Love Independence Day

Happy Independence Day to all Americans!

We've worked hard for this amazing country the last 234 years, and it's not getting any easier. With love, we can continue to be victorious in embracing all cultures. With all due respect to Betsy Ross, I needed to create a new version of our flag to demonstrate my love for our country. The forces of good are still winning.

Love Conquers All is a digital illustration created by L. A. Marler in response to the 9/11 attacks in NYC and is available as wall art, t-shirts and notecards. Visit L. A. Marler's website to get one of your own.

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The Summer of Two Wheels

Limited edition electric scooters are a new and exciting project at the L. A. Marler design studio. Science finally met the right artist at the Coalition for Clean Air Luncheon, and we are hashing out the details of a perfect union. With a motorcycle driver's license, jacket and boots, I am eager to ride it everywhere. I probably would have gone to the rally downtown today if I could have rode the electric scooter (Zane, you amazing PowerForce)!

It was a bit too far on my bicycle, which was the only other way to go. The City of Santa Monica has designated a small portion of their budget for Bicycle Safety and Education, and I've already been thinking about this too. My proposal is to put the message right where it matters - on the backs of the bicyclists. Catchy L. A. Marler graphics say Santa Monica Loves Bicycling. It is a positive, embracing message to cyclists, drivers and everyone else that the city has renewed its commitment to more bikes on the roads.

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Sublime Sunday

We had the great fortune of going to the Disney Concert Hall on Sunday. Seeing the awesome architecture of Frank Gehry is a treat, and being inside of it is an experience worthy of a cross-town drive. And when I thought it couldn't get better, it does. My friends Annette (my classical music and dance culture goddess) and Rudi (the best photographer in LA) were great companions.

Merce Cunningham Dance Company recorded a legacy performance since the recent passing of their choreographer. This contemporary, abstract movement paired with layers of animals, people, city and sea sounds by the late John Cage was surprising, meaningful and so refreshing. Thank you all.

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DIY Green Queen & Eco Divas

Deborah Lindquist's DIY sweater appliqué party was my brand of fun. Years ago, my mom and I went to Rosarito Beach on Spring Break. That was accidental timing, but we left the college kids for a resort in La Bufadora. There was a lovely, traditional resort along the beach with horses, a pool, and nice restaurants and gift shops. In the evening, it became so chilly that we had to buy two sweaters from a local shop.

Once I returned to LA, it seemed a bit too plain (and distinctly celery green). With the memories of the clean beach, salty air, margaritas and mariachis, I could not give it away. So Deborah Lindquist gave me the opportunity to add pizzazz, and I learned how to re-love my Mexican sweater. It is super beautiful now. Thanks Deb for sharing your creativity and supplies.

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Good Art: As Essential as Fresh Air

Last Friday I was a guest at the Coalition for Clean Air Luncheon. It was so inspiring to be in the company of Boone Pickens (who promises a national energy plan in one year), as well as business leaders from UPS, Nissan and California Cartage Company. The event was full of public officials and other like-minded people who want to get off the gas like us! CCA is doing great work to improve our air quality, which is not an easy job. Each and everyone of us needs to do our part daily.

Boone Pickens knows the good ol' USA has more natural gas than oil, and we would be in better shape by using it. At 82, he has a lot of experience and good energy. Extra applause goes out to him and UPS for their new alternative air fleet (no noise and emissions).

From there I was invited to present at the SoCal Electric Eco IQ Day. I met some great entrepreneurs like Powerforce USA, who is making electric batteries for scooters and converting other vehicles to the cleaner technology.

Good art is as essential as fresh air and going places!

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Simple Is Beautiful

Memorial Day was a private celebration this year. All of my household chores were accomplished either on foot or bike. It felt good not to use any gas or plastic for my food and other supplies. The weather was finally splendid here in Santa Monica, so riding the bike with canvas sacks to the Farmers Market was a treat. And so is the fresh and tender vegetables and fruits. Walking back from the grocery store after buying more than I expected was not easy, but the compression of the load was quickly released and the sense of freedom was exhilarating. Using eco-cleaners and line drying laundry all made for a wholesome, happy contribution.

If the planet is destroyed, it won't be because of me. I dedicated this practice to the many soldiers who have died because of oil. I love this country and planet and am grateful for it all. And I do believe that if we learn to use less gas and oil-based products, we will in turn eliminate wars and pollution.

God bless America. Simple is beautiful.

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Featured Art: Angelic Sunsets

Los Angeles sunsets, contemporary style and blended spirituality are the focus of Angelic Sunsets. The series of photographs were taken from the Venice Pier and upward to northern Santa Monica. On various days in late October, Louise Marler captured natural colors and landscapes.

The graphic angel was originally carved from styrofoam, inked and stamped, and both the slides and ink on paper were scanned to create digital collages.

All images can be custom printed to your specified size. To get your own Angelic Sunsets fine art print, please contact L. A. Marler.

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