Day Tripping in a Sea of Orchids

Wondering what to do this summer and looking for something new and different? How about free? Tucked away in the high desert town of Landers is a treasure trove of beauty at Gubler Orchids.

They offer free personal tours of the facility - 3 massive green houses filled with thousands and thousands of orchids.

The Gubler family has been growing the exquisite flower for three generations, originally in Switzerland back in 1918.

A son moved the operation to California to chase the American Dream and in 1954 started selling orchids out  of his station wagon. They've come a long way from that station wagon!
Today Chris, grandson of Heir Gubler, continues the legacy, along with his sister, Heidi. Their expertise from three generations of growing orchids is evident as you wander the aisles of the greenhouses in Landers filled with beautiful, phenomenal hybrids.

The family has the Landers location, and farms and greenhouses in other California locations totaling over 155,000 square feet of greenhouses in production. The Landers site is open to the public and free to visit.

 

If you're into growing orchids yourself, the facility has a complete line of orchid essentials, such as orchid food and mixes at bargain prices. Plus, lots of excellent, free advice.



Gubler's also has an Orchid Festival every year. This year it's happening Saturday and Sunday, October 5th & 6th from 10am -5pm each day. You can find out more about Gubler's and directions at www.gublerorchids.com.

Studio 55 Opens in Palm Desert

Joe Graziano is living his dream. After three and half decades in the agricultural business in Oregon, he is now a working artist. Earlier this year he opened Studio 55 on El Paseo in Palm Desert where he creates and exhibits his acrylic paintings and glass work.  

“My wife thought I was insane and that it was a wild, crazy idea,” says Graziano, “but having been an entrepreneur for thirty plus years, she was used to me coming up with ideas and dreams.”

Graziano and his wife, Hannah, moved full time to the Coachella Valley about a year ago, after snow birding for three years. At the time he wasn’t thinking of opening a gallery, but when he was moving his paintings from one storage space to another, he started thinking about his new neighborhood including El Paseo, one of the premier art gallery locations. His entrepreneur stripes kicked in and he decided instead of putting his paintings in storage, he would open a studio where he could share his art with the public.

Graziano says he’s not the type to analyze ideas to death. His philosophy in life has been to “go and do it rather than dwell on it, study it and wear it out until you don’t want to do it anymore.” So it wasn’t long before he found a storefront and his idea became a reality.

Situated in a plum spot adjacent to The Gardens, on the southeast corner of El Paseo and Larkspur, Studio 55 offers visitors more than an exhibition gallery. The space is Graziano’s main studio and where he can be found most days working on his next creation.

“People can come and talk to me,” he says. “It’s a win win for me because if it’s quiet, I’m in my own wonderful world just creating my art and loving it and having a ball. And if people come in and want to engage in conversation and give me feedback, I’m all ears. So it’s a wonderful exchange.”

A self-taught artist, Graziano developed an appreciation for contemporary abstract art after years of visiting museums and galleries around the world. He first picked up a paintbrush in 1996 and created his first painting, “Pallet,” which now hangs in Studio 55.

Graziano works with acrylics, and glass, separately and together, and has also recently starting making fountain pens out of exotic wood. He enjoys the diversity of his work. “For me it’s about having different vocabularies. Some people speak different languages, and that’s kind of how I feel about my art. It’s multi-lingual.”

“For me, it’s hard to be an artist and live in a vacuum. I can live in my own world and think everything I do is wonderful, but to have somebody else appreciate and be excited about my work energizes me and turns the wheels in my head about the things I want to create.”

Studio 55 is at 73-655 El Paseo, Suite E, Palm Desert. 760-565-8267. Hours: Monday thru Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday 10:00 am – 7:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Joshua Tree Captivates in New Film About James Dean

One of the co-stars in Matthew Mishory’s new film about James Dean is not an actor, but a place: Joshua Tree.

“We wanted the desert landscape to be a sort of character in the film, to set a mood and tone,” says Writer/Director Mishory about Joshua Tree 1951: A Portrait of James Dean.

Starring James Preston as James Dean, the film is shot in black and white with stunning high noir imagery and captures a time in Dean’s life before he became a Hollywood icon. It screens twice during the final weekend of the Palm Springs International Film Festival - Saturday, Jan. 12, 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 13, 1:00 p.m. at the Annenberg Theater. Mishory and Edward Singletary, Jr., one of the producers and actors in the film, are expected to attend the screenings.

During pre-production research, Mishory learned Hollywood studio executives had sent Dean to the desert to tan before the East of Eden shoot. He liked the idea of making a James Dean film that was not set in New York, and not entirely in Hollywood either, but set partially in the desert. So he moved Dean’s desert trip up a few years and wrote his script with Los Angeles and desert locations. 

“We went to the desert and were inspired to make the film,” says Mishory. “People often ask which parts of the film are factual and which parts are more fictionalized and it’s usually the opposite of what people think. The sequences in the city are almost entirely taken from the history and recollections of the people who knew him. The sequences in the desert become a symbolic and an emotional landscape.”

Searching for an isolated desert landscape, one of Mishory’s producers knew of the Zircon Circus ranch outside of Joshua Tree National park. The compound had a series of small structures - a little house and garage – that were contemporary of the period. Built in the 40’s, they already had the bones of a desert motel, so the production’s art department went in and nipped and tucked here and there to finish the transformation.

 “We stayed on that ranch for the duration of the shoot in the desert and we shot at locations on the ranch and locations on unincorporated land that has incredible vistas,” says Mishory. “There’s one shot from a hillside where you can literally see for miles and miles and there’s nothing there but desert.”

For Mishory, the film screening at the Palm Springs International Film Festival is like coming full circle. “It’s quite literally in our backyard of where we shot the film, and some of the crew was staying in Palm Springs as we were shooting the movie. It’s kind of a homecoming for the film so we’re very excited for these particular screenings.”

The film also stars Dan Glenn, Dalilah Rain, and Edward Singletary, Jr.

Mishory’s is already at work on his next project, a film called Disappear Here. A political thriller, it’s a star vehicle for James Duke Mason, son of Belinda Carlisle, lead singer of the Go Gos and grandson of the great James Mason of Lolita and other Hollywood movies of the 50’s and 60’s.  Duke’s father Morgan Mason who produced Sex, Lies and Videotape came out of retirement to produce the film.

Writer/Director Matthew Mishory

Q & A with Bryan Cranston

What a delight meeting Bryan Cranston last night at a Q&A after a screening of Argo. He was gracious, forthcoming and very funny. He spoke on everything from his new film Argo, to his Breaking Bad co-star Aaron Paul, to the Yankees.

On Argo –

 “It’s the best bad plan we have.”    - Jack O’Donnell in Argo.

As soon as he read the script, he wanted the role.  After 33 years in the business, he says it’s all about the script, the writing.  “A role like this is like catnip… you’ll kick and scream to get it.”

Prepping for the role, he sat down with four different CIA agents and found it refreshing they didn’t look like James Bond.  At first they were all reticent – their jobs after all are all about not talking, not divulging what they do, their missions.  “Actors would never be in the CIA,” he joked, “because they can’t get credit (publicly) for their work.”  

But soon, the agents opened up to Cranston. He discovered their jobs, what they deal with, are not that dissimilar from other professions… they have a boss who’s a jerk, the coffee in the break room is stale. They’re devoted, dedicated. “I find them heroic,” he said.

At first, Cranston had prejudice against Ben Affleck… from his playboy days, but then saw that he’s very intelligent and in fact was a Middle East scholar in college so he was very determined to get the story right. Ultimately, “he set a lovely tone on the set. He’s a great director.”

Cranston says Argo is a celebration of transcending all differences, all parties, for the right thing. “It’s humanistic in scope. Maybe Congress can learn from this and stop finger pointing. The film is about the potential people have when there’s a greater good, a greater cause, and what they’ll do against, and in spite of, the odds.”

If you watch carefully, you’ll see the real Tony Mendez, the Ben Affleck character, in a cameo appearance in an airport scene.

Cranston pointed out the film is based on a true story, but it’s not a documentary.  His character Jack O’Donnell, for instance, is a fictional character and the dramatic final plane chase scene “is Hollywood.”

On Breaking Bad –

Cranston was intrigued by the story of a good person changing to a bad person in the course of the series, something he doesn’t believe has ever been done before.

On Aaron Paul –

Sweet, talented kid from the Midwest, not corrupted yet, “always feel like I have to protect him like a little bird.”

On secret ambition –

Always wanted to sing on Broadway. Why? “Because it scares me.”

On how he became part owner of the Cinemas Palme D’Or movie theater -

Twelve years ago Cranston wrote a script for his wife as a birthday present. When he gave it to her, she absolutely loved it and asked him, “So when are we making it?” He was gob smacked.  It hadn’t actually occurred to him to make the film. But, well, why not? So he stepped up and started raising money for the film and ended up making it. They shot in the desert mostly, Yucca Valley, Pioneertown, Palm Springs. It was called Last Chance, and screened at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

“But if you thought writing a script, fundraising for the film and shooting it was hard,” he joked, “try selling a movie!” But he did end up getting it on Showtime and WE channels.

One day during his Last Chance filmmaking adventure, he bumped into an owner of the Cinemas Palme D’Or Theater and they started talking. The guy told him about his theater and how they were expanding and what his plans were for the venue. It sounded interesting. Plus, as a boy, Cranston always thought it would be cool to own a movie theater because then he could watch as many movies as he wanted to for free.  So he jumped in and partnered with the owners of the theater. All well and good, dream come true, but it turned out to be one of his most expensive endeavors ever.

On the Yankees –

“Nothing pleases me more than seeing the Yankees struggle.”

Next up  -

Shooting  final season of Breaking Bad.

His next role is a blind, Polish hit man.

And he’s written a script, a murder mystery with a family drama backdrop.

Finally, a TV Showcase for Short Films

About three months ago, a gem of a weekly television program called Shorts Showcase began airing on KVCR. The brainchild of Producer/Director Leanna Bonamici, the program is exactly what the title says - a showcase for short films.    Bonamici says the show, hosted by Filmmaker Christian Sesma, now reaches 18 million homes twice a week. It's terrific exposure for short films that rarely receive featured presentation outside of film festivals, and brings extended life to the films after filmmakers have exhausted the festival circuit.  Although youtube and other online video sites have download and screening opportunities, Shorts Showcase offers a place to screen without having to sort through millions of personal entertainment videos, a big plus for agents, producers, directors and film enthusiasts seeking festival quality short films.  The half-hour shows average two to three shorts, and include Insider Tips, Inside Biz and/or Calendar segments in the final four-or-so minutes. After the shows air, they can be viewed online at www.shortsshowcase.com and viewers are encouraged to vote for their favorites.  The top voted films are given awards and screened at The Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs twice a year.   "The Lifter Upper" Some of my favorites so far are "The Lifter Upper" by Micah Chambers-Goldberg, "Anything You Can Do" by Evan Wolf Buxbaum, the score by Sigur Ros on "Breadwinner," and the entire Show #13 featuring the excellent films, "The Big Sayonara" by Don Hamilton and "The Election" by Padraig Reynolds, plus an interview with actress Lin Shaye (from "The Election") at the end.  Actor Ray Wise, Director Padraig Reynolds, "The Election" The show seems to be getting better and better with each episode.  It airs on PBS SoCal station KVCR Tuesday evenings at 10:30 p.m. and again on Friday at 12:30 a.m. For info on how to submit a film, and to watch all the shorts you desire, go to www.shortsshowcase.com.  Here are the first 2-1/2 minutes of the 15 minute film, "The Big Sayonara:"

Whimsical Pet Paintings Raise Funds for Animal Shelter

Palm Springs Artist Shawn Savage is a busy guy. He has his hands in lot of projects, including a new series of Pet Paintings which he originally launched last October to support the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

"Summer is the time of self reinvention for me and the 'Savage' brand," he says, "and I am very excited about the momentum that we are creating going into the new season." 

The new paintings are true to the whimsical Savage style, but are distinctly different from last year's bold color paintings.

Drawn on recycled paper, such as old Thomas Guide map pages, they reflect a looser style, but convey as much punch and fun as the color designs. They're also framed and ready to go. 

Some of the paintings from last year's series can still be found hanging at the PS Animal Shelter. They're available for sale with a portion of the proceeds going to the Shelter. 

Savage says he's creating an entire line of products for the new drawings so if you can't afford an original painting or drawing, you can still get yourself a little pet whimsy on greetings cards, pet ware or t-shirts. The new series and design line are expected to be available later this month, and last I heard, Shawn is planning a showing at the Blu Print Green Gallery in Palm Springs. The date is not yet confirmed, so keep your eyes and ears open for that. A portion of the proceeds from the new series will also be donated to the PS Animal Shelter. 

But that's not all Savage is working on. This summer he's also teaming up with local craftsmen and launching a new furniture line that will include Sculpture Fountains. 

"The first pieces from my line will be two crendenzas, coffee and end tables and wall sculptures inspired by mid-century styling and Palm Springs architecture." 

Launch party for the furniture line is expected in late August or early September. 

Of course, if you're not in the Palm Springs area, you can always go online to check out the latest from Shawn Savage's many projects and designs.  

http://www.thesavagegallery.com/

http://www.sculpturefountains.com/ 

Film Art in James Bond Opening Sequences

James Bond endures. What a character. What a franchise. Who hasn't seen at least one James Bond film? Maybe not if you're a member of some far flung isolated tribe, but even then I wouldn't be surprised to find a Bond film poster on a thatched wall.

A constant with the 007 film franchise is the debate over who has been the greatest James Bond. Was it Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, or Daniel Craig? Or Barry Nelson, David Niven, or George Lazenby who also had short stints as Bond. Dalton didn't impress, although some say he was the most underrated. Moore could be suave, but compared to Connery, really? Brosnan has a sexy edge. Craig, yea, he's okay. He's got it going. But for me the all time best Bond was the original, Sean Connery. (For Bond trivia experts: True, the first Bond was Barry Nelson, but he portrayed Bond in a television show, not in the film franchise.)

Another constant with James Bond films are creative opening credit sequences. In celebration of these sequences is a new exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art called "... Is James Bond." (Art of the Americas Building, Level 2, through September 9.) Co-organized by the LACMA and Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television, the exhibit pays homage to the 22 opening sequences, created by Maurice Binder, of the James Bond films. 

For Bond fans, it's an exhibit made in James Bond heaven. For film fans, it's an interesting look at opening film sequences, the part of a film often overlooked, or not overlooked so much as rarely examined on its own. Watching the Bond opening sequences today, they may not seem so extraordinary, but when Bond films first hit the screen, the sequences were occasionally groundbreaking. Watching the openings one after another, it seems Binder got his stride and style early on and the later films' sequences are somewhat... familiar. But the exhibit is a fun, visual treat. And when you've had enough, you can always head to the bar for a martini, shaken, not stirred.