A Talk with Creative Warrior: Amy Baca Lopez

I learned of local artist Amy Baca Lopez' work while having coffee at Lestat's on Park Boulevard in San Diego. I remember falling in love with the colors, the energy and the spirit of the many paintings that were all around the room.

Amy and I met today to discuss what I feel is a very exciting and liberating life of her design. I felt grateful to meet her and learn about her inspiration, motivation for painting and her commitment to authentic self-expression.

Amy appears to be inspired by many facets of life -- from the work of Spanish masters such as Joan Miro, Pablo Picasso, Antoni Gaudi and Salvator Dali, as well as children's art, music and graffiti.

I was surprised to hear that Amy had only been painting since 2009. She ran a successful graphic design business for over ten years and started painting only after a trip to Spain. During her trip she trekked over 300 miles along the beautiful Camino De Santiago.

~ Appreciating Life's Rhythms.

As Amy took her time, exploring and appreciating the gifts of the journey, she found something magical in walking and the balancing that occurs when we walk. She described it as a balancing of the system. She covered 20 miles daily -- walking approximately 8 hours.

At times, she says she wanted to give up and take a bus because walking is so slow. However, she began to think about and appreciate the slowness of walking as opposed to the quickness of a bus ride. She compared this experience to her desire to paint versus time spent on the computer creating graphic designs.

Prior to the trip to Spain, Amy suffered from carpel tunnel syndrome in both arms. She credits her trip and the walking experience to her healing.

When Amy returned to her home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, she was motivated to paint and found that she had the courage to show her work to others. She "just went for it," creating art and submitting pictures of her work to cafes and galleries for consideration. Her work was quickly accepted for a show in a cafe where twelve of her pieces were displayed.

Amy eventually moved to San Diego where she has been a featured artist in numerous shows. She credits her transition from her graphic design career to a full-time painter to the book *The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron, which encourages creative expression through writing and various exercises toward a focused outcome. (*Interestingly, I've been working with this book for the past seven weeks and would agree that it definitely supports the process.)

Amy is also heavily inspired by music and receives shapes, colors and visions through songs. She also receives fresh ideas through exercising, her gym workouts and by consistently breaking routines and visiting new places -- things that are also encouraged in The Artist Way .

Check out Amy's work at numerous upcoming shows in San Diego including the South Park Walkabout on December 1st; The Mission on University Avenue; Lestat's (Park Boulevard and Adams Avenue locations) as well as Tazzo D'Oro in Little Italy.

"Every artist needs an audience." - Amy Baca Lopez

Tuesday, October 23: Live Music + Art at The Federal Bar, North Hollywood

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23 at 9:30 p.m. We are going to be at The Federal Bar in LOS ANGELES for Live Music by Randy Emata and his band and live art! Celebrate with Magno Designs' latest completely eco-friendly iPhone Skin; Susana Boney painting live and more! Federal Bar, 5303 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood.

The Power of Art: Improving Emotional and Spiritual Health.

I am recalling the promises I made to remember the people who are living in hospitals and not able to go outside, be with their families and friends -- the people who may be alone. I remember how difficult it was for me being hospitalized as a child and how wonderful it was to have visitors, even if they could only stay for short periods of time. When I found out about Sharp Hospital's art program, it really spoke to me as it uses art in various forms to assist patients.

The Power of Art: Improving Emotional and Spiritual Health. Arts for Healing is a program in which patients are able to minimize stress, increase comfort and elevate their spirits through sharing activities that are developed to meet their needs and challenges. Sharp's HealthCare Spiritual Care team guides volunteers to support patients by creating together using a variety of art forms including music, drama and creative writing as part of the healing process.

You can support the program through making a gift to the Sharp HealthCare Foundation: www.sharp.com/foundation.

Local Nonprofits Use Food and Creativity while Addressing Sustainability

What a wonderful summer full of inspiration and positive changes we have had in San Diego. Here is an update on organizations that are doing amazing work with a health and sustainability-oriented focus.

I had the pleasure of attending the “A Taste of Summer,” the nonprofit Ecoffiency’s San Diego event and meeting with nonprofit co-founder Chrissy Gray to discuss the event, program mission and goals for the future. Ecofficiency, an Orange County-based organization runs a few projects and highlighted its program, “Positive Plate” which expanded to include Carlsbad at the beginning of the year. Its mission is “to inspire an ethic of responsible lifestyle choices and individual actions that result in positive impacts on society and the environment.” In preparation for its introduction to San Diego, Ecofficiency selected two San Diego-based nonprofits as benefactors for its collaboration: Olivewood Gardens and San Diego Hunger Coalition. Gray states that the goal was to continue to grow deeper relationships with both entities through involvement in this event.

The event was held at San Diego's Liberty Station on a Friday evening and was sustainability-themed including chefs from San Diego-based restaurants Alchemy, Café Chole, Carnitas, Casa de Luz, and Gabardine. Each restaurant created unique appetizers and small plates; all dishes were created using local and organic ingredients. Attendees enjoyed local wine and craft beers while enjoying local art and learning about other sustainability driven businesses and organizations. Ecofficiency focuses “on the demands and actions of individuals…yet only with the goal of contributing to a larger grassroots movement that demonstrates and demands change.” I felt that their San Diego event was a great way to introduce their concepts as well as encourage the local community’s support and participation.

Through the Positive Plate program, Ecofficiency works with restaurants in Orange County and San Diego to implement sustainability plans addressing areas such as product sourcing; energy and water efficiency; recycling and waste reduction; employee training and development as well as community engagement. The restaurants that are part of their programs are generally part of the community events that they create. I asked about the organizers’ observations, processes and challenges in the planning of an introductory event in a new community and new companies. Gray states she researched organizations to find out the best match for their mission and hopes to strengthen relationships with partnering organizations and businesses on the last event. Some of the challenges were a lack of volunteer assistance as well as funding and sponsorships. In their first San Diego event, Ecofficiency was able to generate $5,000 for their nonprofit, promote local businesses and donate ten percent of their proceeds to the participating nonprofits.

What’s Next for Ecofficiency: “Taste of Fall” is scheduled for Thursday, October 18, 2012 with more dynamic restaurants where attendees can experience unique small plates created by conscious Orange County chefs and using local and organic ingredients. Tickets are $65. For more information see www.ecofficiency.org. By Brigitte Taylor on Twitter @SuiteBrigitte

Friday, October 19, 2012: Celebrate Funk + Soul at The Go Lounge

FRIDAY, October 19, 2012: Check out local musicians T Irie Dread and Steve Harris (of The Styletones), who will be performing in this local favorite venue the Go Lounge. If you love soulful and funky music, you will definitely want to check out this show. The Go Lounge is an intimate venue located in the College Area and is increasingly becoming a favorite spot for musicians and music lovers alike. It's certainly different than some of the stereotypes often associated with the typical college town. The vibe consists of cool folks of all ages who are supportive of community, culture and live music. Party starts at 9:00 p.m. Photo credit for Go Lounge: KT Gravatt Photography

Check out other Events at Facebook Page Twitter: @suitebrigitte

We'll be in the "FeeLit Art Section" at Night and Day Street Fest: October 13, 2012

San Diegans and surrounding cities are invited to the inaugural ‘Night & Day Street Fest’ on Saturday, October 13, 2012 from 4:00pm – midnight on 14th Street between K Street & Imperial Avenue in the East Village, San Diego. Named after U-T San Diego’s premier entertainment platform, Night&Day, ‘Night & Day Street Fest’ is a full-service lifestyle event highlighting music, art, food, and craft beer. This is a 21+ event. Spanning several blocks, ‘Night & Day Street Fest’ will host G-Love, Donovan Frankenreiter, Pato Banton and Everest on the main stage at 14th + K st. and local artists The Nervous Wreckords, The Styletones, Low Volts and Mattson 2 on a second stage at 14th Street+ Imperial. With first-rate music and craft beer locked, the Night&Day Street Fest will also incorporate interactive art provided by FeeLit (www.feelitsandiego.com), local restaurants, and a pop-up surf museum — details at www.NDStreetFest.com Come and check us out the inventors of the iPhone skin made of apple wood and tshirt silkscreening genius, Magno Designs in the FeeLit art section featuring the limited edition and specially hand-crafted iPhone skin designs created in support of the South Bay Sports + Music Combine that is scheduled for December 15th.

Spotlight on San Diego's "Table for Two"

“San Diego’s Table for Two.” I had the honor of meeting Mayumi Uejima-Carr, the San Diego representative of the nonprofit Table for Two (TFT) at Ecoffiency’s “A Taste of Summer” event held in June 2012 at Liberty Station. She took the time to tell me a little about the organization and its local vision. TFT was founded in Japan in 2007 and currently has 400 participating organizations that include corporations, restaurants, and universities. The organization partners with restaurants, adding a 25 cent charge to the price of the meal which is used to provide school lunches in various countries such as Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia. By participating in this TFT program, “one does good for oneself and for another … when you dine at Table for Two, you never dine alone.” According to TFT, in a world of 7 billion, “1 billion suffer from hunger and malnutrition, while an equal number face obesity, diabetes, and other health issues related to ‘overnutrition.’” TFT is working to eliminate this huge imbalance by addressing these opposing problems in a simple and direct manner -- through a meal by transferring our nation's food excesses in a way that benefits children in need. The local chapter has already formed partnerships with Flavors of East Africa, Jamroc 101, Extreme Pizza La Jolla, California Kebab and Beer Garden, Tajima, Kidding Around. TFT has also worked with TEDx UC Irvine, TEDxSDSU, San Diego Foodies and A Taste of Summer. I am very happy to say that in addition to the international hunger-related issues, Mayumi told me that TFT has started to focus on domestic hunger issues. TFT will assist by providing donations to schools and assisting in the creation of healthy school lunch programs in San Diego and other parts of the United States.

The local TFT chapter is preparing for its 2012 World Food Day Celebration on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at California Kebab located at 4150 Mission Blvd #208 in Pacific Beach starting at 6:00 p.m. and will feature a Healthy Meal/Food Art Exhibit presented by local children; California Kebabs and healthy food samples, prizes and more. California Kebab will donate 10 percent of its proceeds generated during the event to TFT’s cause. Through this joint presentation, organizers will raise awareness about issues of obesity and hunger simultaneously. Admission is free. (www.tablefor2.org) Check out other happenings at Brigitte's Events at Facebook Page Twitter: @suitebrigitte

South Bay Music and Sports Combine is Underway!

South Bay Music and Sports Combine

We are creating an ongoing community music and sports festival which celebrates the energy and resources of the neighborhood, encouraging support of the music and athletic culture. This event is scheduled to occur at the Robert Egger Sr. South Bay Recreation Center in San Diego.

The collective effort will involve all aspects of the community including families, individuals, businesses, local educational institutions, sports programs and environmentally conscious organizations in a way that will promote the offerings of each program while celebrating the broader community.

Through sports, music, artistic expression and education, we will create a space in which people will participate in the athletic activities of their choice; enjoy the programming with their friends and families and receive valuable information in a fun atmosphere. Our goal is to create a strong platform on which musicians can share their talents while people are experiencing new and familiar activities in a highly creative setting.

South Bay Music & Sports Combine will feature: Interactive Sports Activities - Mini basketball camp, obstacle courses, and activities designed to encourage and celebrate youth involvement. DJ sets accompanying demonstrations as well as in between band sets. Live Bands - Local bands highlighted Booths and exhibits - Information and interactive activities highlighting local nonprofit organizations involved with education, sports, health and the environment. Art and Painting: Highlighting local painters' work and encouraging on site creativity, inspiration -- particularly those efforts of students. Food (supporting local vendors)

YOUR SUPPORT IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THIS EVENT IS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2013 at ROBERT EGGER SR. SOUTH BAY RECREATION CENTER, 1885 Coronado Avenue, San Diego, CA 92154.

If you are interested in supporting this project as a resource provider or sponsor, please feel free to email us at suitebrigitte@gmail.com. In addition, there are a series of upcoming events in which you can participate and support our efforts. In addition, the Kickstarter campaign that we originally established for the previous site will be updated for the merchandise associated with this event. THANK YOU for your continued support of San Diego community-based efforts.

Celebrating on 10/11/12 with Terry Gillard's Art, Trio Gadjo's Music and Holly B's Birthday!

PLEASE SAVE THE DATE! You're invited! I am super excited to say that we will have a special happy hour that will feature South Bay artist TERRY GILLARD's work at Leroy's Kitchen + Lounge in Coronado on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11th starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening features a local brewery and band. We will enjoy the music of gypsy jazz artists TRIO GADJO during that evening! Also, we are celebrating our friend HOLLY BECK's birthday that evening and would love to see YOU! Leroy's is a cool place. I have been here a few times and the food is delicious, the drinks are too and the people are always very friendly. Leroy's Kitchen and Lounge 1015 Orange Coronado, CA 92118 www.leroyskitchenandlounge.com Terry's work remains on the walls and available for sale through October 14th. See you there! Check out other Events at Facebook Page Twitter: @suitebrigitte

"Tour De Fat" Biking Event in San Diego.

On Saturday, September 29, I checked out the New Belgium's Tour De Fat cycling event which was held in Golden Hill Park. The annual biking event/fundraiser includes a parade of costumed bikers as well as bands, unusual games and activities, face painting, beers, information on biking advocacy groups -- benefitting the San Diego County Bike Coalition and San Diego Mountain Biking Association.  Estimated attendance this year was over 5,000 and organizers stated the amount raised to be $27,000 for the local biking organizations.  It was really a refreshing afternoon of good times for a good cause.

I wish I had time to take more pictures but the one above speaks volumes to me as a rider.  One of the many great things about this event is that it not only celebrated biking through parades and encouraged folks to ride their bikes to the event, but also provided ample space and structures for parking and locking the bikes. 

Any company that wishes to encourage and support biking in this town can easily contribute and will definitely be ahead of the game by providing space for parking and locking (a larger example from Tour De Fat is above).  Of the various businesses I frequent, many are not equipped with bike racks or adequate places to park bikes upon arrival.

San Diego is encouraging people to ride bikes, use public transportation and is making adjustments to street signage, routes and bike lanes to accommodate riders (see, SANDAG for more information on biking to work, bike lockers, and more).