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What Would Dalai Do

April 20th, 2012

What Would Dalai Do

The other morning I found myself asking this question. What would the Dalai do? Though I was thinking of the Dalia Lama, I of course thought of Salvador Dali; the pronunciation of their names is close enough. But depending on who was answering the question, the answer would vary greatly; it made me laugh.

It was early in the morning and I was driving down a small street. A woman in a large white Mercedes SUV drove toward me in the middle of the road. She didn’t slow down and she didn’t budge an inch; it’s like on one else mattered. Though no one could hear me, I cussed out loud. It’s rare that I use the ‘F’ word, but I said it anyway. Using ‘bad’ words has never been part of my immediate vocabulary, but it comes out every once in a while. But just as I passed her by, I thought, “What would Dalai do?”

I immediately wondered if the Dalai Lama had ever said the 'F' word or even at least thought about it quietly in his head. After all, he is human, but would he have even been bothered by such a simple infraction?

I often find myself thinking such thoughts when I’m frustrated or I lose my patience. How else could it be handled or seen from a different perspective? Though it usually helps me see things differently, it doesn’t always do the trick. In an attempt to understand human behavior, I can harbor on things for a while.

Interesting how in this simple dilemma, I was inspired! In thinking about the Dalia Lama, I made a LITTLE piece. It’s titled “Free Tibet.”

Another great man, by the name of Mahatma Gandhi, once said, “Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.” I love this quote; it allows for the imperfect to be okay. Being human does not mean perfection. I’ll take this idea out with me for the rest of the day. I hope it works!

Have a beautiful weekend!

Joe Blows

April 18th, 2012

Joe Blows

Happy Gorgeous Monday.

Joe blows! His real name is Joe Sorren, an artist from Flagstaff, Arizona. His work 'blew' me away. Not since seeing Marlene Dumas, 4 years ago at MOCA, has an artist inspired me. I was immediately drawn to his work, the beautifully surreal figures and richly textured colors. This past Saturday, while looking for trinkets for my LITTLE series, I came across his work exhibited at La Luz De Jesus Gallery inside of WACKO. If I could afford a $40,000 piece of artwork, I would have purchased a piece.

The piece here is titled, “Joe Schmo Blows.” Though in no way is Sorren’ work ordinary, this idiom came to mind after seeing his work. I came home inspired and I finished this piece.

It’s strange that I have not painted in a very long time. Today, I may just sit down and paint for a little while. The writing of my book has also been slacking. Thankfully my inspiration for LITTLE continues; I’m not stressing. I’ve been blessed to have inspiration happen way more often than not; it has happens naturally from out of nowhere and mostly in the mornings.

“Inspirations never go in for long engagements; they demand immediate marriage to action.” This quote by Brendan Francis Behan sums up the importance of taking action when inspiration happens. It ‘s quick and, as he sums up clearly, it needs immediate attention. Otherwise, it blows somewhere else.

Enjoy this beautiful week. Be inspired!

Nothing Anything Everything

April 13th, 2012

Nothing Anything Everything

Happy Friday 13th

“The world doesn’t owe us anything; it owes us nothing. If anything, we owe the world everything.” – Me

The piece here is titled, “You Are Not Here.” The many maps indicating where we are, ‘you are here,’ inspires it. But what if we weren’t ‘here?’


Soul Bro

April 9th, 2012

Soul Bro

Soul Bro

It’s not the latest in Soul Food cuisine nor the newest reality show on the BET, it’s the way I see the relationship between my older brother, Johnny, and I. Tomorrow, April 10th, my Bro’ is turning 50. Happy Birthday!

And though we haven’t had the closest of relationships, meaning we can go for weeks or months without talking, I admire him greatly, more than he can imagine. There’s no other person in the world that has challenged me the way he has; he’s helped me see life from a different perspective. I love it that when we’re together, we can sit quietly or talk for hours on end. Oftentimes, when I’ve had what I believe to be a clear understanding on something, he throws in a ‘soul wrench’, a new idea or thought that makes me see life differently. I love this about him.

It was during my high school years that he introduced to books on spirituality and self help. At an early age I was already reading books by Louise Hays, Shakti Gawain, and Tony Robbins. These writers helped shape my thoughts and ideas. Thank You Bro!

In a few weeks my siblings, in-laws and I are leaving to Tulum, Mexico. I’m looking forward to a little belated birthday celebration and some down time. The piece here is titled, “The Sencions.” I love my family immensely! My little sister Moni once said, “If we hadn’t been born siblings, we would have met during our lifetime.” This is exactly how I feel toward each of them. We are more than just siblings; we are soul mates.

Los Quiero Mucho. Salud!

Transgender GRACE

April 6th, 2012

Transgender GRACE


Happy Friday!

If patience is a virtue then grace is a transgender houseplant. At least that’s the story I’m telling.

On Monday, I finally broke down and decided to bring a little life into my abode; I bought a houseplant. It’s been years since I’ve had one in my apartment. I call her Grace and she’s not like any of the other plants; she’s transgender, born in the wrong plant body. As I wandered around the nursery, she immediately caught my eye. She’s different and I love her just the way she is.

For the past few days, I’ve been talking to her and wishing her goodnights and good mornings. I plan on nurturing and loving her for years to come; I know she’ll do the same for me. I’m looking at her right now and I’m smiling.☺ She’s beautiful! Funny how yesterdays message on my Yogi teabag said, “Grace brings contentment.” How did they know?

For many years now, I’ve been wondering about the word ‘grace.’ If you ask me to define it, I could only say ‘godly.’ But even that doesn’t seem to fit; the word seems so much bigger and greater. One online dictionary has a few definitions. Here are a couple examples: “Seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement, form, or proportion,” “An excellence or power granted by God,” or “A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill.”

For some reason these words just seem like words, they don’t capture the essence of this most miraculous word. I think of it mostly as a state of being, one that is pure, indefinable, and ever changing.

Maybe, this understanding of grace will be a lifelong process that will unfold gently and gracefully. Deepak Chopra writes, “You represent grace through your actions, not as a private possession to be admired behind closed doors.” But I know that having Grace in my apartment will be a constant reminder to go out into the world from a place of grace, whatever it may mean. She’s not mine to possess.

The piece here is titled, “OMG.” Whether in a state of shock, surprise, or awe, we often use this phrase. Oh My God! But if we truly kept our senses open, maybe this OMG thing would happen more often than not. Peace and Blessings!

Have a fantastical weekend. Happy Passover and Happy Easter!

Art Walk Daily

April 2nd, 2012

Art Walk Daily

Good Morning World!

It’s another beautiful day in my beloved city of LA, where not many people walk, though in the past couple of years, I have noticed a slight change in pedestrian foot traffic. There’s no better way to feel the city; there’s art everywhere. I’m inspired every time I go out! I especially love looking at the garbage filled metal trashcans; they look beautifully interesting. I’ve actually thought of photographing them as a project on waste and what is actually considered trash.


I have a funny story on my way to the Brewery Art Walk this past Saturday. As I was coming to a stop sign, I noticed a young Caucasian man helping an elderly Chinese woman cross the street. An act of kindness, I thought. But then as the young man hopped into his car and was about to pull away, he came inches from hitting another elderly woman crossing the street. She gave him a dirty look and I found it to be quite funny.


As for the Brewery Art Walk, it was my first time there and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Though I wasn’t greatly inspired by the artwork, I found it to be quite interesting roaming around the complex and getting the opportunity to see how other artists live. Of all the artists I got to see, I most liked Rob Silverman’s photo series titled Pez on Earth featuring Pez candy dispensers. I’ll definitely go back during the fall.



My own piece here is titled, “Trash.” A few years ago while on one of my morning walks, I took this photo. This is an example of what I find curiously beautiful in trashcans. I remember wondering who, and why had someone, dumped an empty carton of eggs in a public trashcan? Did this same person also dump the dreaded wig right next to it? I wouldn’t have come across this if I hadn’t been taking a walk.

I found this quote to be humorous, ““I know a man who doesn't pay to have his trash taken out. How does he get rid of his trash? He gift wraps it, and puts in into an unlocked car.” - Henny Youngman

Have a fantastic Monday and next time you come across a trash can, take a peek and wonder about what it is we leave behind.

Dear John

March 30th, 2012

Dear John

Dear John

This is not your typical Dear John letter, though in some ways it is.

I want to thank you so very much for always being there; I know I can always count on you to hear me out. How many times have I drunk dialed you late at night? Too many to count.

You were my first love; I can’t believe it’s been 20+ years since we met and you first saw me drunk in a dark alley. You fed me, took me back to your place, and you let me sleep in your bed while you slept on the couch. How beautiful is that! Not very many, if any, gay man would have NOT taken advantage of a young 21 year old. A month after that night, I was moving into your place in Pacific Heights. We had 2 beautiful and interesting years of life together. You let me be ‘me’ and honesty, no matter what, was always our policy. What a blessing that was and still is!

It was during our time together that my real journey as an artist began. I didn’t have a vision of who I was back then, but regardless, you allowed me to transform your already beautiful apartment into my playground. Thank you John C. I love you still and always.



The piece here is Untitled. I’ve never posted any of my early work. I was so trying to be the next Keith Haring, ha! But when there’s a retrospective of my work, this will go down in the ‘Early Years.’ So much has changed. And thankfully, after all these years, our love didn’t go down the toilet as the drawing suggests. Te Quiero Mucho!

Have a most beautiful day.

Love,

Ricky

An Artist Lives Here

March 26th, 2012

An Artist Lives Here

Ah yes, it’s Monday and I’m just getting in from my morning walk.

My apartment is a mess, but an artist lives here. My LITTLE people keep taking over and I find myself unable to keep them under wraps. But it’s a good thing; it means that inspiration and passion are still here. I’ll do some cleaning and organizing today; a clean space always helps with letting new ideas appear.

The other day, I imagined what my gallery/work space would look like; I have a clear vision of the shape, the colors and even the logo. Now it’s just a matter of making it happen. If I could have anything, I would want this space. It would be a dream come true. But aside from the physical space, I’m going to start thinking about what I would want the space to be about. I don’t want it to just be an art space with my own work; I want something different. Hm!?

The piece here is titled, “No Solicitors.” I’m submitting the image as part of a group show for the Photo Response Project hosted by the Art House Coop in Brooklyn. Out of 5 photos, I chose photo #5. The idea of Mickey and Mini Mouse soliciting propaganda past a mousetrap inspires it; I found it funny. I hope it makes you smile. It reminds me of when we were kids and my little sisters would slam the doors on any solicitors coming to our front door. HA!

Until Friday, have a great week ahead.

Cheerios and Cheese!

X Cited

March 23rd, 2012

X Cited

“Tumble outta bed
And stumble to the kitchen
Pour myself a cup of ambition
Yawnin' and stretchin' and try to come to life.” - Dolly Parton (9to5)

Ah yes, I'm up early today. It’s Friday and it’s so good to have a day off from work. Here’s a tentative list of what I have planned for my day.

1) Meditate
2) Write
3) Make some coffee
4) Take a long morning walk
5) For breakfast, make some homemade ‘chilaquiles’ and refried beans.
6) Take a couple of photos for my LITTLE series.
7) See The Hunger Games at the Arclight.
8) Possibly have lunch somewhere?
9) Go see the Women of Surrealism Exhibit at the LACMA
10) Come home and relax for the rest of the evening.

The piece here is titled, “Amanda Lepore.” From out of nowhere, inspiration happened yesterday and I remembered this video by famed photographer David LaChapelle featuring Amanda Lepore. If you've never seen the video, it has Amanda naked in front of a vanity, painting her entire body pink with a M.A.C. lipstick.It's a little X rated, but not really. It’s art; it’s pure GENIUS! I just had to do it and I absolutely LOVE it. It came out exactly how I imagined it.

Later today, I’m going to work on a piece featuring Joan Rivers, a piece using little old people and shadows, and finally a piece inspired by surrealist artist, Rene Magritte; I’m excited.

“Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”- Gloria Steinem

Have a beautiful Friday Day and weekend ahead.

I'm to the races.

Cheers!

A LITTLE Obsession

March 19th, 2012

A LITTLE Obsession

Hello Monday. What a GORGEOUS day in LaLa Land!

I'm on day 7 of 9 days of work. I need a break!

On July 4th, 2012, I posted my first image from my LITTLE series. I can't believe it's been over 8 months since my obsession with Fisher Price Little People began. It all started with the purchase of one little clown from Ebay. Before I knew it, I had collected a handful of pieces; I'm up to about 500 total. Where the idea to buy the first one came from, I don't remember.

As soon as I snapped the first photo, the ideas started rushing through me; it's like I had no control. I kept snapping photo after photo. I told myself to roll with it, to allow it to happen and to lose total control! Since it began, I have done very little painting. Even now the ideas still keep pouring in; So I won't forget, I've had to keep a list of these ideas. I can see myself doing them forever.

Albert Einstein said it perfectly, "“I know quite certainly that I myself have no special talent; curiosity, obsession and dogged endurance, combined with self-criticism, have brought me to my ideas.”

I ain't no Einstein, but this is exactly how I feel when I wonder about my inspiration and creativity. Where do ideas come from exactly? Must be God sent!

A while ago, I posted an image of what was supposed to have been my first photo taken from my LITTLE series. But in doing a little research, I realized that I had lied. The FIRST and official photo taken is the piece shown here. It's titled LALA Land!" Recently, I digitally enhanced it as I'm now adding words to my images. This idea, too, has been interesting. Thank you God!

May you have a beautiful day and if you're lucky enough to live in LA LA Land, enjoy the spectacular weather!

 

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