Hardcore Painting.Com: Experiments in Creativity

My springtime worries... I have a feeling it will be a very hot summer.

2012-01-28T10:20:00.000-05:00

"The Shady Bunch": My Drawing and Painting Honors Class Self Portrait Project

2012-01-28T10:13:00.007-05:00

A class public art project! Expressive Acrylic paintings created with brushes attached to sticks. Inspired by the work of Françoise Nielly. To be installed next week outside the Cofrin Art Gallery at Oak Hall School. I'm proud of them!

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings!

2011-12-16T08:11:00.013-05:00

Meetings,

Meetings!

I don't think I have been to this many meetings in so few days in my entire life! This was a Diplomatic mission after all, so it was to be expected. Our first morning in Palestine started off quickly. After 54 hours of travel, our morning continued with a bleary eyed bus ride from Qalqilya to Ramallah. First stop, a meeting with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority, Salam Fayyad.

The main purpose of this meeting was to present the Prime Minister our plan to unify 200 Palestinian, Israeli and American cities in a Sister City Relationship.

We hoped that if we got his blessing, it would help other cities leaders support the plan as well.

He listened intently to the specifics of the idea and the plan we had to make it a reality.

He liked the idea!

This was important as his support helped our delegation when discussing our plan with other officials at meetings over the next few days. We had a very ambitious schedule ahead of us as our van drove us throughout the region for similar talks with many other leaders.

We wanted to meet with anyone and everyone we could. While Steve and Paul had many meetings in various cities set up, they were constantly on their phones trying to schedule more meetings with National and local leaders wherever we went. They even set up a meeting with representatives of the the World Bank in order to gain their financial support for the program!

Above: a meeting in the Mayor's office in Kfar Saba.

In each city, we explained our ideas to whomever would listen.

Above: Meeting with the Mayor of Nablus

We met with University Presidents,
Above: Meeting with An-Najah National University President

We met with Artists, and at Peace, Arts and Women's Centers.
Above: Meeting with Shira Devel Katz in Kfar Saba about youth and Arts programs

We also met with a variety of Educators.

We even met with a Nobel Peace Prize winner!
(Above: The very impressive Dr. Ernesto Kahan met with us in Kfar Saba)

Sometimes meetings were more casual,

... and sometimes meetings ran a little long. In each meeting, we all served a role. Jason and myself often explaining educational and artistic outreach ideas. Above: I kept myself entertained by documenting the moment.

Here is a Sketch I did in the Governor of Qalqilya's office using some residue of the the super-strong, super-thick coffee they served us for many of the browns.

I think he liked it!

At each meeting there was usually some gift exchange.

The Mayor brought back some very nice mementos!

While these official meetings were very important, and personal connections were made among officials, I think even deeper connections were made when we were out of the boardroom and out with the people. Very cool unexpected things happened that never would have happened in an office! My next posts will talk about some of these moments, as well as, the work we did on the ground, and the people we befriended in both Israel and Palestine!

After 54 hours of canceled flights and lost luggage... Israel & Palestine!

2011-12-15T11:54:00.019-05:00

Welcome to the Middle East where Israel and Palestine sit as neighbors. When I was asked to be a part of this delegation I jumped at the chance to see this historic land!

Now technically speaking, there is not yet a country named Palestine. What it is really called is the "Occupied Territory of Palestine", or the West Bank and Gaza, (as you can see by the map below). However, what you'll find out in later posts is the map really isn't as simple as it seems. Indeed, everything is very complicated in the Middle East. Our journey took us all throughout the West Bank, so when I say Palestine, that is the area that I am referring to.

Before I go any further, I want to introduce you to the delegation and tell you how this project came to be in the first place.
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Gainesville first received a visit from the Mayors of Kfar Saba and Qalqilya back in the year 2000. These two Mayors (who were childhood friends by the way) came to Gainesville to learn about water treatment plants. While here they toured the University, our Hospitals, met with our city officials and private citizens. Stephen Kalishman, (Founder of Gainesville Sister Cities program), suggested to the visiting Mayors that an official, three-way Sister Cities program be created between us, to which they officially agreed. Steve has experience with these types of programs as he successfully paired up 200 cities in the former Soviet Union with American cities. You can find out more about this organization at their website: http://www.gnvsistercities.org/

Last year we were visited again by a delegation from Qalqilya who spoke to various organizations and schools as they toured our city and Hospitals. They explained their needs and many in our community wished to get involved to help. One of the visiting delegates was Mr. Odeh, head of Education in Qalqilya. Mr. Odeh had previously put me into contact with an Art teacher in his city named Romance who I communicated with via email.

For about a year I maintained a website where Romance and I posted pictures of our students artwork. This was the first step in getting to know each other on a more personal level.

The next thing I knew, I was asked to be a part of the delegation to visit our new sister cities!
My colleague, Oak Hall School's Music Director Jason Stahl was also asked to participate as an Israeli music teacher expressed interest in the exchange program. Together with Steve Kalishman, we organized a Concert fundraiser at the Cofrin Theater featuring the local Klezmere Katz and a band called Luminaries. A student and I set up large canvases and we painted as the bands played all night. It was a great event!

Flash forward: Jason Steve and I are sitting at the Gainesville Airport ready to board a flight to Israel to meet up with the rest of our delegation. That's when all the fun started!

A canceled flight made us have to scramble to get another that evening. As no more were leaving Gainesville, we had no choice but to get down to Orlando quick! Tried renting a car, all sold out (not a single car for rent in Gainesville?) Really! Plan B: Steve wife picks us up, we grab Steves car and start flying down the interstate, with 3 smart phones working furiously to find flights, transfer tickets, move funds... all while trying to stay between the white lines of the highway and not wreck! After getting to the airport in the nick of time, we were greeted with computer problems and a clerk who did not know what to do! You see we HAD to get out that evening as we had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Palestine set up that we could not miss. After some begging, pleading and dumb luck, the clerk processed our tickets and away we went running through the terminals! More chaos met us, but to make a long story short, After 54 hours of traveling, no sleep and lost luggage, we arrived in Israel, grabbed a taxi and sped out to the West Bank with just enough time to make the meeting, (literally, we had one hour to spare)!

Above: Jason Stahl takes in the landscape as the sun slowly rises.

Israel is not a very big place.
In fact at its thinnest point, it is only about 1okm wide. You could easily ride your bike across it!

This first morning we arrived in Israel when it was still dark so we could not get a great feel for the place. The Sun started to rise as we got closer to the West Bank.

Above: Steve Kalishman talks to our taxi driver

Above: A Bedouin campsite

Besides the arid landscape, the first thing one has to get used to the Militarization of the region. As we drove we passed multiple military checkpoints, armored vehicles and the like.

From the airport to the frontier, you have to get used to all the 18 year-olds with machine guns walking around.
This the the checkpoint leading into Qalqilya. I have heard a lot about this before coming and I was honestly a little bit nervous about having to pass through, however our driver simply drove right around and in, no problem! It seems the the problem is not getting into Qalqilya, the problem is getting out!

Besides the gates and walls, the law apparently keeps the Israelis and Palestinians from interacting as this sign below indicates.

So, we met up with the rest of the delegation and away we sped by bus to catch our meeting with the Prime Minister. Before I tell you about that, let me introduce you to our delegation...

Leading our delegation was Gainesville Mayor Craig Lowe. City Commissioner Randy Wells also came to represent the city.

You have already met Steve Kalishman...

Gainesville Sister Cities Co-Director's Paul Rothstein was also with us...

As well as Co-Director, Dr. Manal Fakhoury.

Bringing up the rear were the artists! OHS Music Director/ Trombonist / and Photographer Extraordinaire Jason Stahl. Live from L.A. it's the positive messaged, Hip-Hop stylings of LUMINARIES! And then there was me!

I can't forget our sound man Okie and our Camera Man Amir! They followed us around "reality TV" style and became part of our big happy family.
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You know, before I came on this trip, many people said to me, "You look Mediterranean, you'll blend right in"! Well, as our delegation drove all around the West bank and walked the street of various cities, I could not help but think that to the locals, it surely must have seemed like the circus came to town!

Next Post: Our meeting with the Prime Minister!

An Artist's Adventure in Israel & Palestine

2011-12-14T12:11:00.024-05:00

Have I got a story to tell you!
I recently returned from the Middle East where I was on a Diplomatic Mission!

Western (or Wailing Wall) with the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

There is so much to say about this journey I don't really know where to start, but I guess this image best sums up the reason for the trip...

"Three Cities: One World", Acrylic on Canvas, 24" x 30"

I was recently part of a team of Citizen Diplomats who visited Israel and Palestine as part of a Three way Sister Cities program. Gainesville, Florida has developed a relationship with the Israeli city of Kfar Saba and the Palestinian city of Qalqilya. Kfar Saba and Qalqilya are only one mile apart, but the distance between them could not be greater. I'll try to explain...

By now, most of you have heard about the Security Wall the Israeli government has erected around it's boarders to help protect itself. Having faced attacks and a lot of other trouble over the years, who can blame them for wanting to protect themselves, right? Well, while I am very sympathetic to this sentiment, the reality of what is going on over there is a whole lot more complicated than it seems.

Israeli Built Security Wall

Below is an image of Qalqilya taken from space. Kfar Saba lies about one mile to the West. As you can see, not only does the security barrier separate Qalqiya from Kfar Saba, it completely encircles them! A little smaller than the city of Gainesville, Qalqilya is currently and quite simply a prison city.

Through a grassroots effort, the Gainesville/ Kfar Saba/ Qalqilya Sister cities project is one way we are all trying to do something about this situation. Now, I know what you might be thinking...

"Who do you think you are to expect to change things?! They have been fighting forever! These are big, complicated problems with unresolved issues dating back decades if not centuries! You are not even from the region and it is none of your business! What possible solutions could you have to offer?"

Well, I have to admit. I have some of those same doubts, however, I am still also optimistic that this project can actually have a genuine effect on the attitudes of the people in both towns, particularly with the youth. Maybe I am truly naive, but so what? That won't stop me from trying my best to make friends and to do what little I can to help.

So what's an Artist to do?

Get Painting I guess!

Our delegation consisted of our Mayor, a City Councilman, A Hip-Hop band, a trombonist, an artist (me), the founders of the Sister Cities program along with a sound and film crew. There was no mistaking our group! The locals must have surely thought the circus came to town!

We fanned out all over Israel and the West Bank meeting with many Mayors, Governors, University Presidents... even had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Palestine! We visited schools, hospitals, Arts and Women's centers. While our primary goal was to develop strong personal relationships with the people of Kfar Saba and Qalqilya, another goal is to pair up 200 Palestinian, Israeli and American cities to develop similar 3-way relationships of their own.

This trip was pure, Citizen Diplomacy in action. When the politicians can't fix things, it is time for the people to lead. In fact, the whole adventure was filmed as a documentary entitled, "When the People Lead" is currently being produced.

With these next few posts, I will try to explain what we accomplished during this trip and how we are continuing to work towards further progress in the future and how you might get involved as well.

More to come, so stay tuned...

Prague: A quick summer overview!

2011-10-15T16:39:00.015-04:00

How bad do I have to update this blog? THIS BAD!

I have such a good story to tell you about what I did the last two weeks... but I have been so busy I neglected to mention my two weeks in Prague this past summer! Before I go any further, and get to the good new stuff, I have to at least mention the wonderful city of Prague...

1st: While my wife was at a conference I had a whole week to wander around and explore on my own. Confused by the variety of subway ticket options and seemingly no enforcement, I was caught up in a sweep! $43 dollar fine (American)! Ouch! At least I didn't have to explore a Prague Prison!

I know you've seen pictures, but Prague is an amazingly beautiful old city. Most famously, the view of the Charles Bridge.

It was the week of fourth of July in Prague so I took the opportunity to celebrate with some very cheap beers and even tasted some absinthe! I wonderd what the skyline of Prague would look like with fireworks?
I also got some chances to get around to some on the spot painting. This is an image of Jan Hus, a 15th century heretic, is a symbol of Czech nationalism, a sculpture on display in the old town square.

And here, the old Pwder Tower...

Of course, While I was there I had to get some Hacky Sack (Footbag) in in the old town square as well!

One of my goals while in Prague was to play some Ultimate frisbee with the locals. I went online and found a regular pickup game in Letna Park each Sunday. I showed up, but it was a rainy, cold day. I guess they don't play in the rain in Prague like we do in Florida. I was a bit bummed.

That week I walked the entirety of Prague, discovering many cool sites. One unexpected view was the giant babies crawling up the TV tower!

"Tancici Dum", the Dancing building was another amazing piece of architecture!

I learned alot about the history of Prague as I visited many museums. While under occupation of the Soviet Union, this massive sculpture of Stalin was erected in Letna park. It could be seen fro miles around.
The Czech's tried repeatedly over the years to gain independance from the Soviets, but it was the self emulation of one young college student, Jan Palach (he burned himself to death in protest) that inspired the people to be outraged enough to finally rally for peace.

His funeral was a massive public event.

After years of protests, by the late 80's, another student followed Jan's lead and the Velvet Revolution had begun...
Eventually, the Stalin sculpture was also reduced to the rubble of History.

After her conference ended, Kim and I took some day trips, such as Karlsberg Castle.

By far the most fascinating was to Kutna Hora, the city of the Bone Church.

The entire church is decorated with human bones! Chandeliers, alters and other displays of faith were created by the bones of the dead.

Crazy Cool!

While Prague was amazing, I am most happy to report that the following Sunday was sunny and clear. I showed up for some Ultimate at Letna park and found a crowd of fun loving ultimate players ready for action! We played two games, I think I scored 4 and threw for 3 and had a great time playing my favorite game with the locals!

The best part of this Sunday was after the game. Their tradition is to meet in Letna Beer Garden after the games. I was more than happy to accompany them!

Prague is a beautiful city with wonderful people, and proved to be the highlight of my summer.

Work for the "American Dream" Exhibition at Top Secret Space

2011-06-26T22:26:00.005-04:00

This Friday night, visit Downtown Gainesville's Top Secret Space for an exhibition featuring some of the best artists in our region! I will be contributing 3 pieces to this show, though these works focus more on the American Nightmare that is the War in Iraq.

"Shocking Awe" Acrylic on canvas, 24" x 36"

Remember the first night of the Iraq war? Shock and Awe" they called it. We sat in comfort and watched live as the bombs lit up the skyline of Baghdad. I never bought the "Weapons of Mass Destruction" BS. We should be ashamed to get suckered into this war that had nothing to do with 911.

"Negative Energy Plan" Acrylic, 60"x48"

This painting questions WHY the need for seemingly systematic elaborate torture and sexual abuse as illustrated by this iconic image from the Abu Ghraib scandal. I thought we were better than this.

"Iraq Show" Acrylic on canvas, 68" x 62" (approximately)

This complex piece shows the insanity of the Iraq war. The little Emperor sits atop his throne of abused prisoners and golden oil drums as a soldier, thrown into the middle of this mess, tries to keep the peace. Cerberus, the mythological 3 headed dog that guards the gates of Hell, intimidates a hooded prisoner in captivity. This represents how we got a little too "Hot" on this topic for my tastes. These pieces for the American Dream exhibition are more about the nightmare that is our very own Iraq war.

Here is the press release for the show... I hope you can make it out Friday Night!

American Dream Art Show
The Top Secret Space, 22 N. Main St, Gainesville
Opening: July 1, 7 p.m. -11 p.m.
...Additional Exhibition Dates: July 8-9, 7-10 p.m.
Closing date: July 29, 7-11 p.m. as part of ArtWalk

American Dream on display July 1 in Gainesville art venue

GAINESVILLE, FLA. -- As July Fourth approaches, a thought-provoking new art show opens to wrestle with the theme American Dream as its artwork tears into the majesty, muscle and memory of the nation’s persona.

The American Dream Art Show, curated by Bill Bryson, opens July 1 in downtown Gainesville. The exhibit will showcase works of more than 40 national and regional artists, including Kim Anderson, Steve Keene, R. Land, Arnold Mesches, Oscar Molina, Robert Ponzio, Padgett Powell, Tia Ma, Daniel Stepp and Oli Watt. The artists work in formats from visual art in 2D and 3D, multimedia presentations, a puppet show, a vocal improvisation, and spoken word pieces all inspired by the theme of the American Dream.

Bryson, who runs the community Internet radio station Grow Radio (www.growradio.org), chose to create a show around the theme because he said he has been meeting artists through his endeavors for the past 20 years and believed the unifying concept would provide a great opportunity to showcase their abilities. He invited these artists to draw inspiration from the theme and provide unique pieces for the show.

“I’d been reflecting on the idea for some time and realized it had great potential for an art exhibition,” said Bryson, who has also owned and operated the Covered Dish, a downtown live music club, and was co-publisher of The Satellite Magazine. “The theme is appealing on different levels and these artists reflect on it in a variety of ways. It is open to broad interpretation, is especially timely and will encourage provocative thought and discussion.”

The American Dream Art Show is on display at The Top Secret Space, 22 N. Main St., Gainesville. The opening is 7-11 p.m. Friday, July 1. Additionally the show will be open July 8-9 as part of the Top Restaurant and Atlantic Nightclub’s anniversary celebrations. Last chance to catch the Dream is 7-11 p.m., July 29. Private viewings available upon request in July. The Top Restaurant co-sponsored the exhibition.

Twitter: @AmericanDreamFL
FB event page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169452879771367
FB page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002469554608
Email: AmericanDreamGNV@gmail.com
Phone: Bill Bryson, 352-219-0145

My Gift to the Kind People of Changzhou, China: Introducing them to a Qing Dynasty Scroll (which depicts their city!)

2011-06-19T08:37:00.043-04:00

Above: The Changzhou Scroll- (Click on image to view in detail).

Welcome to Changzhou during Emperor Kangxi's Reign during the Qing Dynasty, 1691 AD! The image above shows the "Dragon City" as they prepare for a visit from the Emperor himself during his Southern Inspection tour. The amazingly detailed scroll depicts hundreds of people going about their busy preparations in great detail. While this image is a piece of history, it is also one that the people of Changzhou did not know existed... that is, until now.

I am proud to report that I am happily responsible for introducing the kind people of Changzhou to this image of their home town! This opportunity came about as a result of our Sister School relationship with Changzhou #2 Senior Middle School. The story of how I came to discover the scroll is a long one, but with this post, I will try to explain how it all came together.

Above: Image Detail Showing Wall and gates of Changzhou

The primary mission of this exchange trip was to bring Oak Hall students to visit our Sister School in China, where our students had the rare opportunity to stay with Chinese families, (see previous posts). I, however, was personally looking forward to surprising our friends with this image of their home city, (particularly as I knew they have never seen it before)! This image was lost to history, but with some luck I rediscovered it in the vaults of the Phoenix Museum, where I obtained a high quality digital scan of the image.

While visiting a Calligraphy class, I took a moment to unveil the scroll. I was traveling with an 8' digital print of the image, as well as the high resolution scan of the original scroll to give to the school. They were extremely happy to see it! There was a TV reporter on campus and he filmed the presentation of the gifts and interviewed me for the evening news! Since I have returned home, there has been a tremendous amount of interest about the scroll by the Chinese media and scholars. They have referred to my gift as "A New Discovery"! It has been very satisfying for me to reintroduce the people of Changzhou to this important piece of history.

Above: Image Detail Showing Old Bridge in Changzhou over the Grand canal.

While this was all very exciting for me, I still had one nagging question that I had to have answered... "Does the site shown in the scroll depicting the bridge and old city wall still exist?"

After years of investigating and studying this scroll, I think you can easily imagine how I felt when our friends in Changzhou changed our afternoon plans to bring us exactly to the place shown in the Qing Dynasty scroll! I can't tell you how exhilarating it was to finally see this with my own eyes!

Well, that is the story in a nutshell. Now I'll next try to explain how this all came to be...

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Making the Discovery

During the 2007 academic year, I was enrolled in a course entitled "New Perspectives on Early Modern China", at the University of Florida, (see Qing hand scroll lesson). This course examined the history, culture and economy of Qing Dynasty China primarily by examining a set of scrolls called the Southern Inspection Tour scrolls which the Kangxi and Qianlong Emperors had commissioned. These scrolls can be viewed at the Columbia University website: "Recording the Grandeur of the Qing".

While researching these documents on the website, I came across this reference that one of the scrolls depicted the city of Changzhou, the city of our sister school! As this scroll was not published on the web site, I began investigating where the scroll was being held in the hopes of viewing it and sharing it with our friends in Changzhou.

After writing several letters to various scholars inquiring about the location of the scroll, I was happy to finally make contact with scholar Claudia Brown of Arizona State University and Asian Curator Janet Baker of the Phoenix Museum. At their invitation, I flew out to Phoenix to meet the collectors, Roy and Marilyn Papp, the scholars and to view the scroll in person!

Inside the vaults of the Phoenix Museum, Janet baker unrolls the historic scroll. After several months of tracking it down, it was very exciting to finally see the scroll with my own eyes!

When the Papp's acquired the scroll at auction in the 1980's, it was in very bad shape, with water damage, rips and holes across the top from where it had been pinned up. They had the scroll shipped to Hong Kong to an expert who meticulously cleaned and remounted the scroll on an exquisite silk backing in the traditional manner. It was amazing how vibrant the colors of the pigment were. Metallic pigments were also utilized throughout to emphasize musical instruments and other important objects.

This scroll was created 1691 - 98 AD, and is one of 12 scrolls created by artist Wang Hui at the request of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. This particular scroll is meant to document the Emperor's Southern Inspection tour of China, in particular his journey along the Grand Canal to visit the important city of Changzhou.

Above: The Grand Canal is a miracle of engineering that helped to unify China.

The scroll, is made with ink and mineral pigment on silk, and is estimated to be, (originally), about 40 feet long. Unfortunately, at some point in history, this scroll was cut into different sections. This portion of the scroll is thought to be the finale, as the Grand Canal leads the viewer (from right to left), through the beautiful triple arched bridge towards the gates of the great walled city of Changzhou. Sadly, the whereabouts of the remaining sections of the scroll were unknown, (however, that has now changed as you will see below).

This scroll section depicts a 10 mile stretch of the Grand Canal from Bennieu to Changzhou, and is extremely detailed. Hundreds of people are illustrated as they prepare a celebration to honor the Emperor's impending arrival. The viewer can see into homes and business to observe minute details of daily life. This image offers a wealth of information about how the proud people of Changzhou lived during the Qing era.

These are from an exhibition catalog published by the Phoenix Museum about the Roy and Marilyn Papp collection of Asian Paintings.

Artist Wang Hui was considered one of China's greatest painters in his day. It turns out that Wang Hui grew up only 15 miles from Changzhou, in the village of Yushan near Changshu, and was certainly familiar with this section of the Grand Canal. It is exciting to realize that this image depicts a part of his country that he was intimately familiar with and thought fondly of! It seems to explain why he dedicated such a large portion of the scroll to such a relatively short distance of the journey... more space than in any other of the 12 other scrolls in the series!

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Does the Bridge and Wall around Changzhou Still Exist?
I had to See For Myself.

Since I have been studying the scroll, I had the lingering question if the wall and bridge shown in the scroll still exist. When our friends took us to the site, I was unbelievably exited to find out for myself!
I had been studying old maps of Changzhou like this one which show the site in question, and even tried to use Google earth, but not knowing where to look, I had to wait for our friends to show me.

There it was! Remains of the ancient city wall of Changzhou!

And there is the bridge! As it turns out though, the bridge was rebuilt. The Grand Canal was widened so the Chinese rebuilt the bridge in the other direction across the smaller portion of the Canal. This sign below explains it:

The TV reporter followed us around filming the moment. Upon closer inspection of the wall we found an old map engraved into a tablet on the wall showing the spot and original orientation of the bridge. It matched Wang Hui's Scroll perfectly!

After all this time, it was a very satisfying to experience this for myself!

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The Story Receives Chinese Media Attention:
Touting a "NEW DISCOVERY"!

I was honored to see so much press coverage about the scroll! The people of Changzhou were very excited about the "New Discovery" of this image of their home town. Several scholars and artists were interviewed for a variety of stories as the history and significance of the scroll was discussed in the media. It was published repeatedly online and in the newspaper as the school shared the high quality scan with the media as well as several scholars who were interested in the image. I can't read Chinese, but below I copied an English translation of one of the stories thanks to Google Translate.

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A Message from the Deputy Director of the Changzhou Museum

When I returned home I was happy receive a message from the Deputy Director of Changzhou Museum, Lin Jian in response to his learning about the scroll! He enclosed this image of the missing, beginning portion of the scroll, (published in this catalogue), which they have in China! Now we know what the entire scroll looks like!

I was very happy to finally see the beginning of the Changzhou scroll! We can now see Emperor Kangxi preparing for his journey to Changzhou! He would be the tall guy in the detail below!
If you want a closeup view of the pages Deputy Director Lin Jian sent, (and if you can read Chinese), they can be viewed here: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4.

Here is a copy of the message from Deputy Director Lin Jian:

‎1288 Longcheng Boulevard
Changzhou Museum
Changzhou,213022
May 7, 2011

...Mr. Ponzio,

I am the Deputy Director of Changzhou Museum. My name is Lin Jian.I’m glad to see the scroll “Southern Inspection Tour: Benniu Zhen to Changzhou on the Grand Canal”, which contributes to our understanding of ancient valuable information in Changzhou. Thanks to president Shi and teacher Zhou of Changzhou #2 Senior Middle School, we know you are very interested in the history in Changzhou. I hope that we can communicate with each other further. There is an introduction about the other part of the Southern Inspection Tour in the journal: the Forbidden City，7th issue,2010, which I have scaned and sented to you with this letter may be helpful.
When we get to learn this scroll collected in Phoenix Art Museum, we would like to be sister museum with Phoenix Art Museum and also hope there is an opportunity to display this scroll in Changzhou Museum.
Best wishes!
Yours respectfully,
Lin Jian

As you can imagine, I am happy to see their interest in forming a sister museum relationship between Phoenix and Changzhou! I hope that develops to be as strong as Oak Hall School's and Changzhou #2 Middle School's relationship is with each other. I also hope I am not dreaming too big when I say that I would one day, love to see both pieces of the scroll reunited and put on display in Changzhou Museum, particularly when our student delegation visits Changzhou! I also hope that the scrolls could be put on display for the good people of Phoenix to enjoy. In fact, while I am dreaming, I think it would be great to one day see these images put on display in the brand new Asian Art wing of the Harn Museum of Art here in Gainesville, Florida!

With all of the excitement and press coming out of Changzhou about this, it is personally very satisfying to see something concrete come out of Oak Hall School's Sister school relationship with Changzhou#2 Middle School. I am proud to have made this connection, and honored that the Oak Hall Community and the people in Phoenix have been so supportive of my efforts to reintroduce this image to the kind people in Changzhou!

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Some Additional Close-Ups of the Scroll

Above: The scroll begins along the Grand Canal at the town Bennieu before making it's way to Changzhou,
(scroll read left to right).

Above: The scroll as it follows the Grand Canal to Changzhou.

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Google translation of above Chinese newspaper article:

April 3, Evening News reported "Changzhou version of" painting "in the United States found." Changzhou about the history of such a masterwork, aroused great concern and curiosity. For the text pictured Hang Bridge, Changzhou Fu and Benniu town location, some "old Changzhou" was questioned. The people in the industry and found this picture carefully watched, the Changzhou version of "painting" is actually "Kangxi southern tour map" part. The historical background for this painting and the reader questions, this reporter invited the City, the new SMG Zhang Jian Wei, Deputy Secretary, Urban Calligraphy and Painting Academy Zhou Jun Wei, "old house" artists quarter, made the interpretation of full protection.

About history

"Kangxi southern tour map" of the political background

Central Plains after the Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Emperor Xuan Ye Aixinjueluo (1654-1722) to further ease the Manchu and Han ethnic conflict between the win over the south of the literati, but also to better governance Huang, Huai River, etc. flooding, in the twenty-three to forty-six years Kangxi (1664 a 1707) of the twenty-four years, has made six times to the southeast along the southern tour.

Kangxi is sensible to require trip to the south by the court when the costs borne by, "Do not take a cent to send people." Not only to avoid additional expenditure over and also to the history not to leave after the infamy,

Kangxi twenty-eight (1689) eighth day of the first month, Xuan Ye start off Palace, started a second southern tour. Walking route is basically a road along the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, via Jinan, Yan City, Huaiyin, Yangzhou, Changzhou, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Shaoxing, after the exhumation.

"Kangxi southern tour map" The Whole Story of Creation

Ceremony to commemorate the trip to the south, Kangxi issued an edict to the grand narrative of the way, reproduce the sea Qinghe Anchor, to live and work in the Pacific scene. Cao Quan by the Imperial Household is responsible for specific and ordered across the country, painting the Selection of experts to draw the "southern tour map." Painting's left the auspices of the Supervising Council Censor Song Chun Yip, vice are recommended by their teachers featuring Wang Hui. Thus, Wang Hui in his sixtieth year, with the students YANG Jin, Beijing at the "southern tour map" drawn a collective work.

"Kangxi southern tour map" a total of 12 volumes, each the length of about 10 meters, 20 meters length ranging from a width of 60 cm, picture palace called the longest time. According to rules of court painting, the picture is not all the money off the printing of these artists.

Qing Dynasty, "Kangxi southern tour map" of the fifth, sixth, eight volumes from the palace lost, missing. "Southern tour map" of the second, four volumes of the United States is now the museum collections in France Bali Ji, the third, seven-volume collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. The remaining volumes are still the Beijing Palace Museum collection.

And the discovery of the "southern tour map Changzhou Fu Emperor" is lost on the Volume.

"Kangxi southern tour map" of the Artistic Director

Speaking of "Kangxi southern tour map" to not open around the "Qing six people," one of Wang Hui (huī). With the words now, he is painting masterwork of "featuring lead" or "artistic director."

Wang Hui (1632-1717), Changshu, Jiangsu people, the word Point Valley, the number of people scattered tobacco farming, Dusk Qinghui the elderly, in the history of Chinese art, he and Wang Shimin, Wang Jian, Wang Qi said "four kings", with Yun Nan Tian and Wu Li, also known as "Qing Dynasty six people."

As the "serious matter", is a "national cultural project," Wang Hui accept the task very carefully, not only arrangements for people to place through painting Kangxi southern tour, and with his disciples YANG Jin, who took 3 years, draw the comp , was validated for Emperors Kangxi. In all of these after the end of the preliminary work, and finally in a special palace silk, coming official "Kangxi southern tour map", was involved in painting a large team, in addition to Wang Hui and YANG Jin, there are cold Mei, Wang Yun, Mei Xu, Yu Yuan, Wu Chih, Gu Fang, are at the famous court painter, who spent four years ahead or behind.

Successfully completed, the Kangxi had Yubi book "Landscape Qing Hui", Chin Chee Wang Hui, and tried to grant official. But are not fluent in bureaucratic ways of the world and has been renowned the world an excuse to put off Wang Hui, in 1698 the South go hometown.

About names

"Kangxi southern tour map" in Changzhou Fu

"Kangxi southern tour map" Chapter VI, is portrayed Teng Kangxi Jinshan from Guazhou crossing through the regular state capital. Running of the Bulls selected the painting toward the door are two important nodes in Beijing, according to the description and scene painting, and history records the text in the Hang Bridge, towards the gate in Beijing, flower streets, Rice River, Changzhou City landmarks similar, inferred, paintings marked "Changzhou Fu" screen should be present in the vicinity of the West Ying.

Wen Hang Bridge

Painting, paper Hang Bridge, north to south across the Grand Canal, which is what the present bridge was built Hang Man inconsistent. According to historical records, the text is a three-hole stone arch bridge Hang, was founded in Jiajing twenty-seven years, across the Grand Canal, the total length of 49.3 meters, Man Hang northbound big pier, is quite famous in the grate Kei Lane . Ming and Qing Dynasties, dong street crowded, cantilever beam lanterns, endless night. When the bright moon, the moon through the bridge opening thing that catches the water, "Wen Hang wear moon," "grate beam lights," hence the name.

In 1987, the old bridge removed Wen Hang turned 90 degrees to the city building shift the intersection of River and Canal, bridge length is also reduced to the original 1 / 3 is the text we now see Henry Bridge.

Flower streets

Flower streets which is now the grate Kei Lane. Ming Zheng fourteen years (AD 1519) Piling built in this relay. Suzhou, Changzhou Fu is the result of government, Songjiang Nanjing government must pass through, the exam of the literati, and from the officials do not absolutely in the Tao. Street West of large terminals, then Guanting (Huang Hua Ting) was the place where Guan Chuan ashore, officials, servants to Sushi on the Posthouse. Flower shops lined the streets, selling flowers and combs house special merchandise here, business is booming. Palace of the Qing Dynasty took annual tribute combs are in the acquisition, he would "comb Palace name grate," said. Legend of Emperor Qianlong once under the Jiangnan, Liu Lun (Wujin people, serving the Grand Council), accompanied by people pretending to watch the flower market street clothes, to see the many red comb shop business, and asked what the local Liu Lun, Liu Lun gave the answer: Flower streets, the palace used to comb out of here. "Longyan" great harmony, proposed to "grate Kei Lane", "Chrysostom," opened, to change the name from "grate Kei Lane" the.

M City Creek

Food is, food is the lifeblood that people depend on. With the increasing urban population alone Wujin County, West two positions from time to time and the flat section that sold food in the temple freely traded market, can not meet growing demand. A kind of grain-based food business line, meter number came into being. Rice market because of the river river river convenience, Rocky handover, concentrated near the rice mill, then opened one after another to the rice business, food lines.

海烈 Temple women

According to "Changzhou Annals" records, outside the Great Temple in the West Bank Street, with the cylinder (now West Riverside), between women with Hailie Temple, a shrine to worship the middle of each side of a tablet, tablets, respectively, and Zhao Zhang Shun Kou Wang s memorial tablets, which are both the most famous virgin Liefu in Changzhou, spring and autumn each year, this official should be to worship.

About picture

This is just a painting, not when it is the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the google street

Early Qing Dynasty painter drawing "Kangxi southern tour map", is a "political task", must "not only loyal, but also the higher life", therefore, enjoy this picture, you can slight bit of "Joking" ingredients.

First, the graphical representation of the different photographic documentary, "Kangxi southern tour map" picture of the performance of different content, each relatively independent. But to the extent possible, to maintain the connection of each volume of landscape painting, the artists depicted the natural and cultural landscape, not in full accordance with the time of Emperor Kangxi inspection has timing and path.

Secondly, the "southern tour map Changzhou Fu Emperor Kangxi" depicted in the natural and cultural picture, there is a simple fan, virtual and real, not entirely realistic sense of the style of realism. Except for a few scenes, most content is only the artist's imagination and fiction. From the cramped city streets and canals flow disorder, can see the problem. Such as "Changzhou Fu," the label, just a regional concept, does not mean that at the time, "Changzhou Fu" is located in the painting within the marked Urn.

In addition, because the picture of Emperor Kangxi ceremony to commemorate the trip to the south, and therefore have a very strong political overtones. Artists in the creation, "Kangxi southern tour map" will inevitably praises, false picture of peace, prosperity Wealthy urban and rural areas, people contend from the music everywhere. This is the actual situation at the Society of Southern state, there is a certain gap.

But still, "Kangxi southern tour map" the court is still very important picture, which contains a large number of the era and style features, its history, academic value, in any case can not be ignored.

OHS in China: Our Educational Exchange in Changzhou

2011-05-09T13:36:00.011-04:00

One of the best parts of the whole trip to China was spending time at their school, visiting classes and making new friends. Each of our students were assigned a different homeroom and would follow the classes entire schedule. In China, the class remains the same it is the teachers and subjects which change each period.

Our students sat in on a variety of classes and subjects ranging from Math and Science to the Arts.
In each case, they were treated very well and welcomed warmly. When necessary, fellow students translated the lessons for them so they could fully understand each lecture or activity.

Above: Lauren tries her hand at decorative paper cutting.

One morning our students were treated to a Tai Chi / Kung Fu lesson by the school's Master teacher.

He also taught them several games, (such as this one where you try to push or pull your opponent off balance). We played constantly throughout the rest of the journey and again here at school.
By no means did the kids get to have all the fun! The teachers and administrators had some plans for us as well. Above we engage in some "Ping Pong Diplomacy"!

They had us try our hand at shooting some hoops as well as play a little volleyball!

Our students also had a chance of doing some teaching of their own. Each one of them prepared a Power Point show outlining some aspect of their world and life here in Gainesville. Above: Bob discusses the Science and Arts program at Oak Hall School.

Jackson discusses athletics and tells of his father who was a professional football player in the NFL. Some of the students ran into technical difficulties, but handled the pressure with style and grace. They all did a great job representing us.

We all got a chance to visit some Art classes as well. Above: Rachel participates in a Dance class. The teacher was introducing tap dance to the class. It just so happened that Rachel has tap danced for many years. Here she gives a great demonstration!

Of course, they had everyone try their hand at calligraphy. While it is a difficult Art form to master, it is very accessable as well. They all had a chance to learn about different techniques and make some art of their own.

When asked if I wanted to try my hand at calligraphy, I gladly accepted, though I did not follow the lesson, rather I used some of the techniques to make this gift for them. This image is reminiscent of a famous painting by Emperor Huizong called the, "Auspicious Cranes". Depicted as if over the school's museum building. Then I wrote, "We Love Changzhou" in English, (in Xu Bing Style Calligraphy). It was quick, but they seemed to like it!

As the students continued with their calligraphy lesson, I thought it was the right time to unveil a surprise I had for them. On a back table of the room, I unrolled an 8' digital print of a scroll that I discovered. This scroll depicts the city of Changzhou in the late 1600's as they prepare for a visit by the Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty! How I discovered the scroll is a bit of a long story, but it can be read here in it's entirety.

I am happy to say that a lot of attention and interest has been generated by the discovery of this historic scroll. I will try to describe just how much and what has happened since in my next post. I think you will find that this next part of the story is a great addition to an already enriching trip!

China: Visiting Our Sister School in Changzhou

2011-05-09T09:12:00.017-04:00

On Sunday Morning we boarded a fast train from Shanghai to Changzhou. Everyone was very excited to meet our friends and visit our Sister School.

Several representatives picked us up from the brand new train station and gave us a quick driving tour of the city. This was particularly interesting as I had not seen many of these landmarks and neighborhoods before. Above is a beautiful new stadium in Changzhou.

We made our way to our first stop, the Changzhou Museum where one of the curators gave us a personal tour. This beautiful museum tells the story of the "Dragon City", Changzhou from ancient history until today and has many valuable artifacts and artwork on display.

When the tour came around to the Qing Era, I keyed in on this diorama... was that the bridge in the scroll of Changzhou I discovered in Phoenix? (More about that exciting story later). I tried to ask, but the curator did not fully understand my question and didn't recognize the scroll I was refering to. Part of my mission on this trip was to change that... (You'll see what I am talking about in a later post!).

That evening we went to our hotel, the Changzhou Grand, were our students were to meet their host families. This was a very nice event and everyone seemed very excited to meet one another.
After about an hour of getting to know one another, we accompanied the students and their families to a big banquet. There I saw many familiar faces of old friends!

It was great to see fellow Art Teacher Linlin Liu at the Banquet! She is a wonderful lady with a kind spirit. Unfortunately, this was the last I saw of her in Changzhou as she was preparing to take her students on a 7 day painting field trip! Here is a picture she sent me when I arrived home to Florida:

Looks like they had a great time!

The next morning we visited the campus of the Changzhou #2 Middle school. Above all the teachers and administrators pose for a picture in front of the school's Museum, an ancient Confucian temple! Changzhou #2 Middle school is over 1250 years old! Amazing, considering Oak Hall is only about 40!

The students were all brought to school by their host families. Rachel rode a bike to school! Considering the crazy Chinese traffic, that was no small feet. We all gathered in the morning to get ready for a tour of the campus.

The school day began with a grand morning assembly. Every student organized by class ran out into the field and stood at attention while the school's color guard performed the weekly flag raising ceremony.
After the ceremony, we split into small groups for a tour of the historic campus. As the school's over 1250 years old, it seems that everywhere you will find another tablet or monument to the school's academic successes.

A truly beautiful campus.

This is the wall of history, an immense collection of tablets documenting the history of China.

Students tour the school's Museum and view this sculpture of Confucius.

My favorite monument is a tablet awarded to the school by Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. This commemorated the great achievement of the school having so many scholars pass the exams! A great academic tradition to live up to. To this day, students commonly touch the tortoise's head for good luck before an exam!

After the tour it was time for a formal welcoming ceremony. Mr. Gehman and the entire delegation sat across from each other and offered formal words of greeting.

Principle Shi was new to us, but he was an extremely friendly man who enthusiastically supported the exchange relationship between our two schools.

As usual Many photos were taken after agreements were made on how to proceed with our relationship.

After the ceremony the students all split up to attend classes for the next couple of days. They not only had a great time learning from our Chinese friends, but also by presenting power point shows to teach them about our home and culture. It was a great week.

China: Oak Hall in Shanghai

2011-05-09T06:43:00.007-04:00

After an extremely busy two days in Beijing, we boarded an overnight train to Shanghai. The accommodations were small, but very comfortable. A nice way to travel.

When we arrived in Shanghai, we hit the ground running. It is always difficult traveling with so many students, but we did alright staying together in the crowds of Shanghai.

One snafu occurred when a student lost her boarding pass which was needed to get out of the train station. With masses of people rushing through, there was a bit of a holdup at one of the turnstiles as she fumbled around looking for the pass. Thankfully, Ginger our Chinese teacher talked to one of the guards at the train station and they let the Courtney through. Once she was through I remember thinking that his should be the worst problem we had on the trip! She eventually found the pass!

Welcome to Shanghai!

Of course, like most tourists we had to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower. The viewing platform with the glass floor was a nerve wracking hit!

An amazing view... High rises as far as the eye could see.

That afternoon we visited Yuyuan Gardens, another popular tourist attraction.

Extremely beautiful!

I love the dragon walls!

After the Gardens, we spent the rest of the early evening shopping for souveniers in the overcrowded Markets surrounding Yuyuan Gardens.

Our evening was spend with more shopping on Nanjing Road and we walked around the Bund.

Shanghai is very beautiful at night!

We had a great time exploring the big city of Shanghai.
Next stop... Changzhou!

Oak Hall in China: The Great Wall and Ming Tombs

2011-05-09T06:14:00.004-04:00

After John and I returned from our long morning hike through the Hutongs, it was time to meet the group, load up the bus and head out for a day climbing the Great Wall.

Our group ready for the long climb up the Great Wall. Everyone was very excited to see it in person.

Locks of Love. It is a Chinese tradition for couples is to place locks on the Great Wall as a symbol of their love for each other.

It was a beautiful day for a climb!

John was raring to go!

The long climb begins... some sections were nearly straight up!

I just read about this pass where Genghis Khan and his Mongol Army came through before attacking Beijing, (then Yenking). A brutal battle took place here.

Success! We made it to the top!

We took some time to relax before we went back down. It was a heck of a lot quicker going down!

On the way back, we stopped at the Ming Tombs.

The Ming were the Dynasty that followed the Yuan, (The Mongols). Under the Ming, the Forbidden City was created. They also had the worlds most amazing fleet of ships. Admiral Zheng He explored the world in these giant ships. Below is an example of the size of one of Admiral Zheng He's ships compared to the ship Christopher Columbus used to cross the Atlantic!If you want to learn more about these amazing ships and Admiral Zheng He, I suggest reading, "1421, The Year China Discovered The World" by Gavin Menzies.

China: Street Food at the Wangfujing Market

2011-04-23T22:36:00.021-04:00

Our first day in Beijing was incredibly busy. After traveling over 35 hours, we hit the ground running when we landed at 10:30 AM... caught a taxi, dropped off the luggage at the Hotel, walked on and through to the Forbidden City... walked further through the Hutongs to Behai Park... then back through the Hutongs, stopping to play some Hacky Sack with the locals... then back to the hotel just in time to meet the rest of the group to then go out for a walking tour and dinner at the Wangfujing Market! (I'm tired just thinking of all that we did that day!).

Off we go...

We met some friends, former Oak Hall Students Kyu and Hye Jin who now live in Beijing. It was nice to see familiar faces!

Wangfujing market is a high energy, visually overwhelming place. One can find all manner of goods and food for sale there.

We intended to eat some street food for dinner this evening. The vendors offered all types of grilled meat on a stick. The lamb and chicken were a favorite among the group, but for the more adventurous, an almost unlimited variety was available...

All manner of seafood was available for sale.

Pigeon anyone? Looks really good actually... don't let the faces put you off.

Rich Gehman went for the fish ball soup.

Brandon and Bob chose the squid on a stick! Mmmm...Chewy!

Brandon conquers his first squid!

For those with a more adventurous palette, many more exotic offerings were available...

Have you tried the millipede?

The scorpions look nice and juicy today.

Jackson contemplates the seahorse.

For some reason we keyed in on this vendor.
Maybe it was his sales technique that convinced us.
We decided to go for it... "One Scorpion stick please"!

Fry those suckers up!

The moment of truth!
Rachel and Jackson joined me for a first taste of scorpion...
it was actually pretty good!

Proud Scorpion Eaters!
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We walked on that evening throughout the market sampling many different foods. While the scorpions were the most exotic thing I sampled, I found the rest of the selections equally fascinating!

I have heard an old saying, "The Chinese will eat anything on four legs, except the table"!

After wandering Wangfujing street, I can believe that!

While eating scorpions was a big accomplishment for me,
I think I will have to draw the line at these...

Or these...

NO FRIGGIN' WAY!

_______________________________

Maybe I'll just stick to the fruit...

They will even dip it in sugar for you!

_____________________________

Make no mistake... this is not your typical Chinese food. The food we ate in China was amazing! This is however one of the unique aspects of Beijing street life that I find incredibly interesting. If you go to Beijing you should make a point of visiting Wangfujing street for dinner.

If you do, my suggestion to you is that you be adventurous.
Go ahead and try the scorpion... but tell him to go light on the salty spices.

"Footbag" Diplomacy

2011-04-22T19:48:00.050-04:00

Those who know me know how much I love to play Footbag (more commonly known as Hacky Sack). When I knew I was to be traveling to China this year, I got ready to do some serious kicking! In the USA, kicking a footbag is not that popular anymore... maybe just at concerts or the beach. But in Asia, it seems most everybody kicks! In fact, according to this website,

"The footbag originated in ancient China. Imperial Chinese guards stayed alert during their overnight duty periods by kicking a small round sack stuffed with hair. A similar object was used to help train Chinese soldiers in 2600 B. C."

No wonder kicking is so much more popular in the East than in the USA!

A footbag can be a travelers best friend. It is small, fits in your pocket, and allows you an activity to meet many new people and make new friends. It is a great way to stretch your legs and get some exercise during those long layovers between flights. For example: after our long flight from Atlanta to Seoul we had some time to kill. I found a nice big open area and began stretching my legs. Now, I must admit that it has been said that I am very good at this game as I have the ability to do several pretty nifty, crowd pleasing tricks... so I am used to people checking me out as I play this silly little game. What I love about Asia is people of all kinds won't just watch, they will step right up ready to kick with me!

Exhibit A: Kicking with an Older Korean Woman at the Seoul Airport

This lady was awesome! Look at that form. Elegant balance and flexibility! In Korea they call it Jaegi cha-gi, (though they kick a feathered shuttlecock). I learned from a previous visit to Korea that almost all school kids play, as well as the old people who hang out in the parks, so I was not that surprised to find a kicking companion at the airport such as this lady.

Exhibit B: Kicking in the Beijing Hutongs

After leaving Behai park in Beijing (see previous post), we had a long walk to get back to the hotel before we were scheduled to meet the rest of the group. We had plans to meet up with some students who used to go to Oak hall but now live in Beijing so we did not want to be late. We set out through the Hutongs to make the most of this long walk. The Hutongs are by far the most interesting places in China to me. What the Forbidden city has in beauty, the Hutongs have in the gritty reality of life. As we meandered we came across a crowded Hutong neighborhood park. My heart raced because you know what that means... Someone will be kicking! Sure enough, I came across these older guys playing what the Chinese call Jianzi!

When I saw them kicking their shuttlecock I stepped right in and with welcoming smiles they accepted me. For a while I kicked that Jianzi with good precision. They liked the fact that I was pretty good and all was well. Eventually, I broke out my own sand filled footbag. They quizzically looked it over and we began kicking. At first I kept it simple, but eventually, as it made it around the circle again and again, I started showing off with tricks just a bit, (OK maybe a little more than a bit)! In any case, they seemed to like it and we all enjoyed a good kick session. Time was short and I had to leave. Before the trip I brought along 6 sacks to give away as gifts. I knew right then that I had to leave these guys with one. This video clip, while not catching any great kicking, does capture the moment I gave away my first Footbag of Diplomacy! I hope these guys enjoy it and remember that a kind, high kicking American gave it them!

Exhibit C: Kicking With Our Kids at the Ming Tombs, Joined by a Bunch of Chinese

From the minute our journey began I tried getting our students to kick. The most typical response from most American kids I hear is, "I can't do that"... to which my inevitable response is, "That's because you won't try"! I have found that hanging out at airports for hours with nothing to do is my best opportunity to get these kids kicking. We shared several good rounds along the way, with the initial goal to get it once around the circle with everyone kicking it at least once. While visiting the Ming tombs, we had a real Footbag moment! Not only did it make it once around but nearly twice! We were then joined by several Chinese people who stepped in and smiled with us as we did our best! This was encouraging as the kids were more than willing to kick after this... even since we got back to Florida! (Note: Hacky Sack is notoriously difficult to photograph while you are playing, but trust me on this... it was a good time).

Exhibit D: Kicking in the Sky

As we worked our way South towards the friendly city of Changzhou, our group found ourselves first stopping in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. The most famous landmark in Shanghai is the Oriental pearl Tower. As our group made it's way to the top of this amazing structure, we were sure to visit the glass floored observation deck. As one with a distinct fear of heights, it was exhilarating and scary! After a good while walking on the glass floor I finally got the nerve up to break out my footbag. After an awkward moment or two, I was soon joined by a Chinese man and woman who wanted to give kicking in the sky a try. Given my serious acrophobia, it was great, scary fun!

Exhibit E: Kicking at our Sister School in Changzhou

My Footbag Diplomacy plan kicked into high gear when we arrived in Changzhou! While on campus, I broke out the footbag every chance I got! Here, just after our first morning assembly...

... or here after a quick lunch...

... and of course during our field trip to Suzhou... with all 700 students from the 10th grade! 15 bus loads! We took over that town and I did my best to kick with all of them! I gave away all the footbags I brought to kids who stepped up and hope I made a good impression on them. When they come to visit us in Florida next October, I hope they come ready to kick!

EDIT:

I'm honored that my "Footbag Diplomacy" activities were mentioned on the blog of 2011 US Woman's Footbag Champion, Sunny Genz! Because of this mention I thought I'd update this blog entry to outline the rest of this years "Footbag Diplomacy" attempts...

Exhibit F: Kicking in Prague, Czech Republic, July 2011!

This summer my wife attended a scientific conference in Prague, the Czech Republic, (Luckily, I was fortunate enough to tag along). While she was busy with science, I spent my days in the old town kicking as much as I could with an assortment of folks! That and the dirt cheap beer kept me coming back for more! (See previous post).

Exhibit G: Kicking in Israel and Palestine, September/October 2011!

Welcome to the Middle East where everything is complicated and Peace is currently just a dream. I am involved with a 3 way sister cities project that is working to unify my home town of Gainesville with the Israeli city Kfar Saba, and the Palestinian city Qalqilya. Needless to say, tensions run high over there, however, my personal goal was to ignore politics, simply break through the ice and make new friends. My city sent a delegation led by our Mayor along with several other members of our community which included musicians, teachers and artists,(me). One personal mission was to play footbag with whoever I could. The above picture was taken out front of Qlqilya college. I found that when walking around, people just looked at me quizzically. However, when the footbag came out, people stepped up and kicked! I brought 7 footbags to give away on this journey to those who I might meet kicking and did so successfully! I've begun blogging about this experience so check those out if you wish.

The same was true in Israel. Separated by a huge security wall from those in Palestine, I found that the people on the ground were exactly the same. Despite their differences, they all want to simply live life! In my opinion, there is no better way to illustrate that than through footbag!
This picture was taken at a high school. Several very skilled (soccer players?) stepped up to kick. Again, their quizzical looks at my footbag, along with sure beginners skill earned them the last of my footbag gifts to spread around the Middle East. I know it is just a simple little thing, but I hope, (in my heart of hearts), that these lucky 7 footbags I spread around act as little seeds of peace. I hope that one day soon I'll be able to kick with the Israeli's and the Palestinians in the same friendly circle.

Until then, Keep Kicking!

China: Exploring the Hutongs

2011-04-22T16:19:00.017-04:00

One of my favorite things to do in China is walk through the old Hutong neighborhoods. These traditional neighborhoods date back to the Yuan Dynasty when the Mongols ruled China. Walking through the narrow streets and alleys is a great way to people watch. I find this a better way of getting a sense of the Chinese people rather than simply visiting the local tourist attractions. Interesting scenes of real life at work play itself out in the Hutongs. Turn any corner and you are likely to find another interesting example of Chinese life.

An epic chess match.

Birds in cages hanging outside to enjoy the morning.

Some kind of commotion. Cops, crowds, an old lady yelling... I'm not sure what this was all about.

Foods of all kinds being prepared for people on the go.

I don't know what they are called, but these (above) taste great!

Of course, as this is China, you'll find bicycles galore!

Check out this old woman... I wonder where she is taking all that old wood?

You gotta love this vehicle!

As I mentioned in my next post about playing "Hutong Hacky Sack" on the way home from Bahei park... when walking through the Hutongs you'll inevitably find great, active parks with all manner of people using the exercise equipment, doing Tai Chi (sometimes with swords) or just generally socializing. I think we could learn a lot from the Chinese about how to use our parks.
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I think the trick to exploring the Hutongs is to get up early and just start walking. One morning in Beijing, John Dickinson and I got up extra early to take a very long walk before we were to head out to visit the Great Wall. Our primary destination was a Confucion temple, but rather than stick to the main boulevards, we meandered through the old neighborhoods. You never know who you'll meet in the old Hutongs...

Check out this guy. This old man practicing his calligraphy on the street with water and a sponge brush! John and I stopped and talked with him a while, (without actually speaking each others language).

This alone makes getting up early well worth it!
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John and I eventually made it to our primary destination. While the Confucian temple was beautiful, the neighborhood of the Hutongs surrounding the temple fascinated me more.

Where else would you find wise men like these... dressed to impress, ready to sell their wisdom to you for some RMB? Awesome!

_______________________________________
Yup, I'm telling you, if you are like me and want to see real life happening in China, wake up early and take a walk through the Hutongs! You'll enjoy the show.

China Sister School Project: First Stop Beijing

2011-04-22T16:01:00.011-04:00

Over Spring Break, our school fulfilled a very big goal in global studies... we brought our first delegation of students to China to visit our Sister School in Changzhou! The next few posts will try to document our trip and share all that we accomplished!

One of the toughest parts of going to China is getting there! The long flight is exhausting, but our excitement carried us through our first day. We landed in Beijing about 10:30 in the morning. After a quick stop at our hotel, The Wangfujing Grand, we set out on foot for a day in the Forbidden City!

While we were all tired from traveling, everyone was in great spirits. The walk through some Hutong neighborhoods and along side the outer walls of the Forbidden City was invigorating!Our Destination was Tienanmen Square. Lucky for us, it was a beautiful day!

The Crew in Tienanmen Square ready to enter the Forbidden City.
Oak Hall School Science Chair John Dickinson, Headmaster Rich Gehman, Chinese language teacher Ginger Lin and myself led 8 students to China on an ultimate mission to visit our sister school in Changzhou. Beijing was the first stop on our long journey.

This was my third time visiting the Forbidden City, but it is always impressive.

Everywhere you look, you will find amazing artwork and intricate detail.

3 of our girls had blond hair. We all thought it very funny that so many Chinese asked to pose with them to have their pictures taken throughout the trip! While we certainly where obvious tourists, The Forbidden City also attracts tourists from all over the world.

This big guy reminded me of my recently departed pet, Fluffy the Tortoise. Rest in Peace Fluffy.

Me and Victor take in the sights. Victor is half Chinese, half Malaysian and was very excited to discover a sense of his roots here in China.

Ginger Lin, Oak Hall's Chinese teacher accompanied us on this trip. As she is from Taiwan, this was her first visit to mainland China. It was great to have her along on the trip.

About 5pm, many in our group decided to go back to the hotel to rest. The rest of us kept on going, walking further into the Hutongs to get to Behai park. We were all really glad we did as it was fairly empty and very beautiful as the sun was setting.

From my perspective, it was a great first day so far in Beijing, but there was much more in store for us that evening. But first, the walk home....

Rest in Peace, Fluffy the Tortoise.

2011-03-21T22:51:00.011-04:00

This weekend I discovered that my pet (and friend), "Fluffy", (an African Spur legged tortoise), passed on to the great grazing land in the sky. He has been in hibernation since last October, (a normal routine), but for some reason, this spring he did not readily emerge. Fluffy was a good and friendly tortoise, with as pleasant a personality as can be expected from such a humble and noble beast.

When we first got Fluffy, my son's and I built him a shelter... Though a natural burrowing animal, Fluffy never really took to it, preferring to borrow into many bails of hay we placed in a small hay barn.

Fluffy was as strong as a small bulldozer. I had to reinforce the fence and gate to keep him from muscling his way through! He once punched through freestanding hog-wire fence! He was a tough one.

Fluffy once even starred in his own version of a Monster Movie! Many felt he deserved an oscar for his Godzilla-esque performance.

Gamera has nothing on Fluffy!

I believe that Fluffy would have appreciated the Mongolian/Tibetan style "Sky Funeral" we gave him. While we hope to eventually recover his shell to forever honor it, we also hope that the birds that feed upon him take his spirit soaring among the clouds with a light and free spirit.

Happy trails my friend Fluffy.
May the grass be ever green and sweet on the other side.

My family and I will miss him.

Time for a China Sketchbook Flashback!

2011-02-26T13:45:00.013-05:00

In less than a month I will be taking a trip to China to visit our Sister School in Changzhou! A delegation of 12 from Oak Hall will be making the journey. I am starting to get very excited!

As usual, I will be traveling with my sketchbook and paints. While I look forward to seeing what will come of it this time, I thought I'd take a look back on some of my favorite images that I created during previous visits to China...

Above: Me painting on the campus of Changzhou #2 Senior Middle School in 2007.

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These are from the sketchbook I carried when I first visited Changzhou in 2007:

A Bridge in Behai park in Beijing.

I was freezing as I painted this view from atop the hill in Jingshan park in Beijing.

Older people practicing Tai Chi with swords in a park in Shanghai.

The Universal language that is Footbag! While walking around a Hutong early one morning in Beijing, I came across three older gentleman playing their version of Hacky Sack (with a shuttlecock). I'm always down for a game of Hacky Sack so despite not speaking the language I stepped in. After a while I busted out one of my own footbags and we all spent the morning getting our exercise! It was great fun.

I visited a Confucian temple in Beijing (that was undergoing renovation).

"The Auspicious Cranes of Changzhou". An idea for a painting based on Emperor Huizong's famous masterpiece and the school's museum building.

A visit to the largest pagoda in China which resides in Changzhou.

"Mr. Fat".
I found out my name Mr. PONZ, sounds like Mr. Fat in Chinese! That explains all the laughs I received at the school when introducing myself to the students!
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Here are some from the sketchbook I kept the very first time I visited China in 2004:

Scene from the campus of Peking University in Beijing
where I stayed in a dorm and took classes.

Marble boat at the Summer Palace in Beijing.

Sculpture at the Ming Tombs in Beijing.

A Night at he the Beijing Opera.

Tienanmen Square.

My favorite souvenir: A waving Chairman Mao watch!

A quick gift for a friendly stranger in Beijing.

The expression on the face of the Yin Ling golden Buddha in Hangzhou is fascinating. While this doesn't exactly look like it, I was inspired by the sculptures pleasant personality.

An old farmer in a village outside Xian.

Shanghai at night... where the construction never stops.

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These next few are watercolors created in response to this trip:

"Xian Muslim"

"Yin Ling Buddha" (after the giant golden Buddha in Yin Ling Temple, Hangzhou)

Growling Buddha (after a sculpture I saw in museum in Shanghai).

"Beijing Bicycle"

"Xian Muslim at the Great Mosque" (which had interesting Arabic looking Chinese calligraphy).

"Calligraphy Tree"

"Buddha Boy"
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Now that I think of it, most of these images were exhibited at a show in the University of Florida's Focus Gallery. The show was entitled, "Notes to Self".

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I can't wait to hit the ground running in China next month with my paints and sketchbook in hand! We'll see what comes of it this time around!

The Color of Blues: My Installation piece... SOLD!

2011-02-25T22:57:00.003-05:00

This is a photo taken by OHS's Jason Stahl of the larger than life sized installation I displayed at "The Color of Blues" exhibition at the Cofrin Gallery.

Luckily, I managed to sell this piece which acted as backdrop for the parade of musicians that filed through! All praise the small miracles in life!

The Epic Drama of "Sweet N' Flow" vs. "I Pallatori Azzurri". An Ultimate tale.

2011-02-25T22:39:00.008-05:00

This week a drama managed to play itself out on one of my canvases...

My Ultimate league team, "Sweet N' Flow" had a bye week so given the extra time between games I decided to spend a little more time on this games painting then usual... unfortunately, as it turns out I should have spent more time carefully reading the schedule!

This needs some explanation:

When I checked the schedule a couple weeks ago I saw that we were playing the Green "Ogres" and the Royal team.

I went to the leagues team web pages and scrolled down until I saw what I thought was a Royal Blue team by the name of "I Pallatori Azzurri".

I even went so far as contacting the Captain of the Blue team, (Jim Martinez), to ask what it meant, (The Blue Ballers by the way... in Italian).

As a Brooklyn born Sicilian, I thought I could have some fun with that, so I set to work creating an Ultimate version of a mob hit scene. (I even had some fun with the blue meatballs and suggestively placed sausage... but I digress...)

It was not until just this afternoon, after an email from Sweet N' Flow's Captain Lee that I finally realized the IPA is not Royal, but Azure! (Doh!) We are playing Mike Greathouse's team "Undertow", (Mike is a league organizer who's mug I threw in the gold frame)! SUNNUVA...!

In any event, what is done is done.
Innocents were caught in the crossfire of the coming gang war, and for that I am sorry. May God have mercy on their souls... (It's messy business this Ultimate).

Now I say Sweet N' Flow hits Royal even harder than this random shot at the Blue Ballers and we feed Undertow to the fishes.

See you Sunday Sweet N' Flow!
PONZ

EDIT:
Sweet 'N Flow -11
Undertow-7

Double Header this Sunday. Sweet N' Flow vs. The Nighthawks and Redrum

2011-02-10T21:08:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I really have no idea what I am doing. This week my Ultimate team Sweet N' Flow is scheduled to play a double header against The Nightawks and Redrum.
What to do for an image??? How's this...

I figured coffee and tea would not be strong enough so I brought out a ringer in "Bumble" the abominable snowman. (You see Sweet N' Flow almost was called the Abominable Throwmen).

I must be loosing my mind...

Wish us luck this Sunday!

"Sweet N' Flow" Brand Ultimate

2011-02-01T12:56:00.004-05:00

My new Ultimate Frisbee team is called "Sweet N' Flow". We almost were the "Abominable Throwmen", but one of the ladies didn't go for that so Sweet N' Flow it is! Not a lot to work with visually relating to Ultimate, but here is my first attempt...

Seems like a great group of people. Last Sunday's double header helped us gel a great deal as a team. Things were flowing along nicely. I think it's going to be a great season!

Sepaktakraw Doha

2011-01-20T12:32:00.002-05:00

I think this might be my new favorite sport! The clip below is the best I could find to embed, but check out this link to see a history and overview of this amazing sport from Thailand!

All Hail the King of Footbag!

2011-01-20T09:13:00.002-05:00

This kid is my hero! I have not seen a more impressive display of skill.

I've got lots of practicing to do...

Blues Show Photos

2011-01-11T19:11:00.001-05:00

Here are a couple of my favorite shots taken by Cristi Lopez of Willie Green taken at "The Color of The Blues" exhibition at the Cofrin Gallery, January 7, 2011 !

Willie Green and Friends at the Cofrin Gallery

2011-01-08T11:11:00.005-05:00

A good time was had by all!

Lunch With Willie Green!

2011-01-08T00:00:00.005-05:00

lunchtime sound check and performance...

"The Color of The Blues"

2011-01-02T11:02:00.005-05:00

"The Color of the Blues: A Celebration of The Blues in Arts and Culture"

The music and culture of the Blues is a uniquely American art form. On Friday January 7th from 7-9pm the Cofrin Gallery will be transformed into a smokin’ Blues Club! This exhibition will feature a variety of visual interpretations of the Blues as well as a live performance by famed Delta Blues musician, Willie Green!

Join us opening night for a live Blues performance by Willie, his musical collaborators and the visual artists as they celebrate the heritage and culture of one of our Nation’s most treasured art forms.

Here are a few paintings that I will be displaying at the show:

"Blues Rising" Acrylic on Canvas

"Portrait of Willie Green" painted Live on PBS

"Universal Blues" Acrylic on canvas.

Visit This link for more information about the show.

Other artists featured:

Drawings and Paintings by Laura Predney

Paintings by Ken Pease

Photographs by Jason Stahl

If you love the Blues, don’t miss this show!

Jersey Design for Winter League

2010-11-29T07:00:00.004-05:00

This is my proposed design for the new Gainesville Ultimate Winter League 2011 Jerseys.

If they use it you can get one by signing up for league!

Nuri's Last Days in Gainesville: Part 2

2010-11-19T19:45:00.018-05:00

Today was Nurgul's last day at Oak Hall and after a week and a half of very hard work, today proved to be a very festive end to her time in Gainesville. As next week is the Thanksgiving holiday, our pre-school was holding it's annual Thanksgiving feast. All the children and many of the teachers dressed up as Indians and Pilgrims to come together in celebration of this important American Holiday.

Each class, wearing costumes of their own creation, filed out into the hallway to take part in the lunchtime feast. Very, very cute!

In this video, you can hear the children sing a Thanksgiving song which explains the true meaning of the holiday.

OHS Field Day Afternoon

After lunch, Nuri and I walked down to the football field where the entire upper school participated in our annual "Field Day".

The students are split into different teams consisting of teachers, boys and girls of each grade level. This afternoon they will compete in a variety of games. Here they prepare for my favorite event, the Tug-of-War!

Before the games, the students get ready for the games by being creative with their uniforms. Many students paint their faces to show their spirit towards their team!

Each team had to have both boys and girls on the squad... and at least one teacher.

John Dickinson pulls along with his team.

I proudly wore the Kyrgyz hat Nuri gave me to help give me strength and inspire my team to victory! Did it work?
We came in third, but it was a great event anyway!

After observing our students working so hard in the classroom all week, I am glad Nuri had the opportunity to see them at play as well. I think this was a fitting end to her busy and productive visit to our school. We are proud and humbled that Nuri traveled such a great distance to meet us and happy to have made such a good new friend! We all wish her well and hope she has a safe journey back to her family, friends and students in Kyrgyzstan.

Nuri's Last days in Gainesville: Part 1

2010-11-19T17:00:00.014-05:00

One thing is sure... we kept Nuri very busy while she was here visiting in Gainesville Florida. Throughout her stay with us she observed classes at every level Prek-12 in just about every subject area. While Nuri is an English language teacher in her country, she was interested in learning about every aspect of our school so she can share what she learns with her colleagues back home in Kyrgyzstan.

Always an entertaining class to observe, Nuri visited Mr. Legare's Physics class. This day they were doing some experiments with pendulums.

Mr. Winslow's Chemistry class was using Molecule Model kits to assemble representations of various molecular elements. Our Science Department certainly believes in hands on learning!

Speaking of "Hands On", Nuri had great success at the potters wheel in Ceramics class! After a quick lesson from Mr. Bone, Nuri had no trouble creating a very nice bowl.

A Gainesville Study Tour

No trip to Gainesville would be complete without experiencing our unique natural environment for yourself. A great place to do this is on Paynes Prairie. Wetlands such as these are essential to Florida's water and wildlife. Florida's fresh water supply comes from deep beneath the earth. As the water from the wetlands drains deep into the limestone, (called the Florida Aquifer), it is cleaned and made drinkable naturally.

These wetlands are not only essential to human life, but they also serve as home to an abundance of wildlife....

... most famously, the Florida Alligator!

Another great place to learn about the unique environment of Florida is the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida. Here one can see fossils and artifacts relating to all aspects of Florida's history, culture and environment.

The Natural history museum is also home to the Butterfly Rain forest and impressive Lepidoptera collection and research facility.

One of my favorite University of Florida research facilities is the Brain Institute. This is where Brain surgeons literally study to become Brain surgeons! (and yes... that's the real thing!)

While on campus it is also a must to visit the University of Florida' world class athletic facilities.

While some think of Paynes Prairie as a swamp, the Ben Hill Griffin Football Stadium at the University of Florida is THE Swamp!

Thanksgiving with our Kyrgyz Guest

2010-11-19T10:41:00.015-05:00

Last night we had an early Thanksgiving celebration at the Ponzio house! The guest of Honor was Nurgul Urkunbaeva who is visiting us from Kyrgyzstan. As the Thanksgiving Holiday is all about welcoming friends and family, we were also joined by many of our friends and family members as well, 12 in total.

Dinner included all the traditional dishes usually associated with a Thanksgiving meal such as mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, etc..... and of course Turkey and stuffing! And as the tradition dictates... we all ate too much!

This was one dish that Nuri did not recognize. Acorn squash stuffed with apples and cranberries, (with honey and cinnamon). She seemed to enjoy it!

John and Laura Dickinson chat with Nuri and my parents as we get ready for dessert of Pumpkin and Cherry pie. This was just before we received a SKYPE video conference call from Nuri's school in Kyrgyzstan! While we had a video signal at first, an error occurred soon after we connected. Fortunately however, we were able to continue with written messages, so Nuri was able to spend some time talking with her colleagues and students answering questions about her time in America.

In the short time we had with video I was at least able to show them the new gift Nuri gave me... a traditional Kyrgyz hat!

I will wear it proudly!

That is, if I can get it back from my son!

Below: This is a picture of Nuri taken at the Florida Museum of Natural History.
This section of the museum highlights the Native American culture of Florida.

At our Thanksgiving dinner, we explained to Nuri how on the first Thanksgiving day in 1621, the settlers of Plymouth colony and the Natives Americans gave thanks together for a plentiful harvest and to celebrate their people coming together in friendship. This was a very good metaphor for Nurgul's visit to our home. It was a lot of fun to share our holiday and traditions with our new friend from so far away!

Sharing the Art of Ebru with our Kyrgyz Visitor

2010-11-16T19:03:00.014-05:00

The Art of Ebru, (Turkish Water marbling) is an Art form practiced throughout Central Asia for centuries. This year, my Drawing and Painting classes have been collaborating with schools in Kyrgyzstan in an attempt to recreate this process. One of the schools we have been communicating with is Naryn #8 School, home to our visiting teacher Nurgul (Nuri) Ukunbaeva!

Before I tell you about our experience attempting to paint in this manner, here is a video of a master Ebru artist at work. This guy is one Hardcore Painter....

We began by doing our research, scouring the internet for instructions, videos... anything that could teach us the proper way to paint in this manner. While we have found a lot of information about the process, there seems to be no single, consistent way to do this. The biggest problem we faced was obtaining the proper Chemistry. We found some directions that told us that mixing methocell with the water would help to make the paint float. We also found references telling us to mix alcohol into the paint. We tried many variations. I must admit that I actually thought that once we had the formula down, the painting part would be easy. Boy was I wrong!

Our biggest issue has been getting our paint to float with the proper consistency. Some colors sink, some colors disperse too quickly... lack of constancy has been our biggest problem. The image above shows what happens to the paint when too much alcohol was mixed with it.

This image shows what happened when we mixed too much methocell into the water, (the theory was that thicker water would help float the paint). While the paint floated nicely, the print was ruined by the thick sticky liquid.

Above is a print made by our friends in Kyrgyzstan. Both the Kyrgyz class at Naryn #8 and my students tried repeatedly to master this technique by various methods, but we achieved mixed results.

I am happy to say however, that today, while Nuri was visiting, observing and participating in my class, we had our best success yet! Below, Nuri and I try our hand at Ebru.

We kept our fingers crossed as we got to work. Many students had their best success yet! Below Shirley achieved some great results!

Below: Here is Nuri's creation! Not bad for a first try!

Below: Gigi stole the show this day! She created a tree, flower and even a portrait that looked an awful lot like Bob Dylan!

It has been a fun experimenting with this process with our friends in Kyrgyzstan. We will continue to do our research and try to gain more control over the medium. Wish us luck!

A Kyrgyzs Teacher Visits Classes.

2010-11-16T18:17:00.005-05:00

Our visiting teacher from Kyrgyzstan has been very busy during her stay here in the USA. Since she arrived last Wednesday, she has kept a nonstop pace of class visits and interactive activities.
Last week, she spend her time visiting Oak Hall's lower school observing many different classes, subjects and grade levels. She finished her week there by giving an outstanding presentation about her country to our lower school students. Most of these students had never heard of Kyrgyzstan before, but by the time Nurgul, (Nuri) was finished, she made many new, enlightened fans!
This is a picture taken just after the lower school assembly. Nuri's presentation was very informative, but when she played clips of traditional Kyrgyz music and dance, she had all the kids clapping along to the energetic rhythm. Nuri was like a rock star as nearly every child wanted to shake her hand as they left to thank her for her entertaining presentation.

This week Nuri has spent her time visiting a variety of Middle school, (and some Upper school) classes. She has been very interested in how our teachers integrate technology into their lessons and classes. These pictures show how Mrs. Black's World Cultures class (above), and Mr. Jackson's Latin class utilize SMART board technology to engage their students.

At our morning assembly period, Nuri addressed the upper and middle schools with an informative presentation about her country.

The students learnd about the many aspects of life and the history of Kyrgyzstan; from the national dress to the meaning of national symbols.

While her Power Point presentation was very informative, the students became very excited when Nuri showed them examples of traditional Kyrgyz music!

Thank you Nuri for teaching us about your Culture and Nation!

A Kyrgyz rides the waves! Nurgul's First Visit to the Ocean!

2010-11-14T19:31:00.020-05:00

After yesterdays whirlwind Disney adventure, I thought that Nurgul, (Nuri), was done for the weekend. We were all exhausted, got home late, and she was even a wee-bit motion sick after the long drive home. While we had originally scheduled an 8AM departure time for a visit to the ocean on Sunday morning, I figured Disney had worn her out pretty thoroughly and actually expected that she might cancel our plans and I would get to sleep in late on this fine Sunday morning. Much to my surprise, the call came early from John and Laura Dickenson, (John is the OHS Science teacher who Nuri has been staying with). Nuri was indeed ready to hit the road and see the ocean! As I wolfed down my breakfast, I could not help but think that the Kyrgyz people certainly must be hearty and strong willed! However, I was most impressed with Nuri as she would not let this opportunity go to waste!

This is Nuri's first time ever seeing the ocean! Her country is land locked and she has never before had the opportunity to experience the power and beauty of the ocean waves. She was very excited!

John, Laura and I walked with her down the beach. So many of the little details that we take for granted were observed and absorbed by Nuri.

For example... unless you have felt the power of the water rushing by your feet, burying them deeper in the sand with each pass, you don't quite know what the power of the surf is all about.

John and Laura are avid outdoors (persons), and bird watchers. They brought along their binoculars so Nuri could see and appreciate the varied examples of wildlife at the ocean's edge.

Sea Shell collecting is familiar to everyone who lives in Florida. Nuri quickly took part in this ocean visiting ritual! I suspect many in Kyrgystan will be recieveing some heartfelt gifts of seashells in the coming weeks!

Many gifts for her loved ones!

No visit to Florida would be complete without seeing some Alligators! While these were contained, perhaps next week, we will have some time to observe some in the wild.

For lunch, we stopped at the famous "Conch House" and resort of St. Augustine.
As an appetizer, we actually ate some fried alligator tail!
Great with lemon and horseradish sauce!

After lunch we explored the old city of St. Augustine. Settled by the Spanish, St. Augustine is the oldest City in America. Here Nuri stands in front of the oldest school house in all of the United States! Very fitting for an excellent educator from Kyrgyzstan such as Nurgul!

St. Augustine was protected by a large fort created with a very unique architectural material. In the construction, they used quarried "stones" called Coquina, a limestone consisting almost entirely of coral and oyster shell fossils. A very unique , (and tough) building material.

Jumping In with Both feet!

After our walk through the historic section, Nuri decided she wanted to swim in the ocean after all. While the temperature was far too cold for us locals to venture into the water, Nuri toughed it out and made the most of her time on the beach! To our delight, Nuri took the plunge into the Atlantic ocean!

While Florida is famous for it's beaches, in mid November, the beaches are largely empty to those but a few hardcore surfers and visiting Canadians! Nuri, on this day, proved herself as Hardcore as they come, sharing the chilly waves with mainly wet suited surfers. After a while, the cold water temperature was not an issue as she had a tremendous time frolicking in the power of the waves! While I would have loved to join her, the water was far too chilly for my blood, so I spent my time on the shore taking pictures! I told you the Kyrgyz were tough!

Nurgul had a great time at the St. Augustine beach!

A Kyrgyz at Disney World!

2010-11-13T22:54:00.022-05:00

Nurgul (Nuri to us), spend these first few days of her time in the USA visiting classes and giving a presentation to our Lower School. However, before I report on her informative and well received school visit; TODAY we went to Disney World! Several students and Oak Hall Chinese language teacher, Ginger Lin accompanied Nuri, the students and I on this perfect, sunny Saturday.

Nuri, Ginger, Students and I in front of Cinderella's Castle. While this was Nuri's first visit to Disney World, it was also most of the other girl's first visit as well.

We were lucky to catch some fireworks during the day!

Nuri loved the intricate mosaics inside the castle.

Everyone loved the Jungle Cruise.

After a few rides, Nuri's became adventurous and took a ride on Splash Mountain! I stayed behind and created this painting to document the moment!

Nuri summed up all of her bravery to take a ride on Space Mountain though!

This picture shows the result!

Girls just want to have fun!

We observed many people from all over the world in that Disney crowd.

MY BET: Nuri was the only one visiting from Kyrgyzstan in attendance that day!

It IS a small world after all.

A quick painting I did at the end of the day while waiting for the girls as they shopped!

A Visitor From Kyrgyzstan!

2010-11-11T17:02:00.005-05:00

Today we welcome a visitor from Kyrgyzstan! Visiting teacher Nurgul Urkunbaeva, (Nuri) is from Naryn, Kyrgyzstan. She is visiting Oak Hall for 10 days to study how we educate our students and bring back some new ideas of her own to her home country. We have a busy schedule lined up for Nuri that we hope she will find enriching. This should prove to be a very interesting week!

I am proud to say that this visit is the latest result of our ongoing Art and Diplomacy outreach projects. We are honored that our school was chosen to host such an auspicious visitor.

If you don't know much about Kyrgyzstan, here are a few links to get you started exploring this fascinating country!

More pictures and info about Nori's visit to follow!

Harvest Moon: Ultimate, Fall 2010

2010-10-23T22:06:00.007-04:00

My Ultimate Frisbee team this fall season is called, "Harvest Moon". This marks the third season in a row that I have been drafted to an orange team, (at least I'll have plenty of clean uniforms)!

I have developed a tradition of making paintings to root the team on from time to time. Above is a Mascot that I came up with for the squad. As you can see, I kept with the Fall theme, but tried to make it a bit meaner than the name of the team sounds.

Tomorrow we play the "Royal" Book Club. This game is important as it will determine our ranking as we head into the playoffs.
Let's "Burn the Books" Harvest Moon!

EDIT: The Book Club made pumpkin pie out of Harvest Moon, 15-6.

Addition:
This week #9 Ranked Harvest Moon faces off against #10 ranked Fire Ants.

It is sure to be an epic battle that will decide who finishes in last place!

EDIT: Harvest Moon Howled to a victory today! 15-9.
It was Halloween after all!

The season is not over yet though! This win puts us in contention to enter the Chump bracket of the playoffs! This means, as long as we don't loose again, we have the potential to finish 5th and win some discs in the Chumpionship finals! It's not the Championships, but I'd be more than happy to take it the rest of the way! GO MOON!

Follow all the action here!

More selections from "One Mountain, Many Paths"

2010-09-29T07:11:00.020-04:00

This post depicts some of the work that was part of the "One Mountain, Many Paths" exhibition at the Cofrin Gallery at Oak Hall School. While there are too many pieces to mention, I thought I would try to share a few examples to give you a better sense of the exhibition.

Upon entering the gallery, visitors were greeted by the bronze smiling face of the Hindu, "Dancing Girl", part of the collection of Vasudha Narayanan.

At the center of the gallery sits a large piece of steel, officially salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage. Emerging from this steel, embedded in cement, stands a Peace Pole , (like a lotus from the mire), with "May Peace Prevail on Earth" written on it in eight different languages. We think this is a fitting center peace for this exhibition.

A Deaf, Russian Orthodox artist, Alexander Nazarov, created this oil on canvas lent to us by Cynthia Dupont.

"Blue Buddha", by Gainesville Artist Norman Jensen, Oil on Canvas

"Voodoo Ceremony", Haitian, Oil on Canvas, Collection of The Murray Family.

"The Apocalypse", A Haitian painting from the collection of Kim Ponzio featuring a frame handmade from roots.

Among the Christian oriented works was, "The Holy Family", by Dominican Artist Guillermo Pena, Oil on Canvas, Collection of the Yelton Family.

One of the artists whose spirituality lies on a more personal path is Bill Schaaf, a Gainesville artist who contributed this oil on canvas, "Spirit Woman".

Some of the works representing the Islamic faith were "Struggle", by Gainesville artist Ameena Khan, Acrylic on Canvas. Below it hung a handmade silk Islamic Prayer Rug, lent to us by Dr. and Mrs. Faisal.

Among the Krishna works represented was this piece is entitled, "Shree Chairanya Faints Seeing Krishna", by Matthew Goldman, Oil on Canvas.

A favorite subject among many Hindu artists is "Ganesha". This piece, by an unknown artist, made of paint and mixed media, was lent to us by the Ford Family.

Shelagh Forrest created this Digital Photograph in Nepal which she entitled, "Mountain Majesty". She had great access to the temple and people at this exotic location.

Thanks for viewing this work and to all those who came out to the gallery to support the show! We were proud to bring everyone together and it was great working with such a diverse group of artists and collectors!

The Work: One Mountain, Many Paths Exhibition...

2010-09-09T21:37:00.009-04:00

Now for some of the work that graced the walls and pedestals of the "One Mountain, Many Paths" art of spirituality exhibition at the Cofrin Gallery at Oak Hall School... I think it best to begin with this particular piece which, as it turns out, was the seed of inspiration for the entire show.

About a year and a half ago, my fellow visual arts teacher at Oak Hall School, Gary Bone, attended a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Bnai Israel in Gainesville. While there, he came upon this piece created by artist Elsa Kula, (which hangs in the temple as an inspirational image). At first glance, one might wonder why an image of a burning Torah would be embraced by a Jewish congregation. However, upon further examination, (and in context of the title of the piece), the meaning, defiant pride and power of the painting becomes clear.
"The Parchment May Burn... But the Words Soar Skyward" is the title Mrs. Elsa Kula assigned this huge and intricate painting. Inspired by the history of oppression the Jewish people have faced, this image reclaims violent acts against them and defiantly states... "Our Culture and holy word will never be extinguished"! While this piece speaks powerfully about the Jewish heritage, it also stands as a metaphor for tolerance and the need for understanding in the broader sense... particularly in the light of one local intolerant "church" who threatened to burn Qurans this weekend.

EDIT: Thankfully, they did not go through with their ignorant action. Our community came together in loud protest (this show among them), and it obviously had a positive effect! Thank God that cooler heads prevailed! Good work Gainesville!

More to follow...

One Mountain, Many Paths Exhibition. (Scenes from the Reception)

2010-09-09T18:29:00.010-04:00

Last Thursday, September 2nd, we held the reception for the "One Mountain, Many Paths: Art of Spirituality" exhibition at the Cofrin Gallery at Oak Hall School. I am pleased to report that the reception was very well attended and well received!

The artists and collectors who lent works for this exhibition represented many Faith, (and Non-Faith) traditions. It was an incredibly diverse group. All were willing to discuss their works and ideas with curious guests, as well as each other.

Elsa Kula, sits before her powerful painting of a burning Torah. This piece is entitled, "The Parchment May Burn... But The Words Soar Upward". In light of the recent threats by a local church group to burn Qurans here in Gainesville on September 11, this image proved very timely indeed. Mrs. Kula was kind enough to give away signed, full color prints of the painting to all the gallery guests that night!

We had two guest speakers that evening. The first was Renée Zenaida is a local writer, editor and speaker. A UF English department graduate, and member of the Unitarian Universalist Florida District’s Speaker’s Bureau, Renée speaks most frequently at UU congregations in the State of Florida, (she is also married to one of our ceramic artists, Jiri Lonsky). Renée discussed the links among the arts, spirituality and story while Cynthia Dupont, (in black... the sign language teacher at Oak Hall), was also kind enough to translate the talks into American sign language for our hearing impaired guests.

Our next speaker was Vasudha Narayanan a Distinguished Professor, Department of Religion, Director of the Center for the Study of Hindu Traditions (CHiTra) at the University of Florida, and a past President of the American Academy of Religion. She was educated at the Universities of Madras and Bombay in India, and at Harvard University. She is the author or editor of seven books and over a hundred articles, chapters in books, and encyclopedia entries. Her research has been supported by grants and fellowships from several organizations including the American Council of Learned Societies, National Endowment for the Humanities (1987), and the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation. Her inspirational gallery talk explored the power that the arts can have to transcend culture and history.

We were also very fortunate to be graced with a stunning dance performance by Gatornatyam, The University of Florida's Hindu Students Council’s first Bharatanatyam Team. Upili Dissanayake,(right), is an alumni of Oak Hall School and was kind enough to organize the routine for the event.

When fellow Art teacher and Cofrin Gallery co-coordinator Gary Bone (left) and I began working on this exhibition more than a year ago, we thought to ourselves, "How cool would it be to have a crowd of people of different faiths, religions and traditions in the same room at the same time... all getting along and respectfully learning about each other"?! Well, I am proud to say that thanks to the artists, collectors, speakers, dancers, helpers and visitors to the gallery that evening, it was very cool indeed!

In this divisive time for our city, nation and world, where some are actively trying to divide us all; I like to think that through this show, we all came together in celebration of one another to stand as a positive example for unity, tolerance, peace and respect. Hopefully, in some small way, this effort can have a positive effect beyond the walls of the gallery.

The Show Runs through Sept 30.

Next Post, I'll show examples of the artwork displayed.

One Mountain, Many Paths: Art of Spirituality Exhibition at the Cofrin Gallery

2010-08-27T05:28:00.014-04:00

One of the favorite duties I am charged with performing at the Art Department of Oak Hall School is co-running the Cofrin Gallery. Fellow Art teacher Gary Bone and I have the pleasure of putting together public exhibitions to help inform and educate our students and community on a wide range of artistic and cultural issues. While putting together these shows is a lot of hard work, it is also very rewarding.

Above: "Windows of the Soul" by Shelagh Forrest

The next exhibition we have planned, (which opens this Thursday night), is entitled "One Mountain, Many Paths". This exhibition of art work is based around the theme of religion and spirituality. Drawn from private collections and contemporary artists, the images and objects in this exhibition represent the attempts by artists to capture and communicate the often inexpressible experiences that have formed the basis of spiritual faith throughout human history. The exhibition will feature art from many of the world’s religions as well as the art of seekers on a more personal path.

Above: "Wedding Chalice" by Jiri Lonsky

While the walls and pedestals will be filled with artwork borrowed from some of our city's best artists and most avid collectors, at the center of the gallery sits a large piece of steel, officially salvaged from the World Trade Center wreckage. Emerging from this steel, embedded in cement, stands a Peace Pole , (like a lotus from the mire), with "May Peace Prevail on Earth" written on it in eight different languages. We think this is a fitting center peace for this exhibition.

The opening reception, scheduled for Thursday, September 2, 2010 from 7-9 PM, will feature live music, a dance performance and two guest speakers.

Renee Zenaida, a speaker from the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, will say a few words about Art and Spirituality, and the University of Florida's Vasudha Narayanan will also share her thoughts about the importance of art, spirituality, religious tolerance and mutual understanding.

In this heated and divisive climate our nation and city finds itself in recent days, we are hopeful that this exhibition will help bring our city together by celebrating and embracing the various cultures, religions and traditions that make up our community.

The exhibition at the Cofrin Gallery at Oak Hall School runs through September 30. For those of you who live near Gainesville, Florida I hope you can join us for this important and enriching event!

Gallery Hours:
Weekdays 9AM-4PM or by appointment.

Here's to the Championships!

2010-07-27T08:30:00.006-04:00

TANG! is sitting pretty at first place heading into the Championship games!

* Image Key from left to right:
"Kink", (as injured Professor X), Nicole, Roshan, Laura, Tim, Dan (with pitcher of TANG!), Kek (up front), Brandon, Erica, Travis, Brendan, PONZ, and ???

This Friday, we first face the Lieutenant's White, "Epic Pale". Should we win, we will then face the winners of the Royal "Whiskey Discs" vs. Gold's "Know Expectations" contest. Either way, a potential tough opponent.

Wish us luck! If TANG! plays our game, relaxes and has some fun, I think I might be reporting some good news Friday night!

Here's a little something for some inspiration TANG!:

EDIT: We lost! Great season anyway TANG! I had a lot of fun playing on this team.

Make History TANG!

2010-07-21T22:10:00.007-04:00

My Ultimate team TANG! now sits in first place as we enter the next round of Semi-finals!

I've been playing Ultimate for a while now and last season, I was fortunate enough to make it to the Championship match with my team "Clockwork Orange" for the first time. Unfortunately, we lost that game... and while it was a great run, that loss certainly left a bitter taste in my mouth.

At my age, I have to be honest and realize that I might not get many more shots at the title. However, this team TANG! might be my last chance to not only get to the Championship game, but to WIN it!

TANG! has been a great team to play with as everyone contributes, gets along and plays well together. This team has a very good vibe. Unfortunately, due to family conflicts, I am unable to make it to this Friday's match against "Gang Green". While I can't be there in person, I will be there in spirit.

In times like these I am reminded of these words of wisdom from the immortal Sun Tzu, who wrote the "Art of War". Perhaps these quotes will, in some small way, help TANG! to bring home another win!

Know thy self, know thy enemy. A thousand battles, a thousand victories.
Sun Tzu

Invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack.
Sun Tzu

Opportunities multiply as they are seized.
Sun Tzu

The opportunity to secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.
Sun Tzu

Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.
Sun Tzu

and my favorite...

You have to believe in yourself.
Sun Tzu

GO TANG!
MAKE SOME HISTORY!

Cheers, PONZ

EDIT: TANG! won a come from behind victory against Gang Green 15-12! Good work TANG!

I Broke My Hacky Sack Record... 1030!

2010-07-12T18:10:00.011-04:00

EDIT: +8 for a new record of 549! 7/22/10

EDIT AGAIN: SMASHED MY RECORD WITH A COOL 1030!

Exciting news this week!
I finally broke 500 kicks on the Hacky Sack! Actually, I kicked a 541!
The world record for consecutive "kicks," is 63,326 so I am no threat!

New goal... 1000!

Want to know more about the history of the Hacky Sack? Then visit this link.
For the record, I use sand filled footbags similar to the one pictured above. http://worldfootbag.com is a good place to find them.

Maybe if I keep practicing, I could be as good as this kid when I grow up!

TANG! vs. the Double Headed Monster!

2010-07-05T22:46:00.008-04:00

My Ultimate team TANG! faces it's toughest battle to date this Friday. We are scheduled for a double header against two of the leagues toughest teams, "The Tactical Geniuses"(Red), and Epic Pale (White).

Red is Captained by "Pennies", a member of the University of Florida Men's Ultimate team, and was responsible for bringing the whole UF team out to Oak Hall this year to put on a workshop for our students! (Thanks again Pennies!) The UF team also won the National Championships this year!

White is Captained by "The Lieutenant",(who basically runs the league). His teams are always dangerous and brutal to play against. It will be a very tough match.

TANG! has a secret weapon in three very talented ladies. This might make the difference in these games. One thing for certain, it will be a very tough Friday. If TANG! can hang together and "flow" like the team I know we can be, we might just find the ugly, two headed monster's vulnerable underbelly and come away with 2 more in the win column! Good luck TANG!

EDIT: TANG! had a great night! We somehow managed to beat Captain Pennies Red 11-5, and then went on to a brutal slug-fest, and beat White 10-9 on an exciting Universe point! You can read the Captain's reports for both games here at the Gainesville Ultimate League website.

Next Friday... QUARTER FINALS!

Views of the Province of Trapani, Sicily

2010-06-19T14:31:00.005-04:00

I just finished a suite of 3- 4' x 8', carved wood / paintings created for new Italian Restaurant, 'O-Sole-Mio, in Jonesville, Florida. The cool thing about this project is that the owners of the restaurant are from the same place in Sicily that my great Grandfather, Giuseppe Ponzio emigrated from!

View of Scopello.

Old man enjoying a meal and the view of San Vito lo Capo.

View of Castellammare del Golfo

As I have never visited Sicily, it was great for me to do some research and familiarize myself with the landscape. It was inspiring for me to think that my Great Grandfather would have been very familiar with these views! The restaurant opens the first week in July!

TANG! vs. Gang Green

2010-06-17T10:26:00.005-04:00

I had a little time this morning to contemplate the impending invasion of our next opponent... the little green men of "Gang Green"! Let's repel the invasion TANG!

EDIT: Yeah TANG!... 15-8! Sent the Green Gang packing!

My New Ultimate Team is Named TANG!

2010-06-08T16:05:00.007-04:00

Summer is here and it is time for Gainesville Ultimate's Summer League 2010! My team's color is orange, (again)! It took us a few games, but we finally settled on the name TANG! Above is an image I made for this weeks game. We are playing a tough Maroon squad on Friday. The Maroon team brings a big flag out to the field to help rally their troops... hence the "Plant the Flag" message depicted here! I'll post the score here after the game.

EDIT: In a squeaker, TANG! wins a come from behind victory on Universe Point! 15-14 final!

This image was created after the game against Royal, (Whiskey Discs). I could not make that game but it was a hard fought game that was all tied up at the end. Unfortunately, we lost on Universe point. Great effort against the current best team in the league, (until next time).

This image was made as the team considered a variety of different names such as, "The Krakens", (Duck) "L'Orange", "Free Verse", (because nothing Rhymes with orange), and the "Orangutans". Ultimately, TANG! was suggested and we went with it! It is going to be a great summer!

Critical Thinking

2010-05-30T23:50:00.001-04:00

"Creative Ascension: A Pleasant Elevation"- A New Exhibition at the Hippodrome State Theater

2010-04-13T19:31:00.014-04:00

Last night I set up an exhibition of my newest paintings at the Hippodrome State Theater here in Gainesville, Florida. In total, there are 40 paintings, drawings and wood carvings on display!

The title of this exhibition is, "Creative Ascension: A Pleasant Elevation", and is inspired by several experiences that have recently coalesced in my life.

As you might remember from earlier posts, I was recently awarded the opportunity to fly on-board a zero gravity training flight! This was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to try my hand at drawing while weightless! While this proved to be much more difficult than I had ever imagined, the experience of weightlessness is one that I will never forget. As we cruised high above the clouds, I was inspired and awestruck by what we are capable of achieving through creative efforts.

This experience, combined with the inspiration of several global outreach projects I have been involved with, has combined to inspire the imagery in this work. As Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Oak Hall School, I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to utilize Art as a diplomatic tool. My classes and I have had the good fortune to interact, both online and in person, with artists and schools in China , Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Japan and Andros Island the Bahamas. Throughout these varied experiences, it has become clear that despite any differences our nations might have, the Arts can act as an effective cultural bridge that allows us to better understand and appreciate each other.

My hope is that the imagery in this exhibition will inspire the viewer to recognize how deep down, (despite cultural differences), we really are all the same. Creative thinking and cultural interaction activities can help us all find ways to rise together to create a more harmonious world for us all.

Above: the Hippodrome State Theater by Laurel Housden

The exhibition is now on display through May 7, 2010.
A reception will be held during "Art Walk" on Friday, April 30 from 7-9pm.

Show Sneak Preview

2010-04-07T14:50:00.003-04:00

Here is a little sneak preview of the new paintings I have been working on. Next week I set up a show at the Hippodrome State Theater in Gainesville, FL.

While these are Acrylic or Gouache, additional carved wood pieces will also be on display.

More later...

Today I was a Guest Speaker at a Teacher's Conference in Kyrgyzstan!

2010-03-25T20:20:00.008-04:00

Today I was a guest speaker at a teachers conference in Kyrgyzstan! Unfortunately, I did not actually GO to Kyrgyzstan... I talked to them via web cam and SKYPE! I set up my laptop in the Cofrin Gallery and used the projector in there to blow it up. It worked perfectly. The connection was strong and we could hear and see them clearly.

We discussed ideas about integrating global outreach projects into our schools as well as issues facing educators in both countries, like how to motivate our students and encourage other faculty members to open their classrooms to the world as well.

Several of my students where on hand and joined in the conversation. They had many questions for each other. For the most part, their English was better than I expected which made the conversation go smoothly.

It was very valuable to see each other face to face. This activity brought us together in a much more meaningful way. SKYPE is indeed a great addition to our modern world! I hope this is the first of many conversations we will have as I am certain that world Diplomacy can greatly be enhanced by this wonderful resource. It was a lot of fun as well.

EDIT: Here is a post made friom the Kyrgyzs point of view about our online video conference!

Trench Warfare: Clockwork vs. The Few, The Proud...

2010-03-21T22:21:00.004-04:00

Today was a double header. The first match featured "Clockwork" Orange vs. "The Few, The Proud, The Maroon". First game 11-1. Second game was Quarter finals against Gold, (Lyle’s Golden Children). Final score... 13-6? In any event, we advance to the semi finals against the "Lightning Thieves" (again!). We have a two week layover due to the 'Frostbreaker' tournament and Easter. Three Sundays from now we will face the semi and final games. The good news, (from our perspective) is that "Royal (with Cheese)" was knocked out of the championships. Royal faced Red in a 5 on 5 match and Red came up with the win, (though in my humble opinion, Royal with Cheese, who has the best record in the league, should be there! ! While the two teams we face will be tough, I am certainly glad not to face the hard fighting Pilgrim and his disc of death in the playoffs this year! That's the way the disc flies though! I am hopeful Orange will run like Clockwork and take home the first place victory this season!

Watch the following video to see why I am glad Pilgrim and his squad have been knocked out of the race. Though, it does them no justice...

Orange vs. Navy: Scrubs Rule!

2010-03-14T10:27:00.006-04:00

Today we play Navy. We have clinched 1st place in our division, so the game really won't matter either way if we win or loose. However, the league predictor, Jack Skunk has thrown down the gauntlet by daring the "Scrubs" of our team to take the reigns. (Hey! I resemble that remark!)

We'll see Mr. Skunk... we'll see.

EDIT: Clockwork 15 - Navy 5!
Though to be fair, Navy was short handed the whole game. The time change and the end of spring break was too much for their team apparently. We played down a man, but they were tired.

Dropkick Murphys Show, Ybor City

2010-03-07T08:15:00.004-05:00

Friday, March 5th I took the drive down to Ybor City to see one of my favorite bands, the Dropkick Murphys at the Ritz. I brought along my little Moleskin sketchbook and some watercolors.

Dropkick Murphys always put on a good show!

The second band, "Strung Out" sucked! I found a seat way up front in the window to wait out their set. The first band of the night however, "Larry and his Flask" was amazing!

Before the show, eating some Cuban and drinking a beer.

Clockwork vs. Lightning Thieves

2010-02-25T00:08:00.005-05:00

This week my Ultimate (Frisbee) team,
"Clockwork" (orange) faces the "Lightning Thieves" (green).

That's me mooning the Gods. Wish us luck.

EDIT: Final Score
Clockwork 15 - Lightning Thieves 7!!!

Hard Fought Double Header

2010-02-01T00:24:00.003-05:00

Clockwork emerged triumphant on this last day of January 10 vs. Gold and Maroon... though not without trouble. Keep Ticking Clockwork!

I don't know what I'm Doing... but I'm having some fun!

2010-01-28T16:11:00.001-05:00

Ultimate "Clockwork Orange"

2010-01-12T22:29:00.004-05:00

My new team's color is Orange. ORANGE!
What do you call an Ultimate Team with Orange Uniforms?
"Clockwork Orange" of course!

Go Droogs!

Won the first game 15-9. I think this will be a good season!

PONZ Interviewed on Gainesville Ultimate Website!

2010-01-11T19:01:00.003-05:00

I am proud to say that a story about my Art and Ultimate (frisbee) outreach has been posted on the Gainesville Ultimate website!

It is a good thing I can paint, because my Ultimate skills alone would certainly not have been enough to earn a feature story like this! (Unlike the photo above), If you want to see my good side, check out this link!

My Visit to an Amazing Okinawan Aquarium

2010-01-02T23:22:00.012-05:00

In 2003, I had the good fortune of visiting Japan for the first time thanks to a grant from the Fulbright Memorial Fund . While there, I had the opportunity to travel around mainland Japan, (visiting Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima) as well as visit Okinawa. My ultimate destination was Nago, Okinawa, located on the northern most tip of the Island chain.

Okinawa, known as the "Rope in the Ocean", is a mountainous island chain that is closer to Taiwan than it is to Japan. From this point you can see the China Sea (L) and the Pacific Ocean (R) . At one time, Okinawa was known as the kindom of Ryukyus. The influence of the Chinese on Okinawan art and culture can strongly be felt here. During their reign, the Ryukyus kingdom became very wealthy due to their "middle man status" between the trade of China, Korea and Japan. This is a picture of Shujiro Castle of the Ryukyus.

While in Nago, Okinawa, I had the pleasure of staying at the home of Takoya and Narumi Oshiro and their wonderful family. They, Takoya's parents and their 5 sons showed me tremendous hospitality!

While visiting with them, they brought me to the amazing Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.

The main tank called the "Kuroshio Sea" holds 7,500-cubic meters (1,981,290 gallons) of water and features the world's second largest acrylic glass panel, measuring 8.2 meters by 22.5 meters with a thickness of 60 centimeters. Whale sharks and manta rays are kept amongst many other fish species in the main tank. I took many pictures there, but none did it justice. I recently came across these photos online and they inspired me to post them here!

Kuroshio Sea - 2nd largest aquarium tank in the world - (song is Please don't go by Barcelona) from Jon Rawlinson on Vimeo.

For more information about this visit, or to see Artwork inspired by this visit, please visit this webite! If you ever get the chance to visit Okinawa, I hope you can make it to the beautiful city of Nago.