"Sometimes I Wonder..." Where the Heck Creativity Has Gone?

(This is an encore post of Uncle Paulie's World since it seems very timely!)

Okay...NOW I know that the world is really ending--at least the creative world as we've known it! Earlier today, I had the misfortune of seeing a copy of the press kit for the new FAME movie. Have you heard about this? Are they serious? A remake of FAME? How is that possible? I don't even want to hear that Irene Cara is appearing in the new movie. I want to remember her how she was. What else could they possibly tell us about these characters? I want to continue to fantasize about the paths they took without having someone shove contrived crap down my throat, and I DON'T want to see the whole "next generation" of fame performers because that type of thing has been run into the ground. Shhh! Did you hear that? It's the sound of "dull" and "uninteresting" coming out to do a tapdance! How can a filmmaker be so bold as to think that he or she could recreate any of the characters, storylines or the New York City that many of us remember--the gritty New York. It was the Pre-Disney New York, when you could see a prostitute pee in a cup in Times Square (True story! Me, my classmates and the Milford Plaza. The year was 1986 and I was 16 and living in Texas. I had NEVER seen such a thing in my life.).

Not only did seeing the prostitute pee in that cup change my life, but so did FAME. I've never been so moved by a film in my life. I didn't know it at the time, but I was able to see elements of my future self up there on the screen. I saw myself in so many of those characters. Back then, my closeted homo-ness in my suburban Texas world, filled with my OCD need to have the latest Broadway cast album and sing show tunes all the time, as well as my insistence that I, too, would "live forever," would all be validated by this film. What kid with talent didn't want to be up on top of one of those cabs hoofing away to the beat? I didn't even like to dance for Heaven's sake!

When I was in high school, I went so far as to to write a letter to Anne Meara (Ben Stiller's mother, for those of you who are too young to remember) to let her know how much her performance of Sherwood meant to me. I still have the autographed picture that she sent me along with a sweet note. Imagine the irony, when at age 32, I ended up in the same benefit concert with her and her husband, Jerry Stiller of Seinfeld fame, at NYC's Off-Broadway John Houseman Theatre. Stuff like that in the Universe is cyclical and beautiful. FAME remakes are not!

Giancarlo Esposito Teaches Life Lessons at Albuquerque Film Festival

(Photo Source: Entertainment Exclusives)

"We are living in creation," actor and director, Giancarlo Esposito, told a 100-member audience today as part of an "actors' workshop" that he did in conjunction with the Albuquerque Film Festival.

These days, it's rare that I make any commentary on spirituality or express my thoughts on how people should live their lives on Uncle Paulie's World, since they are only one man's opinion, but today, I had to share!

Esposito went on to say that if we are not living in truth, we are not living, which is so simple--and profound--and so many of us have made the choice to not live in our truths. The truth is that we create our own truth. Whatever thoughts we have are manifested in our lives. So, "Be careful what you wish for" was basically the jist of his admonishment to the intimate crowd, which consisted of actors, directors, producers, technical people and others.

The event, which took place at Albuquerque's Cell Theatre, was ambiguously titled a "workshop," but what it really ended up being was two hours of self-introspection and group communion of people who share varied, but related goals. It started out with deep breathing and meditation, and then a request that each one of us make a personal introduction of ourselves to the rest of the group(including the photographers and camera guy!). The "experience" as I have chosen to call it, since I went in with no expectations and an open mind, culminated with Esposito imparting knowledge that, as he said (and I'm paraphrasing here), most of us already know. It was merely a time for participant and keynote speaker to remind one another of that fact. Essentially what we learned is that we all lie, to ourselves and one another, and that we hate to be out of control, BUT to live fully, we must all give up that control. I like that!

In the last 5 months, I have learned to give up some control, and not worry about what the "picture" of my life seems to depict. It has been an interesting growth process, being laid off from a 3-year job that I, for the most part, liked, picking up and moving to a new city for both a person and the speculation of an exciting and fresh life. Along the road, hardly a moment went by when I didn't force myself to be conscious of the necessity for keeping the eye on the prize and the importance of not letting the small things get in my way. Esposito talked today about learning to trust yourself when living your life. It is easy for people, especially creatives, to say to others, "What should I do?", "Was that okay?", or "Take care of me!" Through my entire transition into my new environs, I have been learning to trust myself and my relationship that I have with God (You may have another relationship with a higher power, and I make no judgement on that, as long as you have a spiritual relationship with something or someone.) After all, someone said today, "No man is an island," and as humans, we have a symbiotic relationship with one another. Esposito said that to really live, we must serve each other and life is really celebrating that we don't have to go through it alone! Again, I love that!

Trusting in myself and my relationship with that higher spiritual power has brought me two leading roles in two shows in the last 4 months, and since last night's opening of the gallery where my art is currently hanging, I have sold three pieces! Things are also beginning to fall in place for me socially and financially, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to counteract all the doubt that I have felt my entire life. If this is all happening for me, one jot in the Universe, it must be so that a shift in the collective thought is happening in the World, and all is moving towards a state of bliss, much like the one that we vaguely remember. The time is now to trust in ourselves and no one else...and, of course, that higher power that helps us remain in control of what we create in our lives. (Stage Direction:And Uncle Paulie steps down from his soapbox.)

Thank you so much, Mr. Giancarlo Esposito, for the life-altering experience. You are one wise man!

Desert Intarsia Hosts Grand Opening as Part of Downtown ArtsCrawl

Whatcha doin' this Friday, August 7? Wanna go out? Let's go to the Grand Opening of Desert Intarsia Gallery during downtown Albuquerque's ArtsCrawl.

Desert Intarsia, the newest gallery on Gold Avenue, Albuquerque's up-and-coming arts district. Gold Avenue is quickly becoming the place for cool and funky art in the Duke City.

As a matter of fact, Desert Intarsia recently relocated to Gold Avenue from Old Town at the recommendation of Albuquerque's Downtown Action Team. According to gallery owners Brian and Stacey Maggard, local shoppers and businesspeople in the area have responded very well to the variety of art that Desert Intarsia offers, including intarsia jewelry by Brian, who is, himself, a nationally recognized jewlery maker. Brian is one of only eight people in the U.S. creating jewelry using this 16th Century lapidary style. People really seem to love the new gallery space, which is located at 317 Gold Avenue next door to the Atomic Cantina.

I recently caught up with Desert Intarsia Gallery co-owner Stacey Maggard to talk about the gallery's new digs. Check out the interview, and be sure to attend Desert Intarsia's Grand Opening from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. on August 7!

Desert Intarsia Gallery Finds New Gold Avenue Home

It's amazing just how much the arts lover can find to do Albuquerque. Did you know that there are 39 theatre companies, there are film festivals, and tons of live music performances and galleries in the area? Imagine that! You don't even need to head to Santa Fe (unless you want to!).

One of the highlights of "the Q's" cultural scene are the ArtsCrawls, which usually take place on the first Friday of the month. Galleries stay open later, offer wine and cheese receptions, and, of course, great art that's even affordable in this economy.

If you happen to be in town on Friday, August 7, stop by Desert Intarsia, the newest gallery on Gold Avenue, Albuquerque's up-and-coming arts district. Gold Avenue is quickly becoming the place for cool and funky art in the Duke City.

As a matter of fact, Desert Intarsia recently relocated to Gold Avenue from Old Town at the recommendation of Albuquerque's Downtown Action Team. According to gallery owners Brian and Stacey Maggard, local shoppers and businesspeople in the area have responded very well to the variety of art that Desert Intarsia offers, including intarsia jewelry by Brian, who is, himself, a nationally recognized jewlery maker. People really seem to love the new gallery space, which is located at 317 Gold Avenue next door to the Atomic Cantina.

I recently caught up with Desert Intarsia Gallery co-owner Stacey Maggard to talk about the gallery's new digs. Check out the interview, and be sure to attend Desert Intarsia's Grand Opening from 4 p.m.- 8 p.m. on August 7!

Southwest Gay & Lesbian Film Festival Co-Presents OUTrage at Albuquerque's The Guild Cinema

(Photo: Courtesy Magnolia Pictures)

Most people know at least one closet case. It's sad that many people have to live their true lives in secret, mostly because humanity isn't ready to make living the gay life bearable for everyone. So, in the interim, I guess we'll have to accept that there will always be stragglers, who aren't willing to deal with themselves just yet.

Speaking of closet cases, Washington, D.C. is full of 'em. Maybe that's why J.R.'s is packed with guys in khakis and blue blazers at 3 pm on a weekday. They're usually drunk off their butts by 5 pm and home with their pickups via the "back door" by 6 pm. Is it any wonder that this is common behavior in D.C. (I've seen it happen many times there!)? After all, a great majority of politicians are either in denial of their identities, or they live secret gay lives. These are the men and women who consistently vote against legislation that would allow gay marriage, adoption and other gay rights. It really puts the pressure on those around them to keep their mouths shut or stay tucked behind the leather chaps and stilleto pumps in the far depths of their own closets.

Luckily, brave filmmaker and Academy Award Winner Kirby Dick has turned Washington inside out with his new film OUTrage, and a lot of people are none too happy about it--mostly because it outs politicians like never before. Some of Dick's interviews, which include Congressman Barney Frank, former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, activist Larry Kramer, radio personality Michelangelo Signorile, and openly gay congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (Representative, Wisconsin 2nd district), imply that D.C. is gayer than San Francisco. Is that even possible??? The film also addresses the media’s cooperation in helping to keep secrets of those politicians living covertly gay lives.

While OUTrage has been playing to a lot of hoopla in other major cities, the film is premiering in Albuquerque at The Guild Cinema on July 21 and will play through July 23. If you haven't seen the film and are in the Albuquerque/Santa Fe areas, come check it out. It will be co-presented by The Southwest Gay and Lesbian Film Festival (www.closetcinema.org). For Closet Cinema members, admission will be reduced to a reasonable $5. See you at The Guild!

Color & Light: Santa Fe International Folk Art Market Opens Clear Window to the World

What do you do on an excruciatingly hot summer’s day if you happen to be in Santa Fe the second week in July? Well,head over to the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market on Museum Hill, of course!

A direct off-shoot of a smaller festival that took place in 2003, the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market was conceived in the earlier part of the decade by a handful of folk art collectors, dealers, Santa Fe arts leaders as well as the Director of the Museum of International Folk Art. The first Santa Fe International Folk Art Market was held in 2004 to much success, and has become the United States’ “largest venue for authentic, quality international folk art and a major international force in the cultural and economic sustainability of folk artists.”

Once you walk through the elaborately decorated gate, it's not difficult to see why. When you feature well over a hundred juried artists from all over the world (over 40 countries and 6 Continents were represented in 2008), display their colorful wares on the plaza at Museum Hill, amidst some of the country’s top cultural institutions—the Museum of International Folk Art, the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, and the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian—It’s truly a recipe for fun and excitement for people of all ages. Admission to the Festival will also get you into the museums for free over the weekend.

Even if your personal decorating style doesn’t include folk art, one can definitely appreciate the skill and level of craftsmanship in every piece of art that you will see at the Festival. One of the nicest aspects of the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market is that it is not like a gallery experience. Every piece of art is at your fingertips to handle, feel, and discover its unique energy. Who knows, the art might just start speaking to you and ask you to bring it home with you! And when you bring something home, the artist get to take back home 93% of the proceeds to his or her village, where they can put that money to good use.

This was my first year experiencing what the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market has to offer. I had a blast (in spite of the 2-mile walk from my car and a minor sunburn) checking out all the booths, sampling all the world tastes at the outdoor food court, meeting the artisans, as well as making friends with other spectators.

Highlights of the Festival included Indonesian shadow puppets, colorful wire and bead horses, penguins and people by Barbara Jackson, Shirley Fintz and Mathapelo Ngaka of Monkeybiz South Africa, the wooden block prints by Brazil’s own folk art legend Jose Francisco Borges. They were selling 6” x 8” original block prints for only $12—That’s a bargain!



Perhaps my most favorite of all the handicrafts available for purchase at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market were the hand-woven baskets by the women of the Wounaan People of Panama. They dye natural fibers that they find in the forest and weave them into their magnificent creations, which reflect their everyday life, their distinct culture, traditions, in addition to the insects, animals and plants found in the region.

If you didn't get to Santa Fe this year, put it on your must-do list for 2010. For more information visit www.folkartmarket.org.

Pancakes and Art With a Purpose on Santa Fe's Plaza

("Otavalo Girl" by Ariela Boronat)

Feel like being philanthropic as well as patriotic this Independence Day? If you're in the Santa Fe area on Saturday, July 4, be sure to stop by Pancakes on the Plaza, an all-breakfast, all-family, all-community, all-out July 4th benefit fiesta on Santa Fe's famed Plaza.

Co-sponsored by United Way of Santa Fe County, the Santa Fe New Mexican and Rotary Club of Santa Fe, Pancakes on the Plaza features a pancake breakfast served from 7:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Throughout the day, enjoy live music and fine art created by a variety of local artisans, including Cuban-born artist Ariela Boronat. Her unique block prints and paintings reflect a lifetime of world travel and masterfully capture her subjects in a way that will get you thinking and put a smile on your face.

Proceeds from Pancakes on the Plaza will be invested in the Santa Fe Children’s Project, an innovative, comprehensive community program to improve children’s success in school and life, the New Mexican Community Fund, as well as the Rotary Club of Santa Fe Foundation. For details, including ticket information visit the United Way of Santa Fe County Web site.