Karen Lorena Parker Art Blog — BremerPark.com

I am always looking for inspiration. A jewel of compassion, patience, kindness in the garbage pile of confusion, frustration, depression. My life is full of metaphorical diamonds, the jewels don’t exist of course. Inspiration and happiness is always a frame of mind. Sometimes the gift takes a while to find. Sometimes it needs a conscious generation of effort, but with great results, the discovery becomes easier to polish off.

Dhamani Jewelers, has produced an exclusive ‘Dubai Cut’ (only sold in Dubai). A unique 99 facets make the stone so glittery and shiny. “Reflecting the quality, excellence, innovation and vision that is Dubai, inspired by the 99 holy names of Allah.” For the first time in my life, I am able to walk into each store and take in the superior designs. The difference between Tiffany’s vs Van Cleef and Arpels delicate work; the classic Cartier brand is obvious. Dhamani’s bold innovative design is my favorite.

The ‘Dubai Stone’ term appears regularly in conversation or the newspaper. (It refers to a 6kg weight gain. 13lb for North Americans). It is no surprise to see so many gyms, slimming clinics, beauty treatments next to cosmetic surgery companies. With cheap tailors and a huge selection of fashion boutiques, and the opportunites to wear it all — I can see why every kg matters.

Everything here glitters. In this unique time, the pressures of the recession are affecting everyone. Finding the jewels of understanding and compassion is even more challenging. With a huge mix of cultures, and large expat community, what will you gain from your stay in Dubai.

International experience on your resume means many things. How do you qualify the jewels you have discovered, their rarity or their beauty. Do you choose to wear the weight around your neck, your hips, or on your shoulders? You can only hope that every day, the inspiration in your eyes glitter brighter than any stone.

“I remember when our Father Zayed pushed security away as they tried to protect him from an eager crowd. ‘Do not stop my sons from seeing me.’ He was a great man, and Shaikh Mohammed was very close to the Zayed family, and Shaikh Khalifa, Zayed’s son. I think the name is a great honor.” -a conversation with an ex-military Emirati at the Address in Burj Dubai.

The Burj Khalifa has brought up many discussions, but conversations choose to see the tower half full or half empty. I personally would not believe stories of a landmark tower built in Canada (ie. Harper Tower, Chretien Tower?) bringing tears to people’s eyes, evoking personal stories of his greatness, or reminding us of his legacy of community and national growth. Nevermind in a recession.

But Canada has a different greatness. I truly love Canada, and miss the distant news headlines as safe and considerate as the driving — compared to my morning 7days articles featuring rape, abuse and various human rights issues. (How does a desensitized Canadian survive in the world?)

A peaceful country that offers immigrants a passport they can be proud of, a place they can call home, is true greatness. But how many long history heterogeneous, low birth rate, vast open space societies are there? We are lucky that immigrants are cohesive, choosing to embrace Canadian values of democracy, equality, education and integration.

In art, it is best to critique art when you understand the period when it was made. The history, the advancements, the contemporaries and interests of the time. It seems easy for people to judge the UAE on an international scale, forgetting that it’s heart is a rapidly expanding village.

Brava Bellisima – Mondo Arte Gallery, Dubai

“My name would be ‘Umm Ibrahim,” smiles Nusayba, “’Mother of your first born.’ Royalty wives would have their exclusive name in common ‘Umm Shaikhs’. I am fascinated by the Emirati custom, as I now make the connection and familiarity to street names Umm Seqaim and Umm Al Sheif. Nusayba wears a beautiful abaya embroidered in white Moroccan trim to a birthday party. I am fortunate my son’s class includes this ambassador of Arab culture, patiently sharing her cultural views, and kindly speaking of Canadians. She enjoyed being in British Columbia as a University student.

My kindergarten son reads the British “tom-ahto” on a can of sardines, after sing-songing ‘Shukran’ over the club remixes playing at the local ParknShop (ParknRob, ie. Maple syrup 250ml-18$.) We are settled and happy with our international school and surroundings. Absorbing the benefits of a global experience and remembering to recognize the pitfalls of being privileged.

My son gets a Samsung cell phone in his party loot bag, and I consider taking it if it’s better than mine? I experience my first dinner wearing a bikini under my dress. My first midnite swim at 37, where you can’t see the waves, only feel them. My first snorkeling in Oman, then clapping enthusiastically as dolphins follow our boats in a fishing village. We make plans, and enjoy our days. I now recognize how thinking of the future is a habit. A privilege I have grown up with. Having goals, plans, a future vs the impoverished who can only survive today, perhaps see tomorrow.

I search for the fundamentals, for the priority of values in our shifting life. Ask-Ali.com had the beautiful way of saying, First God, then Family, then Community — in helping with major government decisions. Any grey areas are the reason for delays in project confirmation. Finding your priorities, remembering your goals, are a great way to help with the challenges of finding your identity within many cultures and values.

I love seeing the influence of Dubai and the international perspective it brings my work. I am currently working on painting for a Galerie Arte Laué in Switzerland.

I listen to speakers discussing “Art from the Arab World” in Abu Dhabi, the same topic addressed at ArtParis. Why is the art from the Middle East gaining interest, and then, how is Middle East defined? by political borders? Historical? Religious? Do we segregate Muslim Arab art and Christian Arab Art? The interesting part was about identity.

As we live in a global village, as more citizens become expats/ third culture kids/ global nomads vs global citizens… how are we defining borders in art. What fundamentals are being expressed? Where do local and global issues blend or separate?

The talk gets redundant as art-speak can be. You need words, you need assumptions and you choose how to manage them. Let’s move on. But last year the MOMA Curator captured the essence: Contemporary art deals with contemporary issues. Issues of the Middle East and how they connect globally are of interest. Defining art by where the artist was born, or where they lived has become difficult.

We all study the masters in artschool and learn the period, techniques and themes that motivate artists and collectives. How we manage and filter amongst our own artistic identity and culture is another challenge.

If my children spend their life in Dubai, will they be more Middle-eastern than Canadian? More Euro-centric than North-American? Will their peers, politics, and the culture around them affect them more than their parent’s values? Is Canadian culture more “global” or did I actually listen to my expat parents and understood the values of global citizenship early in life.

Will people choose the Mocha Blending of the Future — personality/culture as well as skin color? Or will we become more defensive, holding onto ‘Culture’, something we can’t control? Moving forward and feeling the benefits of something greater, keeping a healthy past but not being controlled by it.

Culture is becoming global/universal, how you choose to hold on to ‘your’ identity or ‘your parent’s’ identity is overwhelming at times. Freedom of choice, to remain secular may have consequences to your family heritage. In Canada women of Sikh heritage who choose to date westerners can make homicidal headlines. How does a Saudi female teenager growing up in a liberal Dubai come to terms with being a third-culture-kid? She may never live in Saudi, but her family still has ties. Global citizenship may not be part of your home culture.

My mother was an immigrant (who knows about previous generations) and third culture adult before the term was commonly known. Born in Chile, I left for Canada very young. Marrying another immigrant to Canada, I find myself in Dubai raising my third culture children. Nothing new or unique, just one of the great things about having Canadian citizenship. A country of immigrants and tolerance — my children will not find it as difficult to come ‘home’. Repatriation is more common and understood better. We can look forward to the benefits of a global village with some experience.

We get closer to understanding the similarities of cultures rather than the differences. Even the cross-cultural background in marraige offers a small war zone for practicing understanding. The future is unknown, as our rapidly changing world is creating an ever evolving future every day. I’m glad to be part of the present and recognize the gifts.

“Guard well within yourself that treasure, kindness. Know how to give without hesitation, how to lose without regret, how to acquire without meanness.” —George Sand (1804 – 1876)

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“You couldn’t just pick up a pack of cigarettes and smoke the whole thing. If smoking is not a habit, you couldn’t even finish one. You can stop eating bread, chocolate, with discipline. You break the habit. Just look at it and say, ‘I’m not going to eat you!’” I leave the gym with one friend and meet another. “It gets easier. The success of diet, fitness is consistent habits.”

Creative and strategies overflowing, Mubarik (from the inspiring boutique agency Ink.ae) and I are onto the subject of new campaigns at the end of a recession. In a time for companies to be leaders, how many take advantage of clients hungry for fresh outlooks?

Dubai is learning the concept of mid range. Seems you are only a big fish or little fish in the desert— twist-tied in a 6000dhs Gucci bag, or the 60dhs copy. Emerging artists are taking the opportunity to prove otherwise.

The JamJar, provides opportunity for arts culture. Curator Beth Carruthers from BC Canada, inspired Green Vision artists in Residence. Introducing sustainability in art, art and architecture.

The first Thursday of every month “Sketch” (hosted by FN Design) is an evening of live sketching, that “offers the local arts community a place to congregate, talk, create and be seen” It is exceptional to Jam Jar as an approachable place of culture in a city like Dubai. “Some consider this their first experience of an art gallery.”

Back in my studio, years of painting habits are ready to pounce. Switching from Artist as Employee, Artist as Genius and Artist as Brand. Inspire Dubai and exhale, I maintain the energy flow 氣 as I put into practice ‘Gathering and Presenting.’ Living as much as I can in the moment, and taking those minute opportunities to practice good habits.

Artist as Employee
Painting is like any profession in the way of habits. If you don’t put in the time, the work, the effort, the research; the product of excellence and originality will not exist. Without effective gathering there is no exceptional presentation. The days you don’t want to go to work you rely on the routine, the cup of coffee, the drive. The chores of organizing and tidying up your studio “office”. Doing a critique of your work, uploading images on your website. Even if you don’t ‘feel’ creative, you arrive.

Malcolm Gladwell coins the 10,000 hour rule. All Outliers, have put in the time in some form. To be exceptional, there are many factors, but practice and perseverance definitely makes perfect.

Artist as Genuis
Elizabeth Gilbert “Eat Pray Love” discusses the fear and pressure of producing another best seller on the inspirational Ted.com. She talks about artists being a vessel for genius. We are expressing a moment of genius, we are not genius. If we are available, working, present; like an athlete, fit and trained and ready, we are able to express that moment when it arrives.

Taking the pressure of of artists as ‘being genius’ can let the creativity flow easier. Like children happily painting, living in the moment, non critical. Let the genius be. Don’t demand, don’t resist, take the opportunity. Leave the Artist as Brand to give critical judgement.

Artist as Brand
People understand the difference between an original and a forgery. You are not only buying a product, but something that exudes the creative energy of genius. A piece of the artist is in your home.

Each original piece of art is a documentation of a visual path that narrows and focuses as the artist filters out what is of interest in their life. Artist as Brand, is the most difficult challenge for the artist as we try look objectively at our subjective and personal career path. Choosing to destroy the pieces that are not in alignment, keeping those that resonate.

As the artist we are consistently blending personal with business in our life palette. I remember in my impatience wanting more A-ha moments in my life. In all relationships, I failed to realize it was the filler that was just as important. The reverence of day-to-day quiet, boring moments.

Without gathering, listening, inspiring, there is nothing new to present. Without a presentation of what we understand or value, there will be no feedback to gather. Inhale, exhale, the necessary exhange to resonate and express what truly inspires you. Moment after moment are acts of importance. Each presentation an expression of what we understand.

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” —Aristotle. My favorite quote.

Our second summer and second Ramadan. I still find it unbelievable that Muslims don’t drink water all day in 45+ summer heat. Food I can understand, but water? Nothing in their mouth, no swimming, not even a rinse from sunrise to sunset. It makes me thirsty thinking about it.

“Fasting is the easy part.” says a friend. “It is controlling your emotions that is hard.” Not getting angry, frustrated, impatient or lose your integrity and self respect — because really you are just hungry. It is not the other person’s fault you are irritable, or self destructive. You will eat soon enough, and can be grateful you are living a satiated life. You are never hungry for 24 hours. Under controlled stress, it is up to you to be lighthearted. Always choose to be your calm, understanding best.

I have been afforded the luxury of soul-searching in Dubai. Has the financial crisis helped calm people’s thoughts and emotions? Was I lucky I be born with lighter skin, or am I luckier to have had parents that stressed the value of education. Or is the luckiest person the one who understands love? The poorest of poor understand intellect is the true rising above the classes. They ask the UN for schools first and foremost. And yet a friend tells me of her highly educated family in India, living in extreme poverty. Intellect won’t bring us happiness, that is a more emotional/spiritual path.

My Japanese friend tells me of how her husband works 7am-11pm six days a week. (This is better compared to his previous 7am-1am schedule.) But then his company has not been paid for the last few months of work completed. She continues in our shock, telling us how this work schedule is normal in Japan. We all laugh when she describes her incredulousness to see a man swimming, relaxed in the pool at 5pm. “Doesn’t he have a Job?!”

Amidst so many working professionals and laborers, Why are we working? comes to mind. The prestige of your job, and what class it represents? The ability to put food on the table, or designer furniture in the house? To have a happy family? The laborers away from their families for a year, the CEO away every day, or the double income parents that are exhausted or never around. The housewife that doesn’t have any economical status, and in some cases no respect — yet has profound effects on her family and our societies future. Or is that the balance, each member taking on separate roles. Helping each other balance needs: emotional, spiritual and physical. The strength of a society through that community of balance. Staying connected as you take on your role in life.

I try teach my children to stop fighting about toys that are supposed to bring them closer together. Sometimes it works, “Look Mom! We’re a Team!” They say proudly. They are too young for Canadian sarcasm.

I get a wonderful email about Coffee, Carrots and an Egg from my favorite High School Physics teacher. A daughter tells her mother of her stresses in life. Her mother gets up and boils one pot with coffee, one pot with an egg, another pot with a carrot. She offers these solutions 10 minutes later. All have faced the same adversary, boiling water. The carrot started hard, firm, resolute but became soft after 10 minutes. The egg was malleable protected in it’s shell, but with time became hard. The coffee released a pleasant aroma and met its adversary with a great result. An enjoyable cup of coffee full of it’s unique intense flavour.

To stop searching and start being. Being the ideal person you want to be, for you and others. The hardest life lesson to put into practice.

JULY 09
No knapsack, I have found myself. On a Switzerland train in silver heels, I sling my fake Prada on my shoulder instead of a guitar. A handsome uniformed boy describes peace-keeping conscription for Suisse defense. I realize I am reading the quotes on the train from my middle-aged bubble.

“DIE VER SUCHUNG, DIETER, DRAMALIKER, ROMANCIER, ZU WERDEN IS GROSS. MIT EIN WENIG TALENT UND PHANTASIE KANN MAN ES SCHAFFEN” J R VON SALIS

“TUTTE LE VIE CHE DERIVANO DAL VERO SONO BUONE QUELLE CHE DERIVANO DALLE TEORIE A DALLE REGOLE POSSONO ESSERE FALLACI” VINCENZO VELA

Basel, Weichs, Lausanne… a crisp breeze through the beer gardens. Four official languages, Mozart’s Opera in Italian with German and French subtitles on the screen. People meet as they walk along the market cobblestones beneath the multi colored shuttered windows. Large leaves crumple and fine gravel crinkles under my heels as I keep walking and walking; reminiscing and drinking in as much as Europe as possible.

I know I took this for granted in Canada. “How Beautiful! How Clean!” tourists would comment. I knew they were right, but had never known anything else. We recycle, we don’t litter, “take out more than you take in” when we camp. I have never heard of the Saskatchewan river polluted from industry. Restored to a beautiful turquoise 100 years later like the Reine. My girls weekend trip was too quick. I walk out from cigarette littered airport entrance into stainless steel and Helvetica type. I am spoiled by Canada’s more considerate (and less) smokers.

I feel like Dubai gives my children some example of the global scale. Living here, and traveling to other countries. The opportunity they have to meet people from all over the world. However, a large expat workforce means we have a huge demographic gap. Teenagers 18-24 are usually studying abroad, and the elderly are almost invisible. I smile remembering the elderly in Europe, walking up and down hills, getting groceries, walking dogs, visiting friends. A wonderfully whole society. I hope Dubai can build the bike culture, and pedestrian society that we even push for in Canada.

I am working on Dubai landscapes now. Capturing the beauty of the desert. The red sand dunes and the nature that does exist amongst highly polished contemporary design. The silence of the desert, and when you finally get there, it speaks to you.

Travel blog or art blog? I’m not sure anymore. I had a wonderful time in South Africa for the holidays, and am happy to be back in Dubai again. Funny how quickly a foreign place can become home. I keep meeting wonderful and interesting people here. I feel fortunate to be part of such an international community.

Tawasul
Conservation, and social commitments to building a future in practical ways, with an incredible outreach focus.
One community was dynamite fishing and destroying the coral reef that provides their resource. Through outreach, they could help introduce other ways of fishing that would help maintain or improve the environment.

“We have not inherited the world from our forefathers
– we have borrowed it from our children.”
Tawasul means reach out in Arabic. It aims to engage young people and students in grass root conservation and restoration ecology.

EmbraceArabia.com
Another great company helps bridge the cultural gap between western and arabian culture. Ali Alsaloom has incredible character and I was privileged enough to hear him speak over Ramadan. HIs website http://ask-ali.com/main.asp has a wonderful interactive question/answer section where people can inquire about the culture. He even has his own show!

Happy new year everyone. I wish you all the best and personal success.
I know it will be another great year.