{wall}
It’s been officially 2 weeks since we have started this art retreat in the name of team_GOVINDA and the {wall}. And just 5 days since Zachary has been here. With all of the work that has been done, the real work of building the fence around the backyard at Reenah’s house has just begun. Two days in and the photos above are where we were yesterday. As I type, the two builders are working on actually finishing the fence. After they have completed the building process we move into the actual building of the {wall}. As I have stated prior we will be making a different model than the version that is hanging in San Francisco at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. This model is inspired by the dna molecule, and our original chakra wall construction. Later on today we meet with a furniture guy who is making a model for us and will introduce us to a warehouse where we will be able to build our next {wall}. very exciting things happening. Yes, very exciting things.
George Eastman is the father of Kodak. I went to his home today. Of course, his home is a museum these days, with tours and folks milling about. George Eastman is no longer alive. Last year or two, Kodak closed its main factory, ending a legendary history in Rochester, NY. Similar to Detroit and GM, jobs were lost and a future left undetermined. If you know anything about Kodak you know that it began in Rochester, NY by a man named George Eastman. This blog entry is not a historical account of his work in Rochester but a conversation on creating a product that the world was taught they needed and believed it to make their lives and ours more beautiful. The idea of bringing the camera to the lay person began with George Eastman.
When thinking of how this has any implication with me and my team, it makes me think how can we bring people closer to their own creator? I am thinking of ways to make the {wall} something bigger than it was once believed. Or better said, to make it into something that everyone needs. To think about the practicality of this form makes me want to revision its construction and its philosophy as a work of art/installation. What happens when the {wall} is unleashed into the world as a way to further engage our spirituality and our relationship with GOD? What is this work if not a possibility to engage people in a way different than once before believed?
I am thankful for today’s visit because it opened up a space inside of me to dream bigger and to think outside of the proposed box that I had created around me. Who knows what can happen with this idea. I will continue to move forward with my thoughts and the possibility of the possible. Thanks George Eastman. Thanks for inspiration to think again, differently.
Tools: Treehouses: Fun!
With all things we must always remember to have fun while we work, of course Rakeem and Zac take this concept to heart as they go on a tool run and have a ball playing in a treehouse built by Douglas. What we have noticed while here in Rochester is that every time we realize that we have a particular need, it is immediately met with a solution. Douglas is a friend of Reenah. He is a remarkable man and has allowed us the use of the tools that we will use to build the next {wall}. It is quite exciting to think and realize that everything that we need is within our grasps. All that we ever need is ours for the asking. Especially when in a constant station of “Thanks”, and willingness to be of service. Good things happen all around you.
One of the blessings of this trip is Reenah Golden, pictured here with Khalil Anthony. She is the newest member of team_GOVINDA, and has opened her home for our retreat. The time we have had here in just 2 weeks has been transformation and transcendental to say the least. Here we are pictured enjoying another “karma-free” meal. As we embark in the next construction of the {wall}, we are simultaneously developing a retreat that will be opened to artist at the start of next year.
One amazing aspect to the residency in Rochester, NY is the fact that we are working with young people while we are developing our next {wall} project. Here we have team_GOVINDA member Rakeem Hasan Richard and his wonderful group of youth ‘dem. As you can see Raki loves the kids, and the children love him as well. As an educator and general children magnet, Rakeem uses his opportunities to work with youth to further develop his pedagogy in the area of meditation and yoga techniques with young students of all ages. This way he is able to help them help themselves as they grow up in the world in which we live, better equipped to deal with whatever comes their way with the simple tools he imparts. It is quite the sight to see youth meditating and doing yoga moves while having fun and asking for more instruction as class ends. What an Amazing gift!
The new process for our 2nd {wall} has definitely begun. Here a few pictures of our meal during one of the first days in Rochester, NY. We are in the process of creating a new {wall} while simultaneously developing workshops and a retreat for artists who want to further develop this idea of “living better” as “working artists.” We have decided to take it upon ourselves to change our diets to a karma free diet while in this process and for our lives. The commitment that has taken place for this creative process is mind boggling and expansive. More pics and a deeper analysis of the new process to follow.
At the Market in Rochester, NY., buying healthy options for our Artist Retreat 2012. team_GOVINDA is upstate NY planning for the next {wall} project, or as we like to call it {wall 2}. We are focused on taking the project to a new level. We are very excited about the planning process and this time around we are developing/creating/building/conceiving the {wall 2} on our own schedule.
We are thinking about ways to bring our {temple as body as temple} to a museum in the NY area. After a few conversations with museum folks in the NY area, we think this is the best decision. To make a new way for ourselves. The awesome part is that our first {wall} project is still up at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts until September 16, 2012. Our goal is to get another gallery/museum/space to present this work, so that we have 2 {walls} exhibiting at the same time. Wow! Very excited.
on this day in the Lord.
Most of what we have written here has been without much conversation regarding the Lord, or the Creator, specifically by name or religious context. I believe that most of what we do in this world is in supreme worship of this presence in our life however. This blog has done well to capture glimpses of what it is that we want to accomplish at team_Govinda. Lately, we have found a way to describe the work that we do, and to begin to discuss a mission and vision for this production company. We understand that the work that we do here is under the guise of the spirit and of God. We know that as instruments of the divine we must play the most highest sound, make the most beautiful music. This is done by taking time to fine tune ourselves, these amazing instruments of the divine. In the coming days we will make our way upstate to Rochester, NY., to prepare for the next movement. We will fine tune our instruments in a way where only love lives inside, no more fear, no more cowardice to actually live and be free. From there we will build, and dance, and praise, and sing, and work. This is all because we know how strong the Lord’s presence is in our lives. Even when we do not see it, or believe it, it is of no matter - the Lord is always king. And the works of the Lord will always be made manifest. I lay down my burdens at the feet of the divine. I know this load is not mine to carry. I am to be carried forth toward the greatest love ever witnessed. These eyes have seen and will see the greater glory of my human form. In concert with all things beautiful and lovely, I walk forward with my team; unafraid, glorious and beautiful. HARIBOL!
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