Author Archives: Angella

eGreeting Spring With Open Arms

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This week, as I was driving up my driveway, I smelled the sweet smell of jasmine permeating the air and I thought to myself, “Here it is! Spring is coming!”  For us Persians, Spring has a cultural significance since the first day of spring marks our new year.

So what a better way to ring in the new year but to head out for more adventure for the week.  On Thursday afternoon, I was invited to view the Broad Art Foundation in Santa Monica.  Eli and Edythe Broad are two of the foremost philanthropists who have been collecting contemporary art for decades. The Broads established their foundation in 1984 as a way to keep these works in the public domain and now this extensive collection is cited to be of the best in the world.  So you can imagine how amazing it was for me walk through the art on display on the different levels of the foundation building.

But my week didn’t stop there. This weekend LACMA hosted a Persian New Year Celebration in collaboration with the Farhang Foundation.  Hundreds of fellow Iranians were strolling in the courtyard, viewing the traditional Nowruz table decorations, watching traditional folkloric Persian dance, or listening to a free concert from the popular Dang Show group. (I will be writing a review of their work soon)  I even had the chance to sneak a look at the Firooz Zahedi photographs of Elizabeth Taylor visiting Iran in the museum gallery.  These photographs were truly stunning and no matter if Ms. Taylor is hiding behind a chador, you can still spot those violet eyes anywhere!

Our final stop for the day was the dinner held for Hammer Museum Circle members at the studio of talented artist, Elliott Hundley.  It is a real privilege to be able to visit the work and living space of artists and this one was no exception.  Huge collages and artwork in various stages of development hung on the walls and the artist himself chatted and mingled with his guests.  After dinner was served, we walked over to another artist space (Llyn Foulkes)  where we not only saw his artwork but got the treat of hearing him play a few songs on his very eccentric and absolutely whimsical musical machine. I have to say, I thought I was dreaming the night away.

And by 10pm, when we finally came home, I was once again greeted by my jasmine blossoms.  Spring is here in full bloom! Happy New Year to all!

Scene in Los Angeles

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Many New Yorkers used to say that there is no art scene in Los Angeles. This is farther from the truth!  I am not exaggerating by saying that in a given week I may get around 3 to 4 announcements on different exhibitions taking place around town….and this is just the tip of the iceberg.

And what was even more amazing is that in the past week, I managed to scale a part of that iceberg.  Here is a glimpse of some of the great exhibitions going around town.

ACME Gallery is one of the prestigious galleries in the city and it was showcasing Jennifer Steinkamp’s video installations.  A group of my friends visited the gallery to meet with the artist herself and hear about her newest project.  A very laid back and approachable artist, she took us from one room to another to tell us of her inspiration.  On a personal note, I love one of her works of a computer animated tree that goes through the four seasons, shedding its leaves in the winter, blossoming, and swaying with the wind, and the leaves turning colors as time elapses.  I had seen this particular piece at a UCLA art show and fell in love with it. Just imagine, a couple of months later I saw this very piece displayed in the foyer of one of my friends! It is a magnificent sight. Here is a link to Jennifer’s show:

http://www.acmelosangeles.com/exhibitions/2011-2-jennifer-steinkamp/

A few days later I was invited by LACMA to try their new restaurant–Ray that has been designed by the famed architect Renzo Piano.  The restaurant is named after Ray Stark, who was a famous producer and former LACMA Trustee.  So I met up with a friend and had a tasting of the Mediterranean inspired food that the Patina Group had created.  The food was absolutely wonderful with a great selection of salads, pastas, and entrees.

Of course, after lunch we headed out to see the Larry Fink Photography exhibit in the museum. Given that it was Oscar weekend, much had been written about this Vanity Fair Photographer who has captured images of celebrities and society people at the Vanity Fair Oscar Parties.  For one thing, Larry’s photographs certainly don’t flatter the elite.  By no means are these glossy and glamorous pictures of actors and actresses.  That point of view I like, but to tell you the truth, this exhibition left me uninspired. Here is a link to the show.

http://www.lacma.org/art/ExhibFink.aspx

Two days later, I went to Soraya Nazarian’s sculpture exhibition.  Does the last name sound familiar to you?  Yes, Soraya is my talented mother-in-law, who has been sculpting for the past 25 years.  Words don’t describe how I felt when I walked into the gallery and saw her work displayed all in one space.  She simply does magic– she takes such a hard medium such as stone and transforms it into something alive and full of emotion.  The opening was a big success with lots of art aficionados and friends mingling and talking about the pieces on display.

Finally, the next day, as I was having a meeting in Century City, I had 45 minutes to spare and walked over to the Annenberg Space for Photography.  It had been weeks that I had seen banners of their new exhibition displayed all over town.  And just last week, I had run into philanthropist Wallis Annenberg herself who was raving about the latest photographs that are on display in her space.

This is a must see exhibition if you live in Los Angeles. “Extreme Exposure” documents the work of 5 photographers who dare to explore the most dangerous and remote environments to capture pictures of nature.  A photograph taken by a diver in the frozen water of Antartica to capture sea lions was magnificent.  Then there were the supernatural pictures of volcanos erupting, and wild, nearly extinct animals in India or Africa.  What is most special about this exhibition is that these rarely seen moments are accompanied by the photographers’ commentary in a 10 minute video clip.  This is a perfect show to take kids as well! Here is a link to this show:

http://www.annenbergspaceforphotography.org/exhibitions/overview.asp

So this was a sliver of my week in the art scene.  Just this week I received invitations to the Ed Ruscha Show at the Gagosian and the Broad Art Foundation.  So, there is more to come! But comes to show that Los Angeles has more to offer than some may chose to think!

Love for poetry

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For those of you who may be interested, Rumi, the 15th century Persian Poet, is the most popular and most read poet today in the United States.  Of course the statistic that was given by BBC took me by surprise at first. But after some thought I could understand why Rumi’s poetry is recited and studied after hundreds of years.  There is no question that Rumi’s poetry is timeless and carries profound messages about spirituality and personal growth. But just from a perspective of a poet– the reader gets lost in the lush imagery and deep symbolism.
So, for the past month I have been taking an on-line poetry class with two noted scholar.  Every morning, a message pops on my computer that I have my poem for the day.  Every morning I looked forward to reading the stanza and also learning about the mystical or more spiritual translation of the poetry.  I soon found out that the best part of this on-line course was the insightful shares that the other participants posted on the website.
This inspired me to start up a poetry dialogue on my facebook page where for one month we would read and analyze the selected poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke–another talented and extraordinary poet.  Each morning, I post a quote and I look forward to reading all the comments during the day.  What makes this exercise especially fun for me is that I am constantly reading what I enjoy the most–poetry.
Speaking of the arts–I want to include a link to an article a friend of mine has written about the honoring of the celebrated Iranian journalist, artist, and producer, Parviz Nazerian.  His career has spanned three decades and what I admire most about him is his open and expanded view about women’s role in society and world religions.

Flamenco and Beyond…..

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So much has happened since two weeks ago. As I finished my final leg of speaking engagements in Arizona and Los Angeles, I geared up with days of practice for my upcoming flamenco recital.

Yes….you guys have all heard of my great love for flamenco before, and now I was put to the test in front of 200 people!  So, you must assume that since I am in front of crowds I wouldn’t have a problem with performing. But let me tell you–speaking and dancing are two different animals.  To think this was the first real formal dance class I ever did, and I had no idea what I had gotten myself into.  What I soon realized is that it takes great discipline to learn any new skill, and it really is hard on the ego to start something new when you are older.

But I have no regrets. I really LOVED the whole process. I learned so much about this soulful and passionate dance.  What I learned is that flamenco is highly improvisational yet structured in beats.  The performances are in reality a collaboration between the dancer, singer, and the musicians (while on stage, the dancer gives signals as to what she will be doing to alert the musicians and singers).  The lyrics of the music are moving and full of emotion.  While I was in college I had studied Frederico Garcia Lorca’s works, but it wasn’t until I started studying flamenco that I learned that he was deeply involved in writing the lyrics and poetry to his country’s folkloric dance tradition.

It was pouring the night of the recital.  Actually it was one of the worst storms LA had seen in years, and I felt especially bad that friends and family were driving through flooded streets to attend.  But, once I was on the stage and saw the familiar faces, I was actually comforted by their presence.

Our first dance, was a group dance–the boulerias.  This is no exaggeration. We messed it up.  Our footwork was out of step and our moves were not in unison. Some forgot some steps, some ended their dance sooner, while others just looked at each other mystified.

I thought to myself, if this is how it will be for the rest of the night, we are in for a dreadful show.  Thank goodness, we all redeemed ourselves in the following dances.  I must say, it was a bit unnerving to do a solo right after the boulerias, but it actually turned out well.

So, what did I like most about the experience? Well, aside from the super beautiful costumes I got to wear (I am a clothes horse), it was the feeling that took over me while I was dancing.  Honestly, for a long time I have wanted to learn flamenco, but as much as I was attracted to the movements, I was intimidated by its complexity.  That night I can say I was proud that I did something that I loved and I took a chance.  This comes to show that it is never too late to learn something new–it is all about our enthusiasm with which we approach a task, or better yet, life!

Around the Globe in 2 Book Events

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This week culminated my last leg of my speaking tour for my book, Life as a Visitor.  Funny to say this, but this past year I was living life as a visitor, literally.  To think of the many book events that took place all other the States and all the new people I met!  And now that my publisher tells me that there are less than 50 copies of my book in their stores, I feel that it’s time to move on and buckle down on the writing of my second book.  (of course I will update you about this new exciting project in the weeks ahead).  But, I am glad that the closing of this chapter of my tour coincided with two very special book events.

Two hundred people attended the WIZO luncheon this past Wednesday at the Regency Club in West Los Angeles.  I was very honored to be the speaker for the day and the funds raised at the event would benefit shelters and day care centers for the women and children of Israel.  As I stood at the podium I could tell that the women gathered in the ballroom came from various backgrounds. So I took an informal pole and I was right.  There were women from S. Africa, Israel, Morocco, Algeria, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Poland, Iran, and other Latin American countries. I was thinking to myself that nowadays our own city has become even more diverse than it was 10 years ago.  What was most interesting is that many of these women approached me after lunch and talked about the similarity of their story with mine, which comes to show that the story of displacement and moving to another country is more universal than one would think.

Two days later, my good friend, Pune Ghebleh, held a magnificent book party at the Lons at Hermosa in Paradise Valley in Arizona.  This gracious host of mine had done such a beautiful job of welcoming me to her community.  Again, what I was struck by was the diversity of the guests–It was a gathering of women from Mexico, Syria, Serbia, Muslims, Christians, Bahais, and Jews.   What can I tell you, it was my kind of crowd.  The deep level of conversation and dialogue that took place was especially meaningful to me.  And, now I feel I have a link to another wonderful community in Phoenix.  (To see pictures of the book event, please visit

http://www.blacktie-arizona.com/photos/photoevent.cfm?id=366)

While I was boarding the plane back to Los Angeles that afternoon, I looked out to take a last look at the sweeping dessert landscape outside.  The red sunset and the shifting light reflected on the mountain range took my breath away.  There I was, waiting in line to board my flight and I had one thought in mind:  There is no greater adventure than life itself. These were the very words I had written in my book. And now, looking back on this year’s worth of adventure, I have to say it again and again and again.  How far I have come this year!  What an adventure it has been.

Thank you to all my friends, supporters, and readers. Thank you!

Facebook Wall Posts Showering Birthday Wishes

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Birthdays are tricky to say the least.  When I was younger I used to count the months and finally the days to the long awaited date– November 1st.  Needless to say, as I got older, getting a year older was not something I was counting down to.  But something really changed in me when I decided to mark and celebrate my big 4-0 birthday a &@!- years ago.  I sent an invitation to 50 of my friends and the theme of the birthday party was forever 39!  In the spirit of halloween, I asked everyone to show up to my party with outfits that cost $39.99 or lower and the tag had to be on for proof.

I can’t tell you how amazing everyone looked, and while all my friends were around me when I was blowing out my giant cupcake cake, I found myself announcing, “Guess what? If 40 feels like this, then by all means, I am happy to celebrate it.” That evening I felt the love of family and friends and felt myself so lucky to have nurtured such great friendships in my life.

This year was another spectacular surprise for me….it started the day before.  Phone calls and texts started streaming in. Then on Monday I woke up and opened my face book page.  My entire wall was filled with birthday posts, messages, and birthday you tube song attachments.  And these posts kept coming in until yesterday even….500 of them! Some came from friends and family, but many posts came from my online community of friends that I share thoughts with on a daily basis.  These are people whom I have not even met personally.  But the effect was all the same.  The best part about birthdays is our allowing ourselves to feel the love and positive energy of those around us. And the most special part of this birthday was to have this realization that there are so many people out there in the world who want to spread joy and make another person’s day.

These are the realizations that make birthdays invaluable!

Back on the Speaking Tour

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It is Wednesday afternoon, and I am sitting at a table by the Virgin America terminal in Fort Lauderdale Airport.  This week was the start of a number of book events for me.

The Jewish Book Network has arranged three months of exciting destinations for me to speak at; Florida, San Diego, New Orleans, and San Francisco to name a few.  I left rainy Los Angeles on Tuesday and got in late in the afternoon.  And it was just perfect weather.  Never mind the 3 hour time difference, which means I got up at 4:15 am (LA time). I was ready for my T.V. interview with Barbara Kay for the Mosaic Program at 8:30  (5:30am LA time)

Are you noticing that I keep referring to LA time?  I did the strangest thing this morning.  I got up in the morning and saw the time on my blackberry…..it said 3:30.  I was so sleepy and paranoid that the hotel won’t remember to give my wake up call that I immediately sprang from my bed! (I somehow had added an extra hour to the time difference and thought it was 7:30am.)  Needless to say, I was scrambling to get my clothes ready.

I called the lobby asking them why they forgot my wake up call.  There was silence on the other end.  The receptionist cleared his throat and said, “But it is only 6:30.” Can you believe it? To my surprise,  I went back to sleep immediately.

Thank goodness I was alert enough to do a good interview.  And the two speaking engagement in West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach with the Women’s Philanthropy division of the Jewish Federation came off well.

A note to myself: next time I should wear a watch and change the time to the new place right away to avoid frenzied mornings in hotel rooms!

From UCLA to Books to the Philharmonic–Los Angeles Events

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This week burst forth with a number of incredible events– back to back.  Of course the one I hold most dear to my heart was the celebration for the opening of the UCLA Younes & Soraya Nazarian Center for Israel Studies.  Some of you may be familiar with the names; my in-laws have been a great example of philanthropists who put their energy and resources into the projects they care for.  After 5 years of coordination with UCLA and the UC Regents, UCLA now has an official Israel Studies Program–the first such center on the West Coast and one of three in the nation that are named and endowed.  We were so proud to celebrate the opening of the center at Chancellor Gene Block’s residence, with 2 previous chancellors attending.  Three hundred guests came in support!

The following day, on Wednesday, a very elegant book party took place at the famous “Schnabel House” with guest of honor Frank Gehry.  In fact the Schnabel house has been designed by Gehry and is showcased  in Assouline’s ” Living Architecture:Greatest American Houses of the 20th Century”.  It was a real high point to meet and talk to him and to tour this very unique and sculptural house.

I have a link here that shows some pictures of the house:

http://www-scf.usc.edu/~dtsung/ARCH307/SCH1.HTM

Speaking of Frank Gehry designed spaces, the following night, David and I went to the opening gala of the Philharmonic at the Frank Gehry designed Disney Hall.  Most Angelenos know that Dudamel is the rock star of the philharmonic and last night was sublime!  Juan Diego Florez, who is known as the tenor of choice in major international theatres joined the orchestra last night. What an astonishing voice! No wonder he is booked through 2015 at most major Opera houses.  What can I tell you….last night was a real treat!

An Artful Week

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Last week started by my trekking to Sacramento for a two day meditation and writing retreat. Being in the quiet of the nature, and having time off from my hectic day to day schedule was a real gift. I managed to write a chapter for my upcoming book.

I came home refreshed and ready to embrace my activity filled weekend back in LA. Thursday night MOCA hosted a panel of distinguished guests and collectors that talked about the increasing popularity of Iranian Contemporary Art. The auditorium was packed with over three-hundred guests who sat on stairways and stood in the halls to listen to these panelists.

David and I were fortunate enough to host an afternoon tea on Saturday for Jeffrey Deitch, the new director of MOCA, and the panelists on Thursday night. Leila Taghinia-Milani Heller, whose gallery in New York has achieved a worldwide reputation for showcasing the best of Middle Eastern Art. Shirely Elghanian, founder of Magic of Persia had come from London to join us as well. Her non-profit helps emerging Iranian artists find their way to the international marketplace. Our honored guests also included Dina Nasser-Khadivi, an advisor and specialist in Iranian Contemporary Art, and consultant to Christie’s Auctioning House, and Mohammed Afkami, a key collector and supporter of Iranian Contemporary Art.

On Saturday the city was a buzz with news of the upcoming LACMA Renzo Piano designed Reznick Pavillion opening. The theme of the evening was a masked ball. Cars lined up for blocks at the start of the evening, and the star studded event was an overwhelming success. Tom Hanks, Bob Eiger, David Geffen, Ariana Huffington, Baldessari were among the guests who dined under the Italianesque tent. Christina Aguilera topped off the evening with an incredible performance.

In a State of Transition

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This week marks the start of the Jewish New Year. It is also the start of the school year as well. One son is going to be a sophomore in high school and…..drum roll please…..the other one is leaving for college! Yes, please bring out the violins, because this is the part that I start getting emotional.  Just last week, my son and I went to a Stanford new student barbecue in Brentwood. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and 20 Stanford- bound, fresh-faced kids gathered around to talk about their upcoming move. Us parents stood around in the shade and shared our excitement and our inevitable angst. We couldn’t be happier that our kids are going off to such a fine school. This part of our lives, fits in the natural progression of our lives, doesn’t it?  But it is still a bit of a bumpy ride for most of us.

When my son and I left the barbecue that day, I took a deep breath and looked down the tree-lined street. I turned and I looked up at him.  (He now towers over me).  I touched the back of his shoulder and pointed in front of us, “Do you see this street?”

He turned to me and said, “Yeah Mom. Of course I do.”

“When you were just born, we used to live 2 blocks away from here.  Every afternoon I would put you in a stroller and walk down this very street. I loved it because it’s wide and has beautiful blooming trees,” I told him. “You know, I had this idea that kids love being pushed around in a stroller, that they would sit happily and watch the scenery. But you….you used to scream. After a few minutes you would want to jump right out of your stroller. I guess you didn’t like being strapped in, and so half the time I used to hold you in my arms and push the empty stroller along.”

My son’s face lit up. He likes to hear stories of his childhood– how his basic self-determined nature and his independent streak was even apparent at six months. Here he was at age eighteen, some things about him haven’t changed but one thing sure has.   For all you moms out there who don’t have a teenage son, let me save you from a bad mistake : the most embarrassing thing for a young man is to be caught hugging his mother.

So, while walking back to our car from the barbecue. I casually looked around to make sure that none of my son’s new friends hadn’t come out. I had my perfect public moment– the coast was clear. I quickly leaned into him for a hug. My voice was breaking, but I managed to get out what was on my mind the entire time at the barbecue.  “Here we are in this very street and you are ready to go my dear.” I tried to hold in my tears in front of him, but a few managed to escape.

I have a few days with him this week until he goes on his next adventure.  Who knows where we will be in our lives when we next walk down this magnificent tree-lined street.