Wonder and passion

This "success story" about George Lengvari almost had me in tears. Thank you for being the inspiration that you are to other artists. Every time I read a letter from you I'm reminded not to go to sleep when life seems too overwhelming, but to stay wide-awake steeped in wonder and passion. It is the only way to live! I have passed this letter on. My representational collage work has been partly inspired by the electronic juice that you've sent to me.

"Never too old to jump on the sofa." (the bumper sticker I've designed)

(RG note) Thanks Redenta, and thanks to all who wrote in appreciation of George Lengvari. In his beekeeping days George noted that beehives filled up with honey from the top or the bottom--up to or down to the bee entry point. George devised a simple revolving door that sent half the bees up and the other half down. His beehives were no longer half full. It's called the Lengvari door. May all your beehives be full.

Owning your own greatness

I goal-set every two weeks with a friend of mine, regarding my art and every two

We stand silent original painting  click image to enlarge

weeks I write "It is my intention to own my Greatness" at the top of the page. I couldn't help thinking, when I read this story, that George Lengvari is the kind of man who "owns his greatness". One of the books I just finished reading was The Four Agreements, A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz. One of the agreements is "always do your best". George, obviously, has always done his best. The book I am currently reading is The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It is there for each and every one of us and when we see that greatness in everyone else our lives become Heaven on Earth. Your story about George truly inspired me.

Each of us a library

It sounds like George has lived a full life, with an inner wealth guiding his path.

Oregon coastline original painting  click image to enlarge

Ninety years of accomplishments and experiences, knowledge and wisdom, and remembered by many. I can only hope to be remembered by a few, and wish to have such a friend to share my legacy with others. I often have thought of the waste of knowledge that goes with us when we're gone. Each of us a library uniquely structured, no two alike. As an artist I feel we have been blessed with a gift to express our experiences for generations to come. They will tell our story, our growth and of our trying times.

People skills and other reasons

The hot air balloon that we artists are some sort of special species and cannot learn from others in more mundane walks of life has once again been popped. Against terrific odds and with the application of character the likes of George are able to climb out of a morass that could have been self-pity and defeat. Above all it's the people skills that have George stand out from the crowd. Artists should be aware that there are reasons other than art that cause people to collect art.

Spiritual solutions

George Lengvari is a good example of being in service. I have been reading Wayne Dyer's book There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem. It fits right in with this story. It really helps to put perspective on life's challenges for me.

'I will be champion'

While there has been some controversy surrounding Marion Jones, there's no questioning that she's one of the fastest women of all time. And Marion has spent her life believing she would one day become an Olympic champion. At eight years old she wrote on a chalkboard in her bedroom: "I will be an Olympic champion." When she was in the sixth grade she wrote the following note: "My plans for the future are to be in the 1992 Olympics." Even though she missed her goal by eight years (she won at the 2000 Olympics), her life has become "the fruits of her belief."

"A person cannot cling to anything unless she believes in it; belief always precedes action, therefore a person's deeds and life are the fruits of her belief." (James Allen)

Made the change

This story about George hit me hard between the eyes. I realize that in the last 6 odd months, that is exactly what I've been doing (without really thinking that I was doing that) and in the last 6 odd months, my dreams and hopes have started to be realized. I had stopped working for my own benefit and was working for others', and see now, that it is I, too, who have benefited a great deal in the process.

A year ago, I would never have thought I could be where I am in life, right now. I thought I was always trying to help others, but because of recent events in my life, there had been a bunch too much of the PLOM (poor little old me) syndrome. It vanished last summer, as I worked on two matters full time (for me anyway) that were for my friends' benefits. I just evolved into doing it more and more, and not just for a few, but with a much broader conviction. And as it went, maybe like with George, more stuck to him, even as he was busy making sure others were getting covered/provided with what they needed.

So, now I think I do see a huge change in me… like I was 25 years ago, with the newness of each day being exciting rather than a drudge or worse, a feeling of a disaster waiting to happen. I've noticed, too, that this is reflected in my life in ordinary ways. I wear more colourful clothes. I eat prettier food… none of the all white on a plate for me… and yes, my painting and writing are far more colourful and lighthearted, grateful and happy, than they have been.

So, I think I'll just go and find some more stuff to make other people feel their 'nets' are filled abundantly. If I too profit, that's a bonus.

Relationships and art

"You can get anything you want in life if you help others get what they want." (George Lengvari) Boy, he sure got that right. It is true in human relationships and in art. It is one of the most sought after values in relationships, because it relates to both a physical and a spiritual relationship. This all gets back to the spiritual source for the art. Works/words of truth/love, however clumsy or refined, have the power to penetrate to the heart and soul of the viewer/recipient.

Trying to find meaning

I share Mary Madsen's feelings about wanting to communicate in your work and to

original sculpture  click image to enlarge

have the work appreciated as it is offered (even if it only touches one person). Trying to find meaning in this thing we call "life" is a challenge to say the least. Being a primitive artist (in my case) is no advantage. It seems that most people are more interested in where you went to school, or who you have studied under, than the work itself. A power much greater than ourselves drives us to reach out to those around us through our work. The passion to produce, and the result of it, is proof enough that we all don't see the world through the same eyes. In the work I produce the effort has been to share with the viewer the emotion the subject might have experienced in the given situation (I've been in these situations, if not physically, mentally).

Art and "real life"

Mary Madsen's note "…artists getting their hands dirty in the ugly and difficult stuff

Bella oamaru stone  click image to enlarge

of life, rather than just decorating the walls of the color-conscious consumer…" struck a real chord for me. I've been a fine art potter (18 years), a stone and bronze sculptor (another 20) and painted all my life. But there was always something missing for me - even teaching wasn't enough to address what I wanted to look into.

Last year I finally admitted to myself that I had a fascination with the machinations of money and business, and went into hermitude to write and illustrate a book that tells a story of how to use the money you have in order to create more passive income so you can have freedom from the rat race. It's not a get-rich-quick book by any means, but it talks about the things I and so many others never learned as kids: how to use money, rather than be used by others to make money for them, while we die of not-enough.

After I finished the book, I realized I had a dilemma - into which category would this book fit? It's written purposely as a story, since we remember stories best, rather than outright how-to. It's illustrated, but certainly not high art. It's non-fiction, but wouldn't fit into a financial book section.

Mary described perfectly what my aim was: to take a look at, and learn about what we normally consider "the difficult stuff of life," and then turn around and offer my learning to others. It has been a fascinating and fulfilling work, and it's the perfect-for-me combination of "real life" and art. It has allowed me to interweave my writing and artistic abilities with a solid heart space - and has uses far beyond what a single painting or sculpture would have. It inspires he who uses the book to learn how to become steward of his resources, and to create freedom through that path.

I'm so stoked to have been in line with a way of thinking much bigger than I am, and to put a name to it. Thanks, Mary!

(RG note) Angela's new book is at The Six Little P.I.G.E.E.S

Not fair to painters

Obviously the issue of painting famous people like Movie Stars and Politicians was

Stevie Ray Vaughn prismacolor pencil on paper  click image to enlarge

not always a "crime" like it is now… I am in a San Francisco Gallery (coincidence) that owns/manages the ART HOTEL currently getting some media attention. One of the artists who was invited to paint a room there is in "hot water" because he painted logos of an established Company and art of Madonna on the walls.

Now there are lawyers involved to defend the artist who claims the right of "freedom of expression" so who knows how far this issue will go. Perhaps all the way to the Supreme Court.

I was threatened back in 1991 when I tried to get permission to show the art I created of Stevie Ray Vaughan who had tragically died. I was told that his image was trademarked and they would sue me if I showed the original and someone took a picture. I was only trying to do the right thing by asking for permission and did not expect the intimidation. I did not show the art after that until recently. It's on my website now (go to Illustration) along with one of Stevie Nicks. Since the Internet has become so popular I saw many artists displaying unauthorized artworks of both Stevies so I thought it must be okay now.

My question is why is it okay for photographers to publish photos of these stars without getting permission but not okay for artists to show artwork of the same famous people--most of which is interpretive. Their images are out there for all to see… and used so often. There have been threats to "ruin" the artist who painted this room. How can that be fair? Madonna's image is everywhere. Do all those artists and photographers have written permission from her to use her image?

I would like to hear more opinions about the issue of trademarks versus "freedom of expression" when it comes to famous images.

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