Conversations with Artists: Ted Tokio Tanaka

March / April 2010

Dear Friends,

Today we are delighted to inaugurate a new feature "Conversations with Artists" in which we will be exploring the creative process with many inspiring individuals.

We are pleased and honored to begin this series in conversation with distinguished friend Ted Tokio Tanaka.

Celebrated architect and multi-media artist; the Chair for many years of the Board of Governors at Otis College of Art and Design; longtime Chair, and returning as president elect of the Asia America Symphony Association; 2010 honoree of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month; Ted's artistic accomplishments and cultural contributions are too numerous to easily synopsize. But in our inaugural conversation we have focused on his brilliant work transforming Los Angeles International Airport. Ted's iconic lighted pylons at LAX may now be one of the most viewed public art installations in the world today.

To help celebrate the occasion of this inauguration, Ted has graciously provided at our request two of his wonderful pencil drawings, created in the same period as the LAX project. Please look at these works in ournew art update. We believe this represents a rare opportunity to acquire works of historic artistic importance.

With all best regards,

MB

Introduction from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Studies and Artistic Influences from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Origins of LAX Project from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Arrival in California from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Inspiration and Influences from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Concept and Execution from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

The Architecture of the Pylons from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Communication and Politics from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Technological Challenges from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Surprises and Reception from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Effects of September 11th from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.

Personal History and Conclusion from MB Abram Galleries on Vimeo.