Ms. Cosmopolite

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Let the Goddess reign again!

2009-10-09T12:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings, fellow cosmopolites!

I trust your summer months were filled with adventures – near and far – and buckets of joy. Here at CAFAM, we celebrated the commencement of the harvest season by opening a 50-year retrospective exploring the work of ceramist Dora De Larios. Learn more about Dora’s pan-cultural, artistic vision below and check out the gallery photos for a blast of whimsy and feminine power today!

While Dora De Larios may have been born into a Mexican-American family, she is a true citizen of the world – a cosmopolite. Raised with a deep respect for her own cultural inheritance, Dora embraced the ethnic diversity of her native Los Angeles with delight and curiosity from an early age. She continued to feed her insatiable interest in world religions and culture through her studies and travel. Dora’s work reflects a deep reverence for our shared humanity as sublimely expressed in folk traditions and rituals from around our magnificent globe. Rooted in the belief that all cultures contain wisdom and beauty, Dora’s art is imbued with multiculturalism in both shape and spirit. Dora’s emotional intensity and connection to all elements of life – including its shadows – are revealed in her signature plaques, masks, totems, and intimate animal figurines.

The Goddess, known by many names – Asarte, Isis, Ishtar – reigned supreme in the cradle of civilization for eons producing prosperity and peace. Worshipped for her fertility, the Goddess was revered as the wise creator, the source of universal order, and the provider of culture. While systematically marginalized in modern times or erased from written histories, the power of the Goddess, as embodied in the feminine form, lives on in ancient temples, objects, carvings and paintings throughout the world. For Dora, the Goddess reflects “a life-long interest in the divine, the symbolism and its interpretation in various cultures.” As a college student in the mid 1950’s, Dora learned about “ancient times when women had temples dedicated to them” and pondered the current state of women’s power and societal roles. The thread of the feminine from Babylonian figurines, to pre-Columbian sculpture, to Mayan rituals, to a contemporary concern for “Mother Earth,” is evident in Dora’s devotion to the Goddess and the spiritual aspects of life.

While Dora knew early on that she was born to create beauty, it was not until her fingers touched the earthly offering of clay that she found her beloved medium. With the Goddess as muse, a vivid imagination, and a cosmopolitan worldview, Dora has created a vast array of dynamic ceramic and sculptural works in the course of her 50-year career. Possessing a deep understanding of her chosen medium, Dora is able to move from intimate clay sculptures to life-size totems and immense public installations with fluid grace. Besides her innovative designs, the vibrancy and sheer life-force of Dora’s glazes, which transmit unadulterated colors of planet Earth, effortlessly lure the viewer into a state of happiness. Dora’s works are joyful (with a few exceptions), bold, and memorable. And yes, Dora De Larios herself is joyful, bold, and memorable.

Let the Goddess reign again!

Ms. Cosmopolite

Check out these gallery shots!

My Petite Bullet Blossoms

2009-05-29T15:55:00.000-07:00

Although I have declared myself ageless, Ms. Cosmopolite still adores birthday presents! In May I celebrated my birth as I do most every year by acquiring a new piece of art. I had been coveting the work of Nancy Baker Cahill since February when I saw her art at the charity event FreshStART that benefits Para Los Niños. There were probably hundreds of works presented that night and I buzzed around the gallery space searching for my favourite. To my surprise, every piece I choose was a) by Nancy Cahill Baker and b) already sold! Undeterred, I contacted Nancy directly after the event to see more of her work and was immediately drawn to her Bullet Blossoms Series. At first sight, I wanted to touch these delicate and fierce works on paper that felt both cheery and slightly serious. It took me a few minutes to incorporate the title of the series, Bullet Blossoms, into my psyche and for a spilt second I jumped back. It dawned on me that the beautiful, vibrant painted poppies I was admiring were created with bullets! Bullets that kill, maim, and destroy so many lives in the world! Honestly, I was not sure how to feel about a symbol of violence transformed into something so utterly beautiful. But the work got me THINKING and FEELING, so I knew I was on to something very special.

Aesthetically I was completely awed by the work, but wanted to explore my feelings around the artistic process. I read Nancy’s artist statement and spent time talking to her and in the process learned more about my own view on guns.

So you are probably wondering how a slight, young, pretty lady ended up creating fabulous art at the shooting range? Already a working artist, Nancy visited a shooting range with her father in 2007 and found the experience of operating a gun nerve racking and jarring, yet rather empowering. She was aware of the inherent danger around her, but also her increased sense of confidence. After the first experience, Nancy decided knowledge is power and started gun training with a professional. Just being a woman in the male dominated shooting range alerted her to issues of safety and trust (even as she endured some nasty behaviour). Since she was not interested in shooting targets of the human form, Nancy started painting her own targets of botanical objects. Eventually, this led to painting poppies both for their ripe and swollen features and their relation to the drug trade in Afghanistan. Her goal was not to erase the ugliness of violence, but to heal and transform it into something beautiful and productive. This work is, in my mind, truly performance art. Working with specialty paper, Nancy shoots the piece with a 9mm handgun (45 Kimber), standing about 10 yards away to insure accuracy. The “exit wounds” create 3 dimensional sculptures that form the poppies and allow for varying paintings.

I asked Nancy to create a petite version of the Bullet Blossoms and then frame it in a walnut shadow box to allow room for the 3D aspects of the work. It now hangs in my bedroom and I am touched by both its beauty and message daily.
One of the interesting things about viewing Bullet Blossoms is the realization that the viewer is on the receiving end of the bullet. Looking at the work, I don’t think I have ever been in the line of fire of art in quite the same way... I, like many women, am intimidated and uncomfortable with guns and have never touched one. I abhor violence and war, and have expressed my views many times to lawmakers, politicians, and community leaders. Yet, I am not naïve to the fact that our society is being militarized in many aspects, and as a result our safety and privacy are in jeopardy. Just this week the issue of allowing guns in State parks was debated, and some are advocating for students to carry guns on University campuses. This all begs the question, do I stay fearful and uneducated about gun usage or do I bite the bullet? Curious to hear your thoughts on this important subject.

In the meantime, explore the world of Nancy Cahill Baker at www.nancybakercahill.com/.

Until next time,

Ms Cosmopolite

The Great Debate

2009-05-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

I received a curious call the other day from an art curator and museum director I had not previously known. His voice sounded urgent and excited - his words rolled at a brisk pace as his emotions elevated. Enthusiastically, he told me about an artist visit he just concluded, saying that it was the “most mesmerizing and surprising experience of his 30 year art career”. As I listened to this stranger describe an electrifying experience of seeing art that clearly moved him, I started to wonder why he had chosen to share it with me. Truthfully, I even started to zone out as he kept repeating his near religious experience until he got to the punch line, “I would give the artist an exhibit in a heartbeat but I don’t show FOLK ART.” I smiled to myself and politely asked him what exactly he thought “folk art” was. He rattled off a rather stale description using terms such as “untrained”, “primitive”, “naïve”, “cultural artifact”, blah, blah, blah.

Normally I don’t shy away from a good debate, but discussing what is high, low, good, or bad art is an empty exercise. My definition of good art is very simple -- it is art that moves my soul, inspires me to feel or think, and fills me with pure delight. I know the exact feeling of coming into contact with it and experience an instant high when I see it. Sadly, it seems the more “educated” one is on the subject of art, the more disconnected he/she is from the creative impulse that inspires great art. I joyfully spend every dollar I can on art and enjoy my collection daily - my art is part of my life. I personally prefer art created in the context of community or connected to tradition and ritual. Plastic pop art sculptures “fabricated” by machines may get millions at Sothebys, but leave me unmoved. They say that you are what you collect, and I guess that’s the real story. I am a folk… who are you?

Now for those of you wondering, “what exactly is Folk Art?” Here’s one view:

At CAFAM we view the term “folk art” in a contemporary and dynamic light that is not limited to one frame. We consider all art made in a cultural and social context as part of our domain. Our stance encompasses a wide breath of art and ideas ranging from Polynesian body tattoos that mark a tribe, whether traditional or urban, to the modern interpretation of ancient cave paintings from India that offer political commentary about a post-9/11 world, to a photojournalist’s observations of the complexity of contemporary Iranian society.

Folk art offers cultural insights not readily seen in other art forms since it is created with an awareness of, and a connection to tradition and community. The process of creating folk art is a varied and dynamic one the builds on traditional methods or ideas, but also includes individual creativity and contemporary influences. This artistic merger of social order and individual creativity offers incredible insight into global and local values and beliefs. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of folk art is how sublimely it reveals human similarities amongst diverse cultures.

No song, no performance, no act of creation can be properly understood apart from the culture or subculture in which it is found and of which it is a part; nor should any ‘work of art’ be looked on as a thing in itself apart from the continuum of creation-consumption.

- Edward D. Ives

Until next time,

Ms. Cosmopolite

A Global Bazaar

2009-04-03T14:18:00.000-07:00

While the rather destructive effects of conspicuous consumption have been the hallmark of our culture in recent years, the meaningful exchange of one resource for another is the engine of any society. People have traded informally amongst themselves from the earliest times, however, the range and quality of goods exploded with the creation of the first permanent marketplace or bazaar. The word bazaar comes from the Persian word bāzār, meaning "the place of prices", which in our world means the mall (how unsexy!).

As someone who views unearthing worldly goods as a cultural adventure, I delight in visiting bazaars on my global travels and flea markets at home. My first visit to the Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest covered market, in Istanbul, Turkey, was both exhilarating and exhausting. Claiming over 4,000 shops, the Kapali Carsi boasts goods ranging from jewelry, leather goods, copper pots, cashmere shawls, incense, rare spices, and many other finds. The rather Byzantine layout of the market pretty much guarantees a new comer will get lost (which is of course part of the fun), making it a bit overwhelming but well worth it. The Bazaar is filled with charming and jovial merchants serving apple tea and offering a whiff of tobacco water pipes as they artfully show you their specialty goods. This sensual shopping experience also sharpens one’s negotiating skills as bargaining for the right price is a cultural necessity. Nothing is as it seems and prices are not exactly precise. The theatrical setting of the Bazaar has often led me to spend much more than I intended… Yet arriving home after the adventure, and unwrapping each one of my unique treasures, is priceless.

On April 3rd and 4th I invite you to the LA version of a Global Bazaar at CAFAM. Local vendors and artisans will be selling their handmade goods in exchange for gold or perhaps an offer of barter. Take a look at the wealth of offerings at www.cafam.org/shop.html and indulge in the experience of coming face to face with the makers of beautiful objects. I am sure a very special treasure awaits you!

Happy hunting!

Ms Cosmopolite

If I Ran the NEA

2009-03-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

The grand notion that government has a key role to play in the sponsoring of artistic production and that the arts are linked to national prestige has lead many countries around the world to establish Ministries of Culture. Here, in the “wealthiest country in the world”, we apparently don’t see the need for too much art and beauty. So, a simple agency – the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) – will do. (BTW, the NEA doesn’t really have an endowment, but that’s another story.) You may have heard some brouhaha recently from “conservatives” (a.k.a. the people that brought us two wars and passionately promoted the wisdom of the markets) about the NEA getting $50 million in the recent economic stimulus bill, bringing its overall budget to about $200 million. By comparison, we are currently spending $341 million a DAY on the war in Iraq yet, funding for the arts somehow manages to be more controversial! Ms. Cosmopolite wonders what kind of folks would vote for bombs over art? Talk about upside down values.

Apparently, the NEA is currently looking for new leadership. To generate some new thinking on the future of the agency, the LA Times recently ran a piece asking artists, activists, creative thinkers, and a few duds to answer the question, “IF I RAN THE NEA”. Take a look here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/02/nea-if-i-ran-th.html.

The article got me thinking about what I would do if I ran the agency…

First, I would do away with the current NEA slogan, “Because a great nation deserves great art.” This line gives me the hives from start to finish and raises many questions. Does a great nation come before great art or the other way around? Based on what criteria does one define greatness? I also don’t get the deserve part. Is there a nation on the planet that doesn’t merit culture? In my mind, the creation of art does not occur in a parallel universe, but is a naturally occurring byproduct of society. Instead of this rather empty line, I would borrow the slogan of a colleague of mine from the Festival of Philippine Arts & Culture that captures my sentiment perfectly: Art=Culture=Community

Secondly, instead of funding “artistic excellence”, I would rewrite the grant-making criteria to focus on fostering artistic innovation and community building. I would commit at least 50% of the budget to funding arts organizations with budgets of less than $5 million, and insure that their programming reflected the diversity and spirit of their communities authentically. Certainly, watching a world-class symphonic performance or ballet is an astonishing thing, but I believe that true love for the arts comes from first-hand experiences. The hours I spent in dance rehearsals, the glamour of putting on a costume and painting my face before stepping on a stage to twirl and spin in front of a small, but adoring audience deepened my appreciation for watching professional dance companies perform immeasurably. Sure, arts appreciation programs that focus on the “masters” and “classics” are important, but not enough to sustain an authentic connection. I want to see small, innovative organizations that bring joy and beauty to their communities thrive. Let’s focus more on the electrifying experience of being creatively engaged and less on being arbiters of good taste.

I would also make sure the NEA was staffed with bright, well-rounded, happy, creative folks that believe in the power of art to inspire, heal, and unite. The entire agency should reflect fresh thinking and innovation – from website communication, to job descriptions, to office décor. Let the NEA be a catalyst for a cultural movement that values the role of artists and arts, in a happy and healthy society.

Lastly, I would insert a clause that the NEA would never fund anything to do with Jeff Koons! (In my view, he is the vulgar and vacuous poster boy of all that is wrong with market driven art that is highly promoted and leaves most people cold and confused.)

So, here are my initial thoughts on the topic. If President Obama is interested in hearing more, he can give me a ring. In the meantime, I am curious to hear – How would YOU run the NEA?

Best of everything,

Ms. Cosmopolite

Patriotism – Simple Concept or Complex Reality?

2009-02-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

Those closest to me are well aware of my great love affair with sleep and morning rituals of green tea and meditation. In general, I rarely make commitments “before the double digits” to preserve my delicate balance, however, this morning I simply could not resist the invitation to attend the Optimist’s Breakfast on the topic of – “What does patriotism mean to me?”

Symbolically, Optimist’s Breakfasts are held only on Friday the 13ths as a pooh-pooh to the myth of impending doom related to the number 13. The Metabolic Studio at Farmlab sponsors these jubilant, creative, and thought-provoking community gatherings labeled “Burning Man meets City Hall” by writer and actor Richard Montoya. Since describing what Farmlab is could easily be a very lengthy discussion, I will summarize it as, “part progressive think tank, part art studio, and part alternative performance space, unexpectedly located in an industrial section of Los Angeles”. If you appreciate originality, community, and live in LA you need to get there soon! Find out more here http://farmlab.org/2006/12/what-is-farmlab_11.html.

On this cold and rainy Friday the 13th, over 100 artists, community leaders, philanthropists, politicians, big thinkers, and a high school class from Topanga, California gathered to consider the issue of patriotism and munch on bacon & eggs (which were very tasty, btw). The first couple of speakers were local politicians (the usual suspects…), and despite their clear commitment to local issues and love of Los Angeles, their rather convoluted ramblings on patriotism left me rather unmoved. (Although, I am sorry about the “most handsome guy at Marshall High” that died while serving in the Korean war circa 1973.) My mind (and heart) perked up right about the time Lauren Bon (the force behind Farmlab and the magnificent “Not a Cornfield” project) invited the sleepy and chilled guests to perform the Hokey Pokey in the spirit of shared optimism. Everything was up hill from “put your left hand in...”

Once the artists took the podium, the rather tired and seemingly obligatory pronouncements of “patriotism” by politicians transformed into intense, emotional, and uplifting personal stories of the PROCESS of becoming patriotic. Perhaps politicians have an inherent disadvantage discussing patriotism since the approved definitions of the term are so narrow. As a daughter of immigrants, I was touched by President of Otis College Samuel Hoi’s story of being born in Hong Kong, under foreign rule, which left him with a British passport with the “Country of Birth” section left blank. This bureaucratic colonial byproduct left a mark on a young mind unsure of his place in a shifting landscape. Samuel spoke about the gratitude and relief he felt becoming an American citizen, but eloquently shared that his love for his adopted homeland was cemented in the midst of the of September 11, 2001 tragedy.

The regal air of Tongva tribe sage, cultural activist, and environmental educator, Cindi Alvitre literally transformed the gathering with her powerful, ceremonial greeting declared in her native tongue. Her concept of patriotism had little to do with the flag waving or baseball-playing, but with a primal connection to the land. In keeping with her indigenous beliefs and values, patriotism to Cindi translates into honoring and protecting the soil beneath her feet. She boldly declared her loyalty to the land not the socio-political system. Her environmental view of patriotism seemed to provide the most holistic definition of the question, how can we claim to love our country while literally destroying its foundation?

Diverse comments from artists, community leaders, and citizens some in accented English, some in local dialects, made it clear that patriotism is a beautifully complex and deeply personal emotion not a rote, vacuous declaration made for political gain. Emotional references to the Tiananmen Square massacre, civil rights rallies, and several mentions of Michelle Obama’s much publicized comment about “being proud of her country for the first time” illustrated that like all love affairs, the affection for one’s country is fluid and based on mutual respect.

The Merriam Webster’s dictionary simply defines patriotism as love for or devotion to one's country, however, the true meaning is highly dependent on context and philosophy. The classic version of patriotism developed by the Greeks was based on an ethical theory of altruism and benevolence, not on the tribal affiliations often expressed in nationalism. When speaking of moral duty towards others, the issue of application is a tricky one. Does our altruism (or patriotism) extend only to the borders of land, culture, religion, gender, and ethnicity, or does it apply equally to all humans?

My thoughts? Well, Ms. Cosmopolite doesn’t carry around a globe for nothing!

The love of one's country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border?

- Pablo Casals

Until Next Time,

Ms. Cosmopolite

Subversive thoughts…

2009-01-30T16:31:00.000-08:00

Everyone has their favorite energy elixir. Some folks need champagne or vodka; some prefer herbs or levitation to make them tingle with excitement. My drug of choice is interesting people, and original ideas. This week I got a powerful tonic of originality, and feel (and look ;-) 10 years younger for it!

On Tuesday, I was lucky enough to get invited to the home of a young, tech-entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Burning Man groupie to partake in his weekly SMS (Subversive Movie Series). The email invitation arrived addressed to “Dear Subversive Person” and listed four possible film options. After a rather ordinary day at work, a little rebellion seemed in order so I headed up to the Hills. After a delicious dinner and quick introductions, the group headed upstairs to the cozy and hip screening room to vote on the evening’s subversive movie. My first choice, The Business of Being Born, a documentary that claims, “you will never look at birth the same way again” was not surprisingly declined by the mostly male crowd. (I plan on viewing this alternative version of birth one day soon; check it out at www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com.) Instead, the politically and artistically diverse group voted for a silent movie made nearly 75 years ago entitled, Modern Times. I must admit that I never saw the film considered Charlie Chaplin’s greatest achievements and dubbed “the original subversive movie” by one of the guests. Take a peek:

Watching this “old” film and its witty, but unflattering portrayal of a fast paced, cold, industrial society, it occurred to me that we have actually made little “progress” in the past 75 years when it comes to quality of life. The comic scenes of Chaplin working frantically to keep up with his assembly line duties (that transformed his hands and legs into robotic organs through repetitive motion) and the greedy, inhumane captains of industry felt very 2009. Chaplin’s escapades and light humor are brilliant tools of social commentary, and make clear he was ahead of his time in so many ways. The Man vs. Machine narrative, which turns workers into nervous wrecks and corporate executives into greedy psychopaths, was straight from today’s headlines. It seems our society has been trapped into our invention of the wisdom of industry and nothing less than a total cultural transformation is needed to chart a better course. I agree that Modern Times is a brilliant, thoughtful subversive movie, but I sincerely hope that its narrative is left in the dust.

Despite the seriousness of the discussion, I was truly inspired to be part of a group of original thinkers that are searching for a way out of the status quo. The economic mess we are currently in was made possible by both greed and groupthink. It will take holistic thinking and bold action to transform the way we live and work if our goals are to lead to sustainability and prosperity. My money is on the thousands of grassroots groups across the globe (including many subversive folks) that use their imagination and originality to create common good. Let subversion reign!

Cheers,

Ms. Cosmopolite

New Happenings

2009-01-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

After two weeks of painting, building, hanging, and working our magic, CAFAM is kicking off its 2009 exhibit calendar by diving straight into the current state of affairs. On January 24th we open two timely and thought-provoking exhibits; one on contemporary Iran, which also explores bias and accuracy in international journalism, and one (days after a historic inauguration!) that examines images of African Americans over the past 200 years. I encourage all curious and worldly folk to jet over to 5814 Wilshire and experience Exploring the Other: Contemporary Iran through the lens of Iason Athanasiadis and Paper Cuts: 200 Years of Black Paper Dolls – both on view until March 29, 2009.

Sandy Tolan, the über talented journalist, professor, and author of possibly the most discerning book on the oft misunderstood (or misreported) Israeli – Palestinian conflict, The Lemon Tree, has contributed a powerful essay on the ethical responsibility of journalists when covering the Other. You can read Sandy’s essay and contribute your views on this timely topic below.

Welcome to the new!

Ms. Cosmopolite

What is the ethical responsibility of the journalist in telling the story of the Other? And what larger forces come to bear in shaping that story in the press

These questions take on special importance in times of conflict. Throughout history the Other has served as fodder for campaigns of war and conquest. From the "savage" Geronimo to the "terrorist" Nelson Mandela; from the Cold War Russian bear to the grim-faced dictator Saddam, the portrayal of the Other – accurate or not – has long been political and strategic. At the heart of each enterprise lies the dehumanization of the Other to serve specific policy goals: clearing the land of its native inhabitants; maintaining a system of race-based control; readying a nation for war.

Today's wartime journalists must contend with a powerful mix of government and commercial interests that help set the agenda for the press. In the buildup to the Iraq war, the Pentagon and State Department set the über narrative: the "irrefutable" story of weapons of mass destruction. Giant media corporations, driven by profit over public interest, backed that agenda, drowning out (or sometimes buying out) smaller critical voices with thundering music and repeated scenarios of international calamity. Only a few mainstream American journalists openly questioned the "truth" of Iraq's WMD, and some willingly aided the war agenda with flimsy and misleading reporting.

Resisting such powerful forces can be daunting, especially when the Other has been thoroughly vilified. Making matters worse are the economics of journalism: more consolidation, fewer independent voices in the mainstream, disappearing foreign bureaus. Yet it is essential to the free flow of information in a democracy that citizens hear from independent-minded journalists who dig hard for the real story; who compare the reality on the ground to the official line from Washington; who look beyond the official narrative, and explore an entirely new one. Such efforts can help re-humanize the Other by portraying the lives and struggles of ordinary people: the fruit vendor in the street; the children in school uniforms, coming home for lunch; sweethearts stealing a moment by the seashore at dusk. It matters what you ask, who you talk to, where you point your microphone or camera.

By necessity, contemporary campaigns making the case for war essentially ignore such humanity, focusing instead on a single maniacal despot or the threat of WMD. Media outlets in step with this master narrative thus prepare the ground for the missiles that will fall on the people we never actually saw, much less ever got to know.

And yet, against powerful tides of war, there have always been strong swimmers: Journalists who, despite the obstacles, come to the ground and tell an honest story of what they saw and heard. From George Orwell on the battlefields of the Spanish Civil War; to David Halberstam and his dispatches from Vietnam; to Raymond Bonner and Alma Guillermoprieto in El Mozote, El Salvador; to Anthony Shadid in contemporary Iraq and Lebanon: ethical, honest witness remains the most fundamental antidote to distortion.

Sandy Tolan
Associate Professor of Journalism
Annenberg School for Communication, USC

WAITING FOR A NEW VOICE

2008-12-30T21:40:00.000-08:00

I usually love New Year celebrations. I look forward to stepping through the door of a new year, clearing the old, and bringing in the fresh and vital. I am usually happy and excited about the possibilities the new cycle will bring. After sleeping in on the first day of the year, I open a new journal and set my personal and professional goals. Then I usually attend my friend’s White Party in her beautiful home in Venice. To symbolize the unblemished canvas of the New Year, all the guests wear white, the food is white (think cauliflower, potatoes, endives, macaroni & cheese), and of course we sip champagne while toasting to our success and happiness.

But this year, on the eve of 2009, I am in no mood for celebration because I am devastated, sad, and angry. The brutal military assault on a starving population held in captivity in Gaza has shaken me to my core. I have chosen to work towards a better world and I am willing to make many sacrifices necessary to achieve even a fraction of good. But I would be dishonest if I said that I didn’t expect to yield a promising return. To witness such inhumanity, such arrogance, such a brutal abuse of power, in an already fragile and violent world has discouraged and depressed me.

Being angry and sad does not suit me, or anyone for that matter, so I must commit myself to shed such gloomy feelings. It might take some time, but I know that we can’t have light without accepting the dark.

For you my dear readers, I wish much peace, happiness, and success. May 2009 be a year of breakthroughs and fresh starts.

A Turning Point

2008-12-22T11:53:00.001-08:00

The month of December is full of holidays and celebrations across religions and diverse cultures. St. Nicholas Day, Kwanzaa, Bodhi Day, Hanukah, Las Posadas, Al Hijra, St. Lucia Day, Christmas, and Boxing Day pack December with joyful festivities and cultural ceremonies. For me, the magic crescendos on the Winter Solstice (this year the day falls on December 21st) as it echoes the earthy rhythm of changing seasons. Whether felt as an astronomical, spiritual, religious, or personal event, the day visibly marks a turning point in our 365-day cycle. On this shortest day of light, ancient and modern cultures hold solstice ceremonies to bring them closer to the skies as the giver of life and bounty. At the root of many ancient rituals was the fear that the dwindling light would not return without human intervention, creating the need for generous offerings and lavish celebrations to keep the gods and goddesses happy.

The Winter Solstice has greatest significance to those that live closest to the earth, and whose lives are intimately tied to changing seasons and harvest cycles. Tuning in to celestial events was an especially important cosmic science for ancient societies who created meaningful fertility rites; fire festivals and offerings to their deities in hopes of procuring a bountiful harvest. While not widely known, many of these rituals are part of our modern traditions. Candles, evergreens, mistletoe, lavish feasts, and the giving and receiving of gifts are rooted in ceremonies performed thousands of years ago.

Believe it or not, Christmas in particular is rooted in pagan traditions. As Christianity spread and the need to dampen the prevalence of pagan beliefs arose, the cosmic celebrations of the Winter Solstice were overlaid with the story of the Birth of Christ. Today the “Christmas Season” is a multi-billion dollar business that seems galaxies away from the deep connection to our earth that the Winter Solstice represented in ancient societies. Witnessing the manic and surprisingly unjolly crowds shopping for holiday gifts, it’s clear that a little retro paganism might do us all some good.

This December, as the turning skies bring less light, we can find solace connecting with one another and give thanks for our blessings, or we can rejoice over discounted cashmere sweaters and bargain-priced electronic toys. This cosmic lady will be thanking the stars for a fabulous year of love, art, and adventure, and will be keeping her candle lit for an even brighter 2009!

Happy winter!

Ms. Cosmopolite

FRUGALISTA - a new word for a new era

2008-12-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

As we all know, change is the only constant force in our shimmering universe. Most of the time I enjoy change unless I have been caught off guard and cling to outdated thinking when clearly the tide has shifted. To keep myself on top of the tidal waves, I follow cultural trends to keep me in the know. I don’t see trends as superficial, but an important indicator of changing attitudes and beliefs. I especially relish in learning about the new words created to match society’s new thinking. Given the events of 2008 and our current economic climate, my favorite new addition for 2008 is FRUGALISTA, defined as, “a person who lives a frugal lifestyle but stays fashionable and healthy by swapping clothes, buying secondhand, growing own produce, etc.” (Most likely the only time I have agreed with NYT’s William Safire, who voted Frugalista the best new word of 2008, on anything!)

As Frugalista enters the mainstream lexicon, most will attribute its popularity and use to the current recession (or pre-recovery period if you prefer!). I would say that the ethos behind frugalistas has more to do with increasing the quality of life than falling stock prices. The word frugal is often viewed as a product of lack yet, the word is related to the Latin frui, meaning to enjoy. Frugality essentially means the best use of resources and the limiting of waste in the pursuit of a higher quality of life. As I mosey around shops and malls today in search of new possessions I wonder what has happened to the appreciation of quality? The long tradition of craftsmanship around the world, has always valued quality and was centered on the idea of creating functional objects that withstood the test of time. The magic of handmade objects is their high quality, beauty, and resourcefulness.

Look around your home, office, school, or neighborhood, and take a look at how resources are being used? How much waste can you identify in a mere 5 minutes? How many objects in your space do you treasure and how many things are disposable? How have we benefitted from the seemingly endless supply of cheap goods lining the shelves at the Wal-Marts, Forever 21s, and Pier 1s of the world? The vulgar appetite for cheap, throwaway goods has depressed labor wages and created an unsustainable level of consumption and a reckless use of resources. The irony for me is that during a time of “conspicuous consumption” many filled their homes and closets with unsightly and poorly made goods! Ms. Cosmopolite says, “having things and having beautiful things are not the same”.

As a proud frugalista, I am committed to filling my life and home with beautiful, well-crafted goods, made with respect for the materials and the makers. I will delight in unearthing treasures from bazaars, resale shops, craft and artist cooperatives, and farmer’s markets while being fashionable, healthy, and fabulous!

“Frugality is founded on the principle that all riches have limits” – Edmund Burke

Onward,

Ms Cosmopolite

A Fairy Tale Ending?

2008-11-06T16:55:00.000-08:00

It’s hard for me to focus on anything today, but PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA. Around the world, millions of words are being written about the epic story of Barack Hussein Obama and his resounding victory to become the most powerful leader of the world. There are so many personal and political aspects to this story of triumph; it is easy to see how our deepest desires and fears can be projected onto this tremendous saga. The universal need to share our life experiences endures in the oldest art form – storytelling. Our cultural and personal myths are developed (often with some editing) through repetition until they become ingrained in our collective memory. I wonder how the story of the victorious President Barack Obama will be crafted for the history books…

Will it be a tale of Good vs. Evil? Youth vs. Age? Black vs. White? Hope vs. Fear? Change vs. Status Quo? While reality is hardly ever so clear-cut, lasting narratives are based on archetypal figures (ie. hero, villain, trickster, sage) that reflect our need for a clear demarcation of good and bad (something Hollywood producers have clearly figured out to a mind-numbing degree!). Swiss psychologist Carl Jung claimed that our “collective unconscious” reflected the content of all mankind’s thoughts. Quite honestly, I was terrified by some of what I heard coming from the unconsciousness of my fellow Americans (including media elites and party leaders) during this election cycle. It seems unfitting to mention the dark forces that threatened our land during this time of high hopes, but we also must not forget their existence. Every tale has a hero and a villain to keep us on our toes, and it has been clearly demonstrated that there is muck in our mist.

Today should be about celebrating a historic victory that has far-reaching cultural and political ramifications. How will each one of us retell the story of election night 2008 to our children? Will the emotion of the historic night fade when the enormity of the task before our President elect hits us? Will the glow of triumph be dimmed by the first hardship or misstep? Or, will we remember the fiery autumn day as the time the sun shined so bright it drove off the darkness that had befallen our great land?

Being a romantic and an optimist, I am rooting for a fairy tale ending. I prefer the legend of the brave young knight that rose to power not on privilege, corruption, or nepotism, but through hard work and a dedication to the greater good. A warrior that saw the broken spirit of the people and knew they deserved better. A sage that offered a new way of governing and communicated in a way that inspired people to reach for the best in themselves. A hero to all those that have faced challenges and overcame them.

The United States of America has found its story again and it is based on HOPE!

Cheers,

Ms. Cosmopolite

Judgment Day Everyday

2008-10-24T11:01:00.000-07:00

by guest blogger M. Wittmer (or... Mr. Cosmopolite?)

Although I am not sure what the cosmopolite individual would say, an argument to not downplay the necessity and role of judgment within our views of the world merits more attention than sturdy advocates of diversity will readily admit.

Judgment often gets a bad rap when it comes to the expansion of diversity. Pressures to expand individuals’ views to be more inclusive, more accepting, more tolerant, and more thirsty for the unknown frequently seem to paint judgment with a bad name. "Don't be so judgmental" is often the resulting subtext of these messages. Or, at least the push for diversity seems to presuppose some universal assumption that we all may not agree on in the first place – like the simple fact that we all must be more accepting. That is not important to some people. And it is very hard for many people to understand.

I've heard more than a few times, strongly-held sarcastic perspectives about the results diversity initiatives play within a corporation when the company tries to bring these issues to the table for their stakeholders.

Recently, I heard a few jokes amongst some level-headed professionals who seemed to acknowledge a recognition that there is an overall awareness regarding the barriers of so called 'mandatory diversity policies' within the workplace. One's first inclination at such talk, on the surface, is to think that to mock or abandon diversity efforts within institutional policy is worse than never having made these efforts. But then again, if diversity efforts are being met with resistance or interpreted in a negative light, are our institutional efforts to incorporate diversity not then contributing to the divisions between us as a people rather than creating more welcoming and cosmopolitan perspectives?

I'm not sure. It seems resistance to diversity often gains strength from claims that efforts to diversify are not effective, not practical, and not relatable enough. I find myself wondering why more people aren't thinking about the efforts behind diversity initiatives instead of evaluating or interpreting the functionality, practicality, potential, end result, or effects that they see within their own worlds. Initiative efforts don't have to be a qualitative, measurable objective in order to impact our perspectives.

Debating the practicality of diversity, and specifically opposing diversity efforts on the grounds of inefficiency is itself a huge issue and a strong judgment upon the world within which we all live. This kind of critiquing builds a foundation for many to promote the worth and impression that their individual routines are too complex, too static, and will most assuredly be more unreceptive to becoming more cosmopolitan and tolerant.

Perhaps looking at the issues of judgment is diversity's true cash cow. While organizations often use the cookie cutter issues of expanding individual perspectives to be more inclusive of various socioeconomic, ethnic, or cultural groups, this kind of effort posits more emphasis on accepting others for the sake of doing so and skims over the lynchpin issues of examining our individual judgment processes. Why do we think the way we do? Why are we resistant? Why does it matter so much that diversity initiatives truly meet our needs to be worthy enough for us to consider them valuable?

Judgment is an essential skill that we all rely on 24 hours a day to survive and grow. Like any tool at our disposal, we also use judgment to bolster our own resistance to many things and justify our perspectives. Diversity initiatives should begin to address this universal issue within each of us, as it is the core process that is universal to all groups.

Diversity initiatives may claim that judgment is what they are there to address. Personally, I think corporations and the diversity programs they utilize could do better by focusing not on one person’s experience to draw us into learning about the differences of one type of group, but by focusing more exclusively on the process and stories behind OUR judgments. It is within the context of our judgments that the differences in our stories can support the central issues universal to each of us. Using this approach can help unite the process of diversifying citizens of the world more effectively and in my estimate, will be met with less resistance than initiatives that focus on a particular cultural group or experience. Would Ms. Cosmopolite agree?

New Horizons

2008-10-17T17:56:00.000-07:00

Well it is finally Friday afternoon; truthfully, I wasn’t sure I would make it through this week without jumping on to my office chair and begging the gods for mercy. In general, I am a pretty optimistic and merry lady, but the past few weeks have tested me in several ways. Stock markets falling, politicians misbehaving, media personalities dense and irritating, and fires literally burning in my backyard. Then there was the considerable number of small-minded people that destiny brought into my daily life almost as a taunt. I had to use all my super powers not to be sucked into their lesser world, and I now feel depleted.

Most graciously, the stars have once again aligned in my favor. Tomorrow morning, I will board AF 9898 (business class thankfully!!!) and jet off to foreign lands to revive my creativity and find my inner balance. As Mark Twain put it,

Nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kind of people.

My innate need for travel and experiencing foreign cultures is both a gift and sometimes a curse… The elders in my family claim that I fell under the spell of an old globe when I was 3-years old and was destined to travel widely and often. Perhaps they are correct since nothing makes me feel more alive than the sights and smells of foreign lands. Every part of me expands to take it all in. Curiously, the more foreign the place to me, the more I feel at home. It’s the lack of new cultural experiences, and interactions with myopic ideas and people that cause me to contract (and sometimes get a rash!).

So, after a period of experiencing petty irritations and global chaos, I depart tomorrow for a new adventure – my first trip to the Arab Gulf (after a brief stop-over in Paris) to experience for myself the ancient and rich cultures of the region. I will travel as I always do: lightly and with a generous spirit, or as Aldous Huxley mused,

To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.

Tune in next week to enjoy thoughts from Ms. Cosmopolite’s guest blogger, and our first male writer...

Bon voyage!!

Ms. Cosmopolite

"Solid Impression"

2008-10-13T10:43:00.000-07:00

Call me narcissistic but, I always imagined that I was too unique and complex to be typecast. Oddly enough, while I have dedicated my career to breaking down cultural and gender stereotypes, I didn’t fully understand just how easy it is to be a target of stereotyping. Ladies and gentlemen, I have officially been a casualty of stereotyping!!

Recently I received comments about Ms. Cosmopolite that were both befuddling and slightly amusing. Curiously, these comments, which seem to focus exclusively on my physical form, ignore the spirit of my work in creating cultural awareness and promoting a cosmopolitan worldview. Now, I don’t consider being labeled as “too attractive”, “not ethnic looking enough”, a “globe-trotting socialite”, or my personal favorite “too feminine” as necessarily negative however, I am fascinated by the questions that come to mind with such comments. (What does one’s looks have to do with having a global mindset? Could a woman be too feminine? What qualifies as an ethnic look? Is globe-trotting negative? Can a socialite also be a community activist?)

A stereotype (from the Greek word stereo + týpos = "solid impression") by definition is oversimplified conception or opinion based on assumptions or false associations (i.e. blondes are fun loving, superficial women who don’t care about the world or their place in it!). Humans often feel safer in a system, therefore, process information by categorizing people and behaviors. Naturally, this leads to generalized perceptions based on first impressions, which may work in scenarios where instant decision-making is needed, but can also lead to falsehood or worse. For example, someone that feels Ms. Cosmopolite is too attractive, well-dressed, or feminine to promote a message of universal values and peace, most likely has created a “solid impression” in their mind of what an activist or peacemaker should look like and isn’t willing to change their impression even when NEW information is provided. American journalist Walter Lippmann called a stereotype a "picture in our heads" saying,

Whether right or wrong, ...imagination is shaped by the pictures seen... Consequently, they lead to stereotypes that are hard to shake.

Stock characters are often used in comedies and sitcoms to oversimplify life and therefore, feel a bit cartoonish. It’s like watching TV in black and white – it feels one-dimensional or retro. The fact that a visual image has the power to supersede the content of a person’s character and message is not a new concept, but rather an outdated one. I would say it’s time to step into the kaleidoscope of the 21st century and start seeing in color folks!!

That Ms. Cosmopolite has been stereotyped based on her picture is truly ironic since she is chiefly about the written word! Interestingly, stereotype and cliché were both originally printmaking terms referring to duplicate impressions of an original typographical element. The first reference to "stereotype", in its modern usage was in 1850, meaning, "image perpetuated without change". Ms. Cosmopolite vows to change your image of what a creative, intelligent, global-minded, social, peacemaking, curating, community activist looks like... just keep READING!

Ms. Cosmopolite

What in the WORLD!!!

2008-10-06T17:38:00.000-07:00

Everyone is talking about it so, why shouldn’t I have a turn!? I actually lost a well-paying job in the 1998 Asia/Russian/LTCB credit market crisis (working for a hedge fund is overrated unless $$$ pumps your heart), which opened the door to the riches of the art world for me (well, that’s the short story ;-).

In any case, what a dramatic and revealing week we have all just witnessed; fortunes lost, corruption exposed, and long-held ideas proved false. While Ms. Cosmopolite has no interest in rehashing the details of the biggest U.S. financial and banking crisis in decades, she does want to put in her 2 ¢ (pun intended).

WHAT IN THE WORLD were our corporate and government leaders thinking?? Seriously, what is their worldview and how did it affect their decision-making? The level of self-interest displayed during this crisis can easily be compared to tribalism, understood as “the exaltation of the tribe above other groups”. From a wealthy former investment banker creating a tax-payer funded plan to bail out his fellow bankers to an elected representative whose vote was purchased with promised funds for his pet project (bike trails), loyalty to the tribe superseded the common good and COMMON SENSE. Yes, yes, I know anthropologists often argue that humans are hard-wired to stick with their own as a survival mechanism but, let’s not forget that we are all sharing the same planet and its resources! I am happy to acknowledge the positive potential of capitalism but, I don’t see how any economic system rigged towards one group at the expense of another can survive in the long-term. To that end, I have never before been compelled to quote Milton Friedman, the father of “free market” theory but, here it goes:

The most important single central fact about a free market is that no exchange takes place unless both parties benefit.

I wish his disciples on Wall Street and in the Treasury Department had remembered that line as they plotted their exit strategy…

Perhaps the Greek philosopher Plato (428-348 BC) had a point when he argued that conventional political systems (including democracy) were inherently corrupt and that countries should be governed by an elite class of educated philosopher-rulers, who would be selected based on one simple idea: "those who have the greatest skill in watching over the community".

Three cheers for Plato and at least one cheer for the success of the bailout plan.

Looking forward to a new week,

Ms. Cosmopolite

Identity

2008-09-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

Tonight the museum opened a new exhibit. Identity: Unlimited Editions is a juried presentation of Los Angeles’s top printmakers (from LAPS, the Los Angeles Printmaking Society) and their expressions of personal identity.

The age-old question of identity is intimately tied to one’s experience of life. Each of us is influenced by our principles, beliefs, and values that bind our perceptions together and shape our identity. How we understand and experience our ethnicity, religion, gender, profession, sexual orientation, or memory composes our consciousness and ultimately our sense of self. An ever evolving process, the exploration of self can yield fixed, mixed, lost, or (perhaps frequently in our globalized world) conflicted identities.

As I roamed the gallery and marveled at the diverse range of creative expression and the richness of printmaking techniques, I felt most comforted by the simple (and universal) image of a fingerprint digitally printed in hot pink ink. The work was not the most beautiful, intricate, or unique—yet the image stayed with me throughout the evening.

As I enjoyed my glass of Pinot Noir with guests in the courtyard, I considered the conundrum posed by identity. A full expression of individuality seems essential to a dynamic society yet, also can lead to defined categories and artificial boundaries (woman, artist, gay, Latino, married, immigrant, Jewish, educated, etc.). How do you promote diversity and individuality while creating unity? (Hint: Become a cosmopolite!)

This interesting question was vividly posed by the late, great Edward Said in his seminal book Orientalism:

Can one divide human reality...into different cultures, histories, traditions, societies, even races, and survive the consequences humanly?

Curious to know what you think.

Ms. Cosmopolite.

Tower of Babel

2008-09-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

For me, great art needs to ignite both my mind and feed my soul. These days I am feeling rather spoiled being able to be see Josh Dorman’s fantasyscapes in the mezzanine gallery of CAFAM every day. (If you haven’t already seen "Within in Four Miles": The World of Josh Dorman, plan a visit soon! Check out the LA Times review for more information!) In the gallery entry stands Josh’s masterpiece, The Tower of Babel, a 8 feet tall painted collage created on vintage maps and constructed out of 32 panels. There are literally thousands of details to discover and every viewing feels like a new treasure hunt. Last week I found a baby footprint (created by Josh’s baby daughter) and a Halliburton truck fleeing from a construction site. Like Pieter Brueghel’s famed Tower of Babel, Josh’s contemporary work reflects the hubris of human action and arrogance in a powerful way.

According to the biblical story, Babel was a city that united humanity, with all inhabitants speaking the same language. (“And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech”, starts the story in the Book of Genesis.) The fate of the city changed when the townsfolk decided to build a tower so tall that it would have "its top in the heavens." God, witnessing the people’s arrogance and false motives, sent down to earth confused languages and scattered the people throughout the world. The beauty of diverse languages certainly adds flavour and dimension to our world but, also makes communication a bit more challenging... As I mourned the destruction of the two towers in NYC last week, the blight left by the “confusion of languages” felt palpable and I prayed for a return to Babel minus the tower.

Peace,

Ms. Cosmopolite

Hello from Ms. Cosmopolite

2008-09-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Well, hello there and welcome to Ms. Cosmopolite!

Come on in and enjoy a cup of tea with me. I am having a pot of Mai 68 – “a tea with a scent of revolution”, a special edition blend by the Paris-based specialty merchant Fauchon, an ideal choice for our first conversation. You can find it here.

Allow me to introduce myself to you as a lady does – slowly and with a bit of play. If you are already familiar with the Los Angeles-based Craft and Folk Art Museum (the homeland for Ms. Cosmopolite), you probably know that the museum was founded in 1965 by a group of determined women on a mission to celebrate global cultures in an authentic way. Today CAFAM is run by a group of diverse, globally minded women that have brought the museum’s mission of promoting cultural awareness into the 21st century with gusto. The Ms. in the blog title plays tribute to the XX chromosome, which is plentiful in CAFAM’s DNA. (This is not to say that we don’t appreciate the XYs in our mist but that is an entirely different topic ;-))

A Cosmopolite is defined as someone who is at home in every place; a citizen of the world; or a cosmopolitan person. Naturally, one does not feel at home unless one senses comfort and contentment. Cosmopolites are a particular group of folk that have embraced a philosophy of universal values and peace. For example, someone can travel the world over and not be a cosmopolite if he isn’t able to experience comfort when embracing something unfamiliar. This idea is nicely reflected in the passage below from O. Henry’s short story, A Cosmopolite in a Café:

“…for I held a theory that since Adam no true citizen of the world has existed. We hear of them, and we see foreign labels on much luggage, but we find travelers instead of cosmopolites.”

So, now you have a sense of Ms. Cosmopolite’s nature. Here you can expect lively and engaging discussions on all things global, from art, culture, and beauty, to the very real politics and policies that are well, rather un-cosmopolite. A slice of life behind the scenes of the museum can also be expected...

I invite global and local citizens to enjoy a cup of culture and comfort with me on a weekly basis.

Ciao for now,

Ms. Cosmopolite