Sunday, July 05, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
It is nice to be living in the 90068 - Beachwood Canyon - or the "Hollywood Hills" as it is more often known. When most people think of the Hollywood Hills, they think Lindsay Lohan, crazy parties, limos, Bentleys, and movie stars. No doubt, all of those things are alive and well up here somewhere - but what most people don't think about are all of the more "normal" folks, the nature, and the spirituality that exist here.
Granted, the normal folks can most likely only fit that title if compared to other Hollywoodites but they are here, nonetheless, living in apartments, working jobs, and many of them pursuing dreams. Some have already seized those dreams, while others have given them up long ago. It is a special part of this otherwise big and bustling city, set up against the hills and right in the heart of them. These apartment livers exist sometimes side by side with million dollar+ home owners as writers, actors, directors, and even ... NON INDUSTRY PEOPLE (gasp!) pass each other gracefully on the sidewalk, usually with a leashed dog or two. They shop at the Beachwood Market up the street away from the masses - or down the street at Gelsons. They hang around at the Bourgeois Pig Coffee Shop and at Birds, often mingling with celebrities who feel at ease here. They frequent the famous Upright Citizens Brigade and La Poubelle. I see people hiking up the street in the canyon, biking, running, and dog walking - did I already mention that? Yes - lots of dog walking!
It is after all, a canyon. The street that I live on is the main drag up, up, up to the old Hollywood Sign, a huge attraction for visitors as evidenced by the many topless tour buses that drive up the street on weekends. We may have history and we may have movie stars but we also have trees - the beautiful scent of the hills, canyon air, quiet stillness as you climb the hill, gorgeous views, and coyotes. Like many hillside neighborhoods in Southern California, we have placed ourselves in the territory of some wild animals - and they do not fail to remind us of their presence. Signs hang on telephone poles advising hours to keep your pets inside due to recent attacks and these warnings are taken very seriously in these parts. I have walked the streets around here quite a bit in the last few weeks and have not seen the beasts but I know they're there. They are part of the landscape and a reminder of the sacredness of the area.
With churches and places of meditation speckled all around the hills, there is a sense of calm among the people of Beachwood Canyon. The angst and attitude of the big city seems to be dropped - for the most part - at the bottom of the street. Is this because of some increased spirituality or is it simply less stressful to be out of the gridlock of Hollywood proper? I don't know for sure but I have spoken to some people here and I have my own opinion that in the Hollywood Hills, a lot of people find a certain centering, a peace, and perhaps that is why the holy places have been erected.
These are just some first impressions of this place. It has been a great experience so far and I have barely unpacked my boxes. It was these traits that made me want to move here in the first place and even if I move out of this particular studio apartment in the future, I would like to move just a little farther up the hill.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Monday, March 09, 2009
I am trying something different as far as my art goes and selling my originals online. I found a site that has a good reputation and ease of use for both artist and buyer called Boundless Gallery. You can see my profile and virtual store here: http://www.boundlessgallery.com/artist/14216.art I will continue adding pieces to the store and remember - these are originals. I have other stores where I sell prints and products but I have been so busy in the last couple years that the term "art show" barely registers in my vocabulary anymore - thus the online endeavor.
If you are on the hunt for a new piece for your collection or something nice for your wall, take a look. If you know anyone in the market, please send them to this site too. If my work doesn't fit your taste, perhaps some of the other artists on the site will! I am pleased to be in good company there. Cheers!
You can see more of my work at www.jasonloya.com, http://jasonjloya.blogspot.com, http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Jason-J-Loya/62141165427?ref=ts
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
This is the film we made before Elan Vital. It is a short that was actually written and directed by my little sister, Sarah. I saw a lot of potential in the script and decided to produce it with Mutiny Universe. This is a streaming quality version so it is sadly not as nice as it would be outside of cyberland but I'm happy to share it nonetheless. It was accepted in 2008 to the Hamburg International Film Festival in Germany where it screened for a week. You can see more information here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1342914/
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
Behind Schnitzelbank
Acrylic Latex on Wood
18"x24"
2008 Jason J. Loya
