We Interrupt Our Regular Programing
by Pasadena Adjacent
As much as I enjoy sharing my watercolor bravado, I have other things that need my attention. And the dog days of August (which on the west coast include both August, September AND the first two weeks of October) kind of mess with my desire to hang out with Mr Sunshine and lay down color. So I’ve turned to my studio, with it’s blessed AC unit. One that looks a lot like that robot in Lost in Space.
Plus I don’t really feel like writing.
My head is just in a different space: cats, horses, and House. One is clay, one involves vector files and both performed to the beat of a House M.D. marathon. Lots of barfing. Currently House is in prison. He’s also cute. That’s him on the screen. The tall one. That’s a cat in the foreground. I’ll be adding ears to the head. After I’m done with the head and hula hoop torso, the base will be constructed. It’ll resemble a topographic map. This is my fourth ‘cat’ sculpture.
The Artist residency is still up in the air. Though I’ve volunteered to help with the one year anniversary event for the San Gabriel Mountain’s National Monument recognition. And I plan to donate work for a future show benefiting the range. In Andean shamanism mountains are sacred. They call them Apus. An Estrella is the spirit of an Apu. The call to the shamanic path means being summoned by an Estrella through an outward manifestation. So I’m calling the residency proof of my Estrella. And Ritalin my coca leaf.
Back to work
*inspiration
Pasadena Adjacent 
Our Editor Responds: When and if you do
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The cat will be amazing. I didn’t realise it was such a long and laborious process. I like House too, though for us Brits, Hugh Laurie with a raspy American accent is a bit of a shock. Have you watched the Blackadder, BBC historical comedy series? He’s in that as a younger man, playing some very funny roles. You’d love it. And if you like learning about shamanism, here’s the link to the movie about the Kogi tribe that Richard was in. Here it is: http://www.alunathemovie.com/
An (old) article about it is here: http://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/the-lost-tribe-that-is-trying-to-save-the-world-1.1622154
All the Republican politicians who block measures to protect the planet should watch this movie and take note. I wonder if Pope Francis watched it?.
I’m back… This cat is especially laborious and challenging in that I’m in new terrain with all those piled shapes. I spend hours creating something then removing it. Yesterday I spent a day just making two ears. Still not sure I’m going to use them.
Re Hugh – We entered the Milky Way 19 days apart. Brits do great American accents. Not always so in reverse. As beloved as Brando is, he couldn’t do an accent to save his life. As far as British comedy… I can name a few that I’ve enjoyed (Mr Bean, Keeping Up Appearances) ok – that’s two.
Re Shamanism – I saw the first one that’s called ‘The Heart of The World.’ Now I’m thinking about purchasing this one. Mr R’s conversation with the Kogi gentlemen kind of sends chills up ones spine. Is the Kogi reference to ‘butt plugs’ in relation to the placement of observatories? Is there a lot of contention between native people and observatory placement?. Recently saw Mr R in a lecture when I went to utube for the PBS documentary ‘On the Way to Palomar.’ Found a Caltech production. Mr R is a great lecturer: accessible.
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Love the cat, and love the writing–you weave so many realities together in one piece, fantastic! Love the “summoning by the star” images and reference to the star as the spirit of the apu, I may have seen that somewhere but missed it–so beautiful! Also Ritalin as coca leaf, inspired!!!
Our Editor Replies: Ha! multiple realities IS my singular point of view. But honestly, it takes me hours to put together a post and the ‘ups’ I once felt, seem to be flat lining, so……
“Star” or “Spirit” manifestation. It’s a blurry explanation. Spirit seems more apt for me when the Q’ero go on to say that Estrellas take form as hummingbirds, bulls, pumas and condors.
*Ritalin is a blessing. It clears the mental fog (inertia/snake) turns off the defaults and allows for focus (condor). And it doesn’t effect creativity (sami).
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Sounds like you’re gearing up for some great community work, and that sculpture in progress is wild.
It warms me that to sort of veg to recharge you’re watching House. Huge fan of that show & his work with Stephen Fry – A Bit of Fry and Laurie. And Hugh’s a great blues artist.
That inspiration photo is beautiful. What & where is it?
Our Editor Responds: The first thing I ever drew that was recognizable was a cat. Now I find myself moving forward and backward at the same time and I’m enjoying the journey.
The photo is of “aloalo” which are funerary pole sculpture created by the Antandroy people of Madagascar. My sister is in Madagascar right now touring different Lemur preserves. She’s visiting the Antandroy today. I’m hoping she takes pictures of the aloalo for me.
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I like your cat head a lot. You could leave it that way. It’s really interesting.
Our Editor Responds: Thanks. I could – yet I won’t. Never have produced a ‘series’ before. Between the water colors and the cats, I am.
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Love your “inspiration”. Sounds like you’re busy with other things than paint-outs and we’ll see you when you can. Miss you, Take care
Our Editor Responds: I don’t plan to give up watercolors – but defiantly not showing up during heat waves. When it comes to heat, I’m a drooper, not a doer.
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I had a Nefertiti pin that looked a great deal like your cat. Hope your San Gabe residency works out — I imagine the fires affected the schedules.
Our Editor Responds: I was thinking more ‘alien’ but Netty is kind of cute. Re Fire – yup, plus the forrest service guys want the trailer back. We’ll see.
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Good morning, Liz!
I like so much your cat head and the original pedestal too!
Have a happy Sunday!
Our Editor Responds: thank you Sonia. I’m trying to finish up the pedestal today
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Our Editor Responds: Yay Jim
http://www.blouinartinfo.com/news/story/1252153/jim-shaw-on-dream-drawing-happiness-and-art-school#
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Your kitty sculpture sounds gorgeous ~ the head is beautiful ! I loved House for several seasons ~ not sure why I stopped watching before the end. Enjoy your absorption with other fascinations for as long as the mood takes you, PA !!
Our Editor Responds: Thank you. It’s finished and awaits it’s first firing. Hope the kiln gods don’t decide it should be a sacrifice.
Re blog – there were good times had, friendships made etc, but for me personally, it quit being fun awhile ago.
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I hope the artist in residence gig works out.
Our Editor Responds: Not holding my breath.
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