You are currently browsing the tag archive for the ‘bjork’ tag.
Happy Monday. Welcome back to The Journey. It’s been blustery, raining, and crispy cool in Los Angeles, I love it. Feels like winter.
This weeks message is about self care in times of stress, and challenges. It’s pretty simple although at times it can be hard to do.
Tarot Weekly
A friend of mine has a way of thinking about money, it boils down to, I do not lend money, I give it. If they give it back to me that’s great but I don’t let money come between me and my friends. Naturally the philosophy is born out of instances where she had to cull some unsupportive, leech-like relationships, but because of the difficulties she experience in her relationships she learned a valuable (personal) lesson.
I’m reminded of this with a feeling of “giving without receiving.” It’s an expression this weeks energy. As Bjork sings, we give out the energy, support, time, and caring but we shouldn’t expect it to be returned from the sources we have invested them in. In fact that’s a bit of the bitchy-Virgo in each of us that thinks should get back what we have invested from the ones we have cared for.
Well, you’ll be taken care of, you’ll be given love…
Maybe not from the sources
You have poured yours
Maybe not from the directions
You are staring atTwist your head around
It’s all around you
All is full of love
All around you
Tarot Weekly: November 22 - 28th
The cast of cards this week are an interesting bunch, standing on their heads for the most part. Page of Pentacles remains in the sweep with a continuation of the “yada yada yada” about problems, which could probably begin to harp a “me. me. me.” song as the time that was given is not returned and a little martyr is born out of it. Watch yourself.
Remember to give back to yourself, that’s the first and most viable source of rejuvenation, besides how much gratitude are you going to get if you are holding your hand out and asking for it? The point is then lost. Watch escapism, need for validation, demands for pay-back.
There are some notes in the air here that says there has been, or we could be entering a time of some challenges and we’ve given a lot into our situation on the level of giving / receiving / exchange. This could be work, this could be relationships, this could be helping out a friend, or cause… The underlying message is not to be so intense, or driven because you could lose the balance point perspective of charity and fall into the role of debt collector.
This is not about “right” and “wrong”, winners or losers, those who have and those who have not.
We can honor our feelings. There may be something that is critically wrong with the situation we are in, either immediately or in the long run, and by Gods, that is valid. We can say I have given enough and now it’s time for me. Some self-appreciation is in order, or even some pats on the back from a friend who see’s your real worth. Talk to them. Step away and in one way or another refuel. Find some balance in your life between work and play, giving and receiving, honor and obligation. It’s the “Holiday Season,” a time when these issues can seem to pop up around every corner, and so it is also the perfect time to be mindful of this balance between give and take.
Give when we are full. If we feel empty then it is time to step back and rejuvenate. Take care of our health and well being and then from there we are in the place where we can enter into the scenario or move onto other things.
When we expect gratitude, when we ask for thanks, or demand respect we have lost all three things, it’s probably wise at that point to look critically at our situation and what we are getting out of it; what we expect out of it; and what we are doing for ourself that may need to be asked.
“When you feel locked into a difficult set of circumstances – nothing can be accomplished – center yourself and wait. Difficult though your life may be – it will change. Go deep within yourself and seek spiritual guidance. Think carefully now and ask yourself if you have considered everything. Communicate any new ideas or decisions in such an objective way that they can be received and heard. Focus your mind and allow yourself to see the whole picture.
When your balance and peace are disturbed – your passage is no longer serene – your emotions are stirred up and your physical or spiritual journey becomes stormy. Trying to “attack” a long standing problem – especially one that has been accepted by others – only agitates the situation…”
********
What is the Tarot Weekly?
You can find out all about the weekly, and link to the Tarot Feed by visiting this link.
Take care. Have a great holiday.
–
- – -
Be well,
Scott K Smith
http://lifencompass.com
Want to support Lifencompass?
Subscribe via RSS. Leave a comment, those are always appreciated. Submit something for posting, topics and ideas are welcome.
PS: Buy local. Save a Turkey!
Hi there. Happy Monday.
The hour changed and it rained all night. I had the most pleasantly interrupted by the sound of wind and water, nights sleep. The occasional wake of a tire on wet pavement. It brought about a deep sense of peace, an overwhelming rest that kept waking me with a feeling of alertness. I had to force myself to sleep to avoid staying up all night.
I pulled cards this last week for today. Seems like I’ve been thinking about several situations at the same time I began to tune into the message for the weekly and the voice, for me this week, came from a very visible source: Human behavior.
There’s definitely, definitely, definitely no logic
To human behaviourBut yet so, yet so irresistible
And there’s no map
and a compass
wouldn’t help at allThey’re terribly moody
And human behaviour
Then all of a sudden turn happyBut, oh, to get involved in the exchange
Of human emotions
Is ever so, ever so satisfyingOh oh, and there’s no map
~Björk || Human Behavior
Tarot Weekly
- Tarot Weekly
Please note the recurring message of the Queen of Swords and the Knight of Cups… again! These are stresses on seeing and delivering the truth, message, expression through an offering, or method of giving (gift-giving).
A perfect example of this is the person you know that believes they are heading in the right direction but on every level they are really ignoring the message. “The Message” being the way that the world interacts with them, the cause and effect, the ripples returning as what the “friend” feels are attacks, drama, and things that they have no personal responsibility for.
Honey if you’re in it, and you’re experiencing it, then you are a part of that problem or situation and probably have an obligation to be your best self. Running off and dodging situations that you feel are uncomfortable doesn’t solve anything. Spending money on toys or parties doesn’t pay the bills.
Easy, fast, immediate fixes are not the answer, no matter if they make us momentarily feel better (watch the power of the Knight of Cups in reverse).
The problems that exist in your life are your problems and you can’t pretend that you are blameless. In fact it’s a bit of an ego trip to think that you didn’t do anything to deserve this.
The Queen of Swords and the Knight of Cups have shown up repeatedly, sometimes in reverse, to delivery the message of truth, to look at ourself objectively and to ask what our motivations have been. I feel like there are many observations that can be made but what i find most striking is the two common themes:
- Fearing the truth. Fearing to hear it, or fearing to delivery it and thinking that if we use the same passion that wants to express that message and putting it somewhere else that things will go a different way. Doesn’t seem to look that way now does it?
- The Gift. Gratitude, in essence, seals the circle and completes karma. When we pray, we pray for what is, not what isn’t. When we visualize in spell work we are adding our Will to what is desired, the outcome is seen as done. The gift given. The gift received. What is your perspective about what is happening? Are you seeing the opportunity? Where is your emotional focus.
These two representations of action and intention are pointers for what appears to be a common message here at the Journey.
I think that the answer should be fairly obvious as the Five of Pentacles and Ten of Wands (R) are pointing out that the situation is running you down and (this is heightened by the Ten of Wands) wearing your thin. This could potentially be seen as a mini-tower, without the thunder and lightning. It’s an easy transition once you let go and allow for the gift of that change to occur.
All the hub-bub is around any resistance to the idea. The power of the Knight of Pentacles is rather hound-like. It’s driven (air to earth) and can be as much of a gift as it is a curse, especially if we are miss-directed in our pursuits. The power, drive, and ambition become destructive, and we become blind to the course because of the stubborn nature of his power.
Sometimes your storyline is
the only line you have to Earth
~Sharon Doubiago~
Salmon exists in the realm of ancestors. They swim waters and brave currents to return to their source. They are the inspiration, the magickal Crest, for the Journey this week. Returning to our sources (guiding principles, teachers, elders, our center) can yield the greatest illumination about our truth and take the emphasis from THE Truth which is often ideological and off-center to what we should be focused on.
Swimming upstream back to their birthing grounds is hard work. I want to say the contrary to the current swim it’s right in cases where we are discussing ourself, or someone else, who fits the bill as missing the (personal) message about their direction in life, on a project, or in a relationship (see last weeks weekly). Sometimes “the best” teaching method is to struggle, often that’s the only way that the wisdom of Salmon can come through.
Short and sweet this week!
– -
Be well,
Scott K Smith
http://lifencompass.com
Want to support Lifencompass?
Subscribe via RSS. Leave a comment, those are always appreciated. Submit something for posting, topics and ideas are welcome.
Tuesday soundtrack. Dull Flame Of Desire by Björk.
– -
Be well,
Scott K Smith
http://lifencompass.com
It’s funny to realize how working on, and trying to produce my little show at the Rowan really robbed me of my time. I’m at a bit of a loss without canvass at this point but ready to paint! Hitting a few stores this afternoon around downtown to see if I can fins something to paint over.
I’m kind of fuzzy this morning so please excuse any typo’s or brain farts.
Frosti was one of the last pieces I spilled out for “A Hidden Place” but ended up being one of the most popular. From comments like “The texture is really intense” on most pieces to “That one” (Frosti) “is easy to approach and so soft.” gave me a few ideas about how to spin these little messages out.
I keep getting asked how “the Show” went and I find it hard to communicate in a few words. First tho I was displaying my work, I was also among many artists at the Gallery Space so there were venues within the venues and a few surprising additions. I met some incredible people. I…
I listened quietly without introducing myself to hear what people said about the work, mine and others.
I met another artist who was from my home town -it is a small world after all. Warm hands, loving smiles, deep ideas. I can’t wait to do some collaboration with him.
I got my ass grabbed a few times by friends. : )
I loved watching everyone take photo’s of “Fertile”. It was as if no one had seen a penis before but aside from that I also got a little education about the symbol from Ancient pompeii. Corrina forgive me for misspelling your name if you have stopped by to read the blog but I never got your card. Anyway this great lady Corrina and I talked for a spell about her work and Young Living and she told me that in Pompeii they would hang little penis plaques outside of the doors for fertility.
I’m glad “Fertile” was by the door. I sold three pieces.
I felt surrounded and supported by friends.
The Rowan, no the streets of Downtown LA were a mess! I couldn’t believe how many people were out to art walk but it almost seemed more of a circus than an Art Event. Me thinks I gotta tune in for the January show and make it a bit more private or exclusive. I don’t want friends to have to fight through crowds of party-goers and I’d love to create a different sort of dimension. Hey. I’m not complaining it was awesome.
When I said I was truly grateful, I meant it.
Oh man! I almost forgot. BOLT BARBERS was HOT! They had people lined up for cuts and Matt blew me away with how upbeat, positive and enthusiastic he was about the event. I mean it really was more than just creating a “buzz”. Yeah. Good job Matt. I can’t wait for BOLT to open at the Rowan.
Full event page at Lifencompass.org
http://www.lifencompass.org/live/art/Pages/A_Hidden_Place.html
*******
I have a few things on my mind that I will try to spell out for you later like Elemental Attunements, and “what’s this story about soy causing cancer???” but I’m not guaranteeing anything until the coffee kicks in.
Much love,
Scott K Smith
Lifencompass.org
Hi there. Had to post again and update you on some more of the artists I’ll be sharing the Rowan Gallery Space with. This is going to be interesting. I peeked on some of the work that is going up inside. Add in BOLT Barbers and their demonstrations and my work… I’m smiling.
I wasn’t able to get links to all of the Artists but here is who I have.
Tony Tee / Known Gallery
Steve Anderson / Nudes
http://www.myfineartnudes.com/#a=0&at=0&mi=2&pt=1&pi=10000&s=0&p=2
I also received a list of names, of photographers, who I do not have addresses for. Victor Lopez, Clark, and Nima.
Of course we still have BOLT Barbers who will be setting up five chairs for men’s hair cuts, at the Rowan Gallery space while their retail space is being built out. Cuts are part of the BOLT experience and during the Art Walk Matt has joined with Jodi Bonassi, paintings of Barber Shops.
And of course there is my work, titled A Hidden Place.
Art Walk @ The Rowan
460 S. Spring Street
(at 5th and Spring)
Los Angeles, CA 90014
http://www.downtownartwalk.com/
*Art walk is always free*
*Note about Parking Downtown:
Most streets have free parking (at meters) after 6:00 PM on Thursday Night. You will find that there are quite a lot of people on the street so you may have to pay for parking if you didn’t decided to take the public transportation in or stage your exploration of new art at a local’s loft / parking.
Invitation
Invite on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110289124171&ref=ts
I hope you can make it.
Scott K Smith
Lifencompass.org
Scott K Smith / Bolt Barbers™ Barbering Exhibition / Jodi Bonassi @ Rowan Gallery.
I’ve been sent an update two of the other attractions at the Rowan Gallery Space. If you didn’t know it, there is an awesome little barber shop opening up at the Rowan, BOLT Barbers. Information on the new retail tenant and a collaborating artist are below.
This is said to be The Rowan’s LAST night of participating in the art walk as new tenants begin to fill our their retails space. We will miss the Rowan Gallery. It has always been a great attraction of artists and art appreciators. I know personally that in many ways the success of these shows belongs to Joji Dreyfus, the guy who took the reins of an empty space and opened the door for the temporary venue. Hat’s off to you Joji!
(Official Press Release)
Bolt Barbers™ Announces First Barbering Exhibition At The Rowan Gallery, Artwalk Downtown Los Angeles, September 10th, 2009
Founder & Chief Barber of Bolt Barbers™ announces Bolt’s first artwalk exhibition at The Rowan Gallery. Bolt Barbers has teamed up with artist Jodi Bonassi, to display her award winning barbershop oil paintings at the gallery, located adjacent to the future location of Bolt Barbers at 460 South Spring Street in Los Angeles
Mohawk Matt and his team of Bolt Barbers will be offering guys free haircuts all night within the exhibition space. Guys will be shorn in one of Bolt’s five vintage Koken President Barber Chairs, dating from the 1950’s. The exhibit including the live barbering will convey not just the look but also the feel of an old school barbershop, something that has gone missing from Downtown Los Angeles until now.
The artwork of Jodi Bonassi conveys the important role barbershops played for men as a social garage. Jodi was inspired to paint barbershops by her own grandfather, Jacob Feldman, who was a Barber. She recently completed her ninth painting in her Grandpa Jake series, which will be unveiled at the exhibition. Jodi’s goal is to complete 100 paintings in the series as a tribute to her love for barbers, barbershops, and her own grandfather. The first Grandpa Jake Painting, which was reviewed in The Boston Globe and published in Harpers, was stolen at LAX. Since then, her Grandpa Jake series has continued to get reviewed and published in articles such as Flavorpill and other noteworthy publications.
The Barbering Exhibition promises to be a memorable evening, enabling visitors not just to see, but also to feel, smell, and experience an authentic real barbershop. Mark your calendars. Thursday, September 10th. The Rowan Gallery. 460 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013. Exhibit hours are from 4pm-10pm.
About Jodi Bonassi
Jodi Bonassi’s work has been reviewed in the Boston Globe, Flavorpill, LA Times, Daily News, and The Chronicle Review. Other publications include Art and Living, Art Calendar Magazine (cover),Harpers Magazine, Studio Visit Magazine (Ocean Press), 2007 Emerging Artist Calendar and others. In 2008 and 2009 she received the University Scholars Award for her “CREATE” Program. This unique community service based art program is targeted for High School students in need of art programs. She is a dedicated artist whose recent work has merited inclusion in the Alchemy of Art Exhibition juried by esteemed Los Angeles critic, Peter Frank. Other noted curators who have selected her work in juried gallery exhibits in Los Angeles are Ann Philbin (from the Hammer Museum, gallery 825 Open Show, 2006), Cliff Benjamin ( ”Out There”, LAAA, 2008), Bert Green of Bert Green Fine Art (“Out There”, Gallery 825, 2009), and Marc Pachter from the Smithsonian Institute(Best Painting Award, Cambridge Prize Show, 2003.
Her work has been selected for unique depictions of centers for communal exchange, specifically barbershops, malls and cafes. She has also used recycled materials such as soccer balls, and broken plates or furniture to paint on. Jodi Bonassi has an extensive exhibition record in regional institutions and galleries and is fiercely committed to her painting career and to teaching. More information is available at www.jodibonassiart.com
(BOLT BARBERS™ , a Delaware LLC was founded in 2008 by Global Marketing Entrepreneur Matt Berman. BOLT BARBERS will open its first barbershop in November 2009 at The Rowan Lofts, 460 South Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles. More information is available at www.boltbarbers.com).
A HIDDEN PLACE
Inspiration
As the name may suggests the work I am presenting at the Downtown Art Walk might be found in a secret location but it is not, directly. A Hidden Place is an exploration of a reflection that I found in the music and meaning of the Album, Vespertine, by Björk.
Vespertine draws its name from evening prayers, or Vespers. (Björk, Vespertine) Listening to the album and reflecting on my own home life, my inner world, and the tiny beats with parlor-like dances in Björk’s music I found a muse.
I present to you “A HIDDEN PLACE”. The interpretation of the work is your own. I found image and movement in the music. These suggested, resonated with aspects of my self and life inspiring creativity and deepening my sense of home, Vespertine parted a veil between what is and what is not seen. Less about objects, more about feeling and flow I introduce to you my little paintings here. My evening prayers.
Art Walk @ The Rowan
460 S. Spring Street
(at 5th and Spring)
Los Angeles, CA 90014
http://www.downtownartwalk.com/
*Art walk is always free*
*Note about Parking Downtown:
Most streets have free parking (at meters) after 6:00 PM on Thursday Night. You will find that there are quite a lot of people on the street so you may have to pay for parking if you didn’t decided to take the public transportation in or stage your exploration of new art at a local’s loft / parking.
Invitation
Invite on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=110289124171&ref=ts
I hope you can make it.
Scott K Smith
Lifencompass.org
I hope to see you there…
As the name may suggests the work I am presenting at the Downtown Art Walk might be found in a secret location but it is not, directly. A Hidden Place is an exploration of a reflection that I found in the music and meaning of the Album,Vespertine, by Björk.
Vespertine draws it’s name from evening prayers, or Vespers. (Björk, Vespertine) Listening to the album and reflecting on my own home life, my inner world, and the tiny beats with parlor-like dances in Björk’s music I found a muse.
I present to you “A HIDDEN PLACE”. The interpretation of the work is your own. I found image and movement in the music. These suggested, resonated with aspects of my self and life inspiring creativity and deepening my sense of home, Vespertineparted a veil between what is and what is not seen. Less about objects, more about feeling and flow I introduce to you my little paintings here. My evening prayers.
Art Walk
http://www.downtownartwalk.com/
*Art walk is always free*
Woot! Just a quick note.
I just spoke with my friend who runs the gallery space at the Rowan and it has been confirmed that I will be in the September 10th Art Walk, Downtown Los Angeles!
“A Hidden Place”
Details and invitations to come.
Scott K Smith
Lifencompass.org
Updated some art at “A Hidden Place” for the later summer / early fall show.
Notes and details to come. You can sign up for a mailing list at the web page, listed below.
I hope to see you there.
Scott @ Lifencompass.org
