KarenLorenaParker.com Art Blog

People watching is so fresh for me in my repatriation from Dubai — especially in Vancouver’s quirky cultural pockets. For the last two years in sterile Dubai there has been; no 40 somethings at the skateboard park, no men pushing prams, no pets, no lesbians kissing on the bench, no 19-24 year old demographic, no elderly walking to the grocery stores. No overgrown lush greenery, or cool breezes in the shade of the trees. No Richmond ditches, no swamps, no frogs.

Dubai has no dog culture. (The very few pets are seen getting a walk by the Filipino nannies.) Enjoying the dog humor in Pixar’s “Up” at a Dubai movie theatre felt odd. But Dubai is a city that has no walkways, or sense of pedestrian traffic. In Vancouver you could enjoy only driving on the weekend — to Whistler.

I can enjoy wearing my heels on Robson Street — but in trendy Yaletown — my style better be one up on those highly groomed Pomeranians at the Cafés. The middle class dog culture on Commercial Drive doesn’t compare. (Children actually seem to rate higher on the class system.) I am enjoying my culture shock coming back to something familiar, but at the same time feeling out of place.

I trade my heels for rubber boots as we dog-sit my brother’s Cairn terrier. We watch young families throw dog toys at Trout Lake’s shallow end. Children wearing Crocs and socks giggle, making their innocent mistakes in dog obedience with no judgment from the adults. “Dog humor is so much nicer than people humor.” says a passerby.

My son finds more interest in the swamp today. He has been asking for nets since we swam in the Arabian Gulf. As he peers in the sludginess, he is excited about tadpoles that could have featured in X-files. The little dogs cool off prancing in the yucky marshy bog of muck my 6-year-old considers Heaven.

“Mom! Look a frog!!” he says to me.
I leave the safe gravel and climb down onto muddy bank. A frog patiently looks at us from the surface.
“Can we catch it?!!” My son is so excited, I can’t help but try.

I step on one log in my tall waterproof rubber boots and try to reach the frog. I step across on another log, but it is not secure, it’s floating. I step back and the frog skims the very surface towards us. Closer, but still out of reach. My sons and I are quiet, focused, a still life. I must help them see their very first frog.

The frog sits calmly infront of us. We persevere. I can see his whole slimy green warty body in the clear water. Beside him is some peat moss. PERFECT! I think. Slowly, quietly I step over him onto the peat moss that immediately gives way — and PLOP!!! I am chest deep in absolutely cold stinky Yuckiness! Dis*gust*ing, Aagck! I realize quickly there is no help coming and we laugh our heads off at Mom in the muck. “It’s ok Mom. We’re not going anywhere special today.” says my four year old.

I get over myself as quickly as possible and give my son my wet muddy phone from my pocket before I climb out of the reeds.

Walmart Fishing Nets 18.99
Rubber Boots 9.99
Catching a Frog – Priceless.

Emoto, a Japanese author studies how positive energy affects water molecules. “The very same water that comprises over seventy percent of a mature human body and covers the same amount of our planet. Water is the very source of all life on this planet, the quality and integrity are vitally important to all forms of life.

Photographing a frozen droplet of water, and visually documenting the molecular changes demonstrates environmental effects on the structure of water. Positive words spoken, or written on a water container form a beautiful “natural” crystalline structure based on the hexagon. (Emoto believes that anything lacking this basic hexagonal structure is out of accord with the laws of nature and holds a destructive vibration.) The most powerful words creating beautiful water molecules were “Love and Gratitude.”

In nature, 10% of bacteria are good, 10% bad, and 80% opportunistic — the majority of bacteria can go either way. If 10% of human nature sends positive vibrations we can affect the 80% majority. How many millions does the Dalai Lama affect resonating compassion? Even the water crystals in Vancouver are more beautiful with his presence.

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.” Frank Outlaw. I can understand the cynicism and ‘Water Cluster Quackery’, but if we are 70% water molecules that are malleable structurally, shouldn’t we have some faith? In terms of heart attacks, you can’t change your genetics, but you can change your personality traits.

A healthy body means a body that has regular vibrations. Diseases come from irregularities of vibration. Positive resonance can surround us. Whether you believe Emoto or not, we know we can change our thoughts, our behaviors creating a positive environment. We know attitudes are contagious. Chi, prayer before mealtime, breathing techniques, and various eastern practices try to unblock or bring new ‘energy’. The concept is not new to us. We are capable of generating every note, every sound possible. What sound can I create? How do I resonate with others? What energy do I attract?

Human life is directly connected to the quality of our water, both within and all around us. “Ecology before Economy” says David Suzuki. Energy is everything, potential or kinetic. Everything has a vibration, especially water, the source of all life. We owe the earth and ourselves a daily song of love and gratitude. Even if you just write the words on your own water bottle.

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“We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people.” Martin Luther King

TAP WATER
Most tap water does not form a beautiful water crystal because of the added chlorine. However, Vancouver’s tap water does.

My Filipino nanny (and my neighbors’ nanny) are told by security that they are not allowed to swim with the children in our neighborhood pool. They are not doing laps, but playing with young children — making sure they’re safe in the water. This denial of privileges happened before at one of the resorts where I stood horrified processing the male Filipino say “The guests will complain.” (What if she was a white nanny?) But today I wasn’t present to stand up for her. I simply listen to her story as we wash dishes, and empathize the best I can from my ‘Canadian Madam’ status.

On a Catamaran trip filled with expats dancing to a live DJ a fellow passenger recognizes me from the gallery. “I really liked your paintings, especially when you spoke of the meaning behind Suspension. I am surprised he remembers me, but happy to have touched someone with my work. After a 4 hour cruise, he tells me he is Emirati. I realize he is a very very kind, patient Emirati — respectfully answering my cultural questions. “I can tell you’re holding back” he says.

He is Iranian-Emirati. And like having a Canadian passport or a Filipino one, it matters here. The deeply ingrained class system fascinates a middle class Calgary-girl like me. What passport you hold internationally affects your pay and benefits dramatically. Critical thinking skills and interpersonal skills are highly valued in western culture, (but can that be measured by a passport?) Because of our egalitarian system we can question decisions from superiors without them ‘losing face’. (Even in Canada professionals have to requalify in our education system as we do not accept a degree from anywhere.) Within the Arab culture however, where your family came from, are additional criteria to what passport you hold.

My children, nanny and I go to visit my good friends’ pool for a playdate. I let my nanny know she can swim there, it will be Ok! She is dejected, reluctant but I insist, “Bring your bathing suit,” I smile “incase you feel like it.” We continue yesterday’s conversation and talk about rights at the poolside chairs. Perhaps the difference in Canada is there are so many public venues? Everything in Dubai is ‘private’, ‘club’, ‘membership’ – even the beaches. But we are interrupted by the children. “Mom, there’s a rat in the pool.”

With big black intelligent eyes, it is a cute rat if I do say so. (I am used to the huge muskrats in Canada, and this one looks more like a mouse with an extraordinary very long tail.) He is swimming along, happily cooling off in confident strokes.
I really hate rats, but I try calm the group of children (in the tone of voice that probably annoys people without children) discussing how it’s probably frightened, and scared of us.

“It’s probably a very nice rat, but if it’s scared it may bite you, not meaning too, and it may have a disease.” I say calmly. He swims to the overflow and tries to crawl out, but we are all waiting there, watching it, so he goes back for another swim. The 40something man in speedos stops doing his laps and watches the rat with us. I offer him the colorful sand toy bucket, “Here,” I smile, “help him out.” He looks at me incredulously, “What if he bites me?” and walks away.

The rat swims to the overflow perpendicular to us. As we all run over to the rat again, I tell the group of children, just stand back a bit, and let him have some space. I lower the bucket thinking this intelligent rat will calmly sit in the bucket like a hot air balloon ride, while I gently place him in the garden.

Quietly, we all watch him climb up into the bucket, and then dart out of the bucket, right by my 6-year-old’s feet. Everyone screaming, my son jumps up and down and steps on the squealing rat. “Ooh the poor rat!” cries an 8-year-old girl as we watch him hobble over to the garden.

My nanny is explaining the situation to her neighbor friend on the phone. We laugh as the neighbor nanny jokes, “Awww! How come they let the rat in the pool, but not us?”

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 ? 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.