Creating Equilibrium

In these crazy times, the need to do something positive and relevant, something that can make a difference and save our planet, is paramount.
 
The original concept of Creating Equilibrium, to stage a festival to celebrate earth and bring positive, intelligent people together to impact global change and address some of the planets more pressing environmental issues, took quite some time and a lot of effort to bring to fruition.  
 
The Visions conference at the Resort at Squaw Creek was unequivocally the highlight.  The host, YouTube star, Prince EA, and his nine-year-old nephew kicked off the event with an inspiring video,  and then walked on stage together.  It was a great way to set the tone and to remind us why we all are here.
 
New York Times best-selling author and Creating Equilibrium founder, Steven Kotler, then took over and mesmerized the audience with his very sobering perspective on how our destruction of biodiversity is the greatest problem facing the planet.  He then took us on a journey, shedding positive light on how the tide is turning and how, now armed with the incredible pace of the technological breakthroughs that are happening all around us, there is hope.   
 
 

New York Times best-selling author and Creating Equilibrium founder, Steven Kotler.  Photo credit: Creating Equilibrium 

Throughout the day we were introduced to amazing thought leaders from diverse fields from the far reaches of the planet.  They all spoke with commitment about a wide range of topics; clean tech investment, 3D printing, the current economic reality of clean energy, and tackling global warming by any and many means, including drones that can plant one billion trees in one year.  They opined about the future of food, automated crop management, vertical farming, and the generic engineering of meats as viable alternatives to animal flesh.  We got a glimpse of where we are headed with IBM’s Watson and the reality of artificial intelligence in our everyday lives, world health care, climatology, and the evolution and extinction of species…Heady stuff.
 
Each guest spoke from a broad global perspective on the urgency of the environmental crises facing Earth, while at the same time expressing great conviction.  In one way or another, they were all armed with a new understanding, fueled by current and coming technology’s promising new tools to make a difference.  The diversity and brilliance of the speakers was outstanding, and by the time the day was done my brain was spinning with positive inspiration.  Gratefully, it felt like a new beginning, a small but critical first step in waging the critical fight to save our planet for all living creatures.  I encourage everyone to visit Visions Conference to learn more about these visionaries and to commit themselves to engage and participate.  Hats off to Patricia Wright, John Balbach, Dickson Despommiers, Andrew Hessel, Khuram Mir, Neil Sahota and Robert Suarez.  These people truly are amazing; each and every one of them is highly passionate and committed to doing their part to change mankind’s self-destructive path before it’s too late.

 

John Balbach, Venture Capitalist and first to coin the term, “cleantech” Photo credit: Creating Equilibrium

 
Friday night the Village at Squaw Valley filled with folks celebrating and dancing under the stars to the rousing music of Bob Moses, and Saturday night thousands of people gathered in the Village to rock the mountain with Dispatch, and then Secret Stash crushed it, closing out the night with a surprise cameo encore performance by Twisted Sister’s Dee Snider that got the crowd chanting an emphatic “We’re Not Gonna Take It.”
 

Creating Equilibrium Music Festival                                                                        Photo credit: Creating Equilibrium

 
On Sunday we returned to the Visions conference and I was honored to participate in a panel with threeworld class athletes and three artists.  Jamie Wheal, the Executive Director of the Flow Genome Project, did a great job as the moderator, keeping us on point and connecting the dots in a very heartfelt way.  On stage with these social/environmental activists: pro kite boarder, Susi Mai; race car driver, Lelani Munter; pro snowboarder, Jeremy Jones; musician, Ryan Miller; and environmental artist, Gilles Cenazandotti was humbling, as well as a wonderful reminder of the incredibly broad personalized perspectives that were brought together for the cause. 
 

Conference host, YouTube star, Prince EA.                                                                Photo Credit: Benjamin Arnst

 
All of the speakers, while in pursuit of their own passions and creative careers, are finding ways to draw attention to a wide range of environmental issues.  Each and every participant on the panel spoke about their personal, even self-indulgent journeys, and how their individual pursuits led them, almost by surprise, to stand up and fight for our Earth.  As artists, we all search for ways to amplify our voices and expose our hearts.  This message resonated deeply with the audience and tied us all together with passion and renewed inspiration to protect our planet and our way of life.  We all need more human immersion in the natural world, and it should be our daily social responsibility to do something, no matter how small, to positively impact the environment.
 

Jamie Wheal, Flow Genome Project Executive Director with the artists and athletes panelists                                                                                                            Photo credit: Bob Zimmerman

Then came the finale, as legendary environmentalist and award-winning scientist and television host, David Suzuki, graced us with an elder statesman’s perspective on the challenges we all face, and, finally, Prince EA and Steven Kotler wonderfully brought it home for all of us.
 

The legendary environmentalist and award-winning scientist and television host, David Suzuki.                                                                                                        Photo credit: Creating Equilibrium

 

 
We closed the festival with a special gathering at Gallery Keoki.  A core audience of the key people who made the festival a reality gathered to give thanks and celebrate the inaugural events’ successful launch.  Creating Equilibrium founders, Gabrielle Hull, Antony Randal, and Steven Kotler, and key members of their extensive team took a deep breath and toasted the incredible collective effort that led them to this moment.  Their heartfelt investment in the future of the planet was felt by all of us.  Matty Reardon of the Squaw Valley Institute was also in attendance and received a well-deserved hat tip for the critical role he played in conceptualizing the event and getting it all started.  With many of the featured speakers in attendance, the conversations naturally resonated a tone of hope and inspiration. 

The closing reception at Gallery Keoki. A special thank you to Creating Equilibrium founders, Gabrielle Hull, Antony Randal, and Steven Kotler, for hosting an outstanding inaugural conference and festival.                                    Photo credit: Lynn Gibson, Gallery Keoki Owner


In closing, Keoki unveiled his newest project, “The Emerald Bay Tea House,” a new translation of the iconic Tahoe landmark’s photo op.  After sharing his plans to integrate this new three-dimensional interactive art installation into next year’s Creating Equilibrium festival, everyone came together to reflect on what we had started.  With glasses raised, toasts and personal pledges were made to dramatically increase the reach and volume of this vital message.  It was a perfect way to close out the opening year of Creating Equilibrium. 

“Lake of the Sky” Unveiled

On Saturday, July 29, 2017, Gallery Keoki hosted a reception for Keoki’s newest image release, “Lake of the Sky”.  The evening included a slide presentation of Keoki’s trip skiing on the volcanos in Kamchatka, Russia, and we also were provided a sneak peek of his most recent adventures in the Galapagos Islands. 
 
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, both longtime friends and new.  A special thank you to Matt Reardon and Amy Blankenship, featured in the new image, and their baby, Louisiana Sky, who lent us her name.  Thanks to Tahoe Blue Vodka for sponsoring our Tahoe Blue Mules, and uncorked for providing beautiful red and white wines from Spain.
 
The Gallery Keoki Team extends our gratitude for your continued support.
 
Keoki, Lynn and Elysia 
 
If you missed the reception, check out a few images from the event below:
 

(Click images to find out more)

Gallery Keoki Special Offer

Keoki Flagg pored through our past display inventory and curated select framed artworks for release at incredible discounts during the festival. 

Below is a list of title, size, price of each image presented as framed artwork, a format our gallery no longer sells, but are now being released at huge discounts for our local friends.  

Don’t miss this opportunity to own Keoki’s iconic fine art at unprecedented discounts. 

For more information, immediate assistance, or to place your order, please contact Lynn Gibson at 530-414-8500 or lynn@gallerykeoki.com.

 

Women’s World Cup, Squaw Valley March 10-11, 2017

In the beginning of March the World Cup Tour came to Squaw Valley to see the planet’s finest women ski racers compete in the final event before the World Finals in Aspen.   

This was the first time a World Cup race was held in Squaw since 1964; the expectations were high, and I can proudly say that on all fronts, Squaw did not disappoint. 

Shooting for the United States Ski Association, I went through the mandatory briefing, got my coveted race credentials, and inspected the race course, searching for what I thought would be “the gate.”  Once I chose my angle and got the sign-off from the course camera chief I was locked in and could not move.  Nothing like trying to predict where the magic was going to happen…

The course was burly.  The amazing Squaw race crew worked their butts off spending weeks to deliver a world-class stage, and they succeeded.  Equipped with a Nikon D5, a 200-400mm lens, and crampons to navigate the bullet proof run, I shot both runs of the Giant Slalom on Friday and the Slalom on Saturday.  The power and balance these beautiful women showcased blew me away. 

In true Squaw form, both days of racing covered the full spectrum of conditions.  The weather shifted from dull flat icy cold light all the way to our classic California blue sky warm sticky sun.  The steep course was daunting and proved to be extremely challenging for the racers; many DNF’d (Did Not Finish).   

In the end it was our very own Mikaela Shiffrin who stole the show.  In front of record crowds, she threw down four amazing runs and not only walked away with the gold in both races, but captured the overall World Cup in the Slalom.

All in all, this was a proud moment for all of us who call this mountain home. After decades of silence on the competitive world ski racing stage, Squaw once again strutted its stuff.

Gallery Keoki Proudly Presents Keoki Flagg’s Three New Images

On Saturday, March 4, 2017, we had our new image release reception, January…Just Add Snow and it was a huge success!  The evening included a slide show presentation of recent trips to Revelstoke, British Columbia and Hokkaido, Japan, along with a new video showcasing the making of “Snowshore”, Keoki’s most recent pentimental stitch.  If you missed it, you can view the video here.

Check out a few images from the event!

Keoki Flagg with Will, Michelle and Brian Sharpes.

Gallery Keoki’s Owner, Lynn Gibson with Gary Davis.

We were welcomed with a beautiful snowfall for the opening reception of January…Just Add Snow. We planned this!

Grabbing seats for Keoki’s slideshow presention, January…Just Add Snow.

 

One of Keoki’s new images, “Snowshore”.

Is it ever truly a Gallery Keoki event without Edwina Flagg’s homemade cookies?

Gallery Keoki’s 4th Annual Celebrity Hound Hob Nob

This years celebrity Hob Nob was a blast with all the members of Squaw Dogs in attendance. Wylie, Boomer, Kaya, Trooper, Boon, Shakah and Murphy owned the night, strutting their stuff around their loving fans while graciously tolerating all the “pup”erazzi.

The house was filled with mountain folk of all ages who came together to celebrate these amazing dogs. The fundraiser was a great success and Squaw Dogs and the entire team at Gallery Keoki would like to thank everyone for their generous support of this world class team.

 Wiley “hanging out” at the Hob Nob 

 

Last year’s recruit, Trooper, getting all of the attention. 

Keoki with Amy, a fearless Squaw Valley ski patroller. 

Boon, getting some attention.  

Shaka getting a doggy back ride!

Murphy’s turn!

Tropper

Time for some Boomer loving! 

Kaya getting attention from Keoki.

Kyle and Elysia selling the raffle tickets.

Wylee likes getting his picture taken. 

Shaka posing for the camera.

Craig, head of the Sqauw Dog’s patrol program, talking about the dogs.  

Murphy (Kaya patiently waiting her turn in the back).

Women of Squaw Alpine Ski Patrol Calendar Party

Saturday night a wide spectrum of the greater Tahoe community came together to help launch the very first Womens Ski Patrol Calendar for Squaw and ALpine Meadows. Braving one of the first winter storms of the season, everyone who came celebrated with these amazing women. Seven of the all star cast featured in the calendar were present signing autographs. In addition, everyone crowded into gallery three to see a brief slide show and presentation by Keoki Flagg, Lynn Gibson from Gallery Keoki, Tom Feiten from Squaw Valley and the Patrollers.

Taylor, Crystal, Lel Tone, Robin

 

 

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Taylor, Crystal, Lel Tone, RobinTaylor, Crystal, Lel Tone, Robin

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Elemental is launched

Finally ,  after a journey of many years ELEMENTAL has been released.   Last nights gathering was an amazing celebration.  So many wonderful people have played their part in helping this long anticipated creative project come to life. The book has impacted all bringing an unmistakably new paradigm to Gallery Keoki.   Sharing this moment with the entire creative team, my family and so many friends makes  this path so worth while.

Thank You all!   Keoki

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Jeff Brunings, Lynn Gibson, Keoki Flagg, Tasmine Poole, Pete Pilcic and Craig Hammond

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Keoki with, Mom and Dad,  sister Dawn and  Sister in-law Wina

 

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Great times in ALASKA, PNH style

Life in the Chugach expands ones imagination…It can easily be mistaken for the prize at the end of the Rainbow.  It has become an annual ritual for me…One that continues to test my boundaries, my patience, as I have come to see it as a personal test in perserverence.

 

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Luckily we started off with a great start, 5 stellar runs that had me once again remembering what great snow felt like…

 

In tote with my good friends Will and Brian Sharpes we and new buddies Jack and John Cunnigham with PNH guide Andrew Eisentark we had one of those days that reminded us all how good it was to be alive…Living the dream
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On the second day weather set in so we busted out a different set of gear and headed out to explore the Sheridan glacier. It had been awhile since I had been there last, but it felt like little had changed. We spent the day playing on and inside of its surreal world.

Certain places touch us to the core, even in the rain.
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Gallery Keoki’s third Annual Celebrity Hobnob

This Year’s Squaw Dogs Event was a giant Woof.   The welcoming committee were on their paws, and the “Puparrazi” were everywhere.  This year the entire team was present and celebrating.  From the unveiling of the new 2015 Team photo, to the auctioning off of the one-of-a-kind signed Paw do Print,  everyone had a blast and raised some well needed funds for The Squaw Valley Avalanche Rescue Dog & Education Fund.  To all the local sponsors who helped support this incredible program –  Thank You.2015Cel
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Points North Heli event at Gallery Keoki

Kevin and Jessica Quinn celebrating at Gallery Keoki
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What an amazing night we all had.  Kevin and Jessica Quinn and there entire Points North Heliskiing Family came to the gallery on Saturday night to celebrate the many years of fun and adventure that we have shared.

Kevin shared perspective on building his dream and what it feels like to have been a featured destination in the Warren Miller Films for over 14 years.  Additionally,  Lel Tone got up and shared some of her amazing adventures and insights on what it is like to be a beautiful, powerful women living the dream….

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PNH Guides Alan and Paul with acclaimed surf photographer Tony “Haro” Harrington
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Gallery Keoki Partner, Lynn Gibson with friends

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Kevin Quinn sharing perspective
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Squaw Valley Institute Executive Director Matty Reardon
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Lel Tone speaks to a captive audience
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Keoki With Family

Mama Bear and two cubs have a party in my house

 

Crazy Beautiful day in Tahoe…   nothing like a simple brush with nature to remind you where you  live.

I had to run home yesterday at 3 pm to grab a lens out of my house.  As I was opening the door I heard a noise and then walked in to find a big old mama bear standing in the doorway of my guest bedroom . I jumped back only to hear a second whimper from a beautiful cub in the kitchen.  The fridge was opening and he was feasting….

Need-less-to-say we were all a bit startled. I took another step back giving the anxious cub room to scoot by and join mom.  A second later they exited out the bedroom window leaving the screen torn on the ground.  A took stock feeling touched and lucky that nothing else appeared broken and began cleaning up.  A muffled sound from my bedroom got my attention and opened the door to find another cub sitting on my waterbed!

AH if only I had had my camera ready…  Blaming the bear for the mess in my room was the ultimate excuse.  Time to run, he screamed leaped for the window and destroyed a second screen on his way out.

Alive, unharmed and moved I have been reflecting on how incredible it is to be human in this natural world we call home.  My heart is still beating hard…
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Playing “PUPARAZZI ” at Squaw Valley’s Peaks and Paws Festival

This Year’s Peaks and Paws Festival was as fun as ever.  Our four footed friends came out in mass to celebrate yet another amazing sunny summer day in Tahoe.

Smiles, wagging tails and beautiful barks filled the air…bringing out the dog in us all!

I spent the day at there level on all fours being a dog.

Nothing like our beautiful beasts to remind us how to be human.

 

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