Clayton Campbell

Clayton is the Artistic Director of 18th Street Arts Center. He is also an art critique, curator, and artist. He likes to wear earrings, and he walks slowly and elegantly. He has a beautiful Mercedes which can be compared to Ford Capri. He is like one of those yuppies who enjoys life and art.

Clayton has been an intelligent friend when I am here at the 18th Street. He gave me very positive critique when he came to see my work at the studio. When we are chatting, he always has an extraordinary perspective and open mind to discuss any issues. He is very subjective and yet very clear of his personal values.

I like him very much. He is one of those people that will make you feel and believe that you are doing something really really great.

Clayton certainly is a perfect person to be mentioned and put a conclusion of Give+ Project Santa Monica.

11 paintings-Give+ Santa Monica

November 30 will be my last day in Santa Monica. I have finished 11 paintings, found 22 Give+ Project participants, visited many galleries, museums, and tourist spots, and gained numerous amazing friendships.

To keep a record list of my finished paintings:
9/11- At the Beach
9/18-18th Street
9/26-Love and Freedom
9/28-At the Creek
9/30-Unlimited Love
10/19-Big River-Homage to Johnny Cash
10/26-Sasha
11/7-Wave
11/17-The Sky Having Fallen, Have Clouds for Breakfast
11/24-Anticipation
11/26-Father

Katie Ziemann

Katie is a very special girl. She is a volunteer at the 18th Arts Center. Dejan, Katie and I went to LACMA and Hammer Museum last month, and it was the first time I met her.

Katie only has one class left before finishing her college here. Her major is English. We were joking about ordering Start Painting DVD, so she could come to visit me in Taiwan via some kind of Fellowships. She likes to to tie her hair back very similar to Katherine from the film poster (Jules et Jim by Francoise Truffaut). Her parents live in west Pasadena. I am looking forward to spending Thanksgiving with her family.

Last week, we had a gathering at where she works at Beverly Hills. The food was good and she gave Dejan, James and I a sweet surprise--Birthday and farewell ice cream for us. I made a wish, and miraculously I think it came true.

Ronald Lopez

When I was in Taipei earlier this year, I knew Ronald. Every artist at the 18th Street Arts Center made contact with him before starting residency here. Ronald is also an artist and curator. He has a video work now showing "War as a the Way of Life" exhibition at the gallery of 18th Street Arts Center.

Ronald picked me up from the airport. He told me that he was in Istanbul for several years for an art project, so he speaks Turkish, too. He is a guy with many talents. As a curator, he has a very intelligent social skill. When he is around, he can make you feel comfortable in conversation.

I saw some of his works when he was in my studio waiting for Bill. I told him one of his works was very feminine (organic form and pink at negative space) which really in contrast of his masculine impression for others. Of course, he just laughs...

Dejan Kaludjerovic

Dejan is from Belgrade and now lives in Vienna. He came to 18th Street on 10/16. When Ronald took him to our studios and introduced him to James and I, the first impression he gave me was a tall and smiley young guy. I invited him and James for dinner as a welcome thing for him. He told us some amazing stories and I think he is a very smart artist.

He knows how to get what he wants, and he delicates fully his time and talent to his artwork. He can stay in his studio for days in order to create a perfect piece which requires intensive concentration and skill.

He only stays here for 4 weeks. He is leaving for his exhibition in NYC on Thursday. Wish him a huge sucess on the opening day.

First Rainy Day