PEASwithCarrots

Where am I?

2012-10-05T21:11:00.000-07:00

You can now find me here.

CREATIVE Peep INTERVIEW - Be open to fresh ideas

2011-09-08T01:27:00.000-07:00

This CREATIVE Peep interview takes me all the way to the UK to visit with Mary Ray Smith. An accomplished and successful painter, Mary has managed to turn art into a full time endeavor.

Born in Chicago, and now living in England, Mary has studied art at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago, Peninsula School of Art in Door County, Wisconsin, and at the Fremantle Arts Centre in Fremantle, Western Australia.Her paintings are vibrant and expressive and include people, wildlife, flowers, still life, and some landscape.

Enjoy this chat with Mary and if you are interested in purchasing, or commissioning a piece, please contact Mary via her website.

1. Who are you?

My name is Mary Ray Smith, and I am an artist. I also do (or have done) crochet, quilting, embroidery, designed and painted murals, flower arranging, gardening, cooking and baking, and have done volunteer work for local and international charities. I live in Malmesbury, Wiltshire which is in the southwest of England.

I was an instructor for Horseback Riding for the Disabled facility, and served as secretary on their committee. I also served on the Malmesbury Carnival Committee where I invented, organised and ran various public events to benefit local schools, clubs, groups and businesses.

Currently, I am Chairman of the Malmesbury Art Society. I oversee membership, exhibitions, workshops, publicity, meetings, and special events. I also made and maintain a website for the Art Society.

The flower arranging is volunteer work for the 12th century Abbey in Malmesbury. I am part of a guild made up of teams who do fresh arrangements every week for the Abbey, including holidays and weddings.

 2. Describe your art?
My artwork is representational. The subjects I most enjoy doing are people, animals and flowers. I love drawing and painting and use various materials to achieve my desired results, such as pastels, charcoal, graphite, inks, watercolours, oils, and acrylics. I’ve done art all my life.

I’ve taken it on full-time during the past ten years with some success. Commissions, and sales at exhibitions keep me in paint! Recently I put on a solo exhibition – A Time for Every Purpose. All the paintings were of people caught in their fleeting, everyday moments.

3. How did you get into what you are doing?
It’s difficult to remember ever not drawing or painting. I am definitely self-taught, but I take workshops, classes and use how-to books to help me along.

 4. What is your favorite part of painting? Is there an aspect of the process or the outcome that you particularly enjoy?
My favourite part of the process of creating is the planning, followed by the intense concentration to make what you planned happen. Sometimes the result isn’t what you hoped for, but when it is the satisfaction you feel is immensely rewarding.

5. Where can people see your creativity?
I have a collection of my painting on my website
I enjoy doing commissions, and am happy to work from photographs.

 6. Any advice for people wanting to be creative but finding it hard to get started or going on a regular basis?
Start small, try new techniques, always be open to fresh ideas, learn the basics, practice, practice, practice.

7. How do you “find the balance” between art and everyday living?
Set aside time for yourself to do your art without interruption everyday. Make it a ritual, a habit – think of it as going to a job – whatever, just as long as you have the time to yourself, for yourself. Having a special place or a room to work is helpful too.

Put words in a CLOUD

2011-08-16T04:21:00.000-07:00

I love infographics and the idea that you can present data and ideas in pictures and simple words. I am a very visual person and like clear concise communication of information. In today's world full of information overload a few words and pictures are really attention grabbing and effective.

Here are some of my explorations with word clouds. The one above uses a paragraph from my blog manifesto.

The second one is using Tom Gaskin's Creative PEEP Interview. You can play around with your own word clouds at Wordle It's fun and very creative!

CREATIVE Peep INTERVIEW - Pick up a PEN and start drawing!

2011-08-10T00:12:00.000-07:00

So, a few weeks back I did a CREATIVE Peep Interview with the lovely and talented Angela Gaskin. Thank you Ange for sharing with us your art and creative spirit.

This time I've chatted with Angela's husband Tom.

I had the pleasure to see these two CREATIVE Peeps tie the knot and may I say it was one of the most moving moments!!

Anyway, without further adieu here is Tom Gaskin with his amazing sculptures!!!

Who are you? What do you do?
I’m Thomas Meade Gaskin and I make art. I make sculpture, drawing, instillation and pretty much anything I can get my hands on. During the day I work at The Front Bar & Gallery in Lyneham, ACT. Two years ago I graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Arts, majoring in Sculpture, from the Australian National University. Since then, I’ve had a solo show and a number of group shows in and around Canberra.

How long have you been making for?
I’ve been sculpting since I was six. We used to always be making puppets, figures and heads with Dad, and then from there I got more seriously into it at high school. After that, I went straight to ANU Art School and got my degree – I always knew I wanted to be an artist.

LONE RAVERS (bronze)

So family played a big influence in your artistic persuasions
I got into making because my father is a maker and was always making around me. The first memory I have of building something was from the plans of our house that Dad built. Dad’s a puppeteer and does workshops with kids. Before I was born, Dad worked for the Sydney Oprah Company building stages, which means I grew up in a very artistic family. I still believe though, that all artists are self-taught – it’s the only real way to learn how to make something.

The Precipus Mechanism
(steel, bronze,stone)

What is your favourite part of what you are doing? Is there an aspect of the process or the outcome that you particularly enjoy?
At the moment I’m part of a crew called, ‘Minus the Left’. We go out and put on bush parties, which entails creating vibrant, interesting and tactile environments or spaces. The biggest kick I get out of that is seeing the punters enjoying the party and the space.

Where can people see/buy/sample your creativity?
I don’t have much on the net yet, but I’m planning to put up a website. The best way to see my stuff would be to come to one of my exhibitions in Canberra...watch this space! Alternatively, people could come to the Dragon Dreaming Festival (http://www.dragondreaming.net/) and check out the ‘Air Stage’.

Any advice for people wanting to be creative but finding it hard to get started or going on a regular basis?
Pick up a pen and start drawing something without looking at your piece of paper. From there, I’d recommend doing that everyday. If you really want to get into it, check out what’s going on at local TAFEs and universities.

What if (digital collage)

How do you “find the balance” between creating, working and spending time with your family or friends?
When you find the answer, let me know! But then again, it does just seem to fall into place somehow and it’s beyond my control!

Favourite book: Clans of the Alphane Moon by Philip K. Dick

Favourite TV Show: Star Trek

Favourite Song: Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen

Time for FREE PLAY

2011-08-06T20:16:00.000-07:00

There is something truly magical about a warm sunny day in the middle of winter. Recently we were blessed with one of such days and I was lucky enough to be able to spend it with my son in the park. We ran around, played on the swings and climbed the ruins of an old hut near by.

Did you know that research into animal behavior indicates that PLAY has many social as well as evolutionary benefits. PLAY provides animals and humans with skills necessary for survival and reproduction all the while being fun and engaging!

Imaginative and rambunctious “FREE PLAY,” the kind where you just make things up as you go, as opposed to structured activities, is the most essential type.

PLAY helps us to discover who we are and how we fit into the world.

Go on - next time the weather is nice step outside and PLAY for a while.

CREATIVE Peep Interview - Make ART happen

2011-07-22T00:38:00.000-07:00

Who are you? What do you do?

I’m Angela Gaskin. I’m a Learning Skills Adviser for Charles Sturt University. Prior to that, I was a secondary English teacher in various NSW public schools. I’ve also taught in London, South Australia and Victoria. As well as English, I’ve taught History, Geography, SOSE, Visual Arts and Special Needs.

My first loves are literature and creative writing and I majored in these during my undergraduate degree, but I always loved the visual arts and aimed to complete postgraduate studies in that field. Currently, I’m completing a Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts at the Australian National University School of Arts in the Print media and Drawing Workshop.

How long have you been making for?

Before starting my Grad.Cert.VA at art school, I had done various night courses at community colleges, TAFEs and through private art institutions just to sate my need, and it is a need, to make. Making is food for the soul. I don’t do it to be a serious artist or to make money from it, and I don’t do it to be part of ‘the scene’. For me, making is solitary and relaxing. I derive great personal satisfaction from the pursuit, but I’m not generally after external praise or validation.

Basically, if my mum likes my stuff, then I’m happy!

How did you get into what you are doing? Did you learn from someone/take a class/are you self-taught? How old you were when you started?

My husband, Tom, is an artist and we both come from highly creative families. Tom’s father is a puppeteer and my mother is a potter and painter. My mother was my craft teacher at Laggan Primary School in rural NSW. She taught there as she was completing an Advanced Diploma of Art in pottery at Goulburn TAFE. She then went on to study adult education at uni and teach art for NSW Corrective Services. This exposed her to some extremely talented Koori artists and ignited her love of Indigenous art. So, with a mum like that, I’d say I’ve been making art from the womb!

What is your favourite part of what you are doing? Is there an aspect of the process or the outcome that you particularly enjoy?

Sometimes I love the process. For me the act of painting is ritualistic, wholly absorbing and thoroughly relaxing, but it’s not always like that when working in other mediums. Screen printing gives me a sore back if I do it for too long. It’s repetitive and kind of annoying. When it comes to screen printing, I prefer the finished product to the process. Tom recently got me into Photoshop and I’ve been playing around with multimedia stuff for the first time, and, with that, I enjoy both the process and the outcome. It’s the same with the Pop Art inspired soft sculptures I’ve been making. With those I enjoy both the process and the end result.

Where can people see your creativity?

I may exhibit around Canberra once I’ve graduated. Who knows? Maybe Tom and I will be in a joint show! Tom exhibits regularly though. For me, my grad show will be my first exhibition!

Any advice for people wanting to be creative but finding it hard to get started or going on a regular basis?

I recently moved from full-time work into part-time work in order to incorporate creative pursuits into my life. Life is not just about money. Once people cotton onto that, they’ll figure out a way to make art happen!

How do you “find the balance” between crafting, working and spending time with your family or friends?

It’s really hard! Whenever I get too time-poor, my art making is the first to go, and that’s a real shame. I think it’s a struggle for the vast majority of creative people out there, and maybe we won’t ever solve that equation. We just have to keep doing it; keep reassessing and evaluating what is ultimately of great importance to us. If art, and the act of making it, is high on our lists, we’ll find a way!

Favourite book: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
Favourite TV Show: ABC’s Hungry Beast.
Favourite Song: God Only Knows by The Beach Boys.

CREAMY pumpkin CREPES

2011-07-12T04:50:00.000-07:00

This is a perfect vegetarian recipe for the whole family, including the very young.

Time: 30 minutes cooking, 15 minutes prep

Serves: 4

1. Make crepe batter

2. Heat oiled 24cm heavy-based frying pan; pour 2 tablespoons of batter and tilt the pan to coat the base. Cook on low heat until browned lightly; loosen crepe from pan and turn. Remove the crepe from the pan; cover to keep warm.

3. Cook the pumpkin and carrots until tender; mash together with butter, garlic. Add the cheese and enough cream to obtain a creamy solid filling.

4. Take a little of the mixture and spread it over half the crepe. Fold the crepe into quarters.

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Simple design

2011-07-11T03:57:00.000-07:00

I find typography and simple graphics very appealing. This is my latest play with illustrating the meaning of words and ideas.

Middle English incepcion, from Latin incepti, inceptin-, from inceptus, past participle of incipere, to begin, take up. Telophase is the end step in mitosis (cell division). This end step is the inception of the two daughter cell nuclei.

Dancing in my galoshes

2011-07-05T23:59:00.000-07:00

Gloomy gumboot : (

So, we have not had much rain lately and I have been just dying to take my son puddle jumping. While we wait for rain we decided to prepare by going out and getting a pair of galoshes, gumboots, wellingtons or whatever you might call them in your neck of the woods.

Needles to say there was not much choice in tiny galoshes.......blue or blue ? Unless you're into Dora, Barbie or the other boring pink and glitter girly stuff ; )

Oh well, just another opportunity to get creative! All I used for these is a permanent marker. I'm sure there are millions of other undiscovered gumboot make over techniques and if your kids are a little older they can join too!

These gumboots look pretty fun!

Now, we wait for rain!

The NIGHTrhythm Project

2011-06-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

This is a video project I made in 2001, in Sydney. It was shot one night in George St with all effects done in camera. I had the camera on my shoulder and focused on the different colored lights I could see. There are neons, ambulance lights, and abandoned office staircases. The sound track is made of various sound samples of household and insect noises.

The main aim is to explore the patterns of lights and shapes that form a city night scape. The blinking-flashing lights alternate and repeat in a rhythm. I think there is something magical in all the crowd, bustle and noise of a dark city street - you just have to squint a little and focus on the colors that surround you.

CREATIVE Peep INTERVIEW - MONSTERLOVE

2011-06-23T03:43:00.000-07:00

Meet a CREATIVE Peep!

I am constantly amazed by the amount of talent, success and determination shown by creative people and want to showcase just a small sample of this amazing community. Every so often I will interview a CREATIVE peep and showcase their talents on my blog.

Today, I’m spending time with Sara Hasslinger who's work incorporates painting, sewing, sculpting, photography, printmaking, re-imagining, up-cycled fashion design, hair styling and much more. She is also the creative power force behind a community art project known as MONSTERLOVE.

MONSTERLOVE is a workshop that teaches people of all ages to make their own wearable paper mache monster head. It is a community art therapy project, run in Austin Texas, with an environmental focus (all monster heads are made out of recycled garbage). MONSTERLOVE is about stepping outside your comfort zone a little bit and into another more creative reality. It's about love, fun and celebration.

I had the pleasure of meeting Sara during her round the world travels when she come to Australia way back in 2003.

I hope you enjoy reading about Sara and take the time to support her in her effort to take MONSTERLOVE to AFRICA in August 2011.

1. Who are you? What do you do?
I am Sara Hasslinger, MONSTERLOVE Mama! I facilitate Community Art projects, specifically the MONSTERLOVE, where I teach people how to make paper mache monster heads with recycled materials, and then we wear them around making videos and taking photographs!

2. How long have you been doing that for?
I've been facilitating MONSTERLOVE workshops for the last 10 years!

3. How did you get into what you are doing? Did you learn from someone/take a class/are you self-taught? How old you were when you started?
I was 23 years old when I graduated college to be an art teacher, and this was one of my final projects - to make a mask. I loved it so much, that I started teaching it as an after school program for kids and a community art class for adults. Over the years, I honed it in and gave it a name with specific supplies and process.

Speak no evil, See no evil, Hear no evil - MONSTERLOVE style!

4. What is your favorite part of what you are doing? Is there an aspect of the process or the outcome that you particularly enjoy?
I love encouraging people to push the creative limits, watch their INNER MONSTERS being born, and then wearing them around town. The ultimate satisfaction is seeing the photographs and video ; )

Stepping out of your comfort zone into the MONSTERLOVE reality.

5. Where can people see/buy/sample your creativity?
On my web-site www.sara-hasslinger.com I often have events in Austin TX, where there is music and art, and heads for people to try on, dance, and photograph themselves. People can take my workshops at my studio in East Austin, and also anywhere they can pay me to fly!

6. Tell us a little bit more about taking MONSTERLOVE to Africa.
I am so excited about taking MONSTERLOVE - to Africa this summer!! I will be traveling with eight other volunteers to Kenya with CTC (Comfort the Children International) for the first two weeks of August. This group works with the village of Maai Mahiu to empower their education, environment, economy, health and community.

This trip costs approximately $4,300. I am partially there, but am asking for help in raising funds to hit my goal. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated!! Even $5 makes a difference! DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE!

We will be taking photos and videos of the entire experience, and will send all donors a link to these upon our return. Connect directly to my CTC Donation page here:
Sara's Kenya Donation Page

7. Any advice for people wanting to be creative but finding it hard to get started or going on a regular basis?
Just do something out of the ordinary, like taking a MONSTERLOVE workshop, or go on a photograph walk, or sing on a street corner. Many times, sticking your neck out into the unknown will light a fire under your creative butt!

8. How do you “find the balance” between crafting, working and spending time with your family or friends?
I don't always find a balance. In fact, most times I don't find balance. But, i think it would be worse without MONSTERLOVE, so I keep working at it!

9. Ok and last but not least what’s your:

Favorite book: Where the Wild Things Are
Favorite TV Show: I don't have a TV, but i loved watching Project Runway
Favorite Song: Mr. Frog a Courtin.....not sure if that's what it's called, but ya know...
"Mr. Frog a courtin he did ride uh huh, Mr. Frog a courtin he did ride, a sword and pistol by his side mmm hmmm!" ....and so on....I learned it when I was a kid, and it stuck in my head.

I hope you enjoyed Sara's MONSTERLOVE project story. I hope this story inspires you to persue your creative goals and step out of your comfort zone to embrace a more creative reality.

Please support Sara in taking MONSTERLOVE to Africa by making a donation today.

Is that a monkey or a baby ? - cute hat idea

2011-06-18T23:21:00.000-07:00

I was recently at the Handmade Markets in Canberra and saw a multitude of amazing talent on display. From jewelery makers, toy makers, baby clothes to amazing prints and chocolates!! It was a feast for the eyes and enough inspiration to get anyone's creative juices going. It got me thinking of what goodies I could make. I tend to dabble in this and that but do not have skills advanced enough to make anything real tricky, I can however knit a little. It's a skill my nana tough me when I was eight.

I decided to make a winter hat for my son. This really was an afternoon project, simple, easy and so much fun. I just knitted a long wide strip, sewed together the sides and tied off the ears with the same wool. Every time we are out and he wears his hat people comment on how cute he looks. I just love the fact that no one else has a hat like Henry!

Now, if you want to learn how to knit or are looking for cool knitting projects I recommend you visit instructables.com How To Knit. This is a very fun site with step by step instruction of just about anything you might want to make so - GET CREATIVE!

Add a little fun to your baby singlet

2011-06-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

So, it's winter (well in my neck of the woods anyway) and it's the order of the day to wear layers. Yeah for layers, I'm a big fan!

Usually the first layer is a singlet. You can get fancy and buy them with a nice trim or name brand like Bonds. Still they are pretty boring and can be pricey for what they really are, an additional usually never seen layer in winter.

Being a thrifter and a wannabe frugalista I get my singlets from the op-shops, they usually cost between $.50-$1. The smaller sizes are usually in mint condition, as you know babies grow fast and move up a size before their clothes get a good deal of wear. This is the number one reason why it never made sense for me to buy new clothes for my new born although I must admit on a few occasions I did buy new outfits on sale.

Anyway, to make the plain old singlet a little less boring and at the same time exercise some creative muscles you can decorate your baby singlets. For the ones below I used all the little scraps of fabric that normally would end up in the bin, to create a green monster and a purple bunny.

I glued the eyes and mouth onto the face and hand stitched them to the singlets. Now, as much as I would love to be a sewing enthusiast my abilities at this craft are VERY limited so, believe me when I tell you - anyone can do this!

I have made a few different versions of these so stayed tuned for more in the near future. In the meantime ask yourself - Can I live with boring baby singlets!!!

Now who said you can't look tough with a bunny on your shirt?

Random Quote - Leonard Cohen

2011-06-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

This random quote comes from Leonard Cohen.

My discovery of this poet was quite accidental. Back in 1999, a family friend was giving away a bunch of records. I must say I was skeptical that I would have heard of anyone in his collection yet alone be incited to take it home. Well, how wrong was I ?!

The moment I saw the very 80's looking Cohen eating a banana on the cover I was instantly drawn to the "I'm your man" album. I fell in love with the words, the voice, the music - the MAN.

I had the honor of seeing Mr. Cohen in concert in 2010 in Sydney. The experience was ....well very hard to describe. It was moving, spiritual, spellbinding. From the moment he got on stage there was an aurora around him. This man exudes the kind of mystique energy, which had me hanging on every word that fell from his lips, and every gentle move of his slender seventy year young frame. His simple words carry strong massages of love, hope, loss, sex, depression and solitude and resonated with every single person in the audience. I felt privileged to be in the room and be part of the moment which will stay with me for a long, long time. The quote comes from the song "Anthem" the words to which I include in full below. Below is a clip of Cohen performing the song during the most controversial concert he gave in Te Aviv, Israel on September 24 2009, three days after his 75th birthday. While most musicians held a cultural boycott of Israel, the tickets for Cohen's performance sold our in less the n 24 hours. All earnings of this once in a lifetime concert went to the bereaved parents for peace organization The parents circle.

Cohen's surname derives from the Hebrew word for priest Kohanim, thus identifying him as a descendant of the ancient tribe of Levi. He is best described as a folk rock musician although his performances are more a spoken word style then singing. To get a taste of Cohen's writing I invite you to read his book of poetry - "Book of Longing" and see some of his concerts.

"Anthem"

The birds they sang
at the break of day
Start again
I heard them say
Don't dwell on what
has passed away
or what is yet to be.
Ah the wars they will
be fought again
The holy dove
She will be caught again
bought and sold
and bought again
the dove is never free.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

We asked for signs
the signs were sent:
the birth betrayed
the marriage spent
Yeah the widowhood
of every government --
signs for all to see.

I can't run no more
with that lawless crowd
while the killers in high places
say their prayers out loud.
But they've summoned, they've summoned up
a thundercloud
and they're going to hear from me.

Ring the bells that still can ring ...

You can add up the parts
but you won't have the sum
You can strike up the march,
there is no drum
Every heart, every heart
to love will come
but like a refugee.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.

Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack, a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.
That's how the light gets in.

Leonard Cohen

The boy and his friend the penguin - the amazing wolrd of Oliver Jeffers

2011-05-28T10:10:00.000-07:00

Oliver Jeffers is an amazingly gifted illustrator and author. His simple but heart-warming stories are full of love, compassion and wisdom. I first came across one of his books while surfing the net. I was fascinated by the image of a small boy sailing with a penguin in a upturned umbrella. Where were they heading to? Were they lost? I had to know more!....That's how I found Oliver Jeffers and his charecters.

"Lost and Found" was published in 2005 and is a must have in any child's personal library. The hard cover and large format make it perfect for little fingers and the tales of the adorable little boy and his friend, the penguin, will keep children of all ages engaged. The illustration are superb watercolors and acrylics and bring so much life to the story. The book won the Nestle Smarties Book Prize Gold Award and was the Blue Peter Book of the Year and was a huge success for the young author.

Once you have read the story you can see the characters come to life in a film adaptation of the book by Studio aka. You can view the Trailer for "Lost and Found" on YouTube.

The adventures of the boy and his friend, the penguin, continue in a follow up story "Up and Down". Here, Jeffers shows us the magic of friendship and the power of following your dreams. The book has it's very own website which gives you a sample of the story and contains some fun activities for the older kids.

You can find out more about Oliver and his current projects by visiting his website.

I hope you will enjoy his stories as much as my son and I have.

My many colored days - How are you feeling today?

2011-05-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite children's books. I first heard it at my local library during story time. I loved the story but didn't pay much attention to the title or author. Many months later I recalled a book about color and emotions and become obsessed with finding it.

I ventured to many bookshops in Australia but based on my vague description of the story no one was able to help me find it. It wasn't until a recent visit to my all time favorite bookstore, the amazing Powell's Books in Portland Oregon, that I was reunited with this amazing classic.

You would never guess it but it was written by Dr.Seuss but published in 1996 after his death. The illustrations are magical, expressive paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. The book utilises rhythm to link colors to emotions.

It's an amazing journey through the many different ways we can feel. My son (18 months) loves the pictures and squeals with delight as the pages turn to reveal many different colored animals and the way they feel. From the giddy red horse to the grey hazy eyed owl it teaches that emotions are variable and affect how we behave.
This book is a must for all children and adults alike.

People I would love to invite to dinner - Dr Ekman

2011-04-14T23:10:00.000-07:00

	Dr Paul Ekman Director: The Paul Ekman Group a small company that produces training devices relevant to emotional skills, and is initiating new research relevant to national security and law enforcement. Dr Ekman, is Professor Emeritus at the University of California. He is also author of "Telling Lies"; "Emotions Revealed" and co-author with His Holiness the Dalai Lama of "Emotional Awareness". You might have heard of the popular TV series "Lie to Me", starring Tim Roth. Well Ekman is the inspiration behind the shows as he is an expert in reading clues embedded in the face, body and voice to especially assess whether criminal evidence given in interviews is truthful. For 32 years, Paul Ekman was a Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California at San Francisco. His pioneering research on facial expression and body movement began in 1954. In addition to his basic research on emotion and its expression, he has, for the last thirty years, also been studying deceit. I think having Dr Ekman at dinner would be quite an experience. I guess I probably would not be able to hide my awe from him.