Rickey's Blog

Demonstrating Fusionart in the Inland Empire

2011-11-13T11:24:00.001-08:00

Last Wednesday afternoon, November 9th, I was invited to do a paid demonstration at the Hemet Valley Art Association, attended by 40-50 members and fellow artists. This was my first demonstration in front of a large group, and I had no idea what to expect. Since the audience was unfamiliar with Fusionart, Richard and I agreed that he would give a few introductory remarks to prepare them for what they were about to see. This allowed me to focus on painting and stay in my creative zone. He began by showing them two of my earlier oil paintings (a realistic still life and an impressionist seascape) we had brought along to illustrate my evolution as an artist. He then showed them a piece I had recently finished. They seemed impressed because it established in their minds that I can paint well in traditional styles they are accustomed to, and helped them to understand that I had become a Fusionartist because it opened the door for me to paint fully from my heart and express my spirit with complete freedom. After some brief comments on the uniqueness and relevance of Fusionart and its insight into the nature of creativity, Richard started the music on my portable ipod dock and I began to paint.

Within five minutes we could feel the energy shift as the room became silent, focused on what I was doing as the painting emerged. I was applying paint with rags, paper towels, brushes from Home Depot and my fingers as many Fusionartists do. This was new to a lot of the members of the audience, and gave them a sense of the spontaneous nature of Fusionart. There was a coffee break after 45 minutes or so because the canvas had become too wet for me to continue. During the break, I was able to talk informally with a number of people. Their comments were all positive. There were appreciative remarks about the freedom of expression. Several audience members were attracted by the synchronicity of the music and painting, which was apparently new to them. Others sensed the spiritual overtones of the work, and were drawn to that. One woman even sang part of the song “Stairway to the Stars” to me because that is what came to her when she looked at my painting. I was also asked to judge a competition (another first for me) in which members of the association submitted their work. After the break, I worked mainly with brushes on greater detail for another half hour or so. Throughout the demonstration, I could hear cameras clicking as people recorded the progress on the canvas. I was pleased that I was able to stay in my creative zone even with all those people watching. A number of people told me how happy they were to be exposed to something new, some even found the demonstration “thrilling.”

There has been much positive fallout for Fusionart in general and me in particular. There have been 5 articles in the local press about my exhibit at the Banning Center for the Arts as well as this demonstration. There were 2 articles in the largest local newspaper, the Press Enterprise. A few days ago, to my amazement, I even received a letter from our California State Senator, Bill Emerson, (I had no idea who he was) congratulating me for being featured in the Press Enterprise and commending me for my “outstanding talent and commitment to the community”. More important for me is that 4 people signed up for the 3hr workshop on Fusionart painting I will lead in my home at the beginning of December. (4 is the maximum I can handle at one time). All in all, I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to expose more people to Fusionart as a “satellite” in the Inland Empire.

Finished demonstration painting, Cycle of the Soul, 30" x 24"

-Rickey

Join Me!

2011-10-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

I hope you will be able to join me at the Banning Center for the Arts on October 22nd for the Artist Reception of my current exhibit (see flyer). Fall is starting out with a bang. New possibilities and opportunities are popping up. Movement, positive change is in the air. The world is sick of being stuck. The cries for a whole new approach are getting louder. People have had it. We are now more and more connected electronically, but less and less connected emotionally. The constant bombardment of information, mostly unnecessary, and nonstop busyness is destroying our inner stillness. We are more than extensions of our machines, more than puppets for politicians and corporations to manipulate. We need to find a way back to ourselves. That path home leads through our hearts, where our real strength lies. When we lose our connection with our inner selves, we lose our connection with each other as well. We are no longer whole; we have lost our inner compass, our sense of the deeper meaning and value of life. We need to turn down the volume of our minds until we can hear our unique inner voices, the source of our creativity and connection with the universe. Let’s learn to live our lives by surrounding ourselves with whatever we have created out of love. If it is in your heart to paint, for instance, soaring colors will bring you more joy than another techno toy. As more and more people rediscover their creativity and find the courage to express their truth to each other in whatever medium, the planet will begin to come back into balance and the downward spiral will be reversed. True transformation can then take place. My mission as a Fusionartist is to live my life creatively and to share my heart, my soul and my imagination with others through the fusion of painting. We can all become Fusionartists by simply keeping our hearts open, realizing that creativity is our essence, and letting it shine through whatever we do. Join me!

-Rickey Hoefnagel

Studio in the Stars

2011-07-10T19:41:00.000-07:00

Impressions of the First Rassouli Open Studio
by
Richard Buntin

Rassouli’s first Open Studio evening for Fusionartists was an event my wife Rickey and I had been eagerly looking forward to since receiving our “e-vite” 10 days ago. An invitation to Rassouli’s studio is a rare honor. The occasion was described simply as a “friendly gathering of Fusionartists to have fun and sharing.” The Rassoulis’ home and his separate studio are a secluded sanctuary, tucked away on a hillside high above the bustling San Fernando Valley. Walking up the long driveway one enters a world where beauty, love and joy not only survive but thrive. Protected by throngs of towering trees that give the impression of a sacred grove, it is deeply enchanting and peaceful. The love of beauty, spiritual sensitivity and the refined enjoyment of life are apparent in every detail, from the architecture, which flawlessly fuses Middle Eastern and Mediterranean elements, to the ancient statues and Italian Cypress surrounding the circular driveway to the mosaic tiles of the swimming pool. In short, it is the ideal soil for creativity to flourish.

We were among the first to arrive shortly after 6pm. The light, spacious, self-contained studio is a seamless synthesis of beautiful design and practical function. As we crossed the threshold, a powerful energy was palpable. It seemed to emanate not only from the large easel standing in the center of the room under a skylight, but also from the breathtaking paintings covering every wall. It is a cathedral of creative power. A table displayed an enticing array of delicious cheese, fruit, crackers and slices of cake. Bottles of wine and other beverages were lined up on the counter behind the table. The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming in the Middle Eastern tradition of gracious hospitality. The tempo of the evening became livelier as about two dozen guests eventually arrived, primarily members of the Fusionart community. The room constantly hummed with the rising buzz of conversation and outbursts of laughter. The intoxication from the energy in the studio was much stronger than any effects of alcohol. It is so liberating, and so creatively stimulating, to be in an environment where it is safe to be open and loving.

Around 9pm, I would guess, we all began migrating spontaneously to the large patio between the kitchen of the house and the dense vegetation on the hillside. A huge shade tree stands in the middle of the patio. We arranged our chairs in a large circle underneath it, enjoying the mild night air. A harpist, Karen, had come to play for us. She is a colleague of Gitty, Rassouli’s wife, who uses the harp as a form of therapy. Listening to the heavenly chords, we floated up through the thick branches and lacy leaves into the moonlit sky. Our reverie was interrupted, however, by the delivery of several large pizzas, which were surprisingly light and tasty. During the pizza break, Rassouli asked me if I would recite some poetry. With Karen softly strumming her harp, I read by candlelight a rendition I had written of a Rumi Divan. Felix followed with one of his poems. Rassouli then shared with us an invocation poem by Hafiz, which he read twice in English and once in Farsi. As the beauty of Hafiz’ words penetrated our hearts, in my imagination the evening had magically transformed itself into a gathering of Sufis around a campfire in the desert, guarded by an army of angels winking at us from the endless canopy of stars.

When I looked at my watch, the time had flown by, and it was already 11:30. Much as we would have liked to stay with the Rassoulis till the wee hours, as some may well have done, we had a long drive home and it was time to say good night. When I thanked Gitty, who had been such an extraordinary, attentive hostess, she told me that my face was glittering while I was reading. I assumed she was using poetic language, or perhaps she was able to see my aura. When we arrived home, I noticed tiny specs of sparkle dust embedded in Rickey’s face, and I realized that what Gitty had said was literally true. I can still see a few flecks on Rickey after several days even though she has washed her face regularly. We have no idea when or how it happened. It remains a charming mystery, and perhaps a material symbol of the evening.

All in all, it was a heart-filling, soul-satisfying evening, which certainly served to strengthen the sense of friendship and community among the Fusionartists who attended. In addition, for artists like Rickey who are very sensitive to energy, simply being physically present and absorbing the energy of Rassouli’s studio for several hours has been very valuable. I already see new growth in her as an artist.

Magic in the Mountains

2011-06-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Impressions of a Fusionart Retreat
May 20-22, 2011
by
Fusionartist Rickey Hoefnagel
as told to
Richard Buntin

That familiar feeling, a mixture of excitement, longing and anticipation, grew as we wound our way through the San Bernardino Mountains along the Rim of the World Highway to the Pali Mountain Retreat and Conference Center for a 3 day Fusionart Retreat led by Rassouli, the internationally acclaimed visionary artist and founder of Fusionart. I knew that this would be another extraordinary weekend of painting and poetry, music and dancing, talking and laughing around the campfire and over meals.
A cool breeze and clear sunshine kissed our cheeks as we stepped out of the car. We breathed in the crisp, fresh air. Surrounded by the timeless strength and beauty of the fir and pine trees, with vistas of mountains as far as the eye could see, the serenity of this spot was a perfect backdrop for creative magic to occur.

The two dozen participants arrived by late Friday afternoon. A large, light room in a rustic building with wooden decks overlooking the forest had been converted into our studio. The walls held our energy, while the sights and sounds of Nature flowed freely through the open doors and windows. Everyone gathered in the studio for the first time, sitting in a circle on folding chairs. Rassouli began by introducing what sounded like a contradiction: creation is destruction. He explained that nobody creates anything. Creativity is the process of destroying whatever is blocking our creative energy. When we destroy, surrender, let go of these obstacles, the innate wellspring of creative energy we all have overflows naturally and effortlessly from the heart, free of the limitations and attachments of the ego, in a state that is playful and powerful simultaneously. Rassouli then asked that each of us say something about why we had come. As we went around the circle, I felt an expansive, loving energy infuse the studio as if to bless our retreat.

Eating meals together around a large dining room table is one of the ways we get to know each other, create friendships and maintain our connection throughout the retreat. The flow of conversation frequently shifts from the profound to the hilarious. This is also true of the gatherings around the fire pit on the patio behind the dining hall after dinner. Friday night was chilly, and we were grateful for the blazing fire. We watched the sky slowly progress into night’s mystery as the sun set over the mountains. The group was invited to share, and several people read their poetry. Others offered stories about how their experience as Fusionartists had added a whole new perspective and purpose to their lives.

Rassouli gave an assignment for those of us who chose to return to the studio and paint that evening: destroy your canvas and in the process release any negative emotions you may have brought with you to the retreat. Kelly described the creative chaos that followed: “…we splashed paint in every which way, with every color, with brushes, rags, fingers, and even elbows, while dancing wildly to salsa music.” Gary, who had been experiencing a very frustrating conflict at work, attacked his canvas furiously. The thick, bright red spattered across his black canvas, accentuated by embedded objects, perfectly expressed his anger.

Laura, on the other hand, had less emotional baggage to unpack. Although she had never painted before, she found herself painting until 4am. Her friends urged her to stop and go to bed, but she was having so much fun and had become so involved with her canvas that she couldn’t stop. My experience was much the same. When the music began it awakened such happiness in me that I easily let go of illusory difficulties and became drawn to warm, soft colors. Absorbed in creative play, I will paint for hours in a meditative state with no sense of time. During this period I had a deep feeling of a Blissful Encounter
with beings in a realm of love and beauty that soothed and refreshed my soul.

I couldn’t wait to get back to my easel the next morning because I kept seeing a particular shade of blue/green, accompanied by a silent cry from within. After a riveting, impromptu demonstration by Rassouli, I began my second canvas listening to the soaring music of Kitaro. When I realized I was not sure how to go further, I became aware that Rassouli was standing behind me. I told him that I was feeling stuck, and he simply said that I could develop more contrast by adding a darker color. In doing this, I noticed a figure begin to appear with arms outstretched. I realized that the cry I felt was one of compassion for all those struggling to create a better world by Reaching Higher.

While taking a break, my eye was drawn to the subtle tones of blue on Bebe’s canvas surrounding a central figure perhaps entering a dimension of intense light. She had had a breakthrough in painting Destruction Precedes Renewal which she explained this way: “I was painting gleefully when Rassouli suggested I do something completely foolish – like throwing black paint all over the canvas. That’s when my symbolic renewal started.” This is how Rassouli guides the energy throughout the retreat. He does it intuitively and immediately in the moment. He does not give instruction per se, but he helps us to trust ourselves enough to let go and release our own creative power. He senses what each artist needs, and often it is the opposite of what the artist thinks he or she needs.

One of the most wonderful aspects of Fusionart retreats is the way the group bonds and the energy builds throughout the weekend. The music played continuously during the painting sessions is carefully chosen by Rassouli to take Fusionartists beyond the rational mind and open the heart. People respond spontaneously to the contagious joy of the music. Late Saturday afternoon, StellaMaris, who had been painting quietly near me, unexpectedly began singing so sweetly in her native Spanish that I thought I was hearing an enchanting angel. Her sister, Graciela, joined in the song. This awakened the Cuban blood in Felix, who started dancing with Graciela. Others swayed gently in front of their easels as they continued to paint, while some of us clapped in unison to the music. As Graciela said, “We completely surrendered to our space.” She was referring to both the inner and the outer space, which had become one.

Since the mission of Fusionart is to enhance creativity in all aspects of life, Rassouli enjoys bringing creative synergy to Fusionart retreats. We were privileged to have Kelly Sullivan Walden, the “dream doctor”, join us as a retreat participant and share with us her expertise and passion in dream work. Kelly spoke to us of the great value in the mystery of our dreams, particularly the “scary” ones, and the ways we can use our dreams to grow and reach our full potential as human beings. She explained how, among the Native American Iroquois and the aboriginal Senoi of Malaysia, individual dreams are often considered to affect the tribe as a whole. They may indicate a future direction, or they may present a challenge. To the extent that the dreamer is able to understand, accept and resolve the issue portrayed in the dream with the help of the tribe, this will benefit the entire tribe. Saturday evening Kelly led the group in a “dream theatre,” which is essentially a conscious reenactment of a dream. John bravely volunteered a disturbing dream which was reenacted, in an improvised fashion, by other Fusionartists he chose. I played the sun. This was a powerful experience for many in the group, and John found it helpful

Over breakfast Sunday a few of us had a fascinating conversation with Rassouli about the modern creation myth he is developing. This ignited my imagination and I began reworking an old canvas I had brought with me. Letting the music take me away again, I became immersed in imagery of primordial life forms evolving and gradually emerging from darkness to become transformed over eons of time into enlightened human beings. A feeling of awe came over me as I painted, and I bowed inwardly to the Source, eternally creating on an infinitely vast scale far beyond our comprehension. I titled this painting, Spiritual Alchemy.

Although we never discussed it, alchemy is also present in Carole’s vision of a journey which inspired her painting, Fusion Heart. She described the dramatic climax of the journey: “He (Rassouli) offered us a gift. It was the gift of alchemy. I saw a copper pot with rainbows of color and light inside. In the rhythm of unity of one heart we each dipped into the pot and began covering ourselves and the walls of the dark chambers with a vibrant prismatic light. The heart – Our Fusion Heart - became like a diamond of light and we became the rays of light shining into the universe.”

Usually the last activity is to review the works produced at the retreat. They often reveal tremendous artistic growth, even over the 3 day period. Each artist is encouraged to discuss the feeling process motivating the painting rather than technique. The rest of the group and Rassouli then offer comments on the feeling of the pieces. The atmosphere is very positive and supportive, which makes for a satisfying and fun finale.

The retreat is also a catalyst for deeper self understanding. StellaMaris’ experience reminded her of Santiago’s quest in The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: “Every moment had a golden quality for me...It was like finding your personal legend.” Sylvia wrote this about what the retreat meant for her: “Realizing that the lightness of being is to merge with that love that creates all life, and only through innocent playfulness can this amazing energy exchange flow. It is that simple indeed. I wonder why I often so stubbornly try to block it since all that I want is experiencing this love… Being able to share vulnerability in such a safe and caring environment brings an awareness of unity with all that is.” A Fusionart retreat is about much more than painting. It provides us with a practical experience of the way creative energy can transform individuals and build communities. It teaches us that our lives truly can be beautiful, joyous and free.

Sun Lakes Art Show

2011-03-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, March 19th, I was invited to exhibit at the Sun Lakes Art League. This was a wonderful opportunity to introduce fusionart, which was quite a contrast to the traditional works which dominated the art show. Most had never heard of fusionart and were very curious to know what fusionart is. Putting it as simply as I could, I told them that fusionart is the language of the heart. It has no preconceived rules or limitations. Instead, it arises naturally from the infinite creativity and imagination of our spirit when it is allowed to express itself. The heart and its creativity are what needs to be restored to our culture and all aspects of our lives. A number of attendees were able to connect with the feeling of the paintings. A group of Japanese visitors stood in front of the paintings for some time, discussing the paintings with animation. They were clearly fascinated with the fusionart approach. The owner of a local gallery was very drawn to one of my paintings, Earth and Sky, and asked if I would like to exhibit there. Another gentleman, who was moved by the freedom and inner vision expressed in the work, took the photo aboved.

Notes from a Ridiculous Retreat

2010-09-30T11:37:00.000-07:00

by
Rickey Hoefnagel
as told to
Richard Buntin

The September 18th Fusionart retreat led by Rassouli at the Mayfair Hotel in downtown Los Angeles featured some remarkable guests and intriguing developments. New seeds are being planted, and older seeds are beginning to take root and spread out. Fusionart is about much more than painting. Fusionart is the process of bringing creativity to all aspects of living. It spans all art forms. Rassouli is continually looking for ways to transcend perceived limitations and broaden the scope of Fusionart by creating synergy with other forms of artistic expression, as we saw again last Saturday.

We arrived early to setup. The floor was already covered with plastic and the table near the registration desk was heaped with love offerings in the form of delicious goodies, thanks to our Fusionart angels – Kelly, Barbara, Nikki, and June. We greeted our fellow Fusionartists warmly as they arrived. We have built such a strong bond over the months and years by coming together and experiencing the joy of creating individually and as a group. Painting is a tool that we use to express what is inside us that wants to come out. In the end, however, not only do we develop as artists, we also learn together how to tap into the infinite pool of creative energy. The more we share the energy the more it expands. Each participant can both give and receive creative energy which benefits everyone.

The two dozen or so of us sat in a circle as Rassouli opened the retreat. He began talking about how we need to be aware of all the opportunities to bring more creativity into the world and share it with others. He introduced the word which would be the theme of the retreat: ridiculous. Overcoming the fear of being seen as ridiculous is essential for an artist. History is filled with examples of ideas and art works which were initially seen as ridiculous and are now regarded as brilliant. Instead of immediately rejecting the ridiculous, we should pay attention to our reaction.

As a specific recent example, Rassouli told us about an email he had received from Cathy Lee, which she wrote after attending the retreat last month. In it she discussed her concept of a contemporary café for creative endeavors (mymuse.com), which would be online but also include the capability for meetings at physical locations. It would provide a broad network for a wide variety of creative people to interact with each other, as well as a forum to present and discuss their work. Rassouli’s first impulse was to dismiss the idea as ridiculous, but he quickly realized that his judgment was preventing him from seeing the positive potential. Cathy Lee then explained to us how this vision had suddenly come to her, and how the power and clarity of this vision had energized her to take action. She has found others who share her excitement, including financial backers, and now this “ridiculous” idea is moving forward rapidly.

Rassouli then introduced his artist friend, Jesh de Rox. Jesh spoke simply and beautifully from his heart about some of the insights that have guided him in his successful career as a photographer and in his life as a whole. He began by observing that “mine” is the favorite word of very small children – and most adults as well. Tragedy is the great remover, which forcibly reminds us through our suffering that we must let go. There is a much less painful alternative, which is to let go of attachment consciously and voluntarily. When we let go, we realize how much energy it takes to resist. Holding on chokes off the flow of life. From Jesh’s perspective, what we call greatness is actually the efficient use of energy.

As artists, we must learn to let go in order to create space within. We are most full when we are most empty because we make room for the continual flow of inspiration. Jesh offered us a marvelous metaphor: Be the scent not the hound. Rather than being a hound constantly running after a scent, be the scent that attracts the hound. Be what you seek. By flowing freely like a scent in the wind, your capacity to attract is infinite. Avoid unnecessary steps; only go where you need to go. Remove distance. What you are seeking is within you. Knowing who you are is being in the flow of life. Great art is about remembering who we are.

Rassouli then gave us our assignment for the day: to eliminate “what “and “how.” In other words, let go of the need to know what to do and how to do it. Instead, focus on allowing whatever comes forth from the creative, empty space within to express itself freely. Don’t think about what to sing or how to sing it, just let the song come out. Allow the excitement of exploration move you. Be ridiculous.

Saturated with ideas, images and energy, we returned to the painting area to begin. The creative experience is different for everyone. For me there is a feeling of joy, peacefulness and complete relaxation. As I become more and more absorbed in the process, it seems at times like a conversation with the canvas without words. My muse is speaking through my brush or rag then. At other times I feel like I am dancing with the colors. Each painting is a new journey where anything is possible. The freedom is intoxicating and it feels ridiculously good.

As we shared lunch together at a long table, Rob applied his creativity in the culinary area. The hotel dining room ran out of vegetarian lunches, leaving Rob and several other vegetarians without an acceptable meal. When the waitress insisted that only meat dishes were available, Rob visited the kitchen himself. He immediately began taking whatever suitable ingredients he could find out of the refrigerator and supervised the chef in preparing a meal. He emerged a short time later carrying plates piled high with a pasta primavera, which was far more appealing and delicious than the unimaginative veggie burger provided by the hotel.

The retreat continued with the second painting session after lunch. I was able to complete my first painting and begin a second painting, which I finished later at home. As frequently happens, I looked at my paintings and wondered who had painted them. When we gathered for the discussion of our work in the late afternoon, I was amazed again by the incredible array of color, feeling and imagination on the canvasses. The “first timers” got things started, and their beautiful expressions were clear evidence that everyone has creative ability.

We were fortunate to have Mamak Khadem join us for the retreat. Mamak is an internationally recognized singer whose vocal art is rooted in the music and poetry of ancient Persian masters. Rassouli asked Mamak to express with her voice the feeling of each of the 3 paintings placed on easels in front of the group. Her voice carried such passion and beauty as she sang spontaneously that I knew the sounds were coming from the depths of her soul. Tears welled in my eyes at the purity of her brief impromptu performance. The discussion continued as we each took our turn and received comments on our work from the other participants and Rassouli. Representing the written word, Richard read a poem he had written that day titled “What Is Ridiculous.” When at last we had to depart, inspired and fulfilled, we floated home high above the freeway on a ridiculous cloud of creative energy.

The Muse and I

2010-08-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

I looked forward with great anticipation to the Fusionart One Day Painting Retreat led by Rassouli at the Mayfair Hotel August 14th. We arrived early at the Mayfair, where Richard and I were warmly greeted by Carole Burdick, the coordinator, and Rassouli. The workshop had taken over 3 rooms because a number of special guests were attending. They are working on a sequel to “The Secret” called “Tapping the Source.” This project aims to go beyond the philosophy of “The Secret” and focus on individuals who embody the principles of The Secret in their lives. They have interviewed Rassouli as an example of such a person, and Rassouli in turn invited them to come to the retreat and experience Fusionart for themselves. The special guests, some of whom are well known in the film industry, joined in enthusiastically even though many had never painted before in their lives.

I found a comfortable space near the door of one of the rooms and got set up, leaving part of the table for Richard to write. The workshop began shortly after 10am. With our chairs arranged in a circle, Rassouli began talking to us about the importance of bringing creativity to all aspects of our lives, and specifically the role of the Muse. The Muse within each of us is our connection to “the source,” God, or whatever name or title you attribute to the ultimate power and creative principle in the universe. Rassouli also refers to the Muse as “the friend,” that inner voice which is there to guide us on the path to the realization of our full, divine potential. We are successful when we listen and obey. To follow the Muse requires an act of faith, a total commitment. We also have a rational mind which has a limited perspective and is designed to help us navigate our physical existence. The rational mind cannot create, however it does act as “the editor” in refining creative work. It is essential that the creative process take form under the guidance of the Muse without interference from the editor. Our assignment for the morning was to be playful with the canvas, follow our Muse, and allow form to arise naturally without input from the editor. By this time, I was fully basted with creative energy and could not wait to start painting.

As we began painting, the magnificent music of Kitaro inspired me and I was filled with the joy of doing what I love. Painting with a wet cloth, I surrendered to my Muse as my hand moved across the canvas with sweeping stokes of purple and yellow. The feeling was one of grandeur and the painting below, “Illumination,” is the result.

We sat together at a single long table and got to know each other better over lunch. The participants came from all walks of life – filmmakers, writers, attorneys, photographers coming together to discover their unique creativity. When we returned to our easels, I began a second painting. I could my Muse guiding me as I was filled with a feeling of light pouring down abundantly with great love on humanity. We only need to open ourselves to it. I titled this painting, “Influx of Light.”

The workshop concluded with the display and comments on the work done, an amazing outpouring of color and feeling on canvas in a few short hours. I so enjoy being part of this loving community and sharing in the transforming creative energy we experience together. This is what the world needs.

-Rickey

Impressions of a Fusionart/Rachana Retreat

2010-06-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

I felt like a little girl who finally gets to go to the playground. The weekend I had been awaiting eagerly for months had finally arrived. I felt so excited because I knew somehow that it would be an amazing weekend of painting, dancing, talking and laughing. Early on Friday afternoon I arrived at Pali Mountain Retreat and Conference Center, nestled high in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains on the Rim of the World highway between Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs. The endless natural beauty of the mountains and forest provided an atmosphere of serenity and wonder, which was the ideal setting for this journey into our individual and collective creativity.

The weather was chilly and the sky alternated between cloudy and sunny, which made us appreciate even more the glorious sunshine which graced the rest of our weekend. I was the first to arrive except for Carole and John Burdick, who put in long hours lovingly coordinating all the logistics of the retreat. John and I were the first to set up our easels and begin to paint. The large wooden conference room where we would be painting was light and spacious with adjoining decks outdoors overlooking the forest. Fully taped with plastic to protect the carpet, this would be our sacred play area for the weekend. Since the spot where I had chosen to paint was near the door, John encouraged me to add some colorful strokes to my black canvas so everyone could see that this was a Fusionart retreat. My energy was already flying; perhaps that is why my strokes resembled a bright-feathered bird. Throughout the afternoon fellow artists arrived, settling into their rooms and then arranging their painting areas.

Rassouli soon came through the door, beaming with happiness, accompanied by his delightful wife Gitty. What a joy it was to be with them in person again. It is always such fun. One of his recordings of beautiful improvised music, which would accompany all of our painting sessions, was soon reverberating throughout the room, raising the energy and baptizing the space with its spirit of free expression. As we began painting together, we started to get to know each other. I hadn’t met almost half of the participants before. Participants came from as far away as New Mexico. Our group of two dozen included all levels of development. There were accomplished artists with many years of experience. There were also those who were strongly drawn to be there, even though they had never painted before.

We shared all of our meals together at a single table in the dining hall, formed by combining smaller tables. As we sat down to dinner, there was a feeling of eagerness for the adventure to come. I realized that I was far from the only one who had been looking forward to this weekend. That evening we celebrated the 80th birthday of my dear friend Felix de Quesada, a very talented and seemingly tireless painter and poet. The whole dining room joined us in singing “Happy Birthday. “

Over dinner Rassouli began explaining the theme and purpose of the retreat. As I understood it, the painting sessions would focus on exploring the moods of the heart using various approaches. We were each to develop our own inner heart connection, and then allow the heart to express itself through our arm, our hand, and our brush as it placed color on the canvas. This can only be done when we are fully involved in the present. Letting go of the judgments, expectations and emotional baggage of the past is necessary in order to free ourselves to create from our inner truth. When we overcome resistance and our hearts are open, we receive all the help we require. We are free to love, and creativity springs from love. Loving ourselves for who we are, loving each other, and loving what we are doing. When our hearts open in this way, we feel an explosion of energy and joy. Creating from authentic experience heals us and we become whole again. This applies collectively as well as individually. The open heart is a fertile field, capable of the love which is necessary to heal and unite the planet.

After dinner we gathered in chairs around a roaring fire pit near the dining hall, prepared for us by the attentive Retreat Center staff. We drank in the breathtaking beauty of the sunset over the mountains, with the lights of Lake Arrowhead village twinkling in the distance. I felt very close to Nature in all its magnificence and mystery. The discussion, led by Rassouli continued with a natural ebb and flow from profound to mundane, seasoned with Sufi humor and wisdom. The fire’s warm flames and the soft Persian music in the background conspired with the stillness of the forest to cast a spell over us, loosening any tight knots or burdens our psyches had been holding. We sensed that this was a safe space to be playful and vulnerable, and to speak from our hearts without fear of judgment. The energy of the group became light and soft. The alchemy had begun.

The mountain air was cold as we walked in the dark back to our painting studio from the fire pit. It didn’t matter because we were glowing. With residual resistance removed, our energy was free to expand. Rassouli put on some music and encouraged us to dance as we painted. The room was filled with happiness. Everyone was drunk without a drop of alcohol. Some of us were doing the Sufi turn, and I could feel the energy spiraling through the ceiling, and the roof about to come off. I kept on playing with the “bird of paradise” on my canvas. The creative partying lasted until midnight, but some of us turned in earlier so we would be ready for Saturday. I realized again how wonderful this energy is. It was so natural and effortless, even with people I had never met before. I wondered why we don’t experience it more often, and why some people never feel it all. I chose “Soul Flight” as the name for this painting (see below).

That night I slept soundly with my window open to take in the fresh mountain air. I was awakened by the sound of birds and hikers returning from their morning walk. After breakfast we gathered on the outdoor deck of the conference room where Rassouli gave us a practical demonstration of letting go of the past in order to create something new in the present. Amber, a fellow artist, offered to let go of one of her paintings for the demonstration. With masterful brushstrokes, Rassouli transformed her painting into a new one, both in mood and appearance. He also made the point before our eyes that we are not to become attached to any particular a painting, because we always have the power within us to create a better one. Our deep desire is to be in love with creativity itself rather than any particular work.

I felt inspired by the demonstration, and I couldn’t wait to get to my easel. In my eagerness to begin, I accidentally tipped over my jar of red paint, spilling it over part of my canvas and onto the floor. I immediately saved as much of the jar as I could, then surveyed the situation in dismay. It looked like a crime scene where a bloody murder had taken place. This was definitely the death of any expectations I had about what I would paint. Fortunately the universe had a better plan. Since I refused to let the canvas go to waste, the only question was how to resurrect it. The “accident” actually increased my concentration as I was determined to meet the challenge. I began by adding yellow to soften the red into orange, then played with the color until a figure gradually began to emerge. I asked Rassouli for help with the profile, which he gladly gave.

There was a magical synergy in the studio. I felt that the creative energy of the other artists was feeding me as I was feeding them. The more we shared, the greater the energy became. This is a tremendous benefit of painting in groups. In addition to circulating and helping all of us, Rassouli added even more to the energy of the group by painting along with us himself. My focus did not waver for the rest of the day even while I was dancing. I maintained my inner connection with the painting until it was finished at the end of the afternoon. Spilling the red paint was actually a great blessing. Rather than bemoaning the accident, I decided to “go with the flow” literally and in the end a wonderful painting emerged. This is what happens when we let go of resistance to the present moment. I titled this painting “Tara,” the Hindu goddess of peace and protection (see below).

After dinner we returned to the fire pit. While seated in our chairs, we were led in gentle, relaxing yoga movement by Felicia Tomasko, editor of LA Yoga magazine. We also used pressure points on the body to release each other’s tight, knotted muscles. The retreat, described as a Rachana Retreat, was a combined venture of Fusionart International and LA Yoga. Yoga includes many different paths to liberation. Rachana Yoga is the yoga of creativity. Fusionart, in the broad sense, would be considered a form of Rachana Yoga. After centering our bodies with Yoga, we went into silent meditation as we listened to music which transported me upward as it echoed gently through the mountains. Although the day had been long and I had felt a satisfied tiredness at dinner, the yoga and meditation completely recharged my battery and I was ready to return to painting for our final session of the day. As we began painting again, the music and dancing continued. The energy in the studio became simultaneously more playful and powerful than ever. Everyone was riding on it. There was such a feeling of unity in the studio. I began covering my third canvas with bright yellows, blues and greens to express the elation I was feeling. By 10:30 I was ready for bed. When my head hit the pillow, I quickly fell into a sound sleep.

Having lived in this timeless dimension for the past two days, it came as a bit of a shock Sunday morning that the final day of the retreat was already here. However, I was cheered by a surprise visit by my husband, Richard, who joined us for breakfast. After breakfast we gathered in the studio for a guided meditation on the rainbow led by Gitty Rassouli. With my eyes closed, I listened to Gitty‘s melodious voice describing each color. As they floated before me - sometimes as clouds and sometimes as transparent fabric – I saw them melting together into pathways and bridges to infinity. We used the meditation experience as inspiration for our creative expression that morning. I continued to play with the painting I had begun the previous evening incorporating the meditation feeling. The atmosphere was still and peaceful in the studio. We were focused within, savoring every moment of our last painting session before the evaluation session which would conclude of the retreat. My third painting (below) is Pathways.

The chairs were arranged in a semi-circle with 4 easels placed in front of the group. We each presented our work with the paintings arranged in the order in which they had been painted. Each artist spoke of his or her work first, encouraged to discuss the feeling that motivated each painting. Then the group offered the artist their reactions to the work, particularly how it affected them. Finally Rassouli added his comments. The overall experience was very positive and supportive. What stood out for me was the growth in emotional freedom I saw in the final painting compared to the initial piece. As much as we had bonded as a group, we had each taken our own unique inner journey as well. Many of us had artistic breakthroughs. Some had personal breakthroughs as well, which were reflected in their painting and gave new perspective to their lives. The quality, particularly the use of rhythm in the work, was remarkably high even from those who had never painted before. There were some truly amazing works. Finally, we embraced and said our fond farewells to each other and the mountains, with gratitude deep in our hearts for all we had experienced and learned together over the past three days.

Ultimately a Fusionart retreat is about much more than painting. It gives us a practical experience of the power of the heart and love to transform individuals and groups. It focuses our attention on what is most essential and valuable to us as human beings. It demonstrates our creative power to go beyond our self-imposed limitations and to discover that we are more than we ever thought or imagined. It teaches us that our lives can be beautiful and joyous.

Eisenhower Medical Center Exhibit

2010-06-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

2009 ended on a high note with the solo exhibit at the Lucy Curci Cancer Center in the Eisenhower Medical Center in nearby Rancho Mirage. I was honored to be selected for the Inaugural Exhibit of the Eisenhower Arts in Healthcare Program. We had been in contact with Jeannette De Bonne, Art Director at EMC, for some time and our preparations came to fruition on November 12th with the opening of the exhibit. Jeannette had to overcome scepticism from some of her colleagues, however the scepticism turned to enthusiasm once the sceptics actually saw the exhibit. The place chosen for the exhibit was a long wall of ribbed concrete just off the main lobby, which provided the perfect backdrop for the bright colors of the 7 works hung with transparent wire from the ceiling.

EMC hosted a lovely reception on Friday, December 11th from 5:30-7:30pm. The event was publicized in The Desert Sun and well attended. Jeannette is an accomplished artist herself, and her harp music was the perfect live entertainment for the occasion. I admired her determination that the exhibit would take place, and it has been a joy to get to know another kindred spirit. The exhibit was very well received, and was extended until the end of January. Below are pictures of me at the reception with Jeannette and also my husband Richard.

I returned to the Lucy Curci Cancer Center again in February to be the guest leader of a painting workshop for some of the patients. The participants were accustomed to trying to paint realistic objects in these workshops. As a fusionartist, I told them to forget about realistic objects and simply use the colors to express whatever they were feeling. The class became very excited by this freedom, and we had a wonderful session together.

Fusionart Retreat

2009-06-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

The clouds came closer once we left the hot, sunny desert floor in La Quinta for the cool mountains of Pilgrim Pines, high above the apple and cherry orchards of Yucaipa. I had been looking forward eagerly to spending this first weekend in June among the tall pines and the green meadow of this beautiful retreat center and participating in the painting workshop (a better description would be a “playshop”) led by my teacher, Rassouli. I was among the first to arrive. Throughout the afternoon, Friday, the rest of our group found their way up the rural, winding road to our quiet haven. A number of the other students were fellow Fusionartists, and we have formed a strong bond of unity over the past several years. We immediately felt the joy of coming together again to do what we love. There is always a safe, happy energy when we create together. There were some new faces as well, including beginners, and getting to know them added greatly to my enjoyment of the weekend. The clouds, by the way, never transformed into rain and the weather was lovely for the entire weekend.

After a delicious dinner in the dining hall at Pilgrim Pines, prepared with food grown at the retreat center, we gathered in one of the rustic meeting rooms assigned to us and Rassouli gave an opening talk on the agenda for the retreat. He also spoke about the interplay of music and painting as well as Fusionart’s approach as an expression of the soul. He then put on some marvelous Middle Eastern music to inspire us, and we began to paint. This music always opens my heart, and I quickly entered a meditative state in which I was experiencing a feeling of enchantment and romance. Automatically I began applying the colors I was seeing with swirling brushstrokes. I had no preconceived idea of what I would paint. I was just immersed in the process. This is the part of me that can create because it does not judge. Rassouli noticed that the strokes were creating 2 figures. He then used my unfinished painting as an example of how beautifully the soul can reveal itself when we allow it to express itself freely. I continued to develop the painting, which I titled Etheric Embrace (below), for the rest of the evening.

Bright and early at 7 o’clock, the crowing of the retreat center rooster served as my alarm clock. I thought, now I know I am truly in the country. Breathing in the fresh invigorating air as I made the quick walk down the hill to the dining hall for breakfast was a luxury that cost nothing. After enjoying a breakfast of eggs laid by the Pilgrim Pines hens, we reconvened at our “playshop” to continue creating. Mehrdad, a fellow Fusionartist, put on some of his amazing music and we were on our way again. This time my consciousness was suffused with a feeling of profound peace, and a scene in rich shades of blue appeared before me. Embracing its mystery, I was completely content in this world. I was reminded again that we must follow what we love, whether we understand it or not. Let go or be miserable. I choose surrender over resistance to love, happiness over suffering. After I don’t know how long, I returned from my creative state to observe what I had created. Below is the finished piece, which I titled Atlantis Rising because a number of my fellow students told me that it evoked the lost continent for them.

Later that afternoon I began a third small canvas. The group energy had been building and fusing to a crescendo throughout the day and I was filled with a powerful feeling of Light. My brush was expressing this on the canvas, but I had to express it with my whole body. I caught the eye of my good friend Felix, who was painting next to me, and he immediately understood. We both began dancing, paintbrushes in hand. Mehrdad turned up the music and soon everyone was painting and dancing, dancing and painting, until it all became inseparable. In our state of blissful unity, “under the influence” of divine drunkenness, we became playmates of God and the embodiment of Fusionart. I realized again that this energy, rooted in creativity and a joy beyond judgment, can truly transform the world, and we must share it. Below is the result, Transformation.

After dinner, Rassouli demonstrated for us how to transform an old painting into a completely new one by using the power of imagination. We spent the rest of the evening over a glass of wine in a sitting area next to Rassouli’s room. As we basked in the afterglow of the beautiful atmosphere, Rassouli entertained and enlightened us with Nasreddin Sufi stories and we deepened our connection with stories of our own past. It was the perfect way to end the day. The following morning we had our last painting session followed by the group critique. We had become so close in such a short time, and I left totally satisfied with the weekend, filled with positive energy and eager to continue painting. The weekend also reinforced for me some very basic but vital life lessons. Stay curious and open to the unknown. Always take time in your life to do something that makes you happy and satisfied. Share it with others. This is the true abundance of life, greater than financial well-being and material possessions. Above all, whatever it is you want out of life, “Be It.”

Reflections

2009-05-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

Above is my latest painting, Astral Realm. Looking at it reminds me that creativity is the natural order of life. Life is energy - pure creative energy which infuses all of life and connects us with the Divine. Creativity is the expression of our true selves. When we surrender to this energy, and allow it to flow through us, we express our true selves and we grow. When we resist this energy, we are captured by our small selves and we stagnate, then contract. This painting came to me through my imagination as I was looking at the sky and the formation of the clouds. Everything happens first in the subtle realm of the Astral, and I could see the Earth gracefully circled by the energy of the Divine Mother as if protecting a child. Art is very personal, yet it also transcends the personal. We can go anywhere in our imagination, and the artist takes great joy in this process. I believe that developing the creativity of children is an essential factor in the survival of our planet. As they learn to recognize and trust their Divine connection, they will receive the resources to overcome the seemingly intractable conundrums of our time with as yet unimagined creative solutions. Nurturing the creativity of younger generation in all aspects will enable them to bring forth fresh ideas of beauty and lead mankind to higher levels of civilized development.

Rickeysart.com gets a "facelift"

2009-05-14T14:12:00.000-07:00

I, Rickey Hoefnagel, am proud to announce that rickeysart.com has just been updated and is now better than ever thanks to the tireless efforts of my new webmaster, Jean-Louis Boers. In checking out the remodeled web site, the first thing you will notice in addition to the elegant new font is that the video of the Bridging Heaven and Earth spiritual talk show mentioned in my previous post is now available on the home page. Just click and play. We will have more videos for our visitors in the future. The Gallery features a large selection of my paintings, and is now divided into 3 categories. The Main Gallery features current works available for purchase. The other 2 sections contain works previously sold and works that have been donated. Works in each section can now be viewed as a slideshow, and each piece can be expanded with a single click. Acrylic on canvas continues to be my primary medium. Poetry now has its own area for your enjoyment. In the Artist's Statement, I discuss briefly how Fusionart and its founder, Freydoon Rassouli (see http://www.rassouli.com ), have inspired me to create art that is expressive of the heart, the soul and the Spirit. Art for me is a sacred journey. The Bio page has been reworked and expanded to include listings of recent and upcoming exhibits as well as some information on my training over the last 20+ years leading up to my current artistic incarnation as a founding member of Fusionart International (see http://www.fusionartinternational.com ). We love to hear from people who visit our site, and that is now very simple with the Contact Us page. I believe you will be impressed and appreciative as I have been with how simple and easy it is to navigate from place to place within the site with a single click. Rickeysart.com can truly be described as "user friendly." Also, please be aware that rickeysart.com has now replaced our old address, www.rickeyhoefnagelsgallery.com. Always go to http://rickeysart.com . So, please check out our new look and let us know what you think. Your feedback is always appreciated.

No Recession for Fusionart

2009-03-29T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Spring is here and a lot has been going on already this year. In January one of my paintings, Creation, was featured as part of the spiritual talk show, Bridging Heaven and Earth, seen on cable television and also uploaded to youtube.com and google.com. The show is #236, and it can be seen on their web site, http://www.heaventoearth.com/. Check it out. The painting, which was inspired by and created for this project, can also be seen at their online art gallery, http://www.heaventoearthart.com/. (You can find me under "R" for Rickey.) We were invited to attend the taping in Santa Barbara, and the high energy in the room was quite palpable. It was a real joy to be able to connect again with Alan, producer/host of the show, and Bianca. They are an amazing couple, and their commitment to producing this wonderful program and contributing to the healing of the planet is truly a labor of love.

From March 13-15, I had the opportunity to exhibit my work and demonstrate painting at the Quantum Leap 2012 Conference in Burbank, California, along with more than a dozen of my fellow Fusionartists. The Conference was a gathering of speakers, workshops and vendors united in the intention to bring greater spiritual awareness, healing energy and peaceful cooperation to our planet. 2012 refers to the end of the Mayan calendar when some believe great changes will take place. Our Fusionart founder, Rassouli, was one of the featured speakers and delivered an inspiring multimedia presentation of his incredible work that transported the audience. I know it transported me. In addition to exhibiting our works, throughout the Conference we took turns demonstrating at our easels set up in a large room adjacent to the main hall. The people who wandered into our Fusionart "play room" were invited to create art too at a table in the center of the room supplied with paint and paper. Sometimes people would say, "But I can't draw," and I had to laugh when I remembered I had uttered the same words back in 1985. The point we wanted to make is that we are all artists if we allow ourselves to be, and we can bring our creativity into all aspects of our daily lives at any moment when we choose to do so. "Life is what you make it," is one of my favorite sayings. Many children of all ages joined our creativity fest and quickly became engrossed in the process once they let go of self-judgement. We even got some free publicity on the front page of a local newspaper. I was pleased with the small painting that came to me while I was demonstrating(see below). The title is, guess what, Quantum Leap.

I demonstrated Fusionart again this year for Art Night at the Amelia Earhart Elementary School in our La Quinta neighborhood. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this last year. Color often evokes a natural excitement in children, and their interest and enthusiasm is most rewarding. Art Night was March 26th.

Speaking of art for children, the Hollywood Arts Council recently contacted me. The Council is holding its 23rd annual "Charlie Chaplin Awards" evening on April 19th at the Hollywood Palladium. The "Charlies" are presented by Hollywood celebrities to honor outstanding merit in Hollywood and its arts. I was asked if I would donate a painting for the silent auction, which is part of the event. The money raised helps to fund an after school art program for "at risk" grade school kids. Since I believe passionately in the value of developing children's creativity and appreciation of art, I gladly accepted. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, the event is well attended and affords an opportunity for some good exposure. Below is the painting I donated, Branches (recently re-titled).

Ignoring the doom and gloom of the news, I continue to paint for the love of painting, as do my fellow Fusionartists. A group of us get together 2 Saturdays a month at Clover Park in Santa Monica to paint under the trees near picnic tables, basketball courts and soccer fields. People stroll through our outdoor "studio," often stopping to chat or just watch. The group energy of artists painting together is so positive that it naturally attracts. The world needs to experience the joy of positive self-expression and creativity more than ever now. By simply taking pleasure in our art and each other's company, in our own little way we make the world a better place.

Note: My new webmaster, Jean-Louis Boers, who is gifted in all things technical, is hard at work on a new, improved version of this web site. Look for it soon.

November 17, 2008

2008-11-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Time has flown by this year, and the holidays are almost here. I am embarrassed to admit that my blogs have not kept up with the fast pace. Let me try to redress that right now. The children's painting class was great fun on Saturday mornings during the Winter and Spring months. However, as summer approached with its hot weather, vacations and so forth, we disbanded.

Meanwhile, a number of Fusionartists had been planning an exhibit housed in a section of the James Gray Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica for months. Bergamot Station is an excellent venue, but in this case there was very limited wall space for each artist. I decided to attend and help with the desk rather than exhibit my work. The opening night reception for the exhibit last February was one of the largest in the history of the James Gray Gallery, with the packed crowd so packed in that it overflowed out the doors into the parking lot. The event was very successful in gaining local recognition for Fusionarts as a new, 21st century approach to art. Below is a photo with my teacher, Rassouli, at the reception.

This exhibit was quickly followed by a second exhibit at a much more spacious location, Gallery C in Hermosa Beach. This beautiful gallery was a converted movie theatre with soaring ceilings and Grecian columns. I immediately decided to exhibit there. It was quite an undertaking. Even Rassouli himself exhibited for the first time with his students. We filled the large walls of the entire gallery with our work. Under the guidance of a professional curator, the effect was stunning. My work was prominently displayed near the entrance of the gallery. The exhibit ran through the month of May, and I enjoyed the chance to travel to the beautiful beach city on the weekends. This exhibit was an even greater artistic success. Collectors, art lovers and the general public flowed through week after week, mesmerized by the unique combinations of dynamic colors and deeply evocative forms arising spontaneously from the canvasses. I was interviewed by a local journalist, and I hope to be able to post some of it on this web site in the near future.

During this time, I made the acquaintance of Allan Silberhartz, who hosts a cable television show and a web site which focus on the healing power of art and the spiritual transformation of the planet. Artists all over the world are creating works of art related to this perspective, which are exhibited on his web site and featured on his television show. After speaking to Allan and learning of his vision I was moved to create the painting below, Creation, to express the healing power of creativity. Allan was very excited to add the painting below to his web site: You can see the work by visiting Allan's web site, http://www.heaventoearthart.com/,
where you will find me alphabetically in the artists list under "R".

After the Gallery C exhibit ended, I was able to spend a few days visitng my son, Marcel, and his family in the Seattle area. We had a lovely time, however I noticed that strange things were happening with my vision. Marcel had hung one of my paintings in his living room, and I commented that the colors were much darker than I remembered. In fact, the colors had not changed. I began to notice straight lines becoming curvy and letters danced on the page when I tried to read. When I returned to the desert, I made an appointment with an optician, thinking that I might need a need a new prescription for eye glasses. As it turned out, I needed much more than a new prescription. My vision continued to deteriorate rapidly, to the point where at times all I could see was a surreal collage of distorted shapes and darkness. Having always been a free spirit, my greatest fear was of becoming dependent. I was referred to a specialist who diagnosed me with central retinal vein occlusion in the right eye. Basically, I had had a stroke in my right eye. I also found out that I had the onset of macular degeneration in my left eye. I am very grateful to have received wonderful support throughout this ordeal from family, friends and fellow Fusionartists who included me in their prayers and prayer circles. At one point my deceased mother briefly appeared to me in a vision. When I told this to Rassouli, he told me to paint her even though I could barely see. He advised me to continue to paint regardless, without judging the outcome. Fortunately, through the miracle of modern medicine, the treatment I have received over the last four months has resulted in great improvement in both eyes. The great lesson of this experience for me as an artist has been to learn to trust my inner vision fully, to know that it sees the truth. Below are 2 of my recent paintings, which will hopefully soon be posted in the Gallery on this web site.

Healing Circle

Standing in the Storm

In reflecting on painting today, I know that I paint from my heart to touch the hearts of others. I still like to bend the rules. I am a rebel at heart. My favorite painting is always my last one. My paintings have an element of mystery, to catch the viewers' attention while allowing them to use their own imagination to assign the meaning. I want people to see the mystery in the ordinary and be uplifted by it.

Painting Class/Alternate Web Address/"Passage" Sold

2008-02-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Painting Class

In my 1st post I wrote about teaching an art class about Fusionart for 2nd graders at our local elementary school. It was one of my most enjoyable and memorable experiences last year. It reinforced for me how much I enjoy teaching, and it was so gratifying to see how eagerly the children responded to the opportunity to express their creative energy. I believe that it is very important for everyone, and particularly children, to remain in touch with their innate creativity. We are all born with it, but unfortunately it becomes buried in many of us because it is never encouraged to come and play. We need to exercise our creativity regularly just as we do our bodies and our minds in order to be healthy, whole human beings. Of course there are an infinite number of way to be creative; painting just happens to be one of my favorites.

As I thought about this, I knew that I wanted to give painting lessons as another way to explore my creativity and give to others in 2008. I am calling the classes "Painting from the Core", and they will incorporate the gestalt of Fusionart. They will be 3 hours long once a week for 5 weeks, and they will be small (maximum of 5 students) because I want the students to have plenty of personal attention and support if they wish. I will offer a class for children and a class for adults. The first children's class will begin at 8AM Saturday, February 16th. The setting will be humble; I have a large garage. It doesn't matter whether or not the students have painted before. They only need an open mind, an open heart, and the desire to create. Below is the flyer I have distributed in our neighborhood. If you, or someone you happen to know, would be interested, contact me (rickey@rickeyhoefnagelsgallery.com) for more information.

Alternate Web Address

I have heard from people recently that http://www.rickeyhoefnagelsgallery.com/ is too long and difficult to type in. So, in case you haven't bookmarked the site, or if you are on a different computer, I have come up with an alternate web address that is much shorter: http://www.rickeysart.com/. When you type this address into your browser, you will be directed automatically to my web site(rickeyhoefnagelsgallery.com) just as if you had typed in the longer address. I hope this makes it easier and more convenient to find me in cyberspace.

"Passage" Sold

I am happy to report that another of my paintings, "Passage", was sold this week to a fellow artist and collector of Fusionart. He loves the painting, and he believes that works by the original group of Fusionartists, such as myself, will become quite valuable. I hope he is right!

Well, that's my latest news. Keep your comments coming. I love hearing from you.

Creatively yours,
Rickey

Hi Everyone

2008-01-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

The new year has arrived, and with it the chance for a new beginning. Thus I am introducing my 2008 blog , and wishing all of you many blessings throughout the year. This is the perfect time to discard destructive old habits and replace them with healthy new ones.

Before we plunge headlong into 2008, here is a glance back at 2007. It was a busy year for me artistically. In January my work was on display at the Highway 111 Gallery here in La Quinta. In February I was invited to exhibit my paintings at the Tuscson Museum of Art as part of a concert produced by my dear friend, Donna Chernick of Chernick Productions, which combined the haunting, soulful music of Grammy-nominated composer and pianist Michael Hoppe with the poetry of Longfellow as read by his descendent, Lane Longfellow.

The event was a feast for the eyes and the ears, and I received wonderful feedback from Michael, Lane and members of the audience. One of my paintings, Mystic Shore, was also used for the poster.

In April Rassouli invited about 20 artists, including me, to a meeting in Topanga where we discussed forming a core group to develop as Fusionartists, exhibit together to promote the concept of Fusionart, and teach the approach of Fusionart to others. I was very excited by the vision and the synergy of a group of gifted artists coming together to launch the "art of the 21st century." I spent many Saturdays in various parks in the Los Angeles area, where we would meet to paint, receive instruction from Rassouli, critique each other's work, and plan for ways to promote fusionart.

Last summer, along with a number of other artists, I donated one of my paintings to a silent art auction. The proceeds were used to fund an arts program for children at an African orphanage. I was delighted and honored to find out that my painting, Wilderness, received the highest bid, $2500.

I also had the joy of introducing Fusionart to the second grade class at Emelia Earhart Elementary School just a few blocks from our home. As usual, I had no special plan. I know Spirit only works in the moment through the open heart rather than the head, and I trust that. I let Spirit guide us and the excitement continued to build throughout the class. I brought several of my paintings as well as the Fusionart posters I had made for display, a few brushes and an empty canvas. The children were immediately fascinated by the vivid colors of the paintings. I began by explaining in very simple terms what Fusionart is.

I then passed out black construction paper and small amounts of paint in paper dishes for them to share at their tables. The children immediately became very interested, and there was a buzz of excitement. They understood that it was up to them to bring color and light and beauty to the black paper, and that the darkness allowed the light and color to shine more brightly. I told them to listen inside to their hearts until their spirit spoke, and then put the colors on the paper that they were attracted to. I could feel them concentrating, and one little girl even had her hands folded in prayer. The energy rose as many became more attracted to the primary reds and yellows. In the end, I could see they were thrilled with what they had created. There was such joy on their faces as they held up their creations.

I gave from my heart and the children gave from theirs. In the process a tiny seed was planted. Who knows how it will grow? My reward was seeing the joy on the children's faces as they created and feeling their gratitude when I left. One of my goals for 2008 is to continue to teach art to children after school as well as adults.

August brought the Kenneth Village Arts and Crafts Festival in Glendale. The main shopping block of Kenneth Village had been cordoned off for the Festival from 3-9pm that Saturday. There were other painters, sculptors and photographers exhibiting. There were also various crafts on exhibit, from ceramics to jewelry. At the end of the street, a temporary stage had been constructed for live musicians, who entertained us with a variety of music throughout the event. Food and refreshments were available at both ends of the block, and the Italian restaurant behind us was selling pizza slices on the sidewalk. The weather was quite warm, typical of August in the inland parts of the Los Angeles area. Fortunately, we were on the shady side of the street, and our canopy offered welcome relief, along with the occasional cool breeze.

I saw it as a good omen when a woman came by the booth right about 3 o’clock and was attracted to one of my paintings. She was of Dutch heritage too, and we quickly struck up a conversation. She came back 15 minutes later to buy the painting. I was elated and began dancing for joy after she left. Many people stopped by and I enjoyed talking to all of them, even the lady who looked at one of my paintings and informed me, in all seriousness, that “the sky is not pink.” That amused me because apparently she had never seen a sunrise or a sunset. “I am a realist,” she told me firmly. “And I am an artist,” I gently answered.

The crowd continued to come throughout the afternoon, enjoying the cooler temperature as the sun dropped closer to the horizon. Half a dozen of my loyal friends even braved the heat to come out and support me. As dusk turned to darkness and interest began to ebb, the last song was played and the Festival came to an end. We broke down our booth and packed up the SUV again, simultaneously exhausted but still excited by the events of the day.

The Mehregan Festival in October provided a final opportunity to exhibit in 2007. It was held at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Irvine, and dedicated to Rumi in honor of his 800th birthday. The Art Plaza featured a number of Fusionartists, including me. Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperative on Friday and Saturday. The strong wind literally blew one of my paintings off the panel, its corner landing on my big toe like a hammer. Ouch! Several other artists had their paintings damaged by the overnight rain. The sun finally came out Sunday. In spite of the inclement conditions, the Festival was attended by thousands and the publicity was great. I am now officially a "published" artist.

So that's my whirlwind recap of some highlights of 2007. I hope you enjoyed it. I know I did. And now it's full speed ahead into 2008. May it be filled with growth and happiness for all of us.

Rickey