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Monday, August 17, 2009

Inconceivable Angeliska Polacheck

This is amazing how Spider-Life spins its weirdest web of human connections and coincidences!

You can go to the networking events, vigorously attend museums, exhibitions and charity events and yet don’t find more or less interesting people you’d enjoy talking to for more than five minutes. And then BAM! You meet someone special at the most unexpected place. For example, at the restroom. That’s how I met Angeliska Polacheck, a wonderful artist and a beautiful woman, who turns a daily life into a pure magic.

It was Ray Donley’s art opening at the Russell Collection: people were passing by with arrogant look, emanating pomposity. Ray was running late and while I was waiting for him to congratulate with a wonderful show, I sneaked to the restroom to fix my lipstick. Angeliska was already there, and she asked if I have a safety pin to repair her zipper. It was an immediate click. First of all, both of us looked different from the rest of the crowd. While I was wearing a silk evening dress with green jewelry, she was dressed up in black & creamy white striped costume with a beautiful rosette in her hair. I wish I had a picture from that evening! And secondly, I think any artistic soul will always spot out another artist within a mile. I met Amelia at that event later on, but it is a story for another blog post.

Sometimes I think that Alice left her Wonderland and reincarnated in Angeliska. What I know for sure is that Angel (that’s how friends call her) has an ability to create a fairy tale everywhere. Together with her friends, she started Gadjo Disco parties a several years ago. She moved back to Austin from New Orleans after hurricane Katrina, and became an avid contributor to the piggy bank of Austin Weirdness. Gadjo Disco, vintage parties and extravagant parades is a short list of events where Angel likes to dwell. I heard from our mutual friend that Angel is a great visual artist as well. She hasn’t shown me her paintings yet, and I guess my best discoveries of Angel’s creativity are still to come.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Andy Dooley is coming to Austin!

Andy Dooley, a co-creator of TUT (Totally Unique Thoughts) and a brother of Mike Dooley (“the Secret”) is coming to Austin! Andy is a great comedian and inspirational artist. He is the self proclaimed, "Picasso of Inspirational Art."

He will deliver two different programs: How To Change Your Life Forever In 90 Minutes - a "Spiritual Comedy" and Reclaiming Your Divinity - a day-long workshop to get us back in life's groove!

August 14th, 2009: "Spiritual Comedy"
Friday: 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Cost: $25 in advance (kids ages 8-15: $10)

August 15th, 2009: "Reclaiming Your Divinity"
Saturday workshop: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Cost: $89 in advance

Location: Holiday Inn Austin - Town Lake. 20 North IH-35. Austin, TX 78701 .

For more details, click here.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

How I met Chris Levack

I saw a video featuring Chris Levack on the News 8 Austin by a complete accident. I lived happily without a TV set for almost three years, and it has been the most peaceful and tranquil time in my life. I am a firm believer that news, penetrated with the stories of murders, crimes and disasters, ruin our piece and distort the perception of reality. Nevertheless, I was destined to see that news block since it was the first video that popped up on youtube when I typed “austin artist.”

We met with Chris on Wednesday, July 29th. He greeted me with a cheerful smile and open arms at his studio, filled with machinery, tools, metal and wood. Chris Levack is Austin-based artist who created the Pollen Grain and Wigwam sculptures for the Mullen Park in Austin. Lately he was commissioned by the City of Austin to design a public art piece for the skating park. “Of course I always had a dream to leave landmarks, and it is just a beginning,” said Chris. He showed me the skeleton of a giant steel Wave sculpture that he is making for Austin skaters. Even though I never skated in my entire life, I am looking forward to take a slide on this Wave when the sculpture will be installed at the House Park Skate Plaza.

Chris said it took him more than 15 years to get his first piece commissioned by the Panel of Art in Public Places Program. His advice to the young artists craving for recognition and fame: “You can start with smaller gigs first, then work your way along - get your teeth cut.”

To learn more about Chris Levack and his art, go to www.texassculpture.com