Art Downtown Review

Shock of the News Exhibit

National Gallery of Art East Wing

On Friday January 25^th members of Studio In Sight went to the East Wing of the National Gallery of Art to see a exhibit on the history of collage. Everyone had a good time learning about the medium, and how in the beginning newspapers were a key element. Some of the works of art that stood out for me were: Edward Burra Composition Collage 1929- two couples created out of newspaper cutouts in a cafe, Marcel Broodthaers The Black Problem in Belgium 1963-Belgium paper with black painted plastic eggs, and Douglas Hubebler Location Piece #6- National 1970- a series of photos with typed captions. Viewing these works gave me some new ideas about my own collage works and an appreciation for all the ideas and works that came before me.

                We also went to the permanent collection gallery. I took some photos of my favorites; however I do not have names for all the images. The large Motherwell painting I have been sitting with since I was 15 years old. I feel serene at one with myself when I visit the painting.

 Motherwell

 

 

 

 

The waterfall by the café also gives me a sense of serenity.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are some Pieces that caught my eye and intrigued my heart.

 

 

The National Gallery of Art is a part of the Smithsonian Institute, so it is free to visit. With easy metro access it is a good outing. I had a great time and I hope the other members of Studio In Sight did as well.

Nicole Black

Advocacy

On January 29, 2013, St. Luke/Threshold United took four of their clients to the mental health rally in Annapolis.  I listened to the legislators speak at the rally.  It was so much fun, that I decided to tell my mental health story.   I also talked about how we needed day programs and affordable housing in St. Luke’s House/Threshold Services United’s programs and in Maryland.  In addition, I talked about my job coach and my rehabilitation coordinator who help me with my meds.  I also talked about my therapist and psychiatrist at my day program.  I was so excited to speak on behalf of those with a mental illness

beth w

My Christmas Outing

On Saturday, December 15 Eric Gordon took several clients (including myself) from the Life Skills Program (LSP) to see the Christmas lights at Seneca Creek State Park.  After meeting some clients at Southport we did pick – ups at the Wheaton North building and went to the food court at Wheaton Plaza for an early dinner.  Then it was off on a driving tour that took approximately one hour with 97.1 Wash FM’s Christmas music playing on the van’s radio.  At the end of the evening Eric dropped off those clients at their residences that would normally take public transportation home because it was dark and he was already on the road.  In conclusion, this is one of my favorite LSP weekend activities because the lights are so colorful.      

by Kris L.

2 Books of Influence

Words I Choose to Live By

I have found two books that have helped me deal with my fears regarding my place in the world and how to manage that place with peace and love.

One book is The Epicurus Reader: Selected Writings and Testimonials translated and edited by Brad Inwood and L.P. Gerson (Hackett Publishing Inc. 1994). This book focuses on the Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus (341BC-270BC). The premise and purpose of his philosophy was to attain happiness through tranquility in life. By meeting with students in a garden and including women students Epicurus stood apart from the other schools of thought of the era. Experiencing the richness of everyday things such as eating and walking one can discover the connection to the naturalness of living.

The Second book is The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of the martial art of Aikido. This is a book of instructions through contemplations and a philosophy that love is the root of warriors. Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) was the founder of Aikido. At age eighteen, Ueshiba joined the Japanese military, during which time he also developed his skills in the martial arts. He eventually left the military, deeply discouraged by the death and destruction that result from combat. Ueshiba continued to experiment with a variety of martial arts, finding particular joy in the spiritual aspects of martial arts. He came to believe that a real warrior was one who was rooted in love, and it was in this spirit that he began to develop Aikido, a martial art that emphasizes harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflict (Google Books, 2010).

Both books address harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Mindfulness is a skill and practice that can aid in recovery and emotional balance.

Nicole Black

Iron sharpens Iron

Have you ever heard of the biblical term Iron sharpens iron?  Well let’s just say that a friend that you care about is doing something that can hurt him or herself or others.  You would want to speak up to your friend and let them know that what they’re doing or saying is hurtful or a mistake.  You must not be afraid to approach your friend and give them some assertive advice.  Consistently buttering up and agreeing with them when it can only hurt them in the long run is not helping them and really not being a true friend.  We must be honest with our friends and sometimes the truth hurts, however the truth can and will make us better people.  The truth really does set you free.  The truth will make you stronger.

That’s why in the bible Proverbs 27:17 reads: As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. another.” There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task to cut and slice. Likewise the Word of God is a ‘double-edged sword’ (Hebrews 4:12) and it is with this that we are to sharpen one another—in times of meeting, fellowship, or any other interaction.

                                                                                               

                                                                                                     Lisa L.

My Trip To Pittsburgh

On Friday, November 23 – Sunday, November 25 my parents and I took a road trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in one car to spend the weekend.  We were joined in a second car by my younger brother Keith, his wife Charis and their eight month old baby boy Owen.  This whole trip came about because Charis wanted to get Keith tickets for the Rutgers vs. Pittsburgh football game as a wedding anniversary present.  However, the only way to do this was to get a four pack and a parking pass.  Unfortunately, there were five people on the trip who would need a ticket to the game.  So, like the good sport that she is my mom let my dad and I use two tickets and Keith and Charis had the other two.  Owen went to the game as well but he was admitted for free.  Upon arrival early Friday afternoon my parents and I walked around the University of Pittsburgh campus and saw the spot where the one time home of Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates (Forbes Field) used to be.  There also was a brief driving tour around Duquesne University but we didn’t get to see as much of the campus as far as my mom and I was concerned.  However, we did see the A.J. Palumbo center where Dwayne’s nephew Sean Johnson plays on the men’s basketball team.  On Saturday the whole gang woke up to thirty five degree temperatures and snow flurries and five of the six of us got all bundled up and braved the elements and headed off to Heinz Field for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights versus Pittsburgh Panthers.  Unfortunately, the Scarlet Knights would lose their first Big East contest 27 – 6.  Owen spent nearly the whole game inside the club level suite asleep in his mother’s arms.  The thanksgiving weekend came to a close on Sunday when we drove home with all of the rest of the heavy holiday traffic.  Other than the result of the football game I enjoyed spending quality time with my parents and Keith, Charis, and Owen.                    

by Kris L.

Poem: Mustard Seeds

Mustard Seeds

By Nicole Black

 

A mustard seed of awareness and acceptance

For a longtime love

A mustard seed… because I believe

Someone can

Know each wrinkle of me

And kiss aged lips

With fineness

From decades of practice

ONE ROUND BROWNISH YELLOW

Of desire

That inspires

Art as children and room to grow sculptures

I a Muse to them as they are a Muse to me

Our creative outlets comingle and yet can stand alone

Knowing each of us is whole…. Not a half that will complete

2 planets with similar ecosystems so our ideas are fertile and can thrive on either

Celestial Organism

YES! A mustard seed that goes past the well

To the river fresh and crisp

I could sip beauty and sing praises to the trees

The moment fulfilling

All my earthbound needs

The enhancement of a longtime love/companion/friend/ lover 

Would allow me to share

The beauty I see all around me

With more than the trees

Their thirst already quenched by a clean river

Hydrated we could roam the wood and tell stories to frogs

Whisper rumors to moss

And in almost silent swiftness

RUN

Patterns amongst the trees

Creating a poem

For the forest