All Aboard The Passenger

NAMASTE

     "Life is not measured by how many breaths we take,but by the moments that take our breath away. Maya Angelou"

  Beautiful pictures of the incredible power of yoga in our world, taken by Robert Sturman whose expansive photography shows us how Yoga heals people everywhere from our city streets to the depth of Africa to our prisons. I Just chose two examples out of hundreds named The Girl with the Ganesh Tattoo and Sunrise on The Sound. It brought me serenity straight away, and also got my ass to the yoga studio in a flash.I could picture this images in massive sizes in a yoga studio, how beautiful would that be! Come on someone do it.  

Love your work, 

To see more of Robert Sturman's photography here are the links

robertsturmanstudio.com

www.facebook.com/Artist.Photografia

Jewelled Splendor

Marisa Berenson New York 1970 Photo by Bert Stern

Violet Desert via Sister Himalaya

 Venus Necklace by Fabio Salini

Yellow & White Gold Ring by Carrera Y Carrera

Indian Ceremonial Hair Piece via Vogue Gioiello

Cuff Bracelet by Jaipur Gems

Choker by Anmol Jewellers of India

Peacock Brooch by Jaipur Gems

Matthew Williamson Peacock Skirt

Revelation Sapphire and Diamond Earrings by Jewellery Theatre

Sapphire and Diamond Ring by Tiffany's

Blue Waterfall by Sister Himalaya

Art Deco Waterfall Earrings by Cartier

Photo by Fabrizio Ferri Vogue Italia 1989

Gold and Mother of Pearl Earrings by Fabio Salini

Black and White Diamond Mosque Ring by Sevan

Zebra Diamond Brooch by Jar

Pearl and Diamond Necklace Source unknown

Diamond , Pearl and Gold Ring by Sylvie Corbelin

Gold and Black Mosque via Sister Himalaya

I love Jewellery!  No need for an explanation or a story, the pieces speak for themselves.

Bling it on xo

Some Sources

www.vogue.it

www.fabiosalini.com

www.sisterhimalaya.tumblr.com

London Culture Spring 2013

  Am so looking forward to this Spring round up of amazing exhibitions in my city of London. x

David Bowie Is

23rd of March-11th of August 2013

The Victoria & Albert Museum

David Bowie at The V & A

Becoming Picasso 1901

February 14th-26th of May 2013 

The Courtlauld Gallery

Becoming Picasso

Man Ray

February 7th- 27th of May 2013 

The National Portrait Gallery

Man Ray Portraits

Lichtenstein: A Retrospective

Tate Modern: Exhibition

21 February – 27 May 2013

Lichtenstein A Retrospective

http://player.vimeo.com/video/37876758

INTERMISSION: CHAI BREAK

Masala Chai is perfect for a cold winters day.

Video by High Beam Media

Via Fine Dining Lovers

Cabin Fever

Snow Cabin via Sister Himalaya

Winter Home via Architectural Digest

Modern Mountain home via Pinterest

Rustic Bathroom via Pinterest

The Peak of Rustic Chic Idaho via Elle Decor

Rustic Bathroom via Sisson Designs

Jackson Hole , Wyoming via Elle Decor

Le Chalet Chatel via Les Fermes de Marie

Wild White Horses via Sister Himalaya

Chalet Table scape via Pinterest

Fairy Trees in The Snow Via Pinterest

Am off to the Swiss Alps for a couple of days to enjoy some Nature and fresh Air, can't wait after 2 months in the city.

Yodel Away xo

Amaridian

Amaridian is the symbolic combination of two words, the Zulu word " Amadlozi" meaning "Ancestral Spirit" and the word "Meridian" the imaginary lines that traverse the Globe.

This wonderfully named Gallery by South Africans Mary Slack and Fraser Conlon is based in New York city. Their vision  educates us on the immense talent of the African Continent, very tribal yet modern at the same time.

Anyone who has ever been to Africa falls in love with the place, the magic, the people, the colours, the animals, the music and now you can also fall in love with these artists thanks to Amaridian.

Thank you Africa for all your wonderful gifts. xo

All Photos  and more information on all the artists via,                   www.amaridianusa.com

LI CHEN THE SOUL GUARDIAN

AERIEL PAGODA I

AERIAL PAGODA II

FIREMASTER

THE THREE BODIES OF BUDDHA

THE PURSUER

CLEAR SOUL

SNOW WONDERLAND

SOUL GUARDIAN

THE GENUINE STATE

LANDSCAPE IN HEAVEN

GOLDEN PALM

ELEVATION

LORD OF WIND

OFFERING

SOARING DRAGON

CAUSAL (soul)

THE ILLUMINATOR

THE ILLUMINATOR CLOSE UP

  "Behind the Beacon is a ceremonial process; its essence lies in “Yinze”—the full or diminishing glory of the sun and the moon. (Li Chen)

One morning I received a call from a dear friend of mine whose taste and creativity I greatly admire, she recounted to me her trip in Paris and all the wonderful art she had seen but especially wanted to share with me in detail something she knew I would love. Buddha statues like she had never seen, her description immediately resonated with me and the googlelista that I am I fell on Buddhas Big Lap. It was love at first sight for me too, Splendid Buddha, big and round like a baby, strong yet soft, heavy yet light,  almost as if Botero and Buddha had baby via Artist Taiwanese Li Chens mind. 

Li Chen's  Spiritual Invocations come from his deep knowledge and experience in Taoist, Buddhist and Classic Chinese Traditions but most of all from his connection to his soul. That is what make these sculptures be different from the rest, they glimmer within. 

Now how can I invoke one of his sculpture in my house?! 

*When night light Glimmers : The Beacon*

In this Series:

The Pursuer, Illuminator, Angelic Smile, Fire Master, The Pavilion, Aerial Pagoda & Soaring Dragon.

"One evening in 2009, Li Chen returned from a busy day at work to his home. He lit a long unused candles on the family Buddhist altar and enjoyed the warmth of the silence, and the experience brought back memories of one of his earlier drawings titled “Illuminator.” This event was the spiritual beginnings of the artist’s current series of work. For the “The Beacon” Series, Li Chen completed just eight pieces in total. For Li lighting the lamp constitutes an act of “recuperation” and brings with it a certain ritualistic joy. Through the interaction of humanity and fire the burning of materials not only changes the environment, but a certain romantic sentimentality dances in the candlelight. As a result, ones state of mind becomes becalmed, providing an opportunity for one to communicate with oneself. “The Beacon” is far richer and more diverse than any of Li’s earlier work. It also marks the first time the artist has sculpted the human form, deliberately showcasing the characteristic of the Asian physical form. This work makes the connection between people and such high places as towers, pavilions, heavenly fire, containing objects that appear distant, but can be compared with Chinese literati’s slow wander.

  "The meaning of the Pursuer’s candle light can be decided by people’s different definition and thought for life. A white cloud twirling around the waist of the figure is evocative of a dream-like illusion, triggering the imagination and lending a surprising touch of humor to the otherwise thought-provoking theme. Such is the wondrous creativity of Li Chen." (Thomas Lee, President of Asia Art Center)

 ******* NEWS***************** ( Lucky Parisians )

LI CHEN EXHIBITION IN PLACE VENDOME PARIS 2 SEPTEMBER-29TH. 2013. 

   Li Chen has accomplished an artistic style that incorporates Eastern philosophy of Confucian, Taoist, and Buddhist traditions with contemporary thought, evincing the idea of “Spirit of the East.” His sculptures will be showcased at the center of Paris surrounded by historical buildings. While such arrangement seems to emphasise the contrast between two different cultures, they are alike in terms of providing new possibilities and interpretations for our cumulative civilisation and wisdom in contemporary world. Facilitated by the speed of globalisation and technology nowadays, we can thus expect a profound intellectual dialogue between Eastern and Western cultures occurring at Place Vendome. 

  This exhibition is organised by notable non-profit organization—Global Art Center Foundation (GAC), and Asia Art Center, with full acknowledgement and support from the Vendôme Committee (Comité Vendôme), Ministry of Culture (Ministère de la Culture) and Paris City Council (Conseil municipal). After 18 months of deliberated planning by the curatorial team, which consists of international experts from Paris, Netherlands, Italy and Taipei, the team has successfully overcome various obstacles such as transportation, structural calculation, artwork placement, loading capacity, and weather conditions. in the hope to help Taiwanese artist break free from geographical boundary and to engage in the infinite possibilities of the world. 

  As the economy of the east begins to rise and attract global attentions, Li Chen’s artworks inspired by Eastern culture and traditions will surely bring to light a visual and spiritual feast in the world.

    SOURCES

www.lichensculpture.org

www.asie-antiquites.com

To see more like LI Chen see my previous piece on Dashi Namdakov 

Hermes Leather Forever

Celebrating 175 Years , Hermès Leather Forever Exhibition shows us the beautiful company's long relationship with leather. The show is divided in 12 rooms which represent various leather collections including Travel, equestrian, accessories and handbags. Bespoke items from history such as items commissioned by the Duke of Windsor and Wallis Simpson and a winged saddle apparently commissioned by a Japanese band. Most exciting for me is the Craftspeople from the Hermès workshop in Paris who will be present at the show, demonstrating the art of leather-working.

There is more , Hermès created four one of a kind versions of its Passe- Guide Handbag  representing England , Scotland , Ireland and Wales as tribute to those countries. Christie's will conduct and online auction of the bags from 14th of May till 31st. All proceeds of the auction will be donated to the Royal Academy of Arts. They should make a special piece for the Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

Hermès Leather Forever Exhibition

6 Burlington Gardens

London

W1S 3ET

8th to 27th of May 2012

10am to 6pm Daily , Late Night on Fridays till 10pm.

Admission Free

Sources via,

www.hermes.com

www.christies.com

www.parkandcube.com

Qasr Al Sarab

Ahlan wa sahlan,

The Liwa Desert in Abu Dhabi's Empty Quarter has now a magical new Desert Hotel.

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Hotel by Anantara, which is loosely translated by as Palace of The Mirage, it has all that a hotel in the desert should offer, adventures by Camel , mountain bikes or traditional guided walks, the vistas must be spectacular. They also offer Archery Lessons, tennis and for those who just want to relax there is a pool or if you are really lucky at your Private Villa with a Butler to help you make decisions. Let us not forget The Hammam Spa where there are Royal Rituals to try out. My favourite would be a Bedouin dinner in the middle of the  Liwa Desert at Sunset.

This has inspired me to do a Desert Hotel Series, I love the colours and the magic that desert feeds to you.

I included for the first time a piece of music , but can't seem to upload the video. Hope the link works.

Enjoy xo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3lWwBslWqg&feature=share

http://www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/anantara-qasr-al-sarab

All photos via Qasr Al Sarab Hotel.