A Spiritual Journey Chengdu, China

I knew that going to China would be a spiritual journey, but not in the form that it took. I was thinking that we would take a day trip to a Buddhist Temple, but sadly there was no time for that. Mr. Joe had everyday book up for us, we would leave the hotel at 9 a.m. and not get back until 10 at night. We at least we able to see a sample of the Buddhist tradition and at the shrine in town. Greg and I did light a candle for my brother Paul. It only seem fitting since when Paul was young people in the family would call him Buddha and when he opened his tattoo shop, he had a collection of Buddha figures. How more respect could it be than light a candle at a shrine, but he would rather it be done at a temple.

One night Mr. Joe took the Artists out for dinner, but before that  he invited us to his private studio. To me this was like going to his inner sanctum, this is where the master does his work and produces master pieces. Greg and I were talking and Mr. Joe's art has the status of what most Artists receive after death. So we walk into his basement that would be the size of a full school gym. There were crates full off his work and in the middle of the room he a few table but together covered with brushes, books and tubes of paint. I was just sitting there amazed by this sight, I was over come by all of this.  Then over in the corner I saw Mr. Joe's paint palette, I approached it as one would do as an alter, because this is where it all starts. This is the tool that lets him earn the type of living that lets him give back to his community and that brought as all together.

Peer Respect Chengdu, China

Before I continue on about our epic Chengdu adventure and I know that it will takes weeks for me to purge all of this goodness.  I would like to give a big thanks to Gregory Burns, without his input none of this would have been possible. Greg told the foundation about me when they asked about other disabled artist in America. Greg and I met in 2001 during a show for the Orthopedic Associate on the West coast, he said we also met at the Kennedy Center. Although we only have had frequent contact over the years, I must have made a real impression on him. His art career is where I strive to be, painting and speaking around the world.  I know he has just opened a new door for me and this will not be our only trip to Chengdu.  By the second night, I ask "how does my ass get an artist residency here"? If I do not go back with 5 Colours Foundation, it would be with the US Consulate. They were not only interested me as an Artist, but with my whole story. Even through Wifey likes to take the back seat, we were told that everyone was intrigued with our story. 

Last night Wifey and I had a few beers after our travels and I think we will be redoing this trip within a years, but Wifey gives it six months. I know Greg not only opened a new market on my art, but also a chapter of adventures. 

A Little Tour of Chengdu China

Before our events officially started Greg and Angie had time to take us to the town's garden and a market. Greg has been traveling Asia for 30 year as an Artist with a disability and met his Wife, Angie 17 years ago. We know it would not be easy going through the garden and shrine, but it was worth the task. When we did get stuck, surprisingly there was no problem getting help. For example, Greg would ask some guys to help get my chair up some stairs, he would just get to say "can you help my" and each time two, or three guys would just lift me and my chair up. The four of us were not expecting this willingness, but it was welcoming. We then went through a market for the experience, there was a man and his Wife that made decorative gourds. He wanted to give me one, not out of pity but as a sign of respect from one Artist to another. It turn out that he saw my artwork in the local paper. The gallery opening that I was invited to for is part of a bigger Art Festival that runs until the of October.

Trip to Chengdu China and Five Colours Foundation

  We just got back from Chengdu, China last night.  It was a life changing trip and I know this will not be our last trip there. Mr. Zhou Chunya aka Mr. Joe is one of the top 5 artist in China and built an Artists village after the earth quakes.  He also started the  5 Colours foundations for artists with disabilities. Mr. Joe is the gentleman in the back row in the blue to my left. Blue Roof Art Festival showcases influence of Chengdu collective

Before our events officially started Greg and Angie had time to take us to the town's garden and a market. Greg has been traveling Asia for 30 year as an Artist with a disability and met his Wife, Angie 17 years ago. We know it would not be easy going through the garden and shrine, but it was worth the task. When we did get stuck, surprisingly there was no problem getting help. For example, Greg would ask some guys to help get my chair up some stairs, he would just get to say "can you help my" and each time two, or three guys would just lift me and my chair up.  The four of us were not expecting this willingness, but it was welcoming.  We then went through a market for the experience, there was a man and his Wife that made decorative gourds. He wanted to give me one, not out of pity but as a sign of respect from one Artist to another. It turn out that he saw my artwork in the local paper. The gallery opening that I was invited to for is part of a bigger  Art Festival that runs until the of October.

Before I continue on about our epic Chengdu adventure and I know that it will takes weeks for me to purge all of this goodness.  I would like to give a big thanks to Gregory Burns, without his input none of this would have been possible. Greg told the foundation about me when they asked about other disabled artist in America. Greg and I met in 2001 during a show for the Orthopedic Associate on the West coast, he said we also met at the Kennedy Center. Although we only have had frequent contact over the years, I must have made a real impression on him. His art career is where I strive to be, painting and speaking around the world.  I know he has just opened a new door for me and this will not be our only trip to Chengdu.  By the second night, I ask "how does my ass get an artist residency here"? If I do not go back with 5 Colours Foundation, it would be with the US Consulate. They were not only interested me as an Artist, but with my whole story. Even through Wifey likes to take the back seat, we were told that everyone was intrigued with our story. 

Last night Wifey and I had a few beers after our travels and I think we will be redoing this trip within a years, but Wifey gives it six months. I know Greg not only opened a new market on my art, but also a chapter of adventures.