Good Eats at the Ballpark

Popcorn.  Cotton candy.  Hot dogs.  Nachos.  Snow cones.  Pretzels.  Peanuts.  Ice cream.  Pizza.  And, if any of those don't interest you, I am sure one of the other items available at the ballpark concessions will as there is quite a variety of offerings.  All ages seem to enjoy indulging in their favorite foods while watching someone strike out, steal a base or hit a home run.  Summer in Iowa is a great time to attend ballgames, fairs, festivals and more where you can enjoy some of those calorie-laden treats that you long for throughout the year.

 

At the Ballpark

"The most beautiful thing in the world is a ballpark filled with people."

                                                                                                              -- Bill Veeck

"That's baseball, and it's my game.  Y' know, you take your worries to the game, and you leave 'em there.  You yell like crazy for your guys.  It's good for your lungs, gives you a lift, and nobody calls the cops..."

                                                                                                                  --Humphrey Bogart

IN THESE SHOES Opening

 

These images are scenes from the recent opening reception of the IN THESE SHOES exhibit that is now on display at the Quigley Gallery on the campus of Clarke University, Dubuque, Iowa.  Check it out as there is a variety of handmade footwear to see, including functional and sculptural creations.  To say the least, guests will be amazed at the outstanding craftsmanship, gorgeous embellishments, delightful colors and more.  Also, while visiting, be sure to find my five photographs included in the exhibit.

 



A special thanks to my husband, parents and aunts
for attending the opening reception.

 

Solar Cityscapes

 

Today's photos were taken in downtown Minneapolis and then edited to achieve this solarized look.  Something a bit unique to help us pause and ask, "What's that?"  As you enjoy the views, be sure to notice the different reflections in the glass of the skyscrapers, including the clouds.

 

 

Strawberries

In these parts of Iowa the strawberry patches are finally full of juicy red fruit.  Unlike last year with little rainfall, all of the moisture we have had has helped give us a bumper crop of plump berries.  They are delightfully sweet and tender.  If you are hungry for strawberries and ice cream, now is the perfect time.

Flower Pants

We have all heard of flower pots, flower beds and flower gardens; however, I must admit that the flower pants creation is new to me!  How about you?  Have you seen any of these humorous arrangements in your neighborhood?  Like I have noted in several previous posts, so often I set out to photograph a particular subject but the unexpected scenes are often the highlights of my outings.  Hope you enjoy these images as much as I do... I'm still laughing!

"Spoonbridge and Cherry"

This iconic sculpture is well-known and loved by many folks in the Twin Cities as it is the centerpiece of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.  The 5,800-pound utensil and 1,200-pound cherry were created by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen.  Oldenburg is known for his over-sized public sculptures of ordinary things, including an overturned bag of french fries.  Enjoy these images.

EGGStraordinary Yolks

"No great artist ever sees things as they really are. 

If he did, he would cease to be an artist."

                                                                                          --Oscar Wilde

Often I cook egg whites and use this strainer in order to isolate the unwanted yolks.  As you might have suspected, one day I put lunch prep on hold as I got out the camera and started snapping shots of this utensil and the shiny, yellow globes left behind.  With a little creative editing I thought this was an unusual yet interesting image to share. 

In These Shoes Opening

In some previous posts I mentioned this exhibit and how I would have some photographs included with the delightful assortment of handmade shoes and boots.  See all the details listed below, including the opening reception scheduled for this coming Saturday, June 22.  Stop by and take a look!

Paul Opperman

Anne Marika Verploegh Chassé

In These Shoes, Bespoke Footwear in America

Opening reception, Saturday June 22, 7-9 p.m.

Quigley Gallery, Clarke University, Dubuque, IA

In These Shoes is an art event featuring bespoke shoemakers blurring the boundaries of fashion, art and craft.  Featuring handmade to order footwear, from couture to cowboy, these shoes are made by craftspeople…artists…fashion designers…or better yet, “sculptors working in shoes.”

The difficulty of a single shoemaker sharing the craft of building custom designed and fitted, handmade shoes is a longstanding problem.  To help market and preserve the craft, the members of the Honorable Cordwainers Company, a U.S. guild of historical shoe and boot makers, conceptualized an art show to educate the art buying public about commissioned footwear.  This show, conceived and curated by Dubuque boot maker Paul Opperman, is the result of that effort.

Stephanie Funke, photograph

Artists featured in the show include Paul Opperman, Amara Weber, James Sommerfeldt, Anne Marika Verploegh Chassé, Paige Sorrell, Sissy Puccio, and Daphne Board. Photographs of contemporary footwear, byStephanie Funke, will also be on view.

For a sneak peak at what’s in store at the art event, click here.

In These Shoes was made possible by a grant from Art Gumbo Dubuque and with help from IMPACT Fine Arts

Field Day

Whenever possible I attend workshops where other photographers gather to hone their skills, try out pieces of equipment on loan from sales representatives and get advice from professionals.  Whether we are indoors or outside, I always enjoy these opportunities and glean useful information from my peers.  For example, I was curious about how the woman in the above photo had assembled and arranged several items necessary to get the desired effects with this particular plant.  And, in case you wondered, I have not yet tried what she was doing but at least I now understand what is required.

Our Dads

 

 

These two bacon aficionados and self-proclaimed wise men constantly heckle me and love doing so!  However, I wouldn't trade them (now they really will give me a bad time) and decided posting their photos would be a nice tribute in honor of Father's Day.  To all the father figures who have enriched our lives, thanks.  Remember -- Sunday is their special day.

Clematis in the Spotlight

In these parts of Iowa some clematis varieties are coming to life with beautiful blooms, including those featured in this post.  Due to the shape, size and color of the flowers, this type is one of my favorites, and at this time of the year I am always on the look out for these ornamental vines all abloom.  Soon my plum-colored variety will have blossoms and I will be snapping shots of it, too.

Fun at Kinnick

 

Recently I attended a fundraising event at the University of Iowa's Kinnick Stadium in which women were invited to spend a few hours learning about the football program as well as specifics of the game.  Throughout the day participants had the opportunity to interact with coaches and players as the event included facility tours, drills, demonstrations and more.  For example, attendees could put on a uniform, complete with shoes and helmet.  Well, in today's photo I am seen sporting an abbreviated look as I pose with a jersey and a pair of size 18 cleats -- yes, size 18! 

In a Sculpture Garden

"Life beats down and crushes the soul and art reminds you that you have one."

                                                                                                                            -- Stella Adler

Photo of George Segal's "Walking Man"

 

 

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is a delightful destination that allows for exploration of art from the nearby Walker Art Center as well as seasonal displays in a conservatory and arbor and flower garden.  And, yes, the above image is a photo I took while visiting this wonderful place.  According to information published about this artwork, the sculptor, George Segal, as he has done with most of his work since the 1950s, made "Walking Man" from a plaster cast formed directly on a real-life model.  In future posts, I will highlight a few more pieces in this amazing urban, outdoor oasis.

Iris In Bloom

"Every flower is a soul blooming in nature."

                                     --Gerard de Nerval

Jiggy

Recently my photograph, Jiggy, earned Special Recognition in the Light Space & Time online Figurative Art competition.  "Figurative" subjects were to be figures, forms and faces of the human body.  To view this photo and other amazing interpretations of the figurative theme, go to: 

www.lightspacetime.com/figurative-art-exhibition-photography/

An Open Heart

 

"The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things,

but their inward significance."

                                                                                    --Aristotle

A Glimpse of the Past

 

In today's world of large-scale agricultural operations, tractors and planter rigs like those in today's photos are rarely spotted outside of collectors' sheds, organized rides, fairs and exhibits.  However, a few weeks ago as I ventured off the beaten path planning to photograph a meandering stream, I came upon an individual who had assembled this grouping and made it functional in order to plant food plots.  And, I must note that the owner was cordial as he kindly described the equipment and allowed me to capture these images that speak to life on the farm several years ago.

Lichen Creations

By now you know that some of my favorite photographic creations originate with unexpected and/or bizarre subjects, including these images of lichen.  Found on tombstones, the circular growths were gold in color and full of texture -- which made it impossible for me to pass by without taking out the camera.  Anyway, as you view these abstract concoctions, keep in mind all came from photos of complex plantlike organisms whose beauty is often overlooked.

Enough For Now!

Water, water and more water!  In the last week these parts of the country received flooding rains, and today's photos show some of high water within our local community.  For a period of time the Maquoketa River spilled out of its banks and surrounded a portion of the downtown, including Burger King and Hardee's. 

As seen in the second photo, a short distance down stream the river looked like foamy chocolate milk as it rolled over the dam. 

And, in the third photo, the water appeared calm after it swelled into a camping area in a county park.