Posts Tagged ‘art studio’
January 1, 2012
Chandra Garsson asked me today: “Teresa, what did you really think about my film?”
As I was telling her, she said “Could you say it in your blog?”
So, here goes… It took Chandra 9 months to create her documentary Art & Gift 2011. 9 months of work–being the film’s protagonist, camera person, director, producer, editor. What impressed me the most about this film is seeing Chandra’s generous nature on the big screen. She could have been the sole narrator, presenting the conflict. But, she did so much more. She interviewed over a dozen fellow artists and writers to give us a chance to express ourselves. She presents a story with fairness. She listens to the other side; she even gives the other side the spotlight so that we can hear/see the other side without any filters. In the case of her film, the other side was the landlord.
During our conversation today, we talked about theme. I was telling Chandra about just having finished editing a children’s novel and helping my client identify the themes in her story. Chandra said there is theme in her work too. Yes, in deed.
The first time I experienced her art was when the fabulous Kim McMillon orchestrated authors’ readings during the 5-week long exhibition of Chandra’s Insomnia [Awakening] at Pro Arts in Oakland. I still remember what poet Mark G said about Chandra’s big pieces (Chandra had painted stories on doors). “She understands trauma. I’m a vet.” That’s my recollection of what Mark said that day.
The plastic baby dolls in Chandra’s exhibit hooked my attention. She understands broken child-within, I thought.
We’ve been friends since.
Please take a look at Chandra’s film Art & Gift 2011! I’m proud of my friend and her powerful work. I’m honored to be in the documentary with Lucille Lang Day, Mary Rudge, Pedro, and all the other artists/poets/musicians/writers who were invited to speak to Chandra Garsson’s camera.
December 24, 2011
My praise on Chandra Garsson’s latest film Art & Gift 2011
birds’ songs
dog’s barking
haunting music
You understand sorrow.
eviction. Your losing your work space–to paint, to create, to sculpt, to work
from 2,400 square feet of artist’s space to 400
Your Insomnia [Awakening]
trusting Chandra Garsson to paint my dolls my ego my childhood symbolism onto Love Made of Heart bookcase
Your growth, blossoming, working with your hands, with colors, sounds, shapes.
Your masterpieces: art-making; book-making; jewelry-making; film-making
Sincerely,
Teresa LeYung-Ryan, author of Love Made of Heart
Chandra Garsson says of her film: “Documents the gift of a lifetime of art-making after eviction from art studio. Interviews with recipients of art, including landlord. My goal was to save art from the dump, and I succeeded.”
Chandra’s blog: http://flyingpaintproductions.blogspot.com
Teresa is author of Build Your Writer’s Platform & Fanbase In 22 Days: Attract Agents, Editors, Publishers, Readers, and Media Attention NOW
Teresa is author of Love Made of Heart
Coach Teresa edits manuscripts (contemporary novels; thrillers; children’s novels; memoirs; short stories; anthologies) for authors who want to attract agents & publishers OR want to be their own publishers.
Chandra Garsson wrote to Teresa LeYung-Ryan on facebook:
“A lovely holiday to you, dear friend, and thanks for the mention. There is a gravity and dignity to your presence in the film.” “I am enjoying your newly poetic form of writing. Great and gorgeous New Year to you, Teresa!”