This week in the literary world provides a few opportunities for you to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes - the highlights being a biography briefing the life of a porn star and a moving-picture viewing of his work (as vicarious as one can get without getting a battery of tests); a reading involving two writers who have reached and surpassed literary goals that one could only dream of; and an evening of spoken word, welcoming your listening ear, if not your vocal expression. Of course, we found a used book sale, because as long as there are walls in your abode, there is always room for at least one more bookcase.

• Signing and Discussion | Friday, August 8, 2008 | 7:00 pm | Book Soup - Map | Jennifer Sugar and Jill C. Nelson will present and sign “A Life Measured in Inches”, a biography about John Holmes - a young man from small town Ohio who defined the meaning of ‘porn star’ in the seventies amidst drugs, addiction, and a comeback from a scandal involving homicide. A free midnight screening of “Eruption” (a pornographic interpretation of “Double Indemnity”, starring Holmes) will follow, at The Silent Movie Theatre in West Hollywood. For more info, call (310) 659-3110.

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Now normally I would write about an actual upcoming exhibit or maybe even a gallery I recently visited. This time, however, it’s about a party. The LACMA will be hosting a cocktail party on August 16th, from 8:15 PM until midnight.

The event celebrates Los Angeleno/Chicano culture with an after hours viewing of Los Angelenos/Chicano Painters of L.A.: Selections from the Cheech Marin Collection. In addition to the viewing there will also be a musical performance by East L.A. Chicano music legends Quetzal, live muralists and graffiti artists by Unification Theory, and complimentary cocktails and appetizers.

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(Check out Part 1 and Part 2)

NUMBER THREE: SKYLIGHT

Maybe it’s the tree in the center of the bookshop that really does it for me. Or the fun — nay, funky (in a purely positive light) — staff? The assortment of books and magazines that ranges from wild to classic? Things that you don’t find just anywhere—and are just so artsy I haven’t heard of most?

Whatever it is, Skylight’s got it all. Situated in the adorable, quirky Los Feliz neighborhood, the appropriately named bookstore — absolutely love the lighting! — brings together an interesting and stimulating combination to provide one of the most ideal settings for springtime skimming.

The sunshine streaming through the high ceiling glass, the warm wooden shelves — low to provide an open feeling — and one of the vastest reading collections in Los Angeles. I sincerely appreciate the clear signage of this extensive almost warehouse-like locale. It’s a friendly, comfortable setting both inside and out.

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Circle In The Square
The Brand Library Art Galleries
1601 West Mountain St, Glendale

August 2 - September 5, 2008
Opening Reception August 2, 5 - 8pm

This show brought to you by circles… and squares. Actually, the theme of this group exhibit at the Brand Library Art Galleries in Glendale is Circle In The Square. Believe it or not, not more than one artist has works that speak to this spatial subject matter; the group show includes works by Yesung Kim, Barbara Kolo, Susan Sironi, Luke Van Hook, and Cheryl Walker, with a special dance performance by Liz Curtis and Martha Carrascosa.

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Move A Head

It’s that time again: a free weekend and you’re just browsing for something to do. This weekend’s art choices will not disappoint. Whether you’re looking for more variety in one go or a little devil-may-care attitude, there are some pretty hot exhibitions going on in LA. They’re free too. Feeling excited yet? Check out Cream of the Crop, It’s Hell Not Having A Hero, and Move A Head.

Cream of the Crop:

Six hand-picked up-and-coming artists will star in this exhibition: Jessica Cooper, Jennifer Jelenski, Caro Lozada, Mike Sosnowski, Star 27, Magda Trzaski. The comical and fantastical are on display as the six artists bring their own touches to the annual group show. Take a look at their individual work on-line and then head over to the gallery. It’s a show you shouldn’t miss.

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This week in the literary world revolves around things familiar and simple, and retaining such pleasures by way of ideas and insightful words. The aim of this week is to not venture too far from your element, with the exception of perhaps learning how to read your partner better, or reliving pleasant memories of your childhood via the then-best parts of a book: the pictures.

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Get your art one! The Karen Lynne Gallery will be presenting it’s new solo exhibition by renowned artist Stephen Verona. Memories will be a collection of paintings inspired by Verona’s travels as he captures everyday life from quaint café’s in Paris to afternoon bike rides in Shanghai.

With a background ranging from motion pictures, to music videos, to photography, Verona has delved into many facets of art. His unique true-to-life style reflects one man’s travels and constant desire to render everyday emotion. With the use of wide brush strokes and subtle colors, his artwork emphasizes the truth and beauty found in the seemingly mundane.

The doors will open at 6pm – 9pm on August 9, 2008. This exhibition will encompass an array of fond memories that mirror the still life photos Verona wanted to capture on canvas.

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Lisa Lapinski sculptures

The Fret And Its Variant

Lisa Lapinski’s installations utilize wood, wallpaper, and various found objects, in addition to other, more sturdy, materials. She approaches the traditional methods and boundaries of space and volume and shatters these practices while incorporating questions of language, association, and pattern. In essence, Lapinski’s imaginative sculptures incorporate staples of their genre such as wood and wire, cement and clay, as well as more conventional forms of photography, painting, and drawing. Her unique combination of contrasting materials helps her work resonate with with narrative meaning that often derives from psychological, historical, and philosophical meaning.

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Located on the second floor on the 6700 block on Hollywood Boulevard is the home of International Dance Academy. Nestled snugly above and across the Ripley Museum between Highland and McCadden Place, it is conveniently accessible to those looking for it. Having arrived fresh off the Metro Red Line last Wednesday evening, I didn’t know what to expect - other than perhaps leotards, gym bags, and some good beats - but let’s just say that the first impression most definitely delivered.

Passing through its narrow unassuming entrance and up two flights of stairs is revealed to the public a different view than that which could be suggested from standing on the street. If Heaven were a dance studio, this would be the place. With many rooms and glistening wooden floors, crystal clear windows with a view of the city, and a central hub with which to run into fellow students from all walks, it is easily a place that any burgeoning talent could call home. Of course, any reputable studio is entitled to its share of self-acknowledged splendor, but a highlighted feature was pleasing to this observant femme - while its name graces every other wall in red-and-black print, the message and aura is simple: ‘It’s so nice to have you here with us. Let’s dance’.

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Vintage LA by Jennifer Brandt Taylor (Harpers Collins) is one of those rare books you just know everyone would love. I mean everyone. I mean I’m getting a copy for all my peeps, from my retired Firefighter Father-in-law to my funky sculptor friend Roberto. It’s the perfect gift for hardened LA natives and for those who have just discovered our fair city. But, let me stop gushing and tell you why this is your next purchase.

I figured it would take me a week to read this thing, but instead devoured it in an evening. You can’t judge a book by its cover and blah blah blah but the cover of Vintage LA even made me excited. Excited. About LA? Yeah. The familiar depictions of The Beverly Hills Hotel and The Cineramadome share cover space with the Sunset Junction sign and Bob’s Frolic Room! This is not your average tourist book. Because I thought I already knew every cool spot in the city, it was refreshing to crack open this gorgeous book and actually learn things. (I mean, did you know Belushi was rumored to have his last meal at Dan Tana’s? Neither did I!!!) To get inspired about a city I thought I was growing bored of. To discover hidden treasures in your own hood. Yes!

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Book Soup, Sunset Blvd.

(Continued from Reading L.A., Part 1)

With a glowing review of Brand Bookstore in Glendale, one might wonder why even come back for more? We know the number one place in the greater Los Angeles area for delicious reading, beautiful organization, and a friendly, elderly, quintessential bookie-esque owner. But, it’s summertime and there are a lot of books to be read. Tucked away as they seem to be, there are also more than one worthwhile bookstore in L.A.–and one infamously Los Angelean characteristic that detracts from the trek to the illustrious Brand: traffic. So, here are a few summer reading options that keep you out of the hot, traffic-filled Los Angeles thoroughfares and in the presence of a calm, contemplation-inducing independent bookstore.

NUMBER TWO: BOOK SOUP

It seems quite fitting that, upon my arrival at Book Soup, I promptly walk straight into an authorial reading. At first, I think there is something strange about the store’s quiet and then, there it is—the voice over the microphone!

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Royals & Crocodiles

What’s better than art? Free art, of course! With killer gas prices and less vacation time left, why not check out some of this weekend’s art exhibitions? The selection is unique and promising and anyone from art buff to art dud is guaranteed a good and easy-on-the-wallet experience. Read on for more information about Two Madmen, Twilighty, and Royals & Crocodiles.

Two Madmen: The Artwork of Clive Barker and Myron Dyal:

Similarly fascinated with an idea of a diabolical world, Barker and Dyal use their drawings, paintings, and sculptures to render figures and places that have affected human consciousness throughout the ages. Through their dark minds, we encounter tricksters, soothsayers, and mystics in the underworld. You can’t resist the darkness can you?

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