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Monday, May 30, 2011


this piece came with the house, outside the kitchen door on the back porch - so far artist unknown

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Copy RIGHT       beeswax, natural earth pigments, green painter's tape and paper         22" x 30"                        

Friday, May 27, 2011

Work at LaborLove Gallery

in Durhan, NC. Thanks to Kelly Dew' patient nature in hanging.
Will keep work up thru the end of Nov. Stop by when you're in
Durham.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Shells

Shells                                           ©Greg Patch

Friday, May 20, 2011

"Infinity"


Infinity
Beeswax, natural pigment
on Lotka paper
45” x 14”














is hanging at Harmony Yoga, 5201 Oleander Dr., Wilmington, NC.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011


placed on display/sale Red Violet Wave &
Into Waves 6 at Carolyn Atkinson's Flying Pi Kitchen at 402 Chestnut in Wilmington, NC this morning with other art she has on display there. I got to meet Carolyn's artist sister Lisa and more of her friendly staff. A welcome in spot for a mix of good locally grown, organic and natural foods prepared with healthy intentions and open atmosphere.
Check their hours out on their Facebook page, or be spontaneous and stop in for breakfast or lunch for very tasty nourishment.

Monday, May 16, 2011

a progressing transformation note 6

progressing transformation  ©Greg Patch
some finishing touches added/subtracted, am looking at hanging methods for display at Porters Neck Yoga & Spa 2 weeks prior to the Solstice art ceremony/performance 6/21. This art piece will undergo a transformation within a Fire Ceremony/Celebration. Look for announcements from PNY&S and other participants; yoga, art, music, etc. ...and more to follow as with all transformation.

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Free Evolutionize Your Life Online Seminar

Free Evolutionize Your Life Online Seminar

North Carolina Arts

arts supporter                         2011                        ©Greg Patch

the grid of the grill and a realm of infinity in the pavement is what struck me framing the license plate of an "arts" in "the Creative State North Carolina" supporter. Interesting the "t" in arts is a bit edgy with Christianity. 
The "Christian Cross" is a recognizable section of the grid. Is the "t" intentional or a graphic unconsciousness in a predominantly Christian state? North Carolina and Nebraska are tied at 53%, seventh nationally, for percentage of Christians in their population. The national average is now 42%. Is their faith in statistics?
Or, perhaps, the Celts are infiltrating out of the Appalacians!
Or, perhaps there is someone in the graphic design world recognizing a balance point between the horizontal and the vertical in the grid. A point where intersecting lines brings balance to naturally occurring structures, ie. our body with arms outstretched, buildings, solar systems and things invisible to & indivisible from us...

Saturday, May 14, 2011

quote day



You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.
 ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn

Friday, May 13, 2011

A Renewed Analysis of Coffea Arabica



http://acupunkyoga.wordpress.com/acupuncture/coffee-and-chinese-medicine/

Coffee and Chinese Medicine

The Coffee Report
A Renewed Analysis of Coffea Arabica
By Jeff Levin

Coffee is the second largest legal trade item in the world next to oil. This fact alone shows us humanity’s love for coffee and the powerful effect of this beverage. There is no doubt that coffee is as enjoyable as it is addictive. As America’s most popular drug it is important to understand its benefits and drawbacks to people’s health.
Looking at the history of coffee creates the context in which we can study and further understand this drink. From its discovery by Ethiopians to its present worldwide status, coffee has been fraught with controversy in medical communities. While some early doctors claimed it to be the ultimate cure all, others blamed it for being the source of all illness. Early Arabian physicians cautioned people of its powerful effects and cringed at the thought of it exiting their controlled pharmacopoeia to enter the cafes of everyday people. As coffee entered Europe, vintners and brewers saw it as a threat to their livelihood and had their private doctors make claims that coffee was extremely detrimental to one’s health.
Some physicians, such as Sir William Harvey, credited with the discovery of circulation, were big fans of coffee. In regards to coffee he said that, “This little fruit is the source of happiness and wit.” On his deathbed he bequeathed his 56 pound stash of coffee to his friends at the London College of Physicians to make toasts in his honor. One of the most significant contributions to our medical knowledge of coffee was Dr. Sylvestre Dufour’s isolation of the caffeine molecule as the primary active ingredient in coffee. He was also the first to observe that coffee helped some people but not others: it is neither universally good nor bad, but beneficial when appropriate. Unfortunately, we have not advanced very far beyond these two discoveries. We don’t know much of what coffee does beyond its caffeine component, and we don’t know why it works well for some but not others.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a great insight in its classification of herbs and their use in relation to people’s specific constitutions. It affords us a new way to look at coffee as a medicinal herb and how to apply its use in the most beneficial way to particular individuals. At this time, coffee is nearly non-existent in Chinese Medicine pharmacopeias, and the little writing there is about coffee is mostly prohibitory, discussing only coffee’s ill effects and none of its possible benefits.
Since analysis of the medicinal properties of herbs in TCM is largely a process of experience, it is not surprising that the TCM view of coffee is faulty and incomplete. The history of coffee shows that China has had little experience with it. Though coffee was grown in India since 17th century and thoroughly described in Ayervedic medicine, it wasn’t grown in China until 200 years later. Only in very recent years has it been widely available and used. Given the lack of empirical knowledge of coffee in TCM, it is important to re-evaluate coffee as a Chinese herb. This is possible by looking at discoveries that have been made in Western medicine about the functions, contraindications, and benefits of coffee and translating these into TCM terms.
Coffee enhances the function of the Central Nervous System and increases cognitive performance by intercepting a chemical called adencine which slows down nerves and causes sleepiness. In addition, diuresis is increased due to increased blood flow to the Kidneys. Coffee increases the body’s capacity for work and exercise by 15-20%: increasing the heart rate and acting as a mild analgesic. Coronary blood flow and metabolic rate are increased as well as smooth muscle being relaxed. From this information we can begin our translation of coffee into TCM.
Coffee is yang in nature. It creates heat as it moves, invigorates, and disperses. Western medicine cautions coffee use for people with anxiety, arrhythmia, and insomnia which are easily translated into a caution (or even contraindication) for those who suffer from Heart Heat. Coffee definitely moves Qi and Blood. Its ability to increase the metabolism has applications to combating Dampness with its dispersing nature. It both ascends Qi, giving us a lift of spirit, and descends Qi in its actions of diuresis, increased peristalsis, and bronchiodilation. These last two functions show coffee’s connection to the metal element: it acts on the Lungs and the Large Intestine.
Like many other powerful herbs in the TCM pharmacopoeia, coffee has a dark side. Study’s show that more than 5 cups a day can raise LDL cholesterol (Stagnation, Phlegm, or Damp. However, another study showed that heavy coffee drinkers consume 24% more saturated fats which could be the underlying cause of the increased cholesterol). The rise in cholesterol was worse when boiling the coffee which, from a culinary perspective, shouldn’t be done as it ruins the taste of the brew. One to two cups is enough to relax the lower esophageal sphincter and stimulate gastric secretion (Stomach Heat).
On the flipside, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that coffee can be beneficial if less that 4 cups (approximately 400mg of caffeine) per day are consumed. An international study shows that coffee drinkers suffer from asthma 25% less than non coffee drinkers. This is further confirmed by a Study at UCLA that showed a 15% increase in breathing capacity after drinking coffee. These facts reinforce the idea the coffee can descend Lung Qi. It reduces the risk of colon cancer as it moves Qi and Blood in the Large Intestine. Coffee also decreases alcohol induced liver cirrhosis by 80% due to an unknown ingredient. This reconfirms the idea that coffee powerfully moves blood and enters the liver as well as the large intestine and lung.
The current consensus is that coffee depletes the kidney essence. However, some new information indicates the assumption might have been made in error. Coffee contains anti-bacterial compounds that slow tooth decay (at the expense of yellow teeth).  Recent studies have shown that coffee can help prevent Parkinson disease and Alzheimer disease. Since tooth decay, Parkinson and Alzheimer are related to a lack of kidney essence and marrow, it would be better stated that coffee actually nourishes the essence as it greatly benefits the CNS. It also has been shown to benefit Type 2 diabetes due to a chemical unrelated to caffeine: another indication that kidney’s benefit from coffee
 Coffee is currently the largest source of anti-oxidants in the American diet which, sadly, says more about the American diet than coffee. These anti-oxidants, though decreased in darker roasted coffee, act as an anti-inflammatory when taken in low doses. However, in large doses, coffee acts as an inflammatory. This last insight is interesting in terms of the temperature of coffee: cool in low doses, but warm in higher doses. Similar to other herbs, some properties are dependant on quantity and preparation methods
Sir William Harvey would be interested to know that the debate about coffee’s effects on the cardiovascular system rages on. Many studies show that coffee’s effect on hypertension is all over the map: some people blood pressure increases, in others, it decreases, and in some there is no change. This brings us back to Dr. Dufour’s 17th century insight that coffee affects different people in various ways. This could be explained by a recent study showing that certain people are genetically programmed to break down caffeine slower, but doesn’t add much insight in terms of how to prescribe coffee from a TCM point of view.
Although many of the effects of coffee are attributed to its caffeine component, there are over 300 other alkaloids in coffee that have effects unknown, one of which is responsible for its benefit to the liver. Decaffeinated coffee has some of these benefits, but most decaf is made by soaking the coffee in methylene chloride. This solvent is believed to be toxic but is largely untested. Residual amounts of methylene chloride remain in the coffee, but only in 25 parts per million, not enough to worry the FDA.
All of this new information helps us re-evaluate coffee’s role in TCM. With a renewed intelligence about the functions of this powerful herb, practitioners of TCM may be better able to guide their clients about healthy ways to imbibe coffee to help many of the major diseases described here as well as other minor imbalances.
In conclusion, as we continue to enjoy our high quality coffee, further discovering and describing its effects from our own experience, we will be better able to present it as an herb with greater wisdom.  By engaging in this 500 year long debate about coffee and health, we increase our collective knowledge, and, if we do this after imbibing a moderate amount of coffee, we will increase our cognitive capacity to do so.

Bibliography:
Bakalar, Nicholas (June 13th 2006) Easing Liver Damage With a Dose of Coffee. New York Times, p.D6

Coughlin, Dr. James R. Coffee and Your Health.  www.coffeescience.org

Davids, Kenneth (1979). Coffee: A Guide to Buying, Brewing and Enjoying. San Francisco: 101 Publications

Dharmananda, Subhuti Coffee in China and the Analysis of Coffee According to Traditional Chinese Medicine.  www.itmonline.org

Flaws, Bob. (1997) The Tao of Healthy Eating. Boulder, Colorado: Blue Poppy Press

Werbach, M.R. (1987) Nutritional Influences on Illness, Sourcebook of Clinical Research. New Canaan, Connecticut: Keats Publishing

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Environmental Artists Opportunity



TAB Artist Opportunities

1) Join ArtCorps and strengthen sustainable development in Central America with your creative talents.
  Through theater, storytelling, music, digital media and other creative facilitation techniques, ArtCorps Artists educate and inspire people to participate actively in improving the environmental, health and social conditions in their communities. Each ArtCorps artist works directly with a local development organization that is an expert in its field, strengthening their work through the arts.
Artists will:
  • Work and live in his or her host community from January 2012 through December 2012.  Artists have the option to extend their stay for a second year if agreed upon by the host organization. 
  • Receive room and board, medical insurance and a small personal stipend.
  • Receive training and technical assistance from ArtCorps staff in the region in order to integrate ArtCorps methodology into the host organization.
  • Apply now for opportunities in GuatemalaEl Salvador, Honduras and Belize For info and initial application, visit http://www.artcorp.org/Become-an-ArtCorps-Artist. The early application deadline is May 15, 2011 and the regular deadline is June 20, 2011.
2) R U On the TPAC list?? If not email info@TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org
Have news?
Submission Format:Please edit your news 3 lines of text, no images can be included. Large text, or color, or pdf. files submitted cannot be edited for submissions.   Items will run in 2 editions of News & Opps.  Send entries to: info@TucsonPimaArtsCouncil.org .

3) Faculty in Art (2-D)
9 month position
Painted Desert Campus, Holbrook, Arizona
http://www.npc.edu/node/64996

4) Media Grantmaking - MacArthur Foundation
The MacArthur Foundation's Media, Culture, and Special Initiatives program is accepting proposals for 2011 documentary film grants on an ongoing basis until June 1, 2011. Decisions will be made and announced in September 2011. The program seeks to fund documentary film projects that address the significant social challenges of our time or explore important but under-reported topics. Domestic and international topics are welcome; preference will be given to projects that align with one of MacArthur's grantmaking areas. Support will be provided primarily for production and post-production activities (though some of the funds may be used for pre-production or outreach activities). Documentary stories that will be told both in film and a second medium are especially encouraged. This is a highly selective process. The Foundation funds only 8-12 documentary film projects each year. Grants will be made to experienced filmmakers based in the U.S.. Projects funded by the Foundation are expected to reach a national U.S. television broadcast. The typical MacArthur documentary film grant is $100,000 to $200,000. For more information, go to:www.macfound.org/site/c.lkLXJ8MQKrH/b.3599935/k.1648/John_D__Catherine_T_MacArthur_Foundation.htm

Executive Director
Tucson Arts Brigade
Community Arts, Education and 
Civic Engagement Since 1996

http://www.tucsonartsbrigade.org/

520-791-9359

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Goethe's Color Theories/not facts

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_Colours#cite_note-Goethe_1995-4

Goethe's Color Wheel
It is hard to present Goethe's "theory", since he refrains from setting up any actual theory; "its intention is to portray rather than explain" (Scientific Studies[5]). For Goethe, "the highest is to understand that all fact is really theory. The blue of the sky reveals to us the basic law of color. Search nothing beyond the phenomena, they themselves are the theory."[6]
5. Goethe, Johann (October 1995). Miller, Douglas. ed. Scientific Studies (Goethe: The Collected Works, Vol. 12), p.57. Princeton University Press.^ Quoted in translation in: Hughes, Peter (1992). "Performing Theory: Wittgenstein and the Trouble with Shakespeare". Comparative Criticism14: 85.
6..Quoted in translation in: Hughes, Peter (1992). "Performing Theory: Wittgenstein and the Trouble with Shakespeare". Comparative Criticism14: 85.



Monday, May 9, 2011

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day Soaring

Mother's Day Soaring

Onus My/Your Feminine.

Love Mom/Mother.
Earth I.  
Sun I.

receiving Cosmas enlove Cosmos penetrating
Big Bang enFold.
.Soar with my/your Nourishment.

∞  Celebrate the Dream ∞ 


Saturday, May 7, 2011

Wilmington, NC Cameron Art Museum puts it on State of the Art/Art of the State




Went to check out the flow of artists lining up to enter their one piece into this unique event around 1:30 PM. Arrived back around 5 to a jammed parking lot and slipped into a spot off the grounds and conveniently close.
I'd applied online and was directed to the "sign in room" to get my entry number. #202 gave me a sense of being well grounded here!. Staff were at the beginning calls, "11 - 20", "21 - 30", etc. A well organized excitement filled the Cameron spaces. I ran into several local artists, a friend from FB, and met several new folk from different areas of NC. By 6:30 "201 - 210"!
Initially I was warmly and enthusiastically greeted by Susan Davidson, Senior Curator, Collections & Exhibitions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC. Then a very attentive and personably interested interview about my work, WebhGround 3, by Timothy Anglin Burgard: The Ednah Root Curator of American Art and the Curator-in-Charge of the American Art Department for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco lasted for a couple minutes. Did I talk quickly Timothy?! The staff at the Cameron receiving the work were most careful in listening to and handling my installation requisites.
When I left a little after 7PM they had reached #33o something.
The opening is tonite. The works will remain at the Cameron thru Oct 31.
enThanks to everyone involved!


  

early line up

http://www.cameronartmuseum.com


State of the Art/Art of the State

May 8 – October 30, 2011

Organized by the Cameron Art Museum, this exhibition focuses on contemporary art by artists currently living in, or native to, the state of North Carolina. Artists are invited to bring a single work of art to be installed in the museum, delivering the work within a 24-hour period (between 5:00 pm Friday, May 6 and 5:00 pm Saturday, May 7, 2011). During this timeframe, one of three internationally renowned curators will be present to greet each artist, shake his/her hand - and direct the exhibition installation. All three curators will attend the exhibition opening on Saturday May 7, 2011 from 6:00-9:00 pm.
The design of this project provides any participating artist equal opportunity to meet a significant curator working in the field of contemporary art today and have their work seen by all three visiting curators. The curators for this event are Susan Davidson, Senior Curator, Collections & Exhibitions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, and Nicholas Cullinan, Curator at the Tate Modern, London.
This event pays homage to the open, creative curatorial spirit of the late art world maverick, Walter Hopps (1932-2005). In 1978, responding to a comment from his junior colleague, Deborah Velders (Jensen) about the problems artists face gaining access to notable curators, Walter Hopps conceived an entirely open, unmediated event to remedy the situation. His program invited any artist to bring a single work of art, to meet Hopps, and see installation of work. This event called “36 Hours” occurred in a gritty, street-level alternative space called MOTA (Museum of Temporary Art), located in downtown Washington, D.C. There was no jurying, no selection (or rejection), and no entry fee. The only restrictions were size (work needed to fit through the door), weight (regarding transporting/placing and support capacity), and the delivery time frame (36 hours). This unprecedented opportunity for artists was covered by the Washington Post, and attracted over 400 works of art, all by artists living and working in the Washington, D.C. area.



Celebrated curators for State of the art/Art of the State event are:

Susan Davidson, Senior Curator, Collections & Exhibitions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, New York;


Nicholas Cullinan, Curator at the Tate Modern, London, England;


Apsara Di Quinzio: Assistant curator of painting and sculpture at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; 


Timothy Anglin Burgard: The Ednah Root Curator of American Art and the Curator-in-Charge of the American Art Department for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco.


A few more shots;


line up to the "curator/install room"

artists waiting their spot

the event!

doors into from out to to into

staff preparing for hanging

curators chatting w/artists
Opening shows @802 NC Artists with a turnout that Sparkles for Wilmington and NC arts...


the public shows up to support NC Arts

wall to wall