"The Magic Hour"

In a Garden -- Abstract Art

Look closely and you'll realize how this photo was captured in a garden.  Yes, all the flower pots, with several stacked inside one another, create a unique pattern that makes for an interesting black and white image.  In addition to the shapes, I also find this picture captivating as my eyes move immediately to the middle and seem to get stuck swimming in this sea of black and white circles....and it's soothing.

"Art, undeniably, is conductive to happiness."

                                                                                 --Unknown

In A Garden -- Beautiful Berries

Yes, I'm one of those individuals who notices A LOT, including these tiny yet gorgeous berries.  In fact, their colors are some of my favorite fall hues.  After surveying my home decor, it easy to see just how much I like these tones and organic patterns as they are everywhere, including in the wall paper, window treatments, paint color, linens and wall hangings.  So, give yourself a boost-- find what inspires you and then put it in your living space.  

"Nature is the inspiration for all ornamentation."

                                                                                                         --Frank Lloyd Wright

Late Summer Favorite

A few weeks ago in a post I mentioned the sun setting on summer.  And, as I've featured a few other times in the seasons of my blog, this dreamy image of West Lake Okoboji in Arnold's Park, Iowa, eloquently screams just that.  Obviously, it's a favorite of mine and at times is worth re-sharing.  

"Summertime.  It was a song.  It was a season.

  I wondered if that season would ever live inside of me."

                                                                                                --Benjamin Alire Saenz

Art Mimics Life

This image features a portion of a Dale Chihuly glass sculpture found in the Milwaukee Art Museum.  In person his pieces are instantly captivating, grand in scope and incredibly beautiful.  His remarkable works certainly prove why he is such a prominent blown-glass artist.  

Anyway, relating to my previous two posts highlighting the unique architectural features of the Milwaukee Art Museum, I also wanted to share a photo of this dynamic installation; however, as I prepped the image nothing great seemed to appear.  Then, as I considered how intricate, involved and bold it was, the up-close shot almost seemed too overwhelming.  So, my idea was to edit it by adding jigsaw puzzle pieces and blurring some sections.  Almost immediately this became like a metaphor for our crazy and often chaotic lives with so many things taking all our time and energy.  After simplifying the scene with small portions and not even bringing some areas in to focus, I found it very pleasant and inviting.  I wanted to explore the photo instead of turn away from its bold presentation.  So, the lesson is simplify, limit the focus and don't try to do too much.  Loosen the grip and be open to that familiar refrain, "Less is more."

MAM -- Interior

In my previous post, I featured images of the magnificent exterior of the Quadracci Pavilion at the Milwaukee Art Museum with its signature wings that form a movable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan and include 72 steel fins.  Sensors on the fins continuously monitor wind speed and automatically close them when winds exceed 23 mph for more than three seconds.

When visitors enter the structure, they are treated to the views seen in these three images.  Windover Hall is the grand reception hall in the pavilion and contains flying buttresses, pointed arches, ribbed vaults and the central nave with a 90-foot-high glass roof.  

Wow.  This structure is incredible and standing inside the grand reception hall was a feast for my artistic eyes.  I snapped photo after photo as I was in awe of the delightful architectural features surrounding me and how they all interacted with the light and lake outdoors. 

 Many more significant details are on the museum's website, and I encourage architectural aficionados to read more online.

The image above is of the grand hall's chancel that was designed like the prow of a ship with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out to Lake Michigan.  Indeed, this is a dynamic view and an incredible creation by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.

MAM -- Exterior

Literature regarding the Milwaukee Art Museum refers to it as an architectural landmark.  Take a look at these images and you'll know why.  This particular section was designed by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and completed in 2001.  Included in this remarkable structure is a movable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that unfolds and folds twice each day.  In addition, as seen in the photo below, there is the Reiman Bridge that serves as a pedestrian link connecting the city and museum.  Officially this portion of the museum is known as the Quadracci Pavilion.  From the inside and out, it's impressive and captivating.

Be sure to see my next post as I'll feature some amazing interior views from this complex construction.

In a Garden -- Pollinators

Who or what is a pollinator?  A pollinator is a bird, bat, bee, butterfly, moth, small mammal ....to name only a few... that works feverishly as it feeds off the pollen and transports those grains and essentially fertilizes plants that we rely on for the success of our gardens and crops.  According to several sources, the majority of the crops that we like to eat and provide most of our nutrition use animal-mediated pollination.  Whoa.  What a BIG job for such little folks.  And, unfortunately, some of these species are struggling to survive, including bees.  Given that information, the message contained in my edited photo speaks for itself.

Sun Sets on Summer

Here in the USA today marks the unofficial end to summer as it's Labor Day.  For me the extended weekend offers a little extra time to do some of the regular tasks like laundry and mowing the lawn but also some time to enjoy the start of college football and a few more hours to indulge in my artistic endeavors.  But, since my childhood, there's really only once place I want to be on a warm-weather weekend -- at the cabin.  It's a small dwelling not far from home that sits on the backs of the Maquoketa River.  Albeit tiny, there's something magical about the setting and familiar scent that keeps me coming back.  A piece of my heart lives there.

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."

                                                                                                                                                 --Celia Thaxter