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  Almaty, Kazakhstan
Sunday, January 28, 2007

Thank for sending me the nice comments over the past few weeks about the art show blog entries. Its so nice to know that people are reading this. My blog was highlighted in a blog newsletter about Kazakh contemporary art. I got some good feedback about my works on Mary Ward. The positive feedback gives me some more energy to keep working.

I was on a television show here in Almaty this week. It was a talk show about the art situation in Kazakhstan. There has a been a lot of debate recently about the subject of contemporary art here. Zhanara and I were invited with Valeria, the director of the Soros Center for Contemporary Arts. There were a few other artists as well. We got to say a few things about art and I think it actually came out to be something quite positive. It was my first time on a television show. The studio was quite interesting. The Studio was very Soviet. The building had large sound studios with sets. The show was sort of set up like the Oprah Winfrey show. It was quite an interesting experience.

I've been recovering from being sick this past week. I had the flu and this one has to be one of the worst ones I've ever had(although I probably said that last flu season) ever. I've been in bed with a fever sweating in my blankets. Zhanara wouldn't let me take off the blankets because she thinks I'd get more sick. Here's something interesting, everyone who has called and found out that I've been sick has offered a cold remedy or two. Some say a good idea is to peel some onions or raw garlic and put the juice into my nose.

painting

Some have recommended a shot of Vodka with chili pepper in it. I don't know if any of this works, but I feel the love coming from my friends.

I just read a fun book called Russian Disco. It's an easy read, I read it in about half a day. Well, the book is about this Russian Jew from Moscow who migrates to East Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall. He talks about all of his strange new neighbors and friends. It's an anthology of short stories that gives you an idea on what it was like to grow up in the Soviet Union. I recommend it.

I started a new painting, and I'm trying to finish another. It's been really hard to do any work lately. I seem to never have time, or I don't have the supplies to actually make new paintings. I did build a new stretcher and I am finishing up a painting. The work is coming along well. I'll post the paintings as soon as I'm finished.

It was my birthday on the 27th. I can't believe I'm 35 years old. Well, my birthday was pretty low key. Zhanara, Tanya and Bota were the only three to attend my birthday. Zhanara wanted to really do something big for me, but I said I don't really like big parties. I really hate being the center of attention. So, Zhanara made dumplings and we drank some wine and watched Little Britain on video. The birthday was perfect.

I'm off to see some Kazakh punk rock tonight.

Cheers,

Daniel

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