Sunday Six 2/26/23

The Transcendental Painting Group at LACMA: I had often heard of The Transcendental Painting Group when researching tantra art, but never fully explored it until my good friend Whitney gifted me a book a little over a year ago.  Founded by 9 painters in Santa Fe and Taos in the 1930s, TPG was a radical expression of abstract painting with a focus on theosophical spirituality.  Their manifesto, “to carry painting beyond the appearance of the physical world, through new concepts of space, color, light and design to imaginative realms that are idealistic and spiritual,” is evident in the remarkable exhibition happening now at LACMA, Another World: The Transcendental Painting Group 1938-1945.  Completely transportive, radiantly beautiful.  

Mami Wata and Elder Statesmen: I’m psyched on this collaboration between two brands I admire, inspired by SoCal surf culture.  Mami Wata, the African surf brand, and LA-based lifestyle brand Elder Statesmen come together to introduce cashmere vests; hoodies; and all the things I want to wear that are thoughtfully and lovingly created using patchwork and quilting techniques – all made with hand-woven textiles.  It embodies all the things I love: wildness, happiness, and optimism.  

Lagoon Nebula by F. Taylor Colantonio: I recently discovered the brilliant work of designer F. Taylor Colantonio and I’m lusting after his Lagoon Nebula light, encrusted with ammonites; opalescent glass orbs; and moon dust.  Next level beauty, reminding me of the sea.

The Surfer’s Journal with Yvon Chouinard: The Surfer’s Journal puts out one of my favorite podcasts, Soundings, and a recent one with Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard was nothing short of enlightening.  Chouinard talks about surfing, how he taught himself to climb, protecting the planet, creating your own paradigm, and what capitalism should really mean. A truly unique human with a worldly perspective, operating his business and life from a higher consciousness.  

Bob Marley & the Wailers, Stir It Up: This 1973 performance sets my heart on fire. 

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: Believe me when I say it’s worth the hype.  This book approaches creativity on a spiritual level, with thoughtful advice on how to nourish and hone ideas.  Legendary music producer Rick Rubin breaks it down nice and hard, reminding us that it’s all about the journey in both the creative process and LIFE.  This quote, all day long: “There’s a reason we are drawn to gazing at the ocean.  It is said the ocean provides a closer reflection of who we are than any mirror.”