I was sitting on a large dead tree trunk at the side of the Skyline Drive while passing through the Shenandoah Mountains. I had taken some pictures after conducting a Reunion ceremony with my Ancestors, whose homeland was the Shenandoah Mtns and valley. As I was resting and looking off up the vast valley that stretched before me, I was suddenly swamped by a huge migration of butterflies. They were all over me, in my hair, on my clothes, fluttering around my face, I could hardly see anything.
I knew they would be moving on soon, so I just sat there and enjoyed the moment that I could share with Mother Nature's gift. My Friend I was with took a picture of me engulfed in the myriad of an unknown number of beautiful butterflies. I would never have dreamed of having such a wonderful and inspiring experiance.
So...no, I can never have too many butterflies. (smile)
Thanks Pat. When I lived in San Diego that was a Japanese restaurant that held Kabuki dances on Fri and Sat nights. They were truly amazing. And the bright colored faces and costumes were fascinating. I went there on Sat nights, as there weren't as many people to roam around during the dances and carry on like idiots trying to mimic the dancers. It's been gone now for several years. And the food was awesome too.
Thanks Mac. This was something new for me to try. I wanted to try to create an image that would have more than one way to see it. And not everyone sees the same thing the same way others might, I thought it might be interesting to see how others saw the positioning of the primary image in relation to the frame.
I suppose there is a bit of imagination that is also involved in how some people see things. At times I can look at the same thing and see many different ways it looks.
My Masters thesis was entitled, "The Roll of Presupposition in the Perception of Art." It was based on a premise that, we are, each of us, the sum total of our experiences to any moment in time, and, what we expect from any given work of art, or, how we "feel about" Art generally, is strongly predicated on that sum total.
Somewhere in my house is that typewritten (pre-word processing) thesis. Maybe I'll track it down.
That would be great to see. What I am able to do now is something I thought I would never be able to do, as my free-hand art is totally abysmal and no where recognizable.
But, once I learned how to use PowerPoint and its many features, I learned I could create artwork that I could only dream of before. Both my Father and Brother were great artists, it just flowed naturally from them. That they took it so lightly always disappointed and frustrated me, as they had little interest in doing what I wanted so desperately to do. My Father passed on the love of art to me as he did to my Brother, but, not the talent.
That I can finally put my love of art and imagination to work, the joy is endless, and don't just have to dream of what I want to create anymore.
You got it right, Buzz. There are at least two ways to see it. My first try at something like this. I really had to work to get the look I wanted, as not everyone sees things the same way.
That is one of the fascinating things about artwork. It not only allows the viewer to see it, but, also to use their own imagination about what they see, or think they see.
The really hard part for someone like me with no real training, is to figure out how to "put on paper", so to speak, what my mind sees and thinks. For me, nothing comes easy, but, it is well worth the effort, and a sense of accomplishment and growth.
OK...got my head screwed on straight again now. You spelled it out properly and I read it wrong. Nothing new there.
The artwork for Thursday represents a Tribe member dressed in full regalia to participate in the Fancy Dance, one of the favorites of not only the Tribe members, but, many visitors to the POW WOW's and other celebrations.
There are many different types of dances that members of various Tribes participate in. Listed are the most popular dances;
1Grass Dance. Grass danceis one of the oldest and most widely used dances in Native American culture. ...
2 Hoop dance. ...
3Fancy Dance. ...
4 Women's Jingle Dress Dance. ...
5 Women's Fancy Shawl Dance. ...
6 Stomp Dance. Practiced by the Chickasaw tribe, the traditional stomp dance begins with an announcement by one of the ground leaders, indicating that he will be leading the song. ...
When Kavika and I posted vintage photo-essays ot Native Americans, there were images of some of those dances, but of course they were still photos, and no colour, so they did not show the beauty inherent in those activities.
A great part of the various dances is their regalia. Each Tribe has a little different style for these dances, but, basically aolng the same line.
The hoop dance is amazing. The timing and the convoluted and intricate steps working with the hoops is fascinating to watch, especially when the music is rather fast.
Thanks Buzz. With the large attachments to their feet, it makes it even more difficult to maneuver threw the hoops. This is a very good example of what the hoop dance is about.
Thank you. I have visited 22 countries, I think, unless I am forgetting any. I'm including American Samoa as a country even though it is an American territory. Some of them I have been to more than once. We were supposed to visit 7 more on our cruise of the Baltic that got cancelled in June because of the pandemic. That was a big disappointment.
Does Texas count as a country? I had to go there for work one time... And my wife's nursing school class from the Philippines held their class reunion there a few years ago for some reason. At least I got to see the Alamo...
I've visited or lived part of my life in 17 countries. It does give a person a perspective of and respect for many different cultures - something very obviously missing in some ot the NT members here that are criticial of anything that isn't American.
As for Texas, been there more than once - was at a conference in Dallas where Ann Richards spoke. Wow, was I impressed - thought she should have been elected POTUS. Ate a huge steak at the Traildust there and fortunately didn't wear my tie. I bought cowboy boots at Sheplers in Arlington - slept over in a trailer in a trailer park there, and ate the best beef brisket sandwich I've ever had at a tiny restaurant in Forth Worth.
I have never lived anywhere but the good ol' U.S.A. Traveling is very broadening, and exhausting sometimes, I'm afraid. I have learned a lot traveling. I always try to learn something of the language and interact with as many of the local people as I can. I hate to admit that I have never been to Canada. We will get there one of these times. I should be able to communicate with them, no problem! Some of the British people, the Australians... forget about it. I was often asking them to repeat what they said. (Haha) And I have been to England twice. Love it there.
I was a huge fan of Ann Richards. What a great lady! I admire her daughter, Cecile, and I think she does good work.
I don't think you would find Canada much different from the USA, save for Quebec, especially Quebec City which gives you a taste of Europe, and the fact that the cities are cleaner. The Rockies are on both sides of the border, and the Maritime provinces can't differ much from seacoast towns in Maine and Mass.
The background was a wall. The iris was cut and in a vase. It is an interior shot. It was taken at the annual San Fernando Valley Iris Society show. There are always a lot of very beautiful irises.
That is just a small sample of the irises they have on display at the shows. There are several tables with beautiful irises. These are the main prize winners. We grow a few orchids. They do very well in our kitchen window.
All types of birds seem to like interacting with me. Maybe because my Mother was of the Cherokee Bird Clan, so it is my nature to love interacting with them.
The robin is the first bird I became familiar with. When I was a kid my bedroom withdow overlooked our back yard where robins nested every Spring and raised their little ones.
I love the look of the lilies, they are really impressive. I like looking at them, but, can't have them close around me. Their aroma vapor is very toxic to me, much like the Gardenias. Just a few whiffs of their vapor can put me in a serious allergic reaction. Same with roses. So I avoid being very close to them at any time.
I took this photo at an art museum in Los Angeles a couple of years ago. I do not remember the name of the artist or I would give credit. The space was too tight to fit the entire work in the photo, therefore, the bottoms of three of the legs are not showing. I thought it was pretty amusing, and very great.
I just looked it up. It was the Broad in downtown L.A. and the artist is Robert Therrien. The work is entitled Under the Table (guess so!) and it was created in 1994.
The Hopi have many Goddesses also represented in the form of Kachina Dolls. This one is the Goddess of Corn. I truly like their art form, it is very different from many others among the Native American Tribes. Each Tribe has their own expressive and beautiful art form, many of which represents many of their beliefs and traditions.
What is really interesting is to view a collection of the artwork from different Tribes and be able to tell which one represents which Tribe.
I have not mastered that ability as yet, but, it is fun to take the challenge. And I have surprised myself at how many I do know, the Hopi being among them.
Very beautiful Buzz. One thing I have always admired about the Chinese throughout their rise as a country through the centuries, is their outstanding artwork and architecture. Their use of a myriad of bright colors and designs is fascinating. Some seem to be a little overwhelming at times, but, their attention to detail in their work is awesome.
I have to thank my Mother and her love of all things Chinese as I was growing up that passed on her fascination with their passionate artwork.
Again, I agree. Many cultures throughout history have developed very impressive arts and architecture, including, of course, cultures present today. We just have to look around and it is there for us to see.
We just have to look around and it is there for us to see.
And many of the ancient ones that have been hidden for centuries and forgotten are now being discovered and brought into the light again for us to learn from and enjoy.
I still can't get over that discovery. Such a massive artistic endeavor each one of them with unique features. Every time I see a picture of it I am simply awed by it. It truly boggles the mind.
There were so many tourists the day we visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok (Royal Palace), but it was truly a spectacular place. These are not great photos, however, they give some idea of the beauty and grandeur of the Palace complex.
It is indeed a very beautiful place. Awesomely unique and ornate. Maybe if I get reincarnated the world will be a much better place to come to and I will be able to roam the world and visit all these wonderful places.
The Asian artistry is like seeing a fantasy come to life.
I believe that your art could (and should) be on exhibit in museums and galleries all over the world, and they would happily have you attend openings everywhere. Even giving talks and lectures educating people about your magnificent art and the culture it represents. I'm not joking.
Thank you very much for your very kind words, and I truly appreciate them.
If I were much younger, and in better physical condition, I might think about. However, that would not be something doable, nor enjoyable, for me at this point in my life.
I am very happy creating my artwork and sharing it with my NT and personal family and Friends who enjoy it is great reward for me. And the encouragement and support is very much appreciated.
I understand. Traveling is getting increasingly difficult for me, although we still have quite a few places we would like to see as long as I can still walk. On the trips we have taken the last 3 years I needed to use a stick (I refuse to call it a cane!) for any walking because my low back arthritis is so bad. I even had low back surgery a few years ago. The reality of aging.
for any walking because my low back arthritis is so bad.
I have scoliosis and spinal stenosis in my lower back as well as osteoarthritis. It is not operable so I have no means of treating it other than cortisone shots, which only last for about 2 1/2 months. I also have arthritis in both hips, but, is not to the stage yet for hip replacement surgery, just a lot of pain on both counts, and they adversely affect each other. So I now have to walk with a 'stick' as well.
I am sorry now that I did not take better care of my body when I was younger and am paying for it now. But, when I look around at some others I feel blessed that my ailments are all I have to worry about. My health otherwise is very good, and I have not even had a cold in years. And being able to walk even with a 'stick' beats being confined to a wheelchair.
I, too, have severe scoliosis with the arthritis, non-operable. At least with the walking stick I can keep going, in pain, of course. Otherwise, I limp like crazy and need to sit down every few minutes. It's no fun. And because of severe arthritis in my thumbs, it hurts to hold the stick! But, what is one going to do? We have to keep on. I had a near death experience from septic shock because of complications from a different type of surgery in February 2007, had to undergo a major follow-up surgery 3 days later, was on a ventilator unconscious for a couple of days (before ventilators became... fashionable?) while my life was saved by the wonderful ICU doctors and nurses, was hospitalized first for 5 weeks, then for another week 5 months later after a 3rd surgery to finally fix the original problem, and took a good year to recover. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I wasn't ready to check out then, I guess. I still had too much to do, and we have done a lot of traveling since then. Life is fragile.
I am so very glad that you are now able to still be mobile on your own with the help of cane, and you can still enjoy life to the fullest possible. I refuse to surrender to things that I cannot control. I just find a way to work with or around them as much as possible. I blame myself for some of my ails, as I was too busy making a living doing things that taxed my body more than I knew at the time. When we are young we think we are invincible, and only when we get older do we learn just how fragile we humans really are. (grin).
The best thing is to keep on keeping on to the most extent possible. One of the things that not only brings me great joy, but, also keeps me focused and lifts my spirits, is my artwork. I can express not only my own beliefs and feelings, but, who I am as a real person. And that is part of the joy of life.
I had a mind lapse and used the word "religious" as having similar meaning.
I am glad you could see what I was aiming for. With artwork, the artists aim may be to project a particular meaning to the image, but, others may not see that way at all. Much like a book...5 people can read the same book and 2 out of the 5 may have a different interpretation of the story.
Don't be put off by image subjects beginning with the letter "B" … all letters of the alphabet are acceptable.
Beautiful photos all Mac. The little deer and butterflies are truly adorable.
You just can't have enough butterflies, can you?
I say the more butterflies the better!
At times they help me to wing it.
I was sitting on a large dead tree trunk at the side of the Skyline Drive while passing through the Shenandoah Mountains. I had taken some pictures after conducting a Reunion ceremony with my Ancestors, whose homeland was the Shenandoah Mtns and valley. As I was resting and looking off up the vast valley that stretched before me, I was suddenly swamped by a huge migration of butterflies. They were all over me, in my hair, on my clothes, fluttering around my face, I could hardly see anything.
I knew they would be moving on soon, so I just sat there and enjoyed the moment that I could share with Mother Nature's gift. My Friend I was with took a picture of me engulfed in the myriad of an unknown number of beautiful butterflies. I would never have dreamed of having such a wonderful and inspiring experiance.
So...no, I can never have too many butterflies. (smile)
Great story!
(By "you" I really meant all of us... and you, too!)
That's funny.
Let me get that right... including you, too!
No worries G. I understood that you meant the collect 'you'. (smile)
As always, wonderful art.
I can post a picture of a buck and a Robin as well ...
.
Even the butterfly being done...
But I'm not able to do a woodpecker...
Because if I did I'd get a ToS violation penalty.
LOL, good one, Buzz.
ROFL....love your humor Buzz.
Here is a Thursday sharing...
Very nice; the cloudy middle ground and black background set the subject off in effective layering.
Thanks Mac.
Another striking and powerful image!
Thanks G.
My first thought seeing this was Kabuki Theater. It was the face paint.
Very impressive image !
Thanks Pat. When I lived in San Diego that was a Japanese restaurant that held Kabuki dances on Fri and Sat nights. They were truly amazing. And the bright colored faces and costumes were fascinating. I went there on Sat nights, as there weren't as many people to roam around during the dances and carry on like idiots trying to mimic the dancers. It's been gone now for several years. And the food was awesome too.
And here is a new one for Friday.....
I REALLY like the Friday one.- the image, the colours, the frame - perfect.
Thanks Buzz.
Just beautiful!
Thanks G.
OK...here is a question for you all.
First, I have been waiting for someone to mention it, but, so far no one has. So my question is.....
Looking at the artwork above, how do you see it in the frame? There can be at least two different views. So...what do you see?
Does it look like the primary image is positioned sitting inside the frame?
Or..it is sitting on the front of the frame that looks like a box?
Do you see it differently?
The vignetting is very effective and visually implies a "sympathetic soul" IMO. Great portrayal.
Thanks Mac. This was something new for me to try. I wanted to try to create an image that would have more than one way to see it. And not everyone sees the same thing the same way others might, I thought it might be interesting to see how others saw the positioning of the primary image in relation to the frame.
I suppose there is a bit of imagination that is also involved in how some people see things. At times I can look at the same thing and see many different ways it looks.
My Masters thesis was entitled, "The Roll of Presupposition in the Perception of Art." It was based on a premise that, we are, each of us, the sum total of our experiences to any moment in time, and, what we expect from any given work of art, or, how we "feel about" Art generally, is strongly predicated on that sum total.
Somewhere in my house is that typewritten (pre-word processing) thesis. Maybe I'll track it down.
That would be great to see. What I am able to do now is something I thought I would never be able to do, as my free-hand art is totally abysmal and no where recognizable.
But, once I learned how to use PowerPoint and its many features, I learned I could create artwork that I could only dream of before. Both my Father and Brother were great artists, it just flowed naturally from them. That they took it so lightly always disappointed and frustrated me, as they had little interest in doing what I wanted so desperately to do. My Father passed on the love of art to me as he did to my Brother, but, not the talent.
That I can finally put my love of art and imagination to work, the joy is endless, and don't just have to dream of what I want to create anymore.
It's an optical illusion - we are capable of seeing it both ways.
You got it right, Buzz. There are at least two ways to see it. My first try at something like this. I really had to work to get the look I wanted, as not everyone sees things the same way.
That is one of the fascinating things about artwork. It not only allows the viewer to see it, but, also to use their own imagination about what they see, or think they see.
The really hard part for someone like me with no real training, is to figure out how to "put on paper", so to speak, what my mind sees and thinks. For me, nothing comes easy, but, it is well worth the effort, and a sense of accomplishment and growth.
(The Thursdy sharing image)
Stunning image as usual - but please explain...
Which photo are you talking about Buzz? The one above with the young woman, or the one above participating in a Fancy Dance in full regalia?
OK...got my head screwed on straight again now. You spelled it out properly and I read it wrong. Nothing new there.
The artwork for Thursday represents a Tribe member dressed in full regalia to participate in the Fancy Dance, one of the favorites of not only the Tribe members, but, many visitors to the POW WOW's and other celebrations.
There are many different types of dances that members of various Tribes participate in. Listed are the most popular dances;
When Kavika and I posted vintage photo-essays ot Native Americans, there were images of some of those dances, but of course they were still photos, and no colour, so they did not show the beauty inherent in those activities.
A great part of the various dances is their regalia. Each Tribe has a little different style for these dances, but, basically aolng the same line.
The hoop dance is amazing. The timing and the convoluted and intricate steps working with the hoops is fascinating to watch, especially when the music is rather fast.
A photo Kavika and I posted on one of our photo-essays:
Thanks Buzz. With the large attachments to their feet, it makes it even more difficult to maneuver threw the hoops. This is a very good example of what the hoop dance is about.
I just now did this edit for that client that has been asking me for black and whites for their office. I took the photo in early April of last year -
Very nicely done, EG.
Thanks. I like it better in color, but all their office wall art is black and white.
This one was taken on that same day down at the harbor. I don't know if I like it or not...
I like it.
Thanks G
I like it too, EG. It has a great view with the bridge in the far distance and the grasses growing up close. Great spectrum.
In a way the foreground frames the photo - and provides the illusion of depth.
I like it.
You can hear the water rushing over the rocks. Very nice!
A terrific photo - I can understand why someone would want to hang it in their office.
© G. Gam 2020 The Mediterranean Sea at Antibes, Côte d’Azur. Vive la France!
Very nice, G. Beautiful with the sailboats in the distance and the crystal blue water. Well done!
Thank you Raven Wing. It was a beautiful spot.
I was there ! Did you like the Picasso Gallery ?
Yes. We really enjoyed our afternoon in Antibes.
A fabulous photo. Just how many countries have you visited in your lifetime?
Thank you. I have visited 22 countries, I think, unless I am forgetting any. I'm including American Samoa as a country even though it is an American territory. Some of them I have been to more than once. We were supposed to visit 7 more on our cruise of the Baltic that got cancelled in June because of the pandemic. That was a big disappointment.
Does Texas count as a country? I had to go there for work one time... And my wife's nursing school class from the Philippines held their class reunion there a few years ago for some reason. At least I got to see the Alamo...
I've visited or lived part of my life in 17 countries. It does give a person a perspective of and respect for many different cultures - something very obviously missing in some ot the NT members here that are criticial of anything that isn't American.
As for Texas, been there more than once - was at a conference in Dallas where Ann Richards spoke. Wow, was I impressed - thought she should have been elected POTUS. Ate a huge steak at the Traildust there and fortunately didn't wear my tie. I bought cowboy boots at Sheplers in Arlington - slept over in a trailer in a trailer park there, and ate the best beef brisket sandwich I've ever had at a tiny restaurant in Forth Worth.
I have never lived anywhere but the good ol' U.S.A. Traveling is very broadening, and exhausting sometimes, I'm afraid. I have learned a lot traveling. I always try to learn something of the language and interact with as many of the local people as I can. I hate to admit that I have never been to Canada. We will get there one of these times. I should be able to communicate with them, no problem! Some of the British people, the Australians... forget about it. I was often asking them to repeat what they said. (Haha) And I have been to England twice. Love it there.
I was a huge fan of Ann Richards. What a great lady! I admire her daughter, Cecile, and I think she does good work.
To be even more specific, I have only lived in our beloved California.
I don't think you would find Canada much different from the USA, save for Quebec, especially Quebec City which gives you a taste of Europe, and the fact that the cities are cleaner. The Rockies are on both sides of the border, and the Maritime provinces can't differ much from seacoast towns in Maine and Mass.
I would like to visit Quebec and the Maritime provinces. British Columbia, too.
The seacoast towns in Massachusetts are really nice. Maine is still on the must see list.
The forest of British Columbia has one of the rarest bears on earth, ''The Spirit Bear'' (kermode bear)
That is very interesting. I have never heard of it. There must be interesting legends. I will check it out. Thanks for telling us Kavika.
I have heard of this bear, but, never seen it before. A truly amazing example of how mysterious Mother Nature is.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.
wow! beautiful shot,
Thanks!
© G. Gam 2020 Iris
A beauty of an Iris. And the presence of the two buds give the feeling of the continuation of life. Well done!
Thanks! That photo was from an iris show I went to, not one we grew. I think the photo may have been even nicer with a frame.
You did a good job of taking a very nice photo. Close enough for us to see the details, and I can almost smell its aroma.
Was there a backdrop ? If not how did you exclude the background ?
Very nice, looks like a watercolor painting.
Thank you!
The background was a wall. The iris was cut and in a vase. It is an interior shot. It was taken at the annual San Fernando Valley Iris Society show. There are always a lot of very beautiful irises.
I dated a girl named Iris from the SF Valley. She was a bit of a wallflower.
Hysterical!
LOL
A lonely iris? Interesting colour variation on the petals.
No, it had plenty of company. I never knew how many color (American spelling) variations irises had until I started going to the Iris Society shows.
What a superb array of flowers. I think the only time I ever went to a flower show was to see orchids.
That is just a small sample of the irises they have on display at the shows. There are several tables with beautiful irises. These are the main prize winners. We grow a few orchids. They do very well in our kitchen window.
I have posted an article separate from this, somewhat related to the Arts … I hope some of you will visit it.
An awesome article Mac. I love it.
And your exciting adventure as a young lad is very inspirational.
I enjoyed reading your article very much.
Thank you, G; I haven’t posted many such articles for many months and to know you enjoyed this one is gratifying,
You're very welcome. Please post more!
Hi B iscus.
Really quite striking, Pat!
This bush is at a home a few streets away. Love the colors.
I'm doing a lot of walking to shed lockdown weight, ugh.
Very beautiful! Fantastic colors.
Thank you Mother Nature !
Yes. We owe her everything and ought to act like it.
That Hibiscus is just so beautiful. Love the way it spreads out from the center to the bright yellow edges. A great photo Pat. Job well done!
That's a great flower - the colours are quite amazing - nice photo.
One more then off to bed …
A Family Portrait of Deer Ones …
© A. Mac/A.G
Beautiful Mac. And very enchanting.
Nice editing job. Are you sure they're family? LOL
Not likely family. The buck and doe are from Southeastern PA, the fawn from the Poconos. All three shots are from different years.
Artistic license.
Photo of a very rare Piebald whitetail deer in a Minnesota river bottom. (photo from the internet)
Wow!! I have never deer a seer like that before. That is a beautiful deer, and very unusual. Thank you for sharing it with us. Most interesting.
Okay, since today is a B-day..
I will consider it a day to post Buddhas.
.
.
.
.
.
An orange day lily from next to my front door.
A juvenile american robin making a lot of noise in my front yard.
A beautiful orange lily. Nice shot!
All types of birds seem to like interacting with me. Maybe because my Mother was of the Cherokee Bird Clan, so it is my nature to love interacting with them.
The robin is the first bird I became familiar with. When I was a kid my bedroom withdow overlooked our back yard where robins nested every Spring and raised their little ones.
Beautiful orange day lily!
An orange day lily from next to my front door.
A juvenile american robin making a lot of noise in my front yard.
© G. Gam 2020 Buddha, Cambodia
I edited this photo (above -- something I'm experimenting with a bit) and that was a mistake. The original as I took it has better composition.
© G. Gam 2020 Buddha, Cambodia
(Thanks for allowing me to indulge myself.)
The Buddha that I posted above that was lying on its side was known as The Reclining Buddha - which is what I suppose yours is called as well.
Yes, I believe so. I also was informed that The Reclining Buddha represents the dying Buddha, or Buddha who has already died.
Nice photos! I want to jump right in and cool off. It's over 100 degrees here today. Too hot to leave the house.
Day Lilly from our home on Table Rock Lake, MO.
LIlies are such fantastically exotic-looking flowers. I just wish they didn't smell so bad.
I love the look of the lilies, they are really impressive. I like looking at them, but, can't have them close around me. Their aroma vapor is very toxic to me, much like the Gardenias. Just a few whiffs of their vapor can put me in a serious allergic reaction. Same with roses. So I avoid being very close to them at any time.
REMINDER TO ALL: Don't forget to check out A.Mac's "Fantasy" article...
Indeed, it is an amazing article.
I took this photo at an art museum in Los Angeles a couple of years ago. I do not remember the name of the artist or I would give credit. The space was too tight to fit the entire work in the photo, therefore, the bottoms of three of the legs are not showing. I thought it was pretty amusing, and very great.
I just looked it up. It was the Broad in downtown L.A. and the artist is Robert Therrien. The work is entitled Under the Table (guess so!) and it was created in 1994.
Was it built for Goliath, or Fezzik (Andre the Giant) in the movie The Princess Bride? Maybe for Carl from the movie Big Fish?
As a dining room set, it was built for someone with a large appetite... a very large appetite...
Here is an oldie for Saturday. Hope all have a great weekend.
Yes, another not so oldie, but very goodie.
The Hopi have many Goddesses also represented in the form of Kachina Dolls. This one is the Goddess of Corn. I truly like their art form, it is very different from many others among the Native American Tribes. Each Tribe has their own expressive and beautiful art form, many of which represents many of their beliefs and traditions.
What is really interesting is to view a collection of the artwork from different Tribes and be able to tell which one represents which Tribe.
I have not mastered that ability as yet, but, it is fun to take the challenge. And I have surprised myself at how many I do know, the Hopi being among them.
Could easily be a stained glass window (in Disney World's Wilderness Lodge which has a number of pieces of Native American art and genre photos).
Thanks for the compliment Mac. I have never been to Disney World, but, I have heard that it truly is a very fascinating place.
It does look like it could be a stained glass window. It is another great piece by Raven Wing.
Thank you G.
You are an exceptionally talented artist.
Thank you for your very kind words G. (smile)
Keeping it going - another Buddha.
Very beautiful Buzz. One thing I have always admired about the Chinese throughout their rise as a country through the centuries, is their outstanding artwork and architecture. Their use of a myriad of bright colors and designs is fascinating. Some seem to be a little overwhelming at times, but, their attention to detail in their work is awesome.
I have to thank my Mother and her love of all things Chinese as I was growing up that passed on her fascination with their passionate artwork.
I agree with you. Chinese artwork and architecture are among the greatest contributions to human civilization.
Others that really impresses me are the Mayan and Egyptian artwork and architecture.
Again, I agree. Many cultures throughout history have developed very impressive arts and architecture, including, of course, cultures present today. We just have to look around and it is there for us to see.
And many of the ancient ones that have been hidden for centuries and forgotten are now being discovered and brought into the light again for us to learn from and enjoy.
A perfect example of that is the relatively recent (1974) discovery of the Terra Cotta Warrios of Xi'an (Chang'an).
I still can't get over that discovery. Such a massive artistic endeavor each one of them with unique features. Every time I see a picture of it I am simply awed by it. It truly boggles the mind.
Massive it is, and they are still discovering more of them. The Emperor wanted to have an army in the afterlife.
So totally unrealistic indeed. It is as amazing and fascinating to me as the pyramids. So vast, unbelievable and hard to believe.
Photo of the Jade Buddha at the Royal Palace in Bangkok.
He is dressed differently in each picture and this is not unusual and the covering are in gold.
This is off the internet. All my photos of Thailand are in the old form (film) and have not been transferred.
Those are really awesome. The Thai are greatly artistic and these are just an example of of their great talent.
Thanks for posting those photos Kavika. It was fairly small and where they had it situated it was difficult to photograph.
There were so many tourists the day we visited the Grand Palace in Bangkok (Royal Palace), but it was truly a spectacular place. These are not great photos, however, they give some idea of the beauty and grandeur of the Palace complex.
The Royal Palace in Bangkok is simply one of the most stunningly beautiful places in the world, IMO.
As everyone can see from G's photos it's not just one building. There are numerous buildings in the Royal complex.
It is stunningly beautiful, and that is a VERY cool post Kavika!
It is indeed a very beautiful place. Awesomely unique and ornate. Maybe if I get reincarnated the world will be a much better place to come to and I will be able to roam the world and visit all these wonderful places.
The Asian artistry is like seeing a fantasy come to life.
I believe that your art could (and should) be on exhibit in museums and galleries all over the world, and they would happily have you attend openings everywhere. Even giving talks and lectures educating people about your magnificent art and the culture it represents. I'm not joking.
Thank you very much for your very kind words, and I truly appreciate them.
If I were much younger, and in better physical condition, I might think about. However, that would not be something doable, nor enjoyable, for me at this point in my life.
I am very happy creating my artwork and sharing it with my NT and personal family and Friends who enjoy it is great reward for me. And the encouragement and support is very much appreciated.
I understand. Traveling is getting increasingly difficult for me, although we still have quite a few places we would like to see as long as I can still walk. On the trips we have taken the last 3 years I needed to use a stick (I refuse to call it a cane!) for any walking because my low back arthritis is so bad. I even had low back surgery a few years ago. The reality of aging.
I have scoliosis and spinal stenosis in my lower back as well as osteoarthritis. It is not operable so I have no means of treating it other than cortisone shots, which only last for about 2 1/2 months. I also have arthritis in both hips, but, is not to the stage yet for hip replacement surgery, just a lot of pain on both counts, and they adversely affect each other. So I now have to walk with a 'stick' as well.
I am sorry now that I did not take better care of my body when I was younger and am paying for it now. But, when I look around at some others I feel blessed that my ailments are all I have to worry about. My health otherwise is very good, and I have not even had a cold in years. And being able to walk even with a 'stick' beats being confined to a wheelchair.
I'm a big fan...
I, too, have severe scoliosis with the arthritis, non-operable. At least with the walking stick I can keep going, in pain, of course. Otherwise, I limp like crazy and need to sit down every few minutes. It's no fun. And because of severe arthritis in my thumbs, it hurts to hold the stick! But, what is one going to do? We have to keep on. I had a near death experience from septic shock because of complications from a different type of surgery in February 2007, had to undergo a major follow-up surgery 3 days later, was on a ventilator unconscious for a couple of days (before ventilators became... fashionable?) while my life was saved by the wonderful ICU doctors and nurses, was hospitalized first for 5 weeks, then for another week 5 months later after a 3rd surgery to finally fix the original problem, and took a good year to recover. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I wasn't ready to check out then, I guess. I still had too much to do, and we have done a lot of traveling since then. Life is fragile.
I am so very glad that you are now able to still be mobile on your own with the help of cane, and you can still enjoy life to the fullest possible. I refuse to surrender to things that I cannot control. I just find a way to work with or around them as much as possible. I blame myself for some of my ails, as I was too busy making a living doing things that taxed my body more than I knew at the time. When we are young we think we are invincible, and only when we get older do we learn just how fragile we humans really are. (grin).
The best thing is to keep on keeping on to the most extent possible. One of the things that not only brings me great joy, but, also keeps me focused and lifts my spirits, is my artwork. I can express not only my own beliefs and feelings, but, who I am as a real person. And that is part of the joy of life.
Thanks dev.
It certainly appears to be more ornate than the Forbidden City.
It is more ornate than the Forbidden City. The Grand Palace complex is smaller than the Forbidden City, but more colorful.
A few beach shots.
Here comes the sun
These are fine shots … perfect exposure, great contrast, color and composition.
Thank you, I appreciate the compliment.
Yoiu made the Beatles song run through my mind. LOL.
And I say it's all right 😁
Beautiful photos Jane. Very serene and relaxing, and Spiritual. Becoming one with Mother Earth in heart and soul.
There is nothing like a sunrise on an empty beach. You are right very serene and relaxing.
Another strong showing for our Thursday/Friday feature. Thanks to all and maybe we can take it into Monday.
Monday...Monday......here it comes your way....
Very very good - has a "religious" quality.
Thank you Buzz. And I was going for a Spiritual feel to it.
"Spiritual" is what I meant - if you can believe it I had a mind lapse and used the word "religious" as having similar meaning.
I am glad you could see what I was aiming for. With artwork, the artists aim may be to project a particular meaning to the image, but, others may not see that way at all. Much like a book...5 people can read the same book and 2 out of the 5 may have a different interpretation of the story.
Every one of your images is very powerful Raven Wing. Great art.
Thank you very much G. My reward for what I do is the appreciation and enjoyment of those who see them.
Monday it is … for another 9 minutes at this posting.
Purple Loosestrife Abstract
© A. Mac/A.G.
That is really beautiful, Mac. Love the frame affect. Very simple, yet, it says all there is to say. Nicely done.
That should read effect not affect.
Exquisite is the best word I can think of to describe this piece. Really very beautiful.