Tatiana Supports the Arts

Category Archives: los angeles

Topsy Turvy!

May 27, 2009

Man oh man. So many things to say in one post, I like to try to keep them focused on one or two topics, but not this time! This will be my circus/variety show-type post.

circus

First of all, remember a long time ago when I wrote about Burda Style? And how awesome I thought they were because they provided open source patterns? Well, yesterday I received an email from them, as I usually do since I am on their mailing list, and I see this lovely pattern:

Unfortunately, you have to purchase it. Now, I’m all for paying for patterns. That’s fine. But when you advertise your company as “Open Source Sewing,” I feel that it is misleading to do so and charge for a pattern. The term “Open Source” derives from the free software movement, so the implications of this term are “FREE.” I mean, $3.50 is a bargain compared to some of the patterns out there for $18.95, but that is besides the point. I just feel a bit disappointed.

In other news, for all of you embroiderers out there, this fine lady (who’s blog is AMAZING, by the way) has uploaded a free embroidery pattern. And it’s super cute! I might actually try it myself… we’ll see what happens.

Moving on. Last night I got home and while going through my junkmail I found an advertisement for THIS. I think god loves me this month. Either that or Elvis Crespo was reading my mind and knew that I have ALWAYS wanted to see him live. SUAVE!

This is seriously the cheesiest music video, probably of all time. You gotta love the costume changes. I like to call it “The many faces of Crespo.”

Lastly, I recently joined Indiepublic. So far I’m digging it. It’s a nice way to network with other independent crafters, artists and designers all over the world. And everyone is super friendly! I spent about an hour on their site the other day and became really inspired and excited about adding more items to my etsy shop. Good stuff.

Alright kiddies! That concludes my Topsy Turvy post. Don’t forget to check out KUCI Nights at the Yost Theater this Thursday! Only $8! It’s a bargain to experience some new music. I’ll also be HERE on Friday. Yay Lykke Li! I’ve never seen her live, nor have I been to the Hollywood Forever Cemetary. Should be fun. I’ll try to take blog-worthy pics for you beauties!

Also posted in crafts, fashion, music, orange county, random, sewing – 5 Comments

So tonight we’re gonna party like it’s 1899, or 1929, or 1969!

April 19, 2009

Just wanted to showcase a few of my favorite bands who are absolutely fantastic and deserve your attention. Each is incredibly unique and brings something special to the music world and the lives of those who give them a listen. These bands are so inspiring to me and I hope they inspire you as well!

Rasputina – Ahhhh, Rasputina. With the sweet and raspy contrast of your cellos. This innovative threesome uses distortion with their cellos to take the listener on a dark yet beautiful victorian journey, where opium, and antiquated medical procedures still seem to be relevant topics of discussion. Fun Fact: Rasputina has opened for many bands, most notably Marilyn Manson. Melora also toured with Nirvana as their celloist.

Now, continuing through the timeline we have Janet Klein and her Parlor Boys. Bringing us the hits from 1910-1940, listening to their music (or even seeing them live) is what I would imagine time travel to be like. I have seen them twice at the Steven Allen Theater in Los Angeles, and they were great! The band is so happy-go-lucky and everyone walked out of the theater with a smile on their face.

Next and last on my list (for now) is Camera Obscura. Back in the day when my college roommate’s boyfriend used to spoil her with various mix cds, I would often find myself in her car benefitting from his thoughtful endeavors! Once upon a time we were in her car and this sweet-sounding voice came dancing through the speakers and I was instantly in love. I listen to Camera Obscura when I’m happy, when I’m sad, and when I’m indifferent. They make any drive more enjoyable and for some reason make me want to go thrift shopping.

Also posted in antique, inspiration, music, vintage – 0 Comments

The Los Angeles Theatre Ensemble has chosen to respond.

April 8, 2009

About 3 years ago, I took my roommate at the time to see what I thought would be “a little play about the war.” I so was incredibly wrong. We escaped from Irvine for the night to see the Los Angeles Theater Ensemble’s Wounded. It was not just a “play,” it was an emotionally gripping experience that opened my eyes to a world I am not familiar with: the world of a wounded Iraq War Veteran.

Now, at a time of economic recession, the LA Theater Ensemble brings us Survived which is the follow up to Wounded, and the second play in what they are calling The War Cycle. As actor, Albert Meijer stated, “As artists, we are not ignoring the headlines that have been buried behind those concerning the economy, politics, and celebrity. We have chosen to bring the overlooked to light.”According to the website:

late

“Survived is inspired by true accounts of the families of soldiers fallen in the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. It follows the lives of the Harper family as they prepare to scatter the ashes of 24 year old Lt. Michael Harper on the anniversary of his combat-related death in the Iraq War. A surprise visit from a soldier who served with Michael at the time of his death ignites a powder keg of emotion and throws the family into crisis as they strive to preserve their memories of Michael while learning to let go.”

The Ensemble holds “Talk Backs” after their Thursday shows where they make themselves available to engage in discussions with the members of the audience. The members of the LA Theater Ensemble are a very accessible group of individuals. Survived will run through April 25th in Santa Monica, CA. For more information, please visit: http://www.latensemble.com

Also posted in activism, theater – 2 Comments

“There are some glimmers of hope.”

March 24, 2009

About a month ago I attended/volunteered at the 10th Annual FACTS Benefit, which was held at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, their current exhibit titled “A Dream Realized” compared the life and legacy of Dr. King with that of President Obama through a series of similar photographs.

A Dream Realized Exhibit

I had never been there, and definitely want to go back sometime and check out all of the museums in Exposition Park. It seems like a fun place to take my sisters. Anyway, the event was really thought provoking. I learned so much about how many individuals and families are affected by Three Strikes. It was heartbreaking to meet so many mothers who have sons or daughters in prison for non-violent crimes that do not warrant a life sentence. After meeting these families and hearing their stories, it infuriates me to think that Californians could ignore these injustices. According to Dean Erwin Chemerinsky, who was the keynote speaker, African Americans make up 7% of California’s population, yet they represent 45% of those in prison because of three strikes sentencing. Something is definitely wrong here.

Dean Erwin Chemerinsky

The Benefit held a silent auction for artwork made by prisoners at Security Housing Unit — or the SHU, at Pelican Bay State Prison in Northern California. Prisoners are not allowed to use art materials in “the hole” so prisoners improvise and use paper pulp from magazines or toilet paper and place that on drawing paper. Colors are obtained by using the coating of vitamins, candy or coffee.

SHU Art by Gabriel Ramirez

A lot of individuals and groups were present to support FACTS and it was really great to see so many grassroots and non-profit organizations come together to create visibility for an issue that seems to be so hidden and unspoken. The Youth Justice Coalition was in attendance and a young activist performed a spoken word piece that was as gritty and dark as her experiences on the rough streets of LA. As she said in her poem “we’re the children who rose from Watts in ’65… we’ve had enough, take the system down, and build something, now.”

It is imperative that the three strikes law be amended. The prison industrial complex is flawed, prisons are astoundingly overcrowded, and there are obvious racial implications when looking at the statistics. Funding really needs to go to rehabilitation rather than putting people away for life for non-violent crimes. Until that happens, the injustice will continue, and these individuals and their families will continue to be oppressed by the system.

Also posted in activism, exhibit, museum – 3 Comments

Arrested Dreams: Criminalizing a Generation of Youth

October 15, 2008

Hey guys! I will be heading up to USC tomorrow evening for this, so I thought I’d spread the word. If you click on the image you will find more information about the event. Here is a link to the trailer for the documentary Juvies that will be screened. I’m pretty excited about this, and hope to see you there!