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Hi Folks!                                                                                                                  Fall 2009

    Each day, I find myself so grateful for my life, our lives, and the foundations on which we build them, yet often take for granted. In the other world I live in, Asia, life’s foundations shift with the wind, and individual rights are often arbitrary.

    Opportunities can be illusive and chimerical. Countless lives are lost through lack of basic understanding or education. The work my wife Amita accomplishes with underprivileged children and their families in Delhi continues to be successful and deeply inspiring to all who know Alpha School. Her work reminds me of the deeply inspiring work George Mortenson is doing in Afghanistan, which is described in his book, Three Cups of Tea.

    I believe this book will touch you as well, if you’ve not already had the pleasure of reading it. Three Cups is a brilliant reminder of what life’s for, and what love, passion, and commitment can achieve. Passion is the lifeblood of my world. “The Studio by David Alan” is my most exciting, passionate foray into beauty and creativity. It could be said David Alan Collection was created, in part, to allow “The Studio” to come to life.  

    Our 6th Anniversary Celebration Party on November 18th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM seems a fitting time to introduce to you this stunning collection of some of the most beautiful, inspiring works of art I’ve ever seen. All this new work from “The Studio” is hand carved with chisel and mallet from single slabs of stunningly beautiful hardwood. It’s strange for me to write a raving endorsement of the work of my studio, but I promised you for six years, to tell the truth as clearly and honestly as I can, even if it may feel awkward to do so.

    That said, I invite, even request, you to come and see a very bright corner of the world in which I live and work, the world which I am so, so grateful to experience and share with you. This show, “The Studio by David Alan,” will run from November 18th through December 31st.

Passionately and gratefully yours,

                                                  David

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The Vision: “The Studio by David Alan”                              (continued)

    This September, while I was in Bali preparing the debut of “The Studio by David Alan”, the rainy season began unexpectedly, three months early. Storms rolled in with rain pelting the corrugated tin roof, creating a sea of mud in the parking area. In the background was always the incessant tick, tick, tick, sound of mallets and chisels transforming slabs of wood into stunning works of art. Monk-like concentration mingles with teasing and laughter, as the carvers hew their way into gorgeous slabs of wood. Tick, tick, tick, is my music, my heart’s song being sung. This is the sound of inspiration and joy in action. Hands, eyes, intelligence, and labor meld, satisfying and renewing the hunger for and love of creating beautiful, enduring works.

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“Bare Reflection” by David Alan

Insight into the Works of "The Studio"     Looking closely at each of these carvings, the interplay be-tween the wood grain and the texture creates a sense of wonder and appreciation. The materials used and the human skill and insight which goes into making these carvings utterly transforms them into unique works of art. The inspiration for these new creations comes from diverse sources such as, nature, Asian art, and my internal fantasy world.     The simplest things in nature inspire me, such as a raindrop hitting a pool of still water, or the process of mud drying into cracked and jagged pieces of delicate earth. I am often reminded of nature’s spectacular gifts when I visit the canyons of Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon.   These are the kind of images from nature and the sense of awe I am trying to capture in wood. Seemingly impossible, yes, but sometimes the most impossible quests produce the most astounding results.

Other pieces in “The Studio by David Alan” are inspired by the designs and motifs of Asian art. Even after more than 50 trips to India and other parts of Asia, I still hunger for more of those cultures.     My imagination, and therefore my work, is constantly inspired by the remarkably varied artistic expressions and heart touching scenes I find in that part of our world.     My fantasy world inspires the third group of pieces. Inhabited by strange creatures that are mostly playful and sometimes anthropomorphic, these funny guys show up here and there in these relief carvings. They make me smile and help balance the serious side of art.

David discussing intricacies with carvers

     In the end, these new creations are inspired by beauty. It stems from my life pursuit for, and appreciation of, that which is beautiful. It is the deep sense of awe and inspiration I wish to bring to life and to you.

Just 5 Minutes      If they say, “Just 5 minutes,” don’t believe it for one second. From Bali to Bhutan, there is no such thing as “just 5 minutes.” There is no place that’s a 5 minute drive. There are no 5 minute stops, no 5 minute walks, nor 5 minute errands. There are no 5 minute friends, snacks, or temple tours. No one will ever “be there,” “be back,” or “return your call” in 5 minutes.  Continue reading this story

“10 minutes? Uh-Oh!”

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Directions to David Alan Collection

You're Invited!
Wednesday, November 18, 6 to 9 PM
6th Year Anniversary and Opening Celebration Party
"The Studio by David Alan"
Exhibition Through December 31st

"Desert Scape " by David Alan

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