11th Presence Almanac

PRESENCE ALMANAC

Eleventh Chronicle

by Elliott Desai

Curated

Cover photo by Elliott Desai Inside Cover photo by Elliott Desai

FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ARTS & CULTURE

Observing the moon cycle is a newer interest of the past 3 years.

Throughout 2020, I would look into the night sky and see the waning and waxing moon phases - evidence that time was still passing as my surroundings stood still.

In recent weeks, I’m thinking of that original acknowledgement...

I’ve been looking around for excitement, thrills and proof that something is going on... but this moment, in all its detail, is the evidence of life happening.

Without traveling and constantly changing my surroundings, it’s easy to see my Los Angeles environment as commonplace. And in recent weeks, my inner monologue has drifted towards uninspiring thoughts.

But then I sit down to design these 9th, 10th and now Eleventh spreads, and am reminded of the principles conveyed in the almanac: that the purpose of life, and of an artistic practice, is the act of doing it.

And like a gardener tending to his plants, I’m publishing these pages to document an artist’s life happening right now.

I participate in so many live shows and special events - attending, hosting, producing and contributing skills to amplify and benefit these experiences.

My life is fascinating. And it’s unique.

And if I’m being gifted calm and quiet days, then it’s a reminder to be grateful for these days, too.

I’m releasing expectations for how September 29 is “supposed” to be, and am instead waking up grateful to curate a life that’s my own.

As I publish these features and introductions, I’m still learning to enjoy each phase of life, and practicing presence with diligence.

LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE

I first attended LIB in 2018 and then returned in 2022 and 2023.

Unlike Lollapalooza or Coachella, this arts & cultural festival is smaller and located in the natural parks of Southern California.

When I returned to the Buena Vista Aquatic Recreation Area this year, my mom and brother joined me. They merged with thousands of others navigating the mountains for their first time and descending upon this pop-up city.

Hosted for 5 days at the end of May, LIB programming features artists, teachers, philosophers, yoga instructors, scientists, craftsmen, and various performers alongside the main-stage music acts.

The best way to experience this festival is walking around on your own - dancing with strangers and bouncing between all the energies populating the festival grounds.

A sense of oneness is created in these free-spirited places, and it’s a gathering that provides an intimate, whimsical look at the intentional lifestyle of visual artists.

I thrive in these communities and feel naturalness of being alive to embrace the love & joy around us.

ANNA ZORINA GALLERY

On a sunny Saturday afternoon in June 2022, I walked around the Arts District with my friend Abigail.

Perfect timing, as NYC-based Anna Zorina just opened a new location in the neighborhood days earlier.

As a result, we enjoyed the LA gallery’s first solo exhibition: Alina Bliumis’ Borders and Bruises.

For this week’s features, I returned for the current show on view until October 14, BEYOND THIS OCEAN, and my favorite pieces are made by Katia Lifshin and Francisco Tavoni.

JOSHUA TREE

Heading east towards Yucca Valley is the perfect setting for escaping the city and living a slower life in the desert. I need to return more often and feel this wild west energy again.

Published September 29 at 2:58 AM Love, Elliott