Ramblings from ART Central ...

It's 2008, and I am ecstatic. Turning the page on 2007 and heading into the new year, brings a smorgasbord of wonders.

Adam, CEO of The National Networker, works his magic again, and has introduced me to a real.. live.. MUSE. It is rare this past year, that someone could “lift” and “surprise” me, with the goodness of talent AND personality.

Her name is Heidi Heyns ...

and she is “the guru of Laughter Yoga,” AND an exceptional VOICE. I have to admit that in a number of calls since our first intro, Heidi has opened my eyes, tickled my funny bone, and reminded me of all the things that I once dabbled in that really gave me joy.

Among them a trip to Ballet BC, DANCE ALIVE, in Vancouver, Canada.

It’s a convoluted and lengthy story of HOW her musings reminded me of Ballet BC, but the pursuit of art is timeless, right.

Ballet BC, DANCE ALIVE, is out of Vancouver, Canada is a wonderfully innovative ballet company. Attracting dancers in their late 20’s and early 30’s, many of the dancers are drawn to the company because of their ability to interact and participate in the creative process of the world class and progressive choreographers that have served to “design” for the company. Traditional and known Ballets, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Peter Pan, and then the “surprise”, a simultaneous deviation from the norm, blazing a trail with a contemporary presentation, “Elemental Brubeck,” with a sound score from none other than jazz great Dave Brubeck.

A few years back, I had the opportunity to witness the incredible choreography of William Forsythe as he turned traditional ballet dancers of Ballet BC into the most scintillating, and “emotionally” moving art forms, unfamiliar to me as ballet, but most engaging and rousing my spirit and my passions. I’ve never forgotten the feeling it evoked in me, as previous to that night, sitting through the ballet would have been experienced as somewhat painful.

I’ve come across choreographer, William Forsythe again, as my MUSE introduces me to the photographic work of Canadian Born artist, Gregory Colbert, and his world class exhibition of Ashes and Snow.

Now I am REALLY on a twisting, turning journey…and down a road that has a stellar surprise at its destination ...

I discover, not only the brilliance of Gregory Colbert, (and please do click on the site for Ashes and Snow) you will be treated the magnificence of photographic poetry that is unmatched… AND I discover The Rolex Institute, The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, and the sponsor and primary support to the Ashes and Snow World Exhibition.

It gets better, AND, yes I will get to the point as to the value of this “networking” opportunity.

“The Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative was created to assist extraordinary, promising artists to achieve their full potential. Every two years, six emerging artists are selected to receive the rare opportunity to develop their artistic vision under that watchful eye of a recognized master in their field.

Rolex launched the international initiative in 2002 to perpetuate the world’s artistic heritage in dance, literature, film, theater, visual arts and music. In keeping with its tradition of supporting individual excellence, Rolex aims, through the nurturing of exceptional talent, to make a significant contribution to the arts, worldwide.”

How wonderful is that ... !!!

Evolving from The Rolex Institute, Gregory Colbert has now created his own initiative, titled The Flying Elephants Foundation, where a number of artists are chosen to be given fellowships to pursue their photographic aspirations ... Talk about “the gift that keeps on giving” ... Rolex, then Flying Elephants, then the world…..How incredibly beautiful ...

Each of the sites for both The Rolex Institute and Flying Elephants define how one can be chosen for these programs ... and it would be well worth your time to investigate, if for no other reason than to allow yourself the treat of massive inspiration ...

Going further, I discover that earlier mentioned choreographer William Forsythe is one of the mentor teachers in dance program with Rolex. As an artist subscribing and reading The National Networker who wished to elevate their skills and have two years of complete freedom of expression with a master mentor ... this is the first place I would approach to find out HOW to attend, HOW to get chosen, and HOW to benefit from this program ...

The enrollment process, and selection process is vague ... but if you look at the result, Ashes and Snow, and others listed in the protégé program, this would be the circle of influence I would choose to surround myself with.

The documented success of Ashes and Snow and its subsequent impact and ability to provide the funds to further additional artists is a business model I LOVE to see. The actualization of “paying it forward” on a significant scale.

Cheers ... GOOD luck, and thank you my little MUSE, Heidi ... By the way, if you need a VOICE, voice over, or voice for the product you are promoting ... Heidi gives GREAT voice ...

Sian Lindemann 2008

The Pool of Possibilities

Daily E –Calendar and Journal

A Valentine's gift for every day

To Order, Contact Sian

Sign up for our newsleter;
Email a friend.

Go to: Site Map