Art + Inspiration

UK Dancers and Phyllida Barlow

Hi November friends — It’s funny, today feels suddenly cloudier and darker than yesterday. As if a real turn has taken place and now we’re edging toward the Winter Solstice. I know, I’m getting ahead of myself. Be Here Now, amirite? Here are some tidbits to keep us all in the present moment. - Enjoy!

• These UK dancers are from the 80s, but I didn’t remember them. And, watching them now, I would have remembered them.

• For the holiday, Diwali, devotees of many of the world’s religions celebrate with lights, fireworks, feasting, new clothes and praying. There are also creative displays of all kinds. This is a hand painted leaf from the peepal—or, Bodhi—tree.

  

• Urban Theory does not mess around. Their dance videos are on point. Like this.

• This is the Dandelion Wave by kinetic artist Reuben Margolin. Spectalar, sensual, seductive—I could watch it over and over again.

• This story is several years old now, but the discovery of this massive Roman mosaic, made while construction crews were digging to build a new hotel, is thrilling.

• As I saw someone else say in the comments, “As long as there are humans who do this kind of stuff, we’re gonna be alright.” Human totems, photographed by Dan Tobin Smith (a really fascinating artist.)

  

• Insane knitting and crocheting by Pan Ruibing from China. (And check out his posture.)

• Nengiren (Irene Saputra) is an Indonesian-based artist who makes embroidery and visual art with wonderfully-shaped and creatively-clothed human figures.

  

• I’m taken with the idea of living in a modular home—then I came upon these foldable houses and it’s a whole new thing I can now obsess about.

• The ability to send one’s body to other places without consideration of time or space would come in handy here: the James Turrell exhibit at Art Basel. Stunning.

• Ever heard of the Jacques Demy film, Donkey Skin? It’s worth a look. (Features a young Catherine Deneuve, and music by Michel Legrand, among other pleasures.)

• The work—and sentiments—of artist Phyllida Barlow move me. Especially this quick clip of an interview.

Thanks for tuning in. It’s always a pleasure knowing you’re out there, connecting with me here via these colors and shapes and sounds and lights. So important to remember we’re connected to each other, and the wider world. Wishing you a good weekend. — Chris