Oakland Museum of California

What Goes On - A Good Week

This week I've been...

Clarifying

A basket recently found on my doorstep delivered from a good friend 

A basket recently found on my doorstep delivered from a good friend 

Wow. Have I had some clarity this week. Petty things don't deserve your time. Keep going. Good friends (old and new) should be cherished. I am amazed by my friends and artistic community. There is a an incredible sense of spirit and support as I have been catching up with my buds lately. Thanks to all of you. I am excited for what's to come.

Doing

Ramona and I. Friends por vida!

Ramona and I. Friends por vida!

I went to the beach with my good friend Ramona who was visiting from Ireland this week. I can't tell you how much I cherish this incredible woman. She is the most open, down-to-earth, funny and fantastic person. She's raised two incredible boys and helps families get back on their feet in Ireland. We worked together at Streetlight Records where we went on champagne lunches, listened to Françoise Hardy and dreamed of visiting Morocco. We had the best time eating at the Crow's Nest, getting our feet wet in the ocean and desserting at Kelly's.

Eating

Ramona at Yeganeh Bakery

Ramona at Yeganeh Bakery

I wanted to take Ramona somewhere special for her last day with me so I found Yeganeh Bakery, a Persian cafe in San Jose. IT IS THE BEST! We had the eggplant dish and the spinach with eggs, along with some Persian cookies. They are the friendliest people with the best food. And those are LAVENDER LATTE's sitting there! Delish. 

Buying

My first test with Holbein Acryla Gouache

My first test with Holbein Acryla Gouache

I finally got myself some Holbein Acryla Gouache paint and tried it out in #37 of the 100 Day Project. I had been in Santa Cruz on Monday and picked paint and a pad of paper up at Palace Arts in Santa Cruz.

Admiring

Dawline with her art at OMCA

Dawline with her art at OMCA

I met artist Dawline-Jane Oni-Eseleh at Friday Nights at the Oakland Museum of California (which, by the way, are so much fun). Whoa, did I love her work! Linocut houses were a big theme, as were linocut moons hanging on the wall in the background. This picture really doesn't do her work justice, since you can't see all the details or close-ups so be sure to check out her website. I was amazed at the breadth of her work. She uses a variety of materials, yet her style and theme is evident throughout. I am often drawn to architecture and the feeling of memory in art, so it makes perfect sense that I would like her work so much. I look forward to attending one of her future openings!

Visiting

A Charles James gown from 1953

A Charles James gown from 1953

I went with a couple of my artist friends, Laura and Kelly, to the High Style exhibit at the Legion of Honor. This was my second visit to the museum in a couple weeks since I bought a membership. I will be sharing a longer blog post on this hopefully next week. 

Moving

I have to say Thursday was a great way to end my 11th week training in jiu jitsu. It was only a little intimidating that I was the only girl in the class of many men (where were my ladies at?!). Although I am a beginner and far behind everyone else, the guys were super supportive and helpful in teaching me new things (while I was getting my butt kicked).

It has been an extremely humbling experience.

Listening

Oscar is digging the analog sounds of Octopus Arms

Oscar is digging the analog sounds of Octopus Arms

My friend Damien put out an awesome compilation called Octopus Arms. There are just so many talented people in San Jose. Click on Marigold Side A or B to give it a listen! 

Sometimes I feel like I need to be discovering more new bands! In the meantime, here are some smooth old favorites on my Your Beautiful Heart Spotify Playlist. You can also listen on YouTube. I was sad to hear the news of Nick Cave's son passing so he's included in this mix. Best for the mellower part of your weekend.

Watching

If you haven't seen John Waters's commencement speech, you really must. I actually watched it a few weeks back and forgot to share it. I know these can be a little heavy handed, but this one is good stuff. Here's a couple snippets of what he has to say:

"'But how can you be so disciplined?' friends always ask when I tell them my job is to get up everyday at 6am Monday through Friday and think up insane stuff. Easy! If I didn't work this hard for myself, I would have to work for somebody else!"

"I'm rich! I don't mean money-wise, I mean that I have figured out how to never be around assholes at any time in my personal and professional life. That's rich. And not being around assholes should be the goal of every single graduate here today."

One of my other favorite parts was about the "youth spies." He's hilarious. 

Until next week...