louises fashion corner

Dan Goes to Little Rock

2012-02-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

Dan has been accepted to show at M2 Gallery in Little Rock, Arkansas. My sister Deb told us about this interesting Gallery in Little Rock. We enjoyed touring the gallery and fell in love with the art of Tim West a 74 year old artist from Arkansas. M2 shows local, regional, national, and international artists. We are happy and proud to be working with M2 Gallery.

Albert Nobbs

2012-02-19T16:42:00.002-08:00

I loved this film. Albert Nobbs was played by Glenn Close and it is an Oscar worthy performance. Glenn played 'Albert Nobbs ' on stage in NYC 30 years ago. This is the story of a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Albert Nobbs teaches us about life and companionship. Mia Wasikowska plays Helen, a maid who also becomes the object of Albert's wooing. Close is wearing a bowler hat which was a popular hat created in 1849. This type of hat was made for the working class during the Victorian era. Two thumbs up. I loved the story. Glenn Close co-produced and co-wrote the script.

The Descendants

2012-02-16T10:53:00.000-08:00

This is from the creator of Sideways The Descendants is a story about Matt King played by George Clooney about an indifferent husband and father of two girls who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future. It had some of the same moments I felt in Sideways where things aren't quite happening yet they are about to. George Clooney is excellent. I was forgetting he is an actor playing Matt King. You have to prepare yourself for the touch of sad.

Her Palette is the Garden

2012-02-15T15:00:00.000-08:00

Several years ago, my sister Anita painted some terra cotta pots and mounted them on a wooden lattice piece. It makes a great color addition to my little garden. I have had this a few years and there has been no fading to the pots. Anita is a garden artist. She is not afraid to create ideas for the garden.

Happy Valentines Day

2012-02-14T15:20:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day. Spend the day with the ones you love. The traditional gifts of love are flowers, confectionery, and the greeting card. Have a loving Feb 14.

What Side Of The Fence Are You On?

2012-02-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

I am on the side of the fence of I LIKE IT. The good stuff was worth viewing and I must admit I LOVED PHOTOGRAPHING IT. Art in the Streets ran until August 8 2011. This was the first major US Museum survey of graffiti and street art. The show included street art from the 1970s to today including NY, LA, SF, LONDON, and SAO PAULO. I was happy the MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) made such a gutsy move to show this art. Thank-you MOCA. This is where I went on my 23rd wedding anniversary. Have you ever seen the stalls looking so awesome?

To Be Lucky

2012-02-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

This is Lucky my sister Anita's fox terrier. He continues to plop his butt into his nephew Toby's toy area. You gotta love animals. They have ways to reach humans beyond our wildest imaginations. I have seen miracles with animals brought into the care facility where I work. If animals have empathy, then they have the ability to change our DNA structure. To be Lucky is truly a blessing.

RISK Art Letters R Through Z

2012-02-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Here is the rest of RISK's fantastic art letters. One is cooler than the next. You think you like your initials then bam you cannot forget that vibrant F. Go to his online store and make somebody happy.

Shoes Shoes Shoes

2012-02-04T16:08:00.000-08:00

Shoes by J. W. Andersen, Mui Mui, and Loeffler Randall, the 'anita' shoe. I ended up with the Loeffler Randall black flat which by the way looks great with jeans and the best thing about them is I got 75% off at Barneys. Scoring on sale shoes. A great day on Central Coast.

Slide Film

2012-02-01T21:01:00.000-08:00

I found some old slides and had Specialty Color Services make 4 x 6 prints of them. I was delighted to see the results. There is something clear and crisp about shooting slides. These days I am happy shooting print film. Print film has improved. Yes, dinosaurs are still alive.

Jason Wu for Target

2012-01-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

Jason Wu hits Target with his scarves and purses on Feb 5. Ladies if this is anything like the day Mulberry hit Target, it will be sold out the first few hours. You need a mini break from Superbowl Sunday. Dash out of the house. I will be there.

The Artist

2012-01-26T15:58:00.000-08:00

The Artist is a great film. I recommend seeing it on the big screen. It is a black and white movie set in the time period of the late 1920s. The handsome George Valentin is a silent film idol who meets Peppy Miller an aspiring actress who is trying to make her way in Hollywood. A well deserved Golden Globe Award for best musical and well deserved Oscar Nominee. Thumbs up for The Artist.

The Art of the Brow

2012-01-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Eyebrows frame the face. If you do anything ladies, complete the brow. I have a system for my 50 year old brows that I am happy to share. First I use a moisturizer to moisten the area. Next I make the slightly arched shape with a brow pencils and the moisturizer keeps the pencil from dragging your skin around. Then, I fill in the area with brow shadow to shade and define the brow. Lastly is the product above. I use the Bobbi Brown Eye Brow gel to set the art work I did to make the brow. It is a 4 step process and worth every step.

Joe Paterno Passes

2012-01-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

My Dad really liked Paterno. My Dad got tired of people thinking he was Paterno when he was alive. Joe and my father had the same walk and held their heads in a similar forward flexed position. One time my Dad was in Santa Barbara and a couple yelled hey Joe will ya sign one and he yelled out sure. They were disappointed when they found out he wasn't Joe. Joe Paterno was a legend. He will never be forgotten. We were from Hazleton, Pa, a coal mining town where Penn State Football was the talk of the town.

Sunny Sixteen

2012-01-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

These were taken with the sunny 16 rule. If you are shooting ISO 200 film then the exposure will be 1/250 of a second @ f/16. Light meters also assist with measuring light reflected off your subject. Understanding proper exposure will only enhance your photography. The rule works because the light output from the sun is a constant value. These were shot in full sun at f 16 in San Luis Obispo at Vintage, etc., formerly the Nest. We are lucky to have this store to go to to shop in San Luis. The owner Judy Mora and her niece Cherise have helped me find some treasures.

Specialty Flawless Services

2012-01-20T15:39:00.000-08:00

I have been a customer of Specialty Color Services for many years. I moved to Central Coast from Santa Barbara 12 years ago and I still do all my development and printing at Color Services. The owners Glen and Gabe and their manager Linda, are very accommodating and smart. I have my 35 mm and 120 film done there and have been satisfied with the quality of their work. I have had enlargements and film developed into prints done by their talented staff and have been very satisfied. We are blessed to have such quality people handling our precious little film.

The Iron Lady

2012-01-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

See this one on the big screen. Meryl Streep plays Margaret Thatcher and her performance is riveting. The film drifts back and forth between Thatcher as an old woman and Thatcher rising to power as a young women. The film is moving and the scenes take you to those moments that were memorable to her life. I loved her relationship with her dear husband played by the great Jim Broadbent.

The Official Window Dresser is Pam

2012-01-15T08:07:00.000-08:00

These were shot with Portra 120 400 S film in the 42 degree weather in San Luis Obispo at the Hospice Thrift Store. Pam McKierman is the store manager and she dresses a new window every month. To stand in front of this art display is exciting. The vintage feel of these Holiday Windows is interesting. I love her cool colors of blues and golds and whites. My interest in not only in the window but the reflections of objects that are behind me. Specialty Color Services is the film lab that does my work for me. The bottom image was developed in a matte finish and then scanned and mounted on 1/4 inch foamcore.

My Saturday Thrift Store Buys

2012-01-14T13:42:00.000-08:00

Went over to my favorite new shopping store the Hospice Partners Thrift

Store in San Luis Obispo. The proceeds from the store go to uninsured and under insured hospice patients and their families. It is always nice to see Susan and Kay. Susan was laying out new jewelry for sale and these colorful pins from the 60s caught my eye. They have a new window designed by Pam that is really nice. I was born in 1961 and have a forever connection to the 60s. I will get over there another time to photograph the 1960s window designed by Pam.

RISK ROCKS

2012-01-12T15:22:00.000-08:00

Here it is letters E through Q different styles on each letter. I think Risk is a true artist. His art career spans 27 years. In High School RISK was one of seven students to receive a scholarship to attend the Pasadena Art Institute. He also studied fine art at USC. He is serious about letter forms.

Limited Edition Letter Prints by RISK

2012-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

These are for sale by the Graffiti artist Risk on his online website. Risk is known for bringing graffiti off the streets and into the art galleries. I purchased the letter D, the forth one on the right for Dan, as a Christmas gift. They are giclee prints and are stamped , signed and numbered by Risky. When we opened the print we had to reeducate ourselves to see where the letter D was hiding. Can you find the letters in the Art above? I think they are beautiful. Maybe one day I will get an L? On second thought the L is kinda spooky.

Life Drawing

2012-01-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

Artists work hard. They go to drawing classes and practice drawing. They lug their supplies around town and haul their stuff in and out of their vehicles. They get models to do 1, 5, 10, and 15 minute poses. The top drawing is a representational drawing and the bottom one is an abstract drawing. It is fascinating seeing what artists do to improve their skill. They work hard.

Jo's Nature Shots

2012-01-06T17:33:00.000-08:00

My friend Jo Ann is a great photographer. She does what my teacher Shawn always told me. If ya want to improve your photography practice, practice, practice. Her nature photos remind me of a poem by Stanley Kunitz:

The Round

Light splashed this morning
on the shell-pink anemones
swaying on their tall stems;
down blue-spiked veronica
light flowed in rivulets
over the humps of the honeybees;
this morning I saw light kiss
the silk of roses
in their second flowering,
my late boomers
flushed with their brandy.
a curious gladness shook me.

London Fashion Week

2012-01-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

The above photos are from the blogs of Suzie Lau the Style Bubble blogger and the blog of my favorite place Mulberry. The great paper glasses are from Mulberry in the Carry on Camping Fun of the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The great Suzie Lau is with designer Giles Deacon in his East London Atelier for his creations before they hit the runway. London Fashion Week happens for 2012 Sept of 2011. It is housed in the surrounds of Somerset House in the Heart of London.

My Dad Had Style

2012-01-02T17:56:00.000-08:00

My Italian Dad was handsome and very stylish. In his older years people thought he was Jo Paterno and stopped him on the streets for autographs. He always wore jeans and nice sweaters. He loved to wear Facconable men's cologne. My mom used to tell him he had too much on but he still enjoyed a good size squirt. He was funnier than hell. He had a big heart and was kind to everyone. I think he even gave Deb's first boyfriend the winter jacket off his back. He was a great father and good husband. My husband Dan always said that my father was a good man.

She is Wearing Lee Andersen

2011-12-31T09:04:00.000-08:00

           My sister Deb is in the stunning red jacket. It is a Lee Andersen Jacket that she wore to the DogCatemy Awards in NYC last month. She and her best friend Judy had the honor of being at the Closing Bell Ceremony at the NASDAQ Market site at Times Square with Cesar Millan and The North Shore Animal League. How thrilling to be part of ringing the Closing Bell with others involved in Humane Work. The Animal League's lifesaving mission is to rescue, nurture, and adopt 20,000 animals into loving homes each year.

Jamie's Special Treasures

2011-12-29T13:49:00.000-08:00

Jamie Elliotte is an amazing jewelry artist who finds treasured objects and puts them together to make interesting pieces. She uses old love charms, Milagros, old teapots, and mirrors. My sister Deb showed me this clear chunky crystal choker attached to a stamped leg part. It reminded me of the fabulous Frida Kahlo jewelry that Frida sported in her day. In Frida's portraits by Nickolas Murray, you can see outrageous pieces that remind me of Jamie's creations. I met Jamie at Beyond Cotton, a great store in Little Rock. She has a great personality as big as her jewelry creations. She has lived in Morocco, Spain and currently in the US. Her studio is Blue Jay Studios and it is in a closet under the steps of her 83 year old home. Her jewelry is memorable. Thank God for artists like Jamie who have visions to create spectacular treasures and then find ways for us to discover them.

Judith Joy Ross Photographs Students from Hazleton

2011-12-27T05:23:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite photographers is Judith Joy Ross. She is an amazing photographer. Her photos above are in her book Portraits of the Hazleton Public Schools. I grew up in Hazleton, Pa, and to see her amazing shots of Hazleton people made me feel a connection to her. Her work is represented in the MOMA, SFMOMA, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and Yale where she began her career. In the early 1990s Ross returned to Hazleton to revisit her experiences of growing up there. She shot these with a 8 x 10 inch view camera. To see two of my former high school teachers in her book after so many years was unreal. Her work is unforgettable and profound.

Do You Believe?

2011-12-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

Never give up the dream. Sit back and watch Christmas in Connecticut, White Christmas, Elf, A Christmas Carol, or A Christmas Story. The big guy comes only once a year. Keep it going as long as you can.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T14:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas. One of the many things I like about working in a care facility is that the people that work there have heart. They get up, go to work, and care for others. It is almost spiritual to be in a care facility during the holidays. The Filipinos I work with decorate our halls with these old fashioned decorations. The activities department puts on a holiday bazaar for the residents,staff, and community. Kathleen is modeling a great find made by the residents themselves. Above you will find friends and family's Christmas Cookies and a friend's Upside Down Pineapple Cake. I Love Christmas. Merry Christmas to All.

Anita is Cool

2011-12-23T05:59:00.000-08:00

Anita has a birthday today. She is a great older sister. When I was a little girl she baby sat me and made me do all kinds of household chores. When I was old enough to have sleepovers she and my other sister Deb entertained me and my friends. When I was a teen she drove me and my best friend Lisa around Hazleton. The saddest day was the day she went to Central Penn to college and she would no longer be sleeping in the same bedroom as me. She is a cool person and a great sister to Deb and I. She loves babies and old folks. She loves nature and travel. She loves fresh flowers, good leather purses, fox terriers, cats, modern art and decorating her home. She has a big heart. A special day was the day Anita was born. Happy Birthday Anita.

Get Crafty

2011-12-19T19:25:00.000-08:00

Museum of Craft and Folk Art is located in San Francisco at the Yerba Buena Center. This is a digital and fine art repro of monotype and ink by Favianna Rodriguez. The Museum has carried her prints. Her art borrows from the pictoral style of the Inca and Aztec cultures to pay homage to migration patterns. She is a printmaker who got her start as a political poster designer in the 1990s. Her art displays the struggles for racial justice in California. She has mentored dozens of emerging young artists and helped to establish a multi-use arts facility in East Oakland. She believes in people improving there lives. She is a true visionary.

The Beauty of On Site Art

2011-12-18T06:25:00.000-08:00

Today Dan and I went on separate art journeys. He went on site to Huasna to paint watercolors and I went back to the San Luis Hospice Thrift store to shoot their decorative front window. There is something magical about on site art. Dan's paintings radiate energy when he paints the outdoors. There is something spiritual about loading up the heavy Hassey and shooting a couple of rolls of Portra in the brisk morning air. I do recommend a decent wool hat and wind jacket to brave the elements. Outside felt right today.

Bill Cunningham New York

2011-12-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

Dan and I watched this documentary. I can relate to Bill. He enjoys putting on his comfortable clothes and taking his camera messenger bag and hitting the streets. This film takes you into his everyday life in NYC from his apartment to the downtown and uptown events. He is not afraid to move around his subjects and move his camera shot from horizontal to vertical points of view. I have been looking at his street and social photographs for years and I really enjoyed spending days in his life. This is a flawless film and I want it for Christmas from my husband.

The Nina and Pinta Land in Little Rock

2011-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

Dan and I vacationed in Little Rock, Arkansas. The day we were meeting my sister Deb, we took a nice walk along Riverfront Park. This women came up to my husband and asked him if the Nina and Pinta landed had landed. I did not know if this lady lost her memory or was having a vivid imaginary moment. Later that morning the Nina and Pinta landed at Riverfront Park. The replica ships are part of a sailing museum and were set to land in Little Rock before their next departure. The Nina was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools. Archaeology magazine called the ship "the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built". The Pinta was recently built in Brazil to accompany the Nina on all her travels. She is actually a larger version of the archetypal caravel. Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century. This is a fantastic sailing museum that will continue to educate public and private school children. Now I realize the lady that ran up to Dan had a brain that was working just fine.

Photojournalism by Ish

2011-12-06T17:15:00.000-08:00

I am honored to blog about the photography of Ismail Abdullah. His photos make me cry. I have the same crying experience that I get every time I see the Japanese wedding ceremony in the movie Lost In Translation. I am touched and I cry. His photos take me to places where I feel a connection to the people of the land. I have a photograph by Ish that I treasure. Would the Taj Mahal Gatekeeper allow anyone to fool him? The Thai Boyscout shows the innocence of childhood. The young girl makes us respect and reflect on tradition and how importance it is in our lives. Thank you Ish. I am in line for the first copy of his photojournalism collection of photographs. Ish is born to take photos.

Best Satisfying Shopping Experience

2011-12-03T12:53:00.000-08:00

As I sit here on my day off eating a yummy homemade bacon and tomato sandwich I am happy to share with you my satisfying shopping experience. I spent my money at Hospice Partners Hope Chest, a nifty thrift store at 445 Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo, Ca. I ran into Kay a wonderful friend and looked for Susan, a worker who is a wealth of knowledge in the jewelry department. She sold me a lovely gold chain and taught me how to attach a brooch to the bottom. I thought it was full circle that I had Susan helping me with a jewelry piece that I will wear with several of my mother's beautiful brooches. No more keeping those sitting in the Egyptian jewelry box not getting worn. I found a great pair of stone and crystal dangling earrings. My godmother Lucy got lucky with a great Christmas Pin that I know she will adore. Lastly, I found a Grinch stuffed animal for our friend Candy. I know Candy will Love the Grinch. She has the same sense of Christmas humor that I have. Think about donating to a great cause. You can call (805) 545-5955 to donate. Hours are Mon-Sat 10-5. All proceeds go to helping uninsured and underinsured Hospice Patients and their families.

A Sin Tonic

2011-12-02T19:09:00.000-08:00

Diptique Vinaigre de Toilette is a tonic for men and women. It is frequently misunderstood. I do not wear it for work but I do occasionally spray it on during a special occasion. The afterlife of this eau do toilette is perfect. Its composition blends herbs, spices, woods, neroli and incense. It is based on a 19th century formula and it was launched in 1975. It is misunderstood and some people test the smell and get offended by the vinegar odor. But this is where the sin tonic comes into play. Scented vinegars became popular in the mid 18th century with new washing habits. Vinegar was considered an astringent, cleanser, disinfectant and refresher. I admit I like to refresh once and a while.

Mulberry Fall 2011

2011-11-27T13:25:00.000-08:00

Mulberry has had some gorgeous rich colors for fall and winter. I am in love with the fact of the mini carter bag that I found in the fox color. I gravitate to to the mini carters because they are similar to camera bags. I love the winter blacks, browns, golds, and tans that we see in the cooler weather conditions. While hiking Pinnacle Mt. in Arkansas with my sister Deb and husband Dan, I was reminded of the leaves changing colors and the significance of witnessing the change in nature and the beautiful colors that surround us. Love Fall. Love Mulberry. I miss having Abel help me but since I do not live in NYC, I call Memo, Alex, Taylor, or Niceto for assistance.

Mr. Cartoon is One Popular Blog

2011-11-24T09:52:00.000-08:00

Mr. Cartoon is my most popular blog so I wanted to check out what he was up to these days. He was in NYC Spring of 2012 and did a tattoo that took him over 24 hours to complete. Mr. Cartoon did a mural at Tuff City Tattoos in the Bronx. He says it is always a dream for the west coast writers to go to NYC. There is a lot of inspiration that comes out of NYC. You can see his LA touch on his Bronx mural. Mr. Cartoon is known by many. He is a true artist. The photos above were taken by Richard S. Chang.

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all. Let's enjoy Anita's Organic Bird and Dan's Pumpkin and Apple pies and be grateful for all the hosts that prepare the bird and make this day so special for family and friends. My sister Deb made Halupki today and although it is not traditional it is a great day to have these tasty treats. I am grateful to all of my blog readers. Kick back and listen to sports radio or watch a football game and remember no talking politics. Happy Day.

Wishful Drinking

2011-11-22T18:13:00.000-08:00

Carrie Fisher's Wishful Drinking HBO Documentary is great. Dan and I really enjoyed watching it. It is an autobiographical tale of her life with a hilarious slant on the not so glittering side of celebrity. I highly recommend this one. She has a lot to say. It is educational in a celebrity way.

Meet Ryan Conley

2011-11-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Ryan is our dietary aide at AGCC. He calls himself the "snackatition". He is an artist and has found a way to make his day job fun. The residents adore Ryan. He knows them all by name. He jokes with them if they are in the mood and is intuitive with what kind of snack the patient is interested in. He proposed having his snack cart painted this brighter than gum pink color. He is proud to be a "snackalicious super hero". On this week of being grateful, we are blessed to have Ryan in Arroyo Grande Care Facility. Thanks Ryan.

T TREE jewelry from Vestas, Little Rock

2011-11-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

Deb took me to one of her favorite shopping places while on Holiday in Little Rock. We strolled into Vestas and I loved everything from the faux pearls to the Italian bed coverlets. She treated me with my very own T Tree necklace from Sweden with a combination of leather and a stunning clear crystal stone on the leather piece. It is stylish and very artistic. I must say I have never seen anything like this. I has a silver chain with a vintage brass chain attachment. It has an inscription in the leather that states "Do it trembling if you must, but do it!"

Meet Vanessa at Chicos in Arlington, Texas

2011-11-15T13:34:00.000-08:00

I have fond memories of my sisters, mom and I combing this Chicos in Arlington for the great clothes and deals. Vanessa greeted me with a big personality and great smile. We chatted about the latest styles and ways to wear pearls. I gave her heads up on the Jean Paul Gaultier show at the Dallas Museum of Art. She was interested in the fashion show. If you look at Vanessa's style she can really put it together and wear it well. She gave me confidence to wear several pearls and break the fashion rules a bit. She apologized for having her mickey mouse watch on with her jewelry and I told her that it makes the outfit her very own. Loved her pencil pants with a simple loafer. Vanessa has what it takes to sell Chicos items and she has fantastic customer service. Thank-you Vanessa for your great sense of self and style, and for helping us fashion drifters make sense of the new fashion trends. Chicos at Lincoln Square is lucky to have such great retail assistants.

Dallas Welcomes Jean Paul Gaultier

2011-11-14T06:35:00.000-08:00

Dan and I were lucky to attend the Jean Paul Gaultier Fashion Exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Modern Art while on our vacation to Texas. His exhibit was outrageous. He is showing his collections in Montreal, San Francisco, and Dallas. Gaultier is a French designer who has an extensive design background. His collections include stunning gowns with sequins modeling the city of Paris and outfits that are influenced by world street art. His tailoring is impeccable. Jean Paul exhibited his intricate hosiery designs with skirts and cut out gowns. He showed his man skirts and had a display with a male mannequin looking into a mirror with the voice over of a conversation he might have with himself. His mannequins were creative with videos projecting images of people with voices saying "be yourself ". I am a hooked and thanks to Joe for recommending this fabulous show. Not too bad for a man who was not a classically trained designer and who at 17 years of age sent sketches to Pierre Cardin and became his assistant in Paris. His show runs until Feb 12, 2012.

D. R. Harris

2011-11-12T17:02:00.000-08:00

D. R. Harris is located at 29 St. James's Street in London. The store has been around for many many years. They have created herbal concoctions to treat the ills of the area's residents since it opened. They still use glass bottles, and wooden soap boxes, which until the 1980's were actually made on the premises. The products are displayed in beautiful mahogany cabinets. They sell Bay Rum aftershave and cucumber-based eye gel. And if a customer has a slight hangover they can buy a "pick me up" hangover tonic at the register for one dollar. I don't have hangovers, but I would try the tonic.

Remembering Janis

2011-10-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Halloween is Monday. One of my personal favorite days of the year and the crew from work is dressing as Hippies. The Hippie movement. Janis. Jimmy. Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Buffalo Springfield The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Stevie. It took my husband Dan who was born in 1964 a minute to recite 1960s bands. I was born in in 1961 and I am proud to dress up as a Hippie in the Rehab Department. Last year we dressed as Roller Derby Queens. I will ask my sisters Anita and Deb about their experience with the 1960s. Thanks to Jo Ann for the great tie dye shirts. We will never forget those Hippie days.

Coffee and Cigarettes

2011-10-25T15:18:00.000-07:00

Just saw Coffee and Cigarettes and it took me back to my childhood, watching my parents and their friends sit around at the kitchen table and shoot the shit while drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. One of my favorite scenes is Iggy Pop and Tom Waits sitting in a booth at a restaurant improvising their way through the scene. The film is a series of vignettes directed by Jim Jarmusch and has quite a few stars such as Cate Blanchette, Steve Buscemi, Roberto Bengni, and Bill Murray. As a photographer, I am taken with the striking stills of the black and white tables that house the props coffee and cigarettes. In my opinion, a good art film.

Abigail and Peter

2011-10-23T16:40:00.000-07:00

We showed up at the home of the artists Abigail Gumbiner and Peter Holmes on Open Studios Sat Oct 22. It was a sunny afternoon in North County and when we arrived at their home we got to see Abigail's animal sculptures grazing on their property. She does these amazing large sculptures of animals grazing in nature. They are so cool. Peter and their big black dog greeted us and we entered Peter's oil painting studio to see these 48 x 48 size oil painted canvases of abstract figures/ faces that were compelling and interesting. He was fun to chat with about his inspiration about the actual faces hidden and present in these figurative pieces. I told him if I came into a pile of money, I would put them all on large walls in my work environment. It is hard to imagine that Peter is a print maker of many years. He is articulate and able to talk to us about his art process. Peter will be showing some paintings at the Vale Fine Art Gallery in Paso on November 12.

Abigail is Peter's wife and she is a ball of energy. We walked into their home to find two neon vacuum cleaners that they made for the Neon of Museum Art. Talk about cool. Her Open Studios tour showcased her sculptured photographs that bring to life car shots in a 3 D perspective. These were unique. I purchased her Vacant Eden: Roadside Treasures of the Sonoran Desert photography book by Abigail and Carol Hayden and you can contact her directly to purchase one yourself. Although horses are not my thing, I could grow to love her abstract images of these majestic animals. Peter and Abigail will be showing at the Vale Fine Art Gallery in Paso on Nov 12. Don't miss meeting this dynamic couple. They are interesting.

Debra Van Jurey and Erin Perry in OPEN STUDIOS

2011-10-23T09:11:00.000-07:00

Debra Van Jurey is a force to be reckoned with in Jewelry Art. I am lucky to have some of her Russian beaded earrings. Her color pallet is magical. She will pair orange with red and gold or a teal blue with purple and gold and it works. People have stopped me on the street when I sport her earrings. Her jewelry has continued to evolve with swarovski crystals, sterling silver, gemstones and bead work. Dan was having a good time looking at her jewelry and the work of Erin Perry, a mixed media artist also showing art at their shared Open Studios Space.





Erin Perry is a mixed media artist who does these neat assemblages that take you into an encyclopedic world that keeps your interest. My husband picked up a facebook piece that was phenomenal and clever. I would like to go see her work another time to really poke around her treasures. I am sure I can find something that I would be able to relate to. She also does journals, collage, altered books and shabby chic. Erin and Debra are pleasant people to hang out with. You can go out to see their art today at 348 La Jolla St. Morro Bay, from 10-5 .

LET the OPEN STUDIOS BEGIN

2011-10-22T15:54:00.000-07:00

Dan and I started at John Barnard's house to see an amazing show. We purchased Oak Dale Road, one of his plein air oil paintings. It is vibrant and energizing. Just hanging out with John is well worth the drive to north county where there is a season and the leaves do fall. John's oils have been exhibited in museums and galleries throughout the US.

John's wife makes these amazing crafty Christmas trees. They remind me of the old crafts that make you want to take a class to learn how to do that craft. It is a Christmas tree made out of children's blocks and small wooden Christmas figurines mounted on a lazy susan platform. . My husband Dan loves the gold glitter sprinkled on the sculpture. It is a whimsical treasured Christmas item.

Gary Miyamoto a watercolor painter, was showing at John's house. He is an architect by day and his hobbies are fishing and painting. His painting shows some of John Barnard's influences. He has a simple flowing watercolor style and his color palette is earthy like Gary. We enjoyed hanging out with Gary at John's home.

Mandy Weathers is a watercolor and acrylic artist who is not afraid of the color red. She sometimes uses red to begin and to highlight parts of her paintings. I have photographed the Lompoc flower gardens but Mandy really painted the hell out of them and brought them to life. She is pleasant and enjoyable to be around.

John's daughter visits from Texas when her parents host Open Studio Tours. She is a joy to be around. Perfect fall day in North County. Hats off to these wonderful people and artists. You can go see the show on Sunday Oct 23 from 10-5 at 8790 Monita Rd in Atascadero.

Waste Not

2011-10-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

"Waste Not" by the Chinese Artist Song Dong is a show my husband Dan viewed at the Yerba Buena Center for The Arts in SF. Song Dong organized and displayed every item in his mother's house that she had gathered for fifty years. The show has traveled to Beijing, Germany, England, New York, and SF. The Chinese historically had this common practice of "waste not" (wu jin qi yong). I couldn't bear to go to this show because it would be too emotional for me, but Dan did go and he gave me a comprehensive overview of his impression of the Art and I felt like I had gone. I do own the book and I am enjoying Song Dong's experience of his 10 year journey to put this together. Part of his art journey was to have people to experience participation by viewing these objects. Although I did not view the show, I felt his mission and I have become a fan of his incredible work. There is healing in remembering.

The Art of Halupki

2011-10-18T19:48:00.000-07:00

I thank God for growing up with my mom's version of an Eastern European Halupki dish. I must confess, I have diverted from her original recipe. I mix pork with beef thanks to my oldest sister Deb and I serve with a topper of sour cream thanks to Martha Stewart's mother's recipe. I add diced tomatoes on top and my husband Dan adds Cholula to the top. We serve ours with black beans on the side which I know Mom would not approve. Oh well, got to make things your own. Happy Day with the Art of Halupki.

JON NAAR

2011-10-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

Jon Naar, a legendary photographer is also an author and coauthor of 12 books on the vast subjects of design, architecture, ecology, photojournalism, portrait photography, and art. He came to NY from London in 1972. He and I share some similar ideas about street art. He sees it as a means of communication and expression. When he moved to NYC in 1972 he liked the energy in NYC with Andy Warhol and the Art that was taking off in the city. He is a pioneer in graffiti documentary and I just ordered The Faith of Graffiti with an introduction by Norman Mailer. I can hardly wait to tackle this one. His photography work is profound and historical. Thank you Jeffrey Deitch for taking a risk for LA and organizing this fabulous show. I am still thinking about the great street art we viewed at this show. I can only hope that NYC will host these amazing artists who deserve recognition and can teach us about the importance and history of art.

A BEAD ABOVE

2011-10-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

Michele Stearns is an amazing artist. Her jewelry is compelling. The first time she had a jewelry show with our friends she came with outfits on hangers displaying some of her jewelry. She has an interesting methodology using a bead palette to create some of her creations. She has unique pieces that call out to interested buyers. I am drawn to her crystal beaded jewelry. I love the feel of her chunky crystals that shine in the sun. I own a magical colorful crystal choker that I pair with my jean jacket. Today I purchased a black and brown beaded necklace. It has graded crystals that have occasional beads that look like they have stripes on them. I cannot say enough about Michele's work. She made her jewelry in Oregon at one time and now she makes and sells it in California. If you have ever been to the Oregon Coast, Portland, or Topanga Canyon, Ca, you can relate to Michele's pieces. Michele is cool. Her jewelry is amazing. She can be reached at 805-748-1717 to special order your bead above.

171 Maiden Lane

2011-10-12T15:24:00.000-07:00

At 171 Maiden Lane at Union Square, SF, I have fond memories of my husband and I going into Diptyque on an Anniversary Weekend and buying interesting goodies for each other. I invested in fragrance for him and he invested in a Baies fruity scented candle for me. I also purchased their Mariage Jasmin Mandarin loose tea in the lovely black tin for those long days after the nursing home to revitalize myself. The store is crisp with black interiors and all of the products are neatly lined up. It smells like a million in there. On Saturdays, grab a coffee, and hear live opera outside their door at 171 Maiden Lane at Union Square. Life really doesn't get better than Maiden Lane.

Crows Recognize Faces

2011-10-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

University of Washington Scientists have shown that crows recognize individual human faces and can distinguish scary faces from neutral faces. The scientists wore dangerous masks and neutral masks and walked around the campus with these on. The dangerous masked scientists got scolded by the crows and the neutral masked scientists got no reaction from the crows. Months following the study, the masks were donned again by the scientists and the crows remembered the individuals with the scary masks on. I did not know crows had this ability to recognize human faces. If a crow scolds me, I need to reconsider that new beauty product.

7th Annual SEAS International Festival

2011-10-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

Our friend Jo Ann invited us to come out to the 7th Annual SEAS International Festival at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Los Osos. Dan enjoyed the Peruvian food and I feasted on the Carne Asada. We washed down the food with a frozen margarita. The band ZONGO was there and with or without a margarita you would have a hard time not moving your hips. They had face painting. Check out the little guy on the photo above. Is he proud of his face painting? The kids had pony rides and games. There were many cultures represented at the food booths: Filipino, Mexican, Peruvian, Italian, and American (hot dogs and hamburgers). There was also a photography booth that had the best deals on all kinds of fall holiday and local landscape shots. There was also a raffle that had lots of interest.The day took me back to Hazleton, Pennsylvania where our Polish and Italian relatives participated in these church ethnic festivals. It was fun to be a kid again.

Louie

2011-10-06T19:38:00.000-07:00

Meet Louie's parents, Tucker and Snow White. Louie our cat is in the bottom photo and he has turned out to be a great cat. On occasion he travels to the care facility I work at to be loved on and caressed by those individuals that miss the chance to give daily strokes to their furry loved ones.

Macro is a Blast

2011-10-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

Shot these with my macro lens and Fuji 200s film in Cambria, Ca. Macro is a blast. The best images are the ones that might be rejected by the human eye without looking through the Macro lens. Macro gets us to see the beauty in nature and take time to see the inside of flowers where the human eye cannot go.

Ideas Are Not Digital

2011-10-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

Melvin Sokolsky states "ideas are not digital." Above are some of his outstanding fashion photographs. He is a pioneer in photography living in NYC. He began shooting for Harper's Bazaar at age 21. He is a true artist in portrait photography and is not afraid to play with ideas and lighting. His work is magical. I am dying to thumb through his photography book.

The Ramones

2011-09-29T06:56:00.000-07:00

We just finished watching the End of the Century The Story of the Ramones ,a documentary about the Ramones, the Punk Band that was over the top talented. Joey Ramone had his own way to be in this world and music was his expression that gave him a way to be in this crazy world. The band members in the Ramones had their own personalities and performed in clubs in NYC and the USA. They toured Europe and other countries and were highly regarded as the great punk band. What I love about the Ramones is that they kept it real and gave 100% to their music. Yoshitomo Nara has been very influenced by punk and the Ramones and above you will see his character Ramona a tribute to the great Ramones. Artists influence each other all the time.

Time for the Harvest Festival

2011-09-24T08:23:00.000-07:00

It is time for the Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival. This is number 74 and it happens this weekend Sept 23 and 24. Come out to the Arroyo Grande Pavilion and Farmers Market and enjoy great crafts and lots of entertainment. Be AG proud and attend our local festival. This will get you in the mood for falling back.

SABER

2011-09-23T10:21:00.000-07:00

SABER's work is unreal. I can identify with his grey tones pallet. I appreciate black and white photography and love to see tones of grey. Grey is a great inlay to the RISK and REVOK walls. As a kid, SABER was obsessed with Robotech, Transformers, and Gothic churches. If you go to SABER's blog you can read an enlightening article about his experiences painting on the same walls as RISK and REVOK two of the great graffiti artists highlighted in the Art in the Streets show. SABER talks about only painting when he is in the flow otherwise he is not as satisfied. The worst thing you can do is ask an artist, " are you going to paint today?" They will paint when they darn well feel like it. Stupid question. The title of his wall is "sacred trash' because it represents the two sides of Graffiti, 'sacred' or 'disposable.' SABER is a former SF Art Institute guy experienced in painting and letter-based metal sculpture.

Who Is BLU?

2011-09-19T20:01:00.000-07:00

BLU is an Italian street artist who became famous in 1999. He is from Bologne and he uses house paint and large rollers mounted on top of telescopic sticks to make his art. He paints huge human figures, sometimes sarcastic and occasionally dramatic. There is a short animated film Muto (2008), a wall -painted animation with music by Andrea Martignoni that I highly recommend. He did the money over casket wall for the MOCA for Art in the Streets that he was asked to remove before the show. He seemed to handle to the removal of the wall with grace. His paintings can go from landscape to urban. He is motivated by the belief in an open source philosophy. I like his work and I would enjoy him as one of our dinner guests one evening.

RISK is RISKY

2011-09-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Kelly Graval, aka RISK moved to LA at the age of sixteen. His lettering style is classic New York, but his contrasting colors is pure California style. In 1988 RISK was the first Angeleno to paint a New York subway train. In High School RISK got a scholarship to the Pasadena Art Institute. He has worked on movie sets and one of Michael Jackson's music videos, "The Way You Make Me Feel." He has also done music videos for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice Cube and Bad Religion. He is an entrepreneur of the clothing line Third Rail. RISK has also done work for Hot Rod Magazine. He has an awesome web page and you can purchase a print of one of his letters from his art wall at Art In The Streets. He is a force to be reckoned with.

RAMMELLZEE

2011-09-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

We lost this talented art rap pioneer in 2010. He was a rapper, painter, and sculptor. If he were alive Dan would have liked to meet him. His work was so out there he scared me with all the three dimensional science fiction figures coming at you in the fluorescent room of the Art In The Streets Show. His music was playing as you walked around his black light room. Dan kept going back for more. Rammellzee believed that lettering "could liberate the mystical power of the alphabet." He had 21 masks that he designed that he wore for music and art venues. He was directed in Stranger Than Paradise by Jim Jarmusch. He was influential to the Beastie Boys and Cypress Hill. Rammellzee's name remains a secret to only his closest friends. Wild man Rammellzee will not be forgotten.

Stelios Faitakis

2011-09-06T18:09:00.000-07:00

Stelios Faitakis was raised in Athens and attended the Athens School of Fine Arts where his signature style was painting murals with these incredible gold backgrounds. He references many cultures in his work: Japanese, Brazilian, Mexican, Persian, Tibetan, and Eastern European. The technical complexity of his murals has developed to the point that it is difficult to paint them outdoors; however, he still paints outside. I think of all the worldly travels my friends Regina, Lorie, and Nena have done and I think they would appreciate his intricate color palette. I think his work is stunning.

REVOK

2011-09-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

REVOK did an unforgettable wall with SABER, and RISK that was fantastic. I kept walking back to that wall to see the three styles blended together and study the detailing of the wall. The wall had incredible improvisation and you could feel the energy of the three artists on the wall. REVOK is in his 30s and he was born in Riverside, California. By the time he was twenty years old he was noticed in the street art world in LA, Nashville, Atlanta, and Miami. His writing style got noticed in SF and it was called 'cyber-cholo" graffiti. He is one of the most imitated writers of today. He has traveled to China, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and Australia. His street art has been displayed at dizzying heights. In 2007 he painted a pink billboard advertising Takashi Murakami's show at the MOCA and for whatever reason it was removed. The moment it was removed from the MOCA Murakami wanted it for his collection. Quite a compliment to the artist REVOK.

My Portrait Entries

2011-08-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

These are my portrait entries for the 2013 Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition and the call for entries is Sept.1- Oct 31, 2011. I appreciate the sitters who agreed to participate. Jo Ann, Venus and baby, and Jeremy are my subjects and they all have something to offer the viewer. This is why I love portraits. It is improvisational to photograph someone. The subjects have an important role in the project. There is always an energy that happens between the subject and the person behind the lens. It can be magical. These were shot with a Hasselblad 1984 with Portra 120 400S film. The backgrounds are never my concern the backgrounds are my enhancers.

Margaret Kilgallen

2011-08-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

Margaret Kilgallen was a central figure in the SF street artists, skateboarders, surfers, and musicians who were part of a unique creative culture. She was inspired by walking around the Mission District in SF and seeing handmade vs. neon signs. Her work had its roots in American folk art, traditional typography, shop signs, street murals, underground comics and beat poetry. She was known as the artist that put together words and images into a rhythmic visual narrative. Her work has a nostalgic feel to it. She worked as a book conservator in the SF Library. She played the banjo and her street art was all done by hand without sketchbooks or masking tape. Margaret was one of my favorite artists and I really enjoyed seeing her use of random colors. She would get her paint for free from a recycling center where surplus paint was mixed and she creatively used these mixtures that other artists might cast aside. We lost her in 2001 and her work will continue to live forever.

Bansky

2011-08-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

When Bansky is asked about his technique, he states, " I use whatever it takes." Bansky is a sought after artist from Bristol, England. His art demonstrates satirical pieces on the subjects of culture, ethics, and politics. I am a fan. The more I view the image of the girl on the stool with the rat looking up at her I bust out laughing and realize I must be one of those twisted art appreciators, because I find his work innovative, funny and profound. He has recently branched out into cinema and television. His first film, Exit Through The Gift Shop was shown at the Sundance Film Festival and he has done introductory works for the Simpsons. His images are complex and he uses stenciling technique to convey his art. His work is controversial. This does not bother me a bit.

Fab 5 Freddy

2011-08-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

One of NYC's most active train writers from the late 70s and early 80s is the one and only Fred Brathwaite aka Fab 5 Freddy. He assisted Charlie Ahearn in the making of Wild Style, and was instrumental in bringing graffiti into the art gallery scene. He was born in Brooklyn and was also into hip-hop, and the punk rock scene. The film Wild Style showcased the cultural scene of the Bronx. When I saw a clip of Fab 5 Freddy speaking at the Geffen for the opening of Art in the Streets he was charismatic and inspirational to young artists starting out on their future art quests. Fab Freddy is the man.

Os Gemeos

2011-08-22T19:01:00.000-07:00

Os Gemeos are twin brothers from Sao Paulo, Brazil known for their fantastic murals. Their bright yellow characters with thin little legs are unforgettable. At 7 years old, the twins discovered hip-hop. Hip-hop was popular in Brazil in the 80s. In their neighborhood, a rough industrial area, people would dance in the streets. The twins learned to dance hip-hop, rap, DJ, and write. They have fought hard to preserve graffiti in Brazil. The twins painted and did sculptures for galleries before they became street writers. They make it clear that the gallery world is totally different than the world of street writing. One thing that street art and gallery showings have in common is the ability for people to view art and experience interaction. Dan and I enjoyed interacting with their work. The interaction was enjoyable.

NECK FACE

2011-08-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

What I remember about Neck Face at the MOCA Art in the Streets show was his alleyway creation for recreation. He says that fear is his specialty and to walk through the alleyways was as scary as I could only imagine this to be in NYC and walking deep into the streets after dark. He states that there are some cities in the world that haven't had their spines touched by his name. He is known for the high visibility that he gets in the NYC skyline. In some of the graffiti he writes, the words "born to lose" and "out to lunch". You can see his inspiration by heavy metal. He is a N. Calif boy and he resides in NYC and Australia. Not my favorite, but definitely a force to not mess with. Dan loved Neck Face.

Who is Andre?

2011-08-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

ANDRE is a graffiti artist from France. He began tagging the streets of Paris as a teenager, eventually becoming one of the best street artists in France. He has a boutique in Paris that houses some of his famous designs. He also owns multiple restaurants and hotels around the world. He was born in Sweden and at thirteen he became interested in writing graffiti. He began writing his name and at the time there was not a large demand for this kind of art. In France the guys did not paint trains the way they did in NY. The trains were cleaned too quickly to sustain the art. They used to paint the train stations, trucks and walls in Paris. The Paris style is interesting to me because for one, you can read it. It is simple and sustainable. He developed the stick figure above called Mr. A and it was a character that stuck with people and they could really relate to it. Andre felt that kids and grandmas could see it and this is the beauty of Andre. He wants to include others to view the art. He also started writing his girlfriend's name and other guys girlfriend's names. What started out as a joke between he and his girlfriend became future jobs for Andre. I love his stuff.

CHOLO GRAFFITI

2011-08-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

One of the original Cholo Graffiti Artists is Chaz Bojorquez. His large canvas is the grey monster behind the Keith Haring car. Chaz was a hippie who started out putting names on the walls to define identity, Latino identity. This was the foundation of the Cholo Graffiti. When he saw a tag he saw a complaint and when he saw bunch of tags in the neighborhood he saw a petition. His work is fascinating and if you delve into it, you begin to understand the significance of understanding culture. He can tell you about the symbols, lettering, fonts, and the script of Teen Angel style used for drawings and tattoos. He grew up writing beautiful script letters on the side and back windows of low rider cars. Before he tagged he was taking art classes. He went to Chouinard School of Art in 67 and like the Warhol scene and the Ferus Gallery guys, Chaz did not see any Latino artists in the spotlight. Then he worked hard to develop his style, his art. He developed an image called Senor Suerte that has a lot of different styles from the 60s, the skull is Mexican, the hat on the skull represents the Black Civil Rights Movement. At the core of the work of Chaz Bojorques is cultural pride and strength.

CRASH the Godfather of Graffiti

2011-08-15T12:01:00.000-07:00

John Matos took the name CRASH and began writing graffiti on the Bronx subway lines. He joined fellow artists DONDI and FUTURA and other artists where they painted on canvas for The New Museum of Contemporary Art in Manhattan. He has traveled to Europe to paint murals. His distinctive style brings together graffiti lettering and portraiture with Pop art, comic book backgrounds. He has done special work for Eric Clapton painting Fender Stratocaster guitars and Fender has commissioned CRASH to design his own line of guitars, the Crashocasters.

Mr. Cartoon

2011-08-13T13:14:00.000-07:00

Mr. Cartoon's fun incredible ice cream truck was featured in the Art In The Streets LA Museum Show. Mark Machado, aka Mr. Cartoon, grew up in San Pedro, Ca. Mark Machado is a famous tattoo artist and graffiti artist who is known by the local cholo graffiti artists and the NY street artists. He initially wrote under the name FLAME and was known for his portraiture and character paintings. Under the name Mr. Cartoon, he began painting designs on low rider cars and trucks, designing logos for album covers, and designing for the fashion industry. Producer Brian Grazer is currently planning a movie based on Mr. Cartoon. And for the record, he got his first paid job as an artist at the age of 8.

KENNY SCHARF

2011-08-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Kenny Scarf's cartoonish renditions of the Jetsons and Flintstones characters are often painted on huge, wall sized canvases. He has also put his magic on clothing, toys, and album covers for pop groups such as the B-52s. He recently put his art on the streets of NYC in a mural at the corner of Houston Street and the Bowery- a wall he first painted with other FUN Gallery artists in the early 80s. Kenny was highlighted as one of the greats in the ART IN THE STREETS graffiti art show.

One of Dan's Favorite Street Artists

2011-08-11T15:05:00.000-07:00

Lee Quinones was born in Puerto Rico and became known in the graffiti world in 1976 when he and his Fab Five Crew painted a 10 car NYC subway train. Then Lee moved on to painting a handball court in his Lower East Side Neighborhood. He then moved on to works on canvas and was noticed by the European Graffiti Art Scene. His work has been featured in documentaries and he starred in Charlie Ahearn's Wild Style, playing a fictionalized version of himself and painted many of the film's backdrops. He continues to paint and collaborates in the fashion and advertising world. After studying up on Lee, I can understand Dan's interest in his work.

Dan's Number 2 Pick

2011-08-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

Dan really dug Futura's stuff and I did too. He is known as the abstract graffiti artist and his work shows his famous style. Leonard McGurr began to write the name FUTURA in his Upper West Side Neighborhood in the late 1971, the year the graffiti movement exploded in NY. In 1980 he helped organize the Esses Studio Project which brought many notable subway writers indoors to paint canvases for the first time. One of his most famous whole cars BREAK is known for its abstract quality and letter forms. In the early 1980s he partnered with the punk group CLASH, recording a single and touring with the band and painting their backdrops. He has been one of the most widely distributed artists in the graffiti art scene. He has worked closely with Nike, clothing companies and toy companies. No doubt, an artist with imagination, Futura.

Check Out This Set of Wheels

2011-08-09T12:22:00.000-07:00

This is the artistic creation of Kenny Scharf an artist featured in the ART IN THE STREETS show at the Geffen. My brother-in-law Larry would dig this car. Kenny was born 2 years before this car was born. Kenny worked his magic by painting the car and turned it into this dream machine. In the late 1970s Kenny studied at the School of Visual Arts in NY where he was exposed to graffiti and the downtown art scene. In 1981 he was given a solo show at the FUN Gallery in New York. At that time he painted in the streets and for galleries. Kenny's stuff belongs in the FUN Gallery.

ART IN THE STREETS

2011-08-08T15:23:00.000-07:00

Dan and I just returned from one of the best art shows ever, "Art in the Streets" at the Geffen Contemporary part of the MOCA in downtown LA. The curious street art appreciators lined up for blocks to get in and we went back to the show a second day to take in the unbelievable talent. The show had graffiti styles emerging from American housing projects, subway yards, and bleak suburban parking lots. This was the first major historical exhibition of graffiti and street art to be organized by an American museum that surveyed the history of the movement in the US and traces its spread around the world. The visual language of the show was unforgettable and to see it at this scale was well worth the trip to LA. My Leica D-Lux 3 point and shoot camera was vital in photographing this event.

Our Friend John Barnard

2011-08-04T19:38:00.000-07:00

John Barnard has a show "Painting Never Grows Old" opening at Art Central Art Supply & Gallery in San Luis Obispo on Fri., Aug 5, 6-9 pm. The show runs Aug 2-Aug 30. John is an amazing man and artist. His work is spectacular. I recommend all of his shows. You will never be sorry. Did I mention to carry your checkbook?

Sarah Winkler

2011-08-04T06:04:00.000-07:00

Sarah Winkler is having an art opening-closing event on Fri. Aug 5, 6-9 at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art 1010 Broad St, San Luis Obispo. The show is called "Golden Contours" and features her paper constructed paintings. The show will run Aug 2- Aug 29. Sarah will be moving to Berkeley, Ca. and we will miss her. Best of Luck Sarah.

Confessions of a Love Junkie

2011-08-03T12:08:00.000-07:00

Core Dance Company presents "Confessions of a Love Junkie" with 10 shows beginning this week Aug 4 -14. You can go to their web site to order tickets and from what I hear the tickets are flying out the door. The location is The Spot at 116 W. Branch St., Arroyo Grande. Our friend Rachel will be dancing and she is always captivating to watch. And if the title of this performance does not grab your interest, than nothing will get you moving. Break a leg Rachel.

Peg Grady's Art

2011-08-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

My husband Dan and I have been drawn to Peg's art. She is currently showing at Deer Run Art & Artifacts Store at 2080 Main St., Cambria. Peg is displaying stitchings of discarded objects on found linens. Every day she discards an object in her house then she stitches the object. The story of her art is always as fascinating as the art itself. It is worth your time to drive to Cambria and view her reasonably priced art and poke around in Leslie Clarke Gray's store where even the men are not bored. Thank goodness for artists and their visions of the world.

Jo's Photography

2011-07-31T06:36:00.000-07:00

This is the work of Jo Genito. She is a dear friend who made up her mind to become a photographer and did just that. I really like her work and subject matter. She had a sell out show at The Photo Shop in San Luis Obispo. People have commented that her work makes them happy. If you meet Jo you would experience what a good soul she is and in some way this goodness melds into her finished shots. She likes to shoot with her 35mm digital Canon and carries her point and shoot with her in her travels. Photography is a big world and there are so many chances to take advantage of what to shoot. Jo is doing just that.

Dan's Contemporary Abstract Art

2011-07-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

This is the Art of Dan Holland, my husband. I love these large canvas paintings he is pumping out. Thank goodness that we do not have to store children's bicycles in the garage because where would the paintings go to? I am a fan of his work. It is exciting to me. He goes to life drawing every week and paints every chance he can. His work is alive.

Dave Woody

2011-07-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

Above is a portrait done by Dave Woody titled "Laura" and it was the grand prize winner in the 2009 National Portrait Gallery Show. The first time I saw the above portrait in the LA Times Art Section of the newspaper, I was interested in Dave Woody's work. The National Portrait Gallery is hosting the competition this year. The call for entries for the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition is Sept. 1, 2011. I am forever grateful to Mrs. Boochever for her lifelong appreciation and docent work in Museums that exhibit Portraiture. Her generous endowment gave us something to look forward to in the art world. And for the record, the winner gets 25,000 dollars. Now I just have to find my potential subjects.

PCPA Presents Hairspray

2011-07-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

My dear friend Lorie treated me to a night under the stars in Solvang to celebrate Hairspray the Musical set in 1962 Baltimore where everything is bigger than life. Lorie knows how much I love this Movie and the play was fabulous. You will bust a gut seeing the great Tracy Turnblad twist and turn on the Corny Collins Show. Her Mom Edna is dynamite and the scene at the end is unforgettable of Edna coming out of the giant Hairspray bottle. The cast is fantastic in singing and dancing. I have fond memories of my mom and I cannot stop thinking about her and us and the 1960s in Hairspray. Theatre stars are the hardest working souls on this earth. Lorie, I am forever grateful.

Yoshitomo Nara

2011-07-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

I love Yoshitomo Nara. He is an amazing artist from Japan. He is known across the world. I have seen his sculptures and paintings in SF. I recently got the latest book of his art and it is great. The packaging alone is worth the price. Maybe I am stuck in my teen angst but I love his images. The characters he paints are memorable, and although they appear angry, they are approachable. I feel that his art is the ultimate in expression of what we feel and do not always express. His early inspiration for his art is music. He has also designed album covers for some Japanese punk bands. His work is intrinsic and I can feel it. Thank you Yoshitomo for helping us to remember and express. People that work with Yoshitomo in the art field say that he is an artist full of surprises and contradictions. In Nara's words, "If you look only at the surface, my work will not really reveal itself to you."

Good Morning With a Smile

2011-07-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

This is Jazmin. On a rare occasion, I drive through McDonalds for my early morning coffee and Jazmin greets me. What a stylish girl with a fabulous smile. Then she tells me to "have a nice day". What a start to a busy day in health care. McDonalds is lucky to have such great staff to get you through the grind.

Enter the Flower and Bug World

2011-07-17T18:02:00.001-07:00

Macro photography has its own place in the photo world. I remember the first time my friend/teacher Shawn introduced me to Macro. He loaned me his Macro lens and I went to our garden in Carpinteria and played with the hefty lens. The reason I like Macro is that you enter the world of the flower and bug and you discover things you would not have seen with your eye. Roses that had their life in the limelight would be cast away until you rediscover them with the Macro. I use a Canon EOS Elan II, and the 100mm Macro lens with 200 or 400 S Kodak film and if I pick up an extra shift I use the Portra version of the film. Life is good.

Open to Obon

2011-07-16T09:03:00.000-07:00

The Santa Maria Obon Festival is on Sunday, July 24 at 313 W Tunnel St. Our friend Rada, of Fabric Xpressions designed the shirt above "miso cute" for her Japanese friend. Obon is one of the most important Japanese traditions. People believe that their ancestors' spirits come back to their homes to be reunited with their family during Obon. There will be bonsai, Taiko drums, Marital Arts, and crafts. There will also be the Bon Odori, the traditional dance of the festival. Pack your 35 mm camera, enjoy the free festival and check out Rada's geisha girl tees. Then go home and watch USA and Japan play some soccer. I call this a perfect Sunday.

The Love of Volunteering

2011-07-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

My husband Dan is with his work group from PG@E at the Central Coast Food Bank. This IT work group volunteered 3 hours of their time, sorting and cleaning food, washing trucks, and doing cement repair work. The Food Bank Coalition distributes food directly to people in need. I have never seen my husband Dan so energized as he was on volunteer day. Perhaps there is something to say for people who give their time to help others by making a difference in our community. You too can feel happy like these PG@E employees and donate your time and service to the Food Bank Coalition.

The Ultimate is Jousting

2011-07-12T20:09:00.000-07:00

Jousting goes back to the Medieval times. You have two armor-clad opponents charging at each other on horses while wielding 11 foot long wooden lances. You can view this at the 27th Annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival July 16 and 17, 2011. This is a unique festival where over 800 costumed participants come to El Chorro Regional Park to celebrate the year 1585 while attending the Royal Joust, and sipping the finest ales, and eating some yummy foods. Now that is entertainment. And do not be intimidated. You do not have to come in costume.

Sky Power

2011-07-11T20:09:00.000-07:00

Our family friend Bob Winn is the owner of Sky Power Systems, a company founded in 2001 that designs and installs solar-electric systems for businesses and homes in the Bay area. I have read all the testimonials and overall customers are satisfied because of pricing, the way they are treated, individualized solar plans, the look of these systems, the high performance of the installed systems, the design of the systems, warranty issues, the communication of the work projects, and the company is known for doing what they promise the customers. In this economy it seems like people would be likely to spend their money on custom solar shopping to benefit their living situations. Call Bob Winn to educate yourself about having this in your home or business. And for the record, the photo above is from the Solar Dynamics Observatory, a mission launched for NASA. We frequent the Palm Theatre in San Luis Obispo and CJs Cafe in Arroyo Grande, the Palm is Solar and CJs is thinking about it.