatti @ the SF Conservatory of Flowers.
Checking out the amazing Anne Faith @ the Shooting Gallery AND Blaine at the Upper Play Ground.
Discovering the Sensational Mexican street graphics at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
Going to the movies to see Volver and Pan’s Labyrinth.
Stopping by for a drink at 111 Minna to check the new art in their powder room!
Stopping by the SF Ferry Building to get a few more “local holiday treats”
And of course, blogging about all of the above!
Lily Pads
Water lily, San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, 2003
As the sweet la vie en rose mentioned in her last post… The end of the year entries are bound to feature more pics than words from some of us! This may be true for me. I find myself already overwhelmed with the busyness of this season. Too much to do!!! And in the midst of it all, I can’t help but look forward and plan plan plan for the New Year. There are so many dreams to chase… And so much I want to change… I was feeling giddy when, thankfully, in a moment of silence (on the plane) this weekend, I reconnected with an exquisite quote from one of my favorite authors ever.
“My coming of faith did not start with a leap but rather a series of staggers from what seemed like one safe place to another. Like lily pads, round and green those places summoned and held me while I grew. Each prepared me to the next leaf on which I would land, and this way I moved across the swamp of doubt and fear. When I look back at these early resting places — I can see how flimsy and indirect a path they made. Yet each step brought me closer to the verdant pad of faith in which somehow I afloat today.” Anne Lamott
I’ve observed that in my life, despite the rush and angst to “make things happen”, I have never been able to suddenly leap either. My path has actually been quite wobbly and accidental. It is good to recognize though, that no matter how many steps I took and in which direction I went, these steps sure led me to extraordinary places.
So, whatever the future may bring us, here is a unique end of the year opportunity: Let’s just rest in our accomplishments and be held by their support as we approach the new year.
Personal “lily pads” I want to share with you:
First, this Sunday I was honored to attend the Premiere of the new “Charlotte’s Web” movie in LA. The film opens in theaters this coming Friday, Dec 15th.
For those of you who are just getting to know me, I’m a visual effects producer for movies by day and a blogger by night! I produced the VFX work for Templeton and the Crows on Charlotte’s Web. This was my first children’s project after a long run of monster and superhero movies. So I’m really happy about it. Take your kids to see it over Christmas! Here are the latest trailers to get you started. And here is an interview featured on LA times this weekend, especially presenting the work done by my wonderful team and by my talented friend Raquel Coelho, who is a fabulous teacher, writer, illustrator, puppet maker and animator!
Finally, to complete the weekend with even more joy, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the Expat Interview crew. Their site is a fantastic resource for anyone who is curious or needs information on what it’s like to live in another country. You can read my interview and learn more about me here. Big thanks to the site writers, Lizza & Victor. You guys, rock! :D
