Tenth Presence Almanac

PRESENCE ALMANAC

Cover photo by Elliott Desai

Inside Cover photo by Elliott Desai

FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF ARTS & CULTURE

This week is a reminder that we create the world we want to live in.

A few weeks ago, I wrote about my daily practices for floating into an abundant mindset. Yet there’s still days where I wake up and spin around unproductive thoughts.

So how do I help myself? The same way I’m trying to help you: finding spaces to get outside our own minds.

These chronicles bring me back to presence - editing photos, selecting features, and writing introductions as a practice of being here, right now.

There’s a lot of feedom in life, and these are recommendations to feel more connected to the artists and communities around you:

ECHO PARK

A slice of nature nestled between Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles. You can lounge in the park, paddle around the lake, and visit many stores, cafes, and restaurants.

The sun is shining, music is playing, and endless choices are at your fingertips. I recommend beginning your afternoon at Smart Objects

I’m drawn to captivating storytelling, and the acrylic paintings in Derek Paul Jack Boyle’s Ulterior captured my imagination. Additionally, I really enjoyed the mixed-media works in Burn the Rain by Troy Barrett

As I search for more spaces that aid in the advancement of arts & culture,

it’s fascinating to see non-profits emerge as the frontrunners of community building.

Earlier this year, 826LA hosted a garden party & book fair to support the free writing programs they provide students ages 6 to 18.

The organization prides itself on publishing student works, and their programs are designed to “challenge and enchant” a deeper interest in writing + strengthen creative and expository skills. Printing their work affirms the dream of being an artist, and I hope many of these students continue pursuing a creative life.

Another endearing aspect of 826LA is their time travel convenience stores located in Mar Vista and in Echo Park at 1714 Sunset Blvd.

All proceeds support the non-profit’s programs, and I purchased candles that smell like “A Bustling Forum,” “The Library Scriptorium,” and a wrist watch without any numbers or ticking hands - just the word “now” printed on the face.

Correct, the time is now!

MELROSE HILL

I recently visited an unsuspecting gallery named Morán Morán.

A group show named This American Life is currently on view until October 28, 2023 and the brightly lit entrance will lead you toward a great selection of work!

My favorite pieces were made by Lizzie Fitch, Ryan Trecartin, and Robin F. Williams

FASHION DISTRICT

I’ve recommended a few galleries located at this propery, so today I’m featuring the historic Bendix Building at 1206 Maple Ave.

When they coordinate receptions, the building becomes a lively evening of artists, collectors, and patrons filling the floors, and a warm atmosphere for enjoying visual art around the company of others.

FAIRFAX

I visted Moskowitz Bayse on Saturday night for the opening of Mary Herbert’s Soft Logic and Benjamin Styer’s Letters from the Black Hours. Both shows are on view until October 21, 2023.

Similar to ascending the Bendix Building, you’ll notice a handful of previous features all located on La Brea Ave. After witnessing the whimsy of Mary’s works and the nostalgia in Benjamin’s paintings, I’ve added this gallery as the newest recommendation in Fairfax.

As you search for inspiration this week, consider a leisurely stroll around these four neighborhoods.

Published September 22 at 12:32 PM

Sincerely,

Elliott Desai

ECHO PARK

Photo by Elliott Desai

© Derek Paul Jack Boyle | Show Mountain, 2023

Ulterior

Image courtesy of Smart Objects

© Derek Paul Jack Boyle | Model Room, 2023 Ulterior

Image courtesy of Smart Objects

© Derek Paul Jack Boyle | Bunkers, 2023

Ulterior

Image courtesy of Smart Objects

© Derek Paul Jack Boyle | The Path, 2023 Ulterior

Image courtesy of Smart Objects

© Troy Barrett | Bombshell, 2022 Burn the Rain

Image courtesy of Smart Objects

© Troy Barrett | Moderna, 2022 Burn the Rain

Image courtesy of Smart Objects

© Troy Barrett | Mekone, 2022

Burn the Rain

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

MELROSE HILL

© Lizzie Fitch / Ryan Trecartin | Porchright, 2023

This American Life

Image courtesy of Morán Morán

© Robin F. Williams | Stepford Carrie, 2023

Image courtesy of Morán Morán

FASHION DISTRICT

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

Photo by Elliott Desai

FAIRFAX

© Mary Herbert | Wildflowers, 2023

Soft Logic

Image courtesy of Moskowitz Bayse

© Mary Herbert | Prism, 2022-23

Soft Logic

Image courtesy of Moskowitz Bayse

Image courtesy of Moskowitz Bayse

© Benjamin Styer | All-Nite Cabinet, 2023

Letters from the Black Hours

Image courtesy of Moskowitz Bayse

© Benjamin Styer | Early Black Autumn Hours, 2023

Letters from the Black Hours

Image courtesy of Moskowitz Bayse

ECHO PARK MELROSE HILL

Derek Paul Jack Boyle

Ulterior

April 28 – June 11, 2023 smartobjects.la/past/ derek-paul-jack-boyle%3A-ulterior

Troy Barrett Burn the Rain

November 12, 2022 - January 15, 2023 smartobjects.la/past/ troy-barrett%3A-burn-the-rain

Lizzie Fitch

This American Life

September 8 - October 28, 2023 moranmorangallery.com/exhibition/ this-american-life

Ryan Trecartin

This American Life

September 8 - October 28, 2023 moranmorangallery.com/exhibition/ this-american-life

Robin F. Williams

This American Life

September 8 - October 28, 2023 moranmorangallery.com/exhibition/ this-american-life

Smart Objects

1828 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026 smartobjects.la

826LA & Time Travel Mart

1714 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

timetravelmart.com

826la.org

Echo Park Lake

751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Morán Morán

641 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004

moranmorangallery.com

FASHION DISTRICT FAIRFAX

Bendix Building

1206 Maple Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015 bendixbuilding.com

Mary Herbert Soft Logic

September 16 - October 21, 2023

www.moskowitzbayse.com/ mary-herbert-works

Benjamin Styer

Letters from the Black Hours

September 16 - October 21, 2023

www.moskowitzbayse.com/ benjamin-styer-works

Moskowitz Bayse

743 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 moskowitzbayse.com

September 22 at 12:32 PM Los Angeles, CA

© Elliott Desai

presencealmanac.com