I have been experiencing some incredible dining and social time as well as studio progress the past
days. Yesterday I finished my 6th piece called Bei Gao named for the authentic, colorful, hutong village where we live. I am planning to get a few more pieces finished the the next days-
winding down, taking the speed train the 29th for Shanghai!
Red Gate Gallery once the Ming Dynasty city wall is a superb
place for a gallery. It was the Dongbiamen watchtower with 144 archers windows located in an ancient and huge space. About 35 art related people dined after the opening at an enormous
long table in a private dining room. Here are some of the artists and the director.
After studio yesterday afternoon Mike and I and a few of our artist neighbors headed into town to the Silk Market where they sell everything from clothing to jewelry to bags to all kinds of eyeglasses and way more. Bartering is the norm, I got a pair of Chanel sunglasses for $5 that I love. Mike found a cool chinese cotton shirt.
We then went to 'Pure Lotus' Vegetarian restaurant, a lovely environment. Buddhist Monks led us in with these low lit lanterns.
Rosewater was poured over our hands after we entered. We were then seated in our own private dining cavelike room. The menu was a beautiful
2 foot book that explained how each delicious dish was beneficial to our health, appetizer was called
'touch of happiness'
As you walk to the private dining room projected on the wood floor is a lotus flower opening and closing
To complete the experience the staff brought in a lotus leaf filled with cold melon, underneath it was dry ice magically cascading out. We were led out by the monks and each presented with a fragrant lotus flower -presentation extraordinary- best part is they will be opening one up in a few years in San Francisco!
Open Studio Exhibition and bbq this coming Sunday, will give you a glimpse of the art soon
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you! It looks like the wonderful adventures continue.
Cam and Danie head back to NYC today. What a quick trip. Parting is always so tough.
Yesterday we stopped in briefly and Jess and Allie were just wrapping up their first day of art camp. Everyone looked happy and busy! Cameron walked around the property and admired all of Mikes sculptures and he popped in and took a brief look at the kitchen and livingroom. He simply fell in love with your magical home. He has been refinishing antique furniture with bright paints and distressing and is now inspired and filled with all kinds of new ideas. He loved meeting Allie and declared that now he just needs to meet Mike.
I hope you are both well. It sounds like you have been productive and like you are making great new friends. Wonderful,
Cheers, Be well,
Jenny