(will update portfolio with images from the series soon)

Location: Fremont Gallery, Pasadena

Featuring works by Donald Bernard, Sharyll Burroughs, Gil Draper, June Edmonds, Loren Holland, John Martin, Ofunne Obiamiwe, Duane Paul and LaMonte Westmoreland curated by Mark Steven Greenfield

Fremont Gallery
812 Fremont Avenue
South Pasadena, California 91030

Artist Reception: August 14, 2011, 3-6pm

Show Dates: August 7 – August 31, 2011

Gallery Hours: Monday – Saturday 11:30 am – 6:00 pm
Sundays by appointment only
(626) 403-9901

http://www.fremontgallery.com

“Status of Women” travels with “Harmony Reverberates Optimism”  to Tijuana April 2, 2011

Opening Saturday, April 2, 2011 at La Casa Del Tunel: Art Center

April 2 – April 30, 2011

Opening Reception, April 2, 3 pm – 7 pm
Party, April 2, 7 pm – 1 am

Chapo Marquez 133. Col Federal

Tijuana, Mexico CP22010

info.: 011-52-(664) 682-9570

This song makes me happy!

Now that WAR IS OVER… Welcome to REPUBLIC OF PEACE!

Dear Friends

Download, print & display these posters
in your window, school, workplace, car
and elsewhere over the holiday season.

Send them as postcards to your friends.

We say it in so many ways, but we are one.

I love you!
yoko

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – John Lennon

So this is Xmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Xmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Xmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so happy Xmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let’s stop all the fight

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Xmas
And what have we done
Another year over
A new one just begun
And so happy Xmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Xmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear
War is over, if you want it
War is over now

Happy Xmas

Imagine Peace – WAR IS OVER

Statement by President Barack Obama

Today, the Senate has taken an historic step toward ending a policy that undermines our national security while violating the very ideals that our brave men and women in uniform risk their lives to defend. By ending “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” no longer will our nation be denied the service of thousands of patriotic Americans forced to leave the military, despite years of exemplary performance, because they happen to be gay. And no longer will many thousands more be asked to live a lie in order to serve the country they love.

As Commander-in-Chief, I am also absolutely convinced that making this change will only underscore the professionalism of our troops as the best led and best trained fighting force the world has ever known. And I join the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the overwhelming majority of service members asked by the Pentagon, in knowing that we can responsibly transition to a new policy while ensuring our military strength and readiness.

I want to thank Majority Leader Reid, Senators Lieberman and Collins and the countless others who have worked so hard to get this done. It is time to close this chapter in our history. It is time to recognize that sacrifice, valor and integrity are no more defined by sexual orientation than they are by race or gender, religion or creed. It is time to allow gay and lesbian Americans to serve their country openly. I urge the Senate to send this bill to my desk so that I can sign it into law.

How social media, web and mobile tell the story of the Nativity.
Christmas story told through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google, Wikipedia, Google Maps, GMail, Foursquare, Amazon…

Times change, the feeling remains the same.
http://www.excentric.pt/

Speak for Iran – They Need Your Voice

The featured video is about Iran and those of us who aren’t Iranian could choose not to care, but an executed innocent is an executed innocent; a grieving mother is a grieving mother; a voice silenced is a voice silenced. And so, as citizens of the earth, it is our duty to expose and speak against atrocities, human rights violations and abuse of power no matter where the occur. Country, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexuality and class should not matter.

Iranian Republic of Peace is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.

Thinkers, writers, philosophers and leaders more erudite than I, have communicated similar thoughts more succinctly.

• By far the most dangerous foe we have to fight is apathy – indifference from whatever cause, not from a lack of knowledge, but from carelessness, from absorption in other pursuits, from a contempt bred of self satisfaction ~ William Osler
• The only kind of dignity which is genuine is that which is not diminished by the indifference of others. ~ Dag Hammarskjold
• Laws can embody standards; governments can enforce laws–but the final task is not a task for government. It is a task for each and every one of us. Every time we turn our heads the other way when we see the law flouted–when we tolerate what we know to be wrong–when we close our eyes and ears to the corrupt because we are too busy, or too frightened–when we fail to speak up and speak out–we strike a blow against freedom and decency and justice. ~ Robert F. Kennedy
• Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world’s estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences. ~ Susan B. Anthony
• It’s pretty simple really. Act in a manner where you try to do good but do not be disappointed if the results are unsatisfactory nor should you take credit if things go well.
  Remove pride, ego, and material gain from your deeds. It’s not easy and I have a long way to go mentally and spiritually, but it makes sense to me in my heart.
  If even a small subsection of our population acted in such a manner, peace and happiness would no doubt spread through our world. And while you would not take credit for such a movement, in the end, you’re doing what is right and what benefits the whole. Humanity needs to start putting others first. ~ David Chapman
• We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. ~ Einstein
• — you could, like me, be unfortunate enough to stumble on a silent war. The trouble is that once you see it, you can’t unsee it. And once you’ve seen it, keeping quiet, saying nothing, becomes as political an act as speaking out. There’s no innocence. ~Arundhati Roy
• When I despair, I remember that all through history the ways of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants, and murderers, and for a time they can seem invincible, but in the end they always fall. Think of it — always. ~ Mohandas Gandhi
• It is not power that corrupts but fear. Fear of losing power corrupts those who wield it and fear of the scourge of power corrupts those who are subject to it. ~ Aung San Suu Kyi
• Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocre minds. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. ~ Albert Einstein

In Iran, all is quiet.
no sounds of gunfire
no crowds chanting
no one making speeches
no one calls home
from their prison cell
or talks about their ordeal

They still grieve their loved ones
They still seek justice
They are not forgotten

Some write letters
Some recite poetry
But to really be HEARD
They need your VOICE.
Global SILENCE can be a KILLER!
SPEAK NOW!

One voice… one stance can spur a mass of people into action.
People have the power – music by Patti Smith

a quick mish mash of people powered imagery from Iran, to China to Nigeria – set to Patti Smith’s “people have the power!” A testimony to the triumph of the spirit and in solidarity with the global struggle for human rights.

Free speech is priceless.

One Million Voices for Iran
http://www.speak4iran.org
Thanks to AK Rockefeller for calling attention to this video.

Download a free “Merdeka” mp3 from Soundcloud.

Merdeka! by AK Rockefeller

“In West Papua, there is no freedom… only killing, intimidation, torture…” -Papuan Independence Leader Benny Wenda.

“Merdeka” means freedom or independence; it is the rallying cry for the independence movement in West Papua.
“Merdeka!” by AK Rockefeller is licensed under a Creative Commons License

While you’re at it, why not download a free copy of General Fathead
General Fathead by AK Rockefeller

and WMDs
We don’t possess WMDs, barely any modern weapons to speak of, instead, we have to use KULTUR as our weapon of mass destruction. But information is the new leveler.
WMDs by AK Rockefeller

Remembering Harold Washington‘s human rights work
Harold Washington by AK Rockefeller
This is dedicated to Harold Washington, with samples from his inspiring victory speech after being elected the first black mayor of Chicago. (note the similarities to Obama’a speaking style, also from Chicago).
Harold Lee Washington (1922-1987) became the first black mayor of Chicago in 1983, and served until his death in 1987. Drafted in 1942, he was part of a segregated military unit, building runways in the Philippines. After finishing law school, he served Lengthy terms in both the Illinois House of Representatives and Illinois Senate. The achievements of Mayor Washington remain a valuable inspiration and reminder that “even though you don’t believe it, we will win!”

Where’s your Passport?
Passport by AK Rockefeller

AK Rockefeller

TWO DAYS ONLY!
Tuesday & Wednesday December 14th & 15th
11:00am – 9:00pm

Blown glass, ceramics, jewelry and more by SMC’s talented art students.

LOCATION:
Pete & Susan Barrett Gallery
Madison Campus (past the Broad Stage)
11th and Santa Monica Blvd.

FREE PARKING – 310-434-3434

It was only a matter of time before I blogged homage to Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading. And so, to commemorate her recent birthday, here it is — the mother lode!
How mind warping to think that Joan Armatrading just turned 60! She was born on December 9, 1950 in St. Kitts, West Indies and moved to Birmingham, England when she was but a wee lass.

I’m thankful that I got to see this underrated musician/poet perform three times so far — once on my birthday at the House of Blues. Joan’s songs have scored my life’s soundtrack for almost three decades and I can say unequivocally, that at least five Armatrading songs would be on my top ten list, bar none. That should answer, hopefully, the age-old question about what songs/music I’d take to a deserted island. Joan and fresh coconuts — far from the technologically-tethered crowd would be just fantastic!

Introducing people to Joan comes with the response, “Oh, she sounds just like Meshell Ndegeocello, or Tracy Chapman!” And I would typically respond that while both are also incredibly fantastic musicians, they sound like Joan who paved the way long before either one arrived on the scene. I doubt Meshell or Tracy would argue with that.

What appeals to me most about Joan Armatrading songs is how simple they are. They make you nod your head knowingly — thinking at the same “I could have written that!” but… but… “Only Joan could have written that!” You can relate to the mundane nature of an Armatrading song while simultaneously allowing yourself to imagine for a moment that listening to it might rub off and make you that brilliant. It’s the kind of radiance that seems to shine with little effort because the force behind it appears so unassuming, calm and familiar – welcoming you home to a comfortable hearth.
There are no pretentious principles or theories in the songs. They’re written in plain language, crafted in ways that we’ve become much too “sophisticated” to grasp. Subsequently, we are led back down to the ground.

Joan Armatrading is a musical virtuoso who writes great songs, plays keyboards, plays a mean guitar (acoustic and electric) and sings in her unique style. Industry greats like Mark Knopler and Pino Palladino have performed with Joan.

Armatrading’s songs are as much about elevating oneself as lifting up others. As she sings about love, human frailty, longing and misplaced desires — the door to redemption is always open. No matter how far we’ve strayed, how long we’ve been gone, or how many times we’ve run away to get our hearts broken, we would always be welcomed back home.
In tongue-in-cheek songs like Me myself I and I’m Lucky, she reveals a keen sense of humor that draws you even closer and you feel like you’re together on a porch somewhere, relaxing with group of friends, trading stories and telling the same corny jokes.

Dark Truths has to be my favorite song ever in the creation of sound and lyrics. It’s pure alchemy — guiding the listener through darkness into the light of truth (whatever that truth is) — inviting a confrontation with fear and nonsense in plain view. In little over two minutes long, Dark Truths will hold a mirror up to a questioning and confused soul, reflecting a penitent spirit from whose eyes the scales of hypocrisy have fallen.

Joan Armatrading – Dark Truths

I’ve told some dark truths
And I can’t keep on lying
Cos one day I’ll find
I’m not your hero

It’s so nice that someone thinks
You’re special
Treat them right
That trust in you is precious
All the same
We make mistakes

I’ve used up a few lives
Now I’m afraid of dying
Cos one day
I’ll find
You’re not forgiving

It’s so nice
There’s someone to rely on
Treat them right
That trust in you is precious
All the same
All the same
We make mistakes
And I’ve used up a few lives
Oh

Then, there’s Down to Zero
Oh, the countless times this song has snapped me back to reality. Now you walk with your feet back on the ground – down to the ground.

Joan Armatrading Down to Zero Lyrics

Oh the feeling
When you’re reeling
You step lightly thinking you’re number one
Down to zero with a word leaving,
For another one

Now you walk with your feet back on the ground
Down to the ground.

Brand new dandy
First class scene stealer
Walks through the crowd and takes your man
Sends you rushing to the mirror
Brush your eyebrows and say
“There’s more beauty in you than anyone.”

Oh remember who walked the warm sands beside you
Moored to your heel, let the waves come a rushing in
She’ll take the worry from your head, but then again
She put trouble in your heart instead.
Then you’ll fall
Down to the ground
Down to the ground

You’ll know heartache, still more crying
When you’re thinking of your mother’s only son
Take to your bed
You say there’s peace in sleep
But you’ll dream of love instead

Oh the heartache, you’ll find, can bring more pain than a blistering sun
But oh you fall
Oh you fall
Fall at my door.

Ahh… Every being should experience Willow live in concert – everyone comes together as one moving creature swaying like leaves on the namesake tree, humming along with Joan.
Joan Armatrading – Willow

I may not be your best
You know good ones
Don’t come by the score
If you’ve got something missing
I’ll help you look
You can be sure
And if you want to be alone
Or someone to share a laugh
Whatever you want me to
All you got to do is ask

Thunder
Don’t go under the sheets
Lightening
Under a tree
In the rain and snow
I’ll be your fire inside
Come running to me
When things get out of hand
Running to me
When it’s more than you can stand
I said I’m strong
Straight
Willing
To be a
Shelter
In a storm
Your willow oh willow
When the sun is out

A fight with your best girl
Prettiest thing you ever saw
You know I’ll listen
Try to get a message to her
And if it’s money you want
Or trouble halved
What ever you want me to
All you got to do is ask
I said I’m strong
Straight
Willing
To be a
Shelter in a storm
Your willow oh willow
When the sun is out

Joan Armatrading – More Than One Kind Of Love (Bliss….)

More Than One Kind Of Love

There’s a lot of things you should hold dear
Keep in your heart
Never let go
Never let go
Never let go
Pride and dignity
A sense of self
Hold on

When that boy leaves
And you need someone to turn to
When you feel alone
You will know you’re not alone
If you’ve been true
To all who are true to you
You’ll make it
You’ll make it fine

If you remember your friends
Just remember you can call
Just remember that passion fades
Good friendships seldom die
Go ahead have your fun
But don’t turn your back on everyone
Though the body needs love
There is more than one kind

More
More than one kind of love
There is more
More than one kind

Yes he fills your heart
Fills your mind
He’s all you want
All you need
Everything
Everything
Everything but

Love that’s that exclusive
That obsessive
Can hurt

When that love pales
And becomes human emotion
Where will you go
If you’ve neglected those you know
But if you stay true
To those who are true to you
You’ll make it
You’ll make it fine

If you remember your friends
Just remember you can call
Just remember that passion fades
Good friendships seldom die
Go ahead have your fun
But don’t turn your back on everyone
Though the body needs love
There is more than one kind

More
More than one kind of love
There is more
More than one kind

Save Me – Joan Armatrading

Sinking,
Caught up in a whirling motion
Such a strange sensation
The currents uncertain
Like sails of a mill
I spin
Like wheels I move in a circle
While you stand on the bank
Immune or evasive
Throw me a lifeline
Save me…

Intimacy and affection
Frozen
In this game of chance
I forfeit
Full hand of love
With no counters
Like a moth
With no flame
To persuade me
Like blood in the rain
Running thin
While you stand on the inside
Looking in
Save me…

Inside looking in
Complete in yourself
Throw me a lifeline
Save me…

After you’ve been saved… Warm Love…
Joan Armatrading Warm Love

and more endless love with dancing…
Joan Armatrading – Love and Affection

I am not in love
But I’m open to persuasion
East or West
Where’s the best
For romancing with a friend?

I can smile
But with a lover
I could roll my head back
I could really laugh
Really laugh

Thank you
You took me dancing
‘Cross the floor
Cheek to cheek
But with a lover
I could really move
Really move
I could really dance
Really dance
Really dance
Really dance
I could really move
Really move
Really move
Really move

Now if I can feel the sun
In my eyes
And the rain on my face
Why can’t I
Feel love ?

I can really love
Really love
Really love
Really love
Really love
Love love love love
Love love love love

Now I got all
The friends that I want
I may need more
But I shall just stick to those
That I have got
With friends I still feel
So insecure…

Little darling I believe you could
Help me a lot
Just take my hand
And lead me where you will
No conversation
No wave goodnight
Just make love
With affection

Sing me another love song
But this time
With a little dedication
Sing it, sing it, sing it, sing it…
You know that’s what I like
Once more with feeling
Give me love
Give me love
Give me love
Love…

Make love with affection

Sing me another love song
But this time
With a little dedication
Sing it, sing it, sing it, sing it…
You know that’s what I like

Once more with feeling
Sing me another love song
But this time
With a little dedication
Sing it, sing it, sing it, sing it…
You know that’s what I like

With affection
With a little dedication
Once more with feeling
You know that’s what I like
Love…

Then showing vulnerability – tempted, trying to stay principled.
Joan Armatrading – The Weakness In Me

Well, maybe I’ll be by myself, I came in this world alone… Me, myself I. Admit it — solitude can be oh so sweet, sometimes.

Joan Armatrading – Me, Myself I

I sit here by myself
And you know I love it
You know I don’t want someone
To come pay a visit
I wanna be by myself
I came in this world alone
Me myself I

I want to go to China
And to see Japan
I’d like to sail the oceans
Before the seas run dry
I wanna go
By myself
I’ve just room enough for
One
Me myself I

I wanna be a big shot
And have ninety cars
I wanna have a boyfriend
And a girl
For laughs
But only on Saturday
Six days to be alone
With me myself I
Me myself and I
Just me myself I

Don’t want to be the bad guy
Don’t want to make a soul cry
It’s not that I love myself
I just don’t want company
Except
Me
Myself
I

Me myself … and I
Just me myself I

Then you throw superstition out the window because you’re just that lucky
Im Lucky – Joan Armatrading

I’m Lucky

I’m Lucky
I’m Lucky
I can walk under ladders
Yes I’m so lucky
That I’m as lucky as me

Struck it rich
Dirty rich
No work
And get richer
And the world
Loves a winner
Yes I’m so happy
That you’re happy with me

You are happy too
Ain’t you baby

Numero uno
Living for
Right now
And it’s
L.I.V.I.N.G.
When I’m here with you

I’m lucky
I’m lucky
I don’t need a bracelet
No salt
For my shoulder
I don’t own a rabbit
No clover
No heather
No cross
No wonder
I’m lucky

Ahoy seafarers! We’re headed for the dry land of your shore and I’ll bring you back a gift of love.

Joan Armatrading – Dry Land

Let me sail to the depths of your soul
Let me anchor as near as I can be to your shore
I’m coming in to dry land
Been a long time at sea
And the season of loving
Has long awaited me

Tides and waves have kept me
Kept me going
I’m longing for the calm
I’m heading for the pastures
I can see on your dry land
Let the sea that once did take me
Bring me back safe to your door
For I long to touch the dry land of your shore

Clear back to land, I’m rowing
Clear the deck let me touch your soul
Maybe I’ll bring you back a gift of love
I’ll promise you so much more

After all that, we still find ourselves at the shouting stage.
Joan Armatrading -The Shouting Stage

I thought we had it sweet
But your mind’s played
A trick on me
I thought that I’d be with you
All the time
And I’d be fine
Yeh, I’d be fine

I’ll swear you have my feelings
Under thought control
I know you’ve taken
Such a hold on me
I’m thinking more and more
Of what we had before

Before we lost it at the shouting stage
Before the days we’d sit there
Side by side
Without a word
And how that hurt

How could eternal love
Made above
We were so in love
We were joined up at the sides
How could two people
Be as one
As one
Blind from the same light
Be out of love with love
In no time

I thought we had it made
But my minds played this trick on me
I thought that I would see you
All the time
And I’d be fine
Mmm I’d be fine

I swear you have no feelings
Or you’d call me home
I know there’s no one else
There’s no one else
Is there
I’m thinking more and more
Of what we had before
We lost it at the shouting stage
Before we lost it at the shouting stage

In these times…

In These Times
These are the times
Tears fill the back of your eyes
These are the times
The birds migrate
Across the skies

These are the times
What hope you had you forget
These wicked times
You’re bound to feel
All sanity is lost

In these times everyone needs love
In these times do you pray to God
In these times everyone needs comfort
And would welcome a hand to hold
Compassion is the fire
That burns the hurt
That pains the soul
And though my eyes are so polluted
By the sight of lost desires
I can see you standing by

This is my fear
That distance will come between us
And it could mean nothing
Nothing
To get from here to there

We own the world
And everything that’s in it
Let our love shine
Like glistening raindrops
Resting on a rose

In these times celebrate our love
In these times let’s be thankful of
All the days we can spend together
And I’m happy to hold your hand
Your passion is the food
That feeds the hunger in my heart
And now my eyes are clearly open
No more longing for the past
Now I have you in these times

In these times everyone needs love
In these times do you pray to God
In these times everyone needs comfort
And would welcome a hand to hold
Your passion is the fire
That burns the hurt
That pains the soul
And though my eyes are so polluted
By the sight of lost desires
Good to have you in these times

Joan’s latest album, The Charming Life is available on iTunes and Amazon.

The Charming Life – a great wedding song.
There are too many great songs to post.
Tall in the Saddle (LOVE this!)
Tall In The Saddle
Say what you will
You can’t take the stars at night
Take your love
But that doesn’t stop my…
…life
You’ve been foolin’ around
I looked to you for love
Thought you walked on holy ground
But oh…
You’re mean

Show some Emotion

Show some emotion
Put expression in your eyes
Light up
If you’re feeling happy
But if it’s bad
Then let those tears roll down

Happy Birthday, Mum! And Happy Birthday, Joan Armatrading!

Music critic Donald Gibson Interviews Joan Armatrading

The other thing with writing, and it sounds really clever, but in actual fact half the time it’s just accidents. You go to play a D chord and your finger moves forward and suddenly instead of just a straight major you’re playing a diminished or a ninth or whatever just because you accidentally did that. The trick is to realize when you accidentally do something that you should keep it. That’s the part that you really need to be aware [of] because some people might think, “Oh, I really meant to play that D,” but if you’re not listening you’ll miss this little magical moment. And quite often that’s what it’s all about. It’s a series of accidents. Click here for more

A classic Joan Armatrading interview with Helen Birch at the Guardian, 2005

‘I prefer birdsong to chatter’
Joan Armatrading, who shot to fame in the 70s, this week became president of the Women of the Year lunch. Helen Birch asked the famously private singer about a very public role
*snip*

“I’ve always written in a free, unencumbered way,” she explains. “I’ve written what and when I want to. It’s been about expressing myself. But with the degree, I had to learn to do everything in a very specific, disciplined way. I am very disciplined, but this demanded a totally different kind of discipline. A real challenge.”

So how did it compare with the challenge of being asked in 1999 to write and perform a tribute song for Nelson Mandela? “If there was one person I might have been starstruck by it was him,” she says. “He has a special charisma and yes, he is very special. But he’s not the kind of person who has an aura that says, ‘Look at me and what I’ve done.’”

More at the Guardian

April 2010 Guardian article with Paul Sexton

Joan Armatrading: Saint Joan
Four decades after starting out, Joan Armatrading is still writing and touring. She talks to Paul Sexton about her work with Gordon Brown – and why she loves The X Factor
Joan Armatrading didn’t get serious about playing guitar until she bought one for £3 at the age of 14. Two years later, she played her first gig. “I don’t know how I got up on the stage,” she says. “I was the shyest person I knew. But I did want people to hear my songs. I’ve always been confident about writing. From my first record, I’ve always known what I want from the songs. You have to know that what you’re writing is working. If you don’t, you’re not very good.”

Such thinking has led Armatrading to dispense with the help of producers. In fact, not only did she produce her new album, This Charming Life, by herself, she also played every instrument on it – except for the drums. “Some people might think, ‘Joan, you worked better when you were with a producer.’ But I go back to some of the things that people credit a producer with and it’s actually me doing them.”

More here

Looking forward the next North American tour! Here’s a link to Joan Armatrading’s official website with lyrics and downloads!