Featured Image Above: The Gift of Learning – “Ascent of the Spirit”

Vladimir Kush grew up in Russia behind the Iron Curtain at a time when the only way to travel to foreign places was in his imagination. He started painting when he was three years old and by 14 he was emulating the styles of impressionist Paul Cézanne and surrealist Salvador Dali.

When the Cold War ended in 1990, Kush immigrated to Los Angeles with 20 paintings. Today he is a world-renowned artist with galleries in Maui, Laguna Beach, Planet Hollywood and The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

In his two books, Doors of Perception and Light for the Souls, Kush provides insight into the genesis of his brilliant, metaphorical pieces. But art is subjective and CLASS offers its own interpretation of some of the priceless gifts of Kush’s art.

The Gift of Adventure – “Full Steam Ahead”
Life is full of grand adventures, but we can also change our perspective and find the sacred in the ordinary, the mystical in the mundane.

 

 

 

The Gift of Gratitude – “Celebration”
Whether we engage in silent meditation or break open a bottle of bubbly, giving thanks for all the gifts with which we have been blessed is a ritual worth practicing.

 

The Gift of Authenticity – “Golden Anniversary”
Human beings are complex creatures.  The gift comes when we are willing to peel away the myriad layers and reveal our true, authentic selves.

 

The Gift of Love – “Red Purse”
Love is the greatest gift of all.  We may store treasured memories and mementoes of a life well lived in this red purse or fill it with greed and excessiveness, which may lead to the separation of the two lovers.

 

The Gift of Creative Expression – “Argentinian Tango”
The job of our feet is to walk, their gift is to dance.  Whether it be ballet, classical, jazz or modern, dance is the language of the soul.

The Gift of Nature – “Love Talk”
God’s magnificence is present in the eternal mountains set in timeless rock, the lakes, trees and sky.  Take in the wonder all around. Mother Nature is a priceless gift worthy of protecting.

 

 

The Gift of Home – “Tree of Life”
No matter the size, home is a sacred sanctuary that offers refuge and peace.  Just as a tree grows from a tiny sapling into a mighty oak, so too can we grow and learn to cherish the gifts of wisdom, fortitude and forgiveness.

 

 

 

The Gift of Compassion – “Fashion Whipped”
To have empathy for others and feel what it’s like to walk in their shoes, whether they be Nike sneakers or Christian Louboutin stilettos, is a gift.

 

The Gift of Illumination – “Divine Geometry”
A kind word or random act of kindness can help illuminate the way for those going through dark times.  No matter how small a light we are in the world, we can be a gift to others and ourselves.