Beginnings in Black and White

I'm painting again with my favorite medium of choice- nail polish. I am not working with Christian Dior- too pricey for my current supplies budget- but I'm intrigued with what I am currently doing and my new paintings inspire me to do more.

Tracing my fascinations along the path of my career, this image of my bookcase in my little studio in my first grown up apartment in Cleveland Heights gives me comfort and encouragement at the same time- a chance to reflect on how change and continuity co-exist.

Out past twelve

I've been parental for enough years that it's easy to forget about your old life of going out spontaneously when someone called with something fun to do. I heard Jonny Rosch sing a song during my friend Lisa Maxwell's gig at the Hasting Station Cafe and became a fan. He played last night in Peekskill at the Hudson Room (which was hopping with activity).

Blood Sweat and Tears were playing next door at the Paramount and some of the band joined in and rocked the house with their fantastic horns just 20 feet from our seats. Jonny assembles a great bunch of players through his many musician friends, and with the addition of special guests- be prepared for a surprise or two....

An Orchid Wonderland in the Bronx

There is the most amazing greenhouse located in the New York Botanic Gardens- it's a popular attraction that is home to an annual orchid display designed to dazzle the eye. Last year's effort left me wanting more, but this year's installation of orchids from all over the world arranged and combined with other equally mesmerizing plant material made the visit a welcomed respite from the grimness of this lengthy winter. We were plunged in to warm temperatures, moist air and fragrances that transported us elsewhere. A wonderful excursion and not to be missed!

A Few at a Time (Friday)

A Few at a Time (Thursday)

A Few at a Time (Wednesday)

3 from around here and 1 from away. (guess which one!)

A Few at a Time (Tuesday)

With a nod to narrative juxtaposition.

A Few at a Time (Monday)

I'm thinking about my images in general and what do they all mean, if anything, together? I'm hoping to create a composite every day this week. (unless of course that's overly ambitious.)

From the Files

I'm contemplating a move, mostly because I want a different kind of workspace. It's not happening any time soon- but with our son approaching his last year of high school, and with our eldest contemplating a move to Texas, it's easy to think that our kids might need us differently than the days of hands on family life. I don't think I need as many bathrooms as this house has (and all the plumbing issues involved). And there's always the high property taxes and utility costs that are mind boggling on their own. What I long for is true studio space, where you can create and stage images, make things using your hands and gather with others for sharing. Back in my earlier NYC studio life, my friend Ellen and I would collaborate on photo projects from time to time. Her orange heels demanded to be captured on film and Ellen and I spent an inspired afternoon making it happen. I have had many happy moments in a photo studio. It's a magical place for me.

Sometimes you lose

I worked hard on a local election campaign and the slate I believed in lost at the polls. I did learn a lot about the goodness of some people, the evil that exists under the most innocent of appearances, and the power of using social cliques to create policy. A little piece of Washington here in our bucolic haven on the Hudson!  Now I know things about some of my fellow residents that I wish I didn't. But it's all grist for the mill. It's time to move on and do the best I can with my talents, compassion and determination to make positive things happen.

Parting Shots

There is a different feel to the air and while another winter storm (or two) could be in the offing,
spring is tip-toeing in. Here's hoping we've seen the last of frost shrouded windows for many many months to come.

And thank you James for your excellent photo above.

(My) Literary Effort

I love books, magazines, packaging and cards. There isn't much in print that doesn't grab my attention. As a photographer, writer and an artist I'm rarely at a loss for something to do (along with all the endlessly mundane chores that preoccupy us all).

Over the years I have created images that have been used as illustrations for many different book genres, from crafting books, to children's books, to book covers to author photographs and I recently learned Adobe Indesign so that I could design books illustrated and written by me. My Resale ABC explores a range of items that I sold on Ebay and the things that happen when you try to find a new home for possessions no longer needed or wanted.  (My talented friend Howard Klein designed the cover above. His talents far exceed mine in this area so thank you Howard!). It's been a lot fun to put the finishing touches to this effort and see it get closer to fruition. Exciting!

Black and White in Color

Another snow day means more cottony drifts accumulating on sidewalks, shrubs and trees. I have limited most of my behaviors to our domestic front and slowly reducing the list of tasks. Hopefully, when spring comes I will have cleaned off my desk and can embark on something new!

And the quiet of the morning, the view outside the window has temporarily rendered our world into tones of black and white.

Like a Moth to the Flame

"I shouldn't have to convince you to do what it takes to get a set of keys"- Frank Underwood.