Letting Go

One thing I’ve realized about myself over the years is that I prefer my environment to be relatively controlled.


This part of me even includes planning my leisure time, especially travel vacations.

But, in this aspect, I don’t think I am alone. We all like to research where we are going, what we want to do, lists of things that need to be checked off. Especially with our world being so globally accessible through such vast internet availiblity – why not?

But, when the universe has “other” plans for you, well...... sometimes you just have to let go of that control.



Recently, my much researched, analyzed, scheduled vacation was canceled the day before.
I vowed to go somewhere, and had a great deal of flexibility, but only one day to plan – or gain control of my week abroad.
I ran to the bookstore and scanned the travel section........a destination was decided.

 Portugal.

This would be my second time to visit this country, so I needed to make the experience unique. 20 years ago, we rented a car in Lisbon and explored the southern part of the country. Stayed in Porto Covo, Algarve, crossing over to Spain, went to a bullfight in Seville, climbed the rock of Gibraltar, and then headed back to Lisbon exploring the interior route.



This time I decided to head North, planning the excursion as we went.
This was very hard for me – but made for some wonderful experiences and discoveries.

First stop Lisboa.

Filled with clay rooftop vistas.

And quaint streets, above the hills of Alfama.

 As well as many voyeuristic views of stranger’s clean laundry, blowing in the gorgeous warm breeze.

Our arrival, greeted us with picture perfect weather, becoming the most amazing introduction to this diverse, and extremely friendly place.


Next stop ………… Cascais.



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Erotica

What is Erotica?

A sensual image depicting desire and emotion. 

A direct focus on the aesthetic form of desire and sexuality.

My challenge was to capture and insight these feelings through implied imagery.

In recent years, erotica photography captures provocative images of male or female models posed to provoke feelings of desire and passion.

But in 1888, erotic expressions were often found in statues and sculptures.

One example is the beautiful Roman fountain of Fontana delle Naiadi.

The figures seen surrounding this fountain represent four Nymphs – the Naiad Oceans, the Naiad of Rivers, Lakes and Naiad ground water – each with a suggestive allegorical animal of their environment.

With cascading water, complete nudity, and lascivious poses – this proved to be too much for the Roman public. This new freedom of expression was not accustomed to and became quite controversial, resulting in being cordoned off to prevent further scandal.

Eventually the fence came down and the voluptuous virgins were visible for all to see, enjoy and imagine.

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Small Works

This weekend kicks off the opening of the Small Works Exhibition at the Sussex County Arts & Heritage Council.

The Arts and Heritage council is a private, non-profit agency fostering and promoting the artistic and cultural vitality of Sussex County.

This, members only, show's opening reception is this Saturday May 15, 4-6pm and runs through June 5th.

Small works are limited in size to 12"x12" including frame.
Included in the exhibit are two pieces by me titled Divine Intervention.

As with all my work, I love the story behind the images that I create. These images were captured during my recent unexpected delay in Manchester England due to the eruption of the volcano - Eyjafjallajokull - in Iceland.

I was not upset so much because of the delay, but because I was without my camera on this trip now that I could get out and do some sightseeing!
Well, I wasn't totally without a camera.
I guess I still had my Iphone camera that I could use to record my adventures.
But, it wasn't going to be the same quality of images I am use to getting as a photographer.
Or was it????

My first day of cancelations took me to the quaint walled city of York.
It was beautiful and picturesque.
So, out came the Iphone and Istarted recording. After reviewing the images, I was really impressed by the quality this little machine was able to get.
So, I continued and started to get creative.

My Divine Intervention series is a result of the Iphone technology and some artistic rendering through photoshop.

I love the feeling and mood that is evoke through these two images taken at a church I stumbled upon in York.
I particularly like the light that was emitted during my visit.
A light beam filtered through the buildings as I walked through an ancient graveyard.
And the soft light coming through a church window illuminating a small desk used for prayer.

Sometimes when you are given lemons in life, the lemonade is soooo delicious!

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Our Space

I often find myself in crowded spaces.

Crowded cities, airports, airplanes, highways, ect…

Sometimes we need to find “space” whether it’s in an area away from the crowds or even a place we can escape to mentally.

As I walk in crowds I can also find other people who have created a world away from the masses.

Humans are indeed social animals, but that doesn’t mean that carving out our own ‘space’ in a busy society is not desired and often needed.

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Unplanned Holidays

The universe works in mysterious ways. This past week I had an unplanned, unexpected “holiday” in the United Kingdom. Even though my schedule for the month was meticulously laid out, “the universe” had other arrangements for me.

So a three day trip to Manchester England with a 24 layover, turned into a 10 day trip with close to 200 hours to enjoy grand ol’ England (without thinking about the demise of my well outlined plans)

So in an on-going series of images from my unforeseen British Holiday, I will present the beautiful treasures that lie within Manchester England or a short train ride away.

First stop – York.

Home to the majestic York Minister, and quaint alley ways and charming pedestrian streets.

St. Mary’s Abbey and botanical gardens, was once the wealthiest Benedictine monastery in Northern England. Today what remains is a beautiful backdrop to a very popular Public Park.

You can see why this is the perfect setting for romance!

What I love so much about wandering through an unknown city, is the unexpected treasures you stumble upon – like Holy Trinity Church. Hidden between two buildings.

This enchanting little church, is surrounded by decaying tombstones, that are then surrounded by lovely daffodils!

This is a beautiful peaceful haven in the midst of a busy city.

York is mainly known as one of the few walled cities still in existence today. They encircle the city with 3 miles of walkways to enjoy. Originally built by the Romans to protect the city, what stands today was mostly built in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Yes, sometimes the universe doesn’t work in mysterious ways.

So – just go with it!

 

Theater

 

Theatrical Photography captures a dramatic scene. They usually look like frozen moments from a movie or familiar character we've read about in a novel.

This may be because the scene that is set evokes an emotion or feeling from a classical storyline, or clichéd subject.

Creativity, staging and a willing model make a theatrical shoot possible and produces some very memorable photographic moments.

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Spring Fest

Spring is well underway, with even hints of summer temperatures thrown in.

While the transformation is taking place, it always fascinates me that something so dead and lifeless really does have growth and energy inside!

What also strikes me this time of year, is the explosion of Yellow!

Witnessing the budding daffodils, and the vibrant display of the forsythia bush.

It's a welcome change from the brown unadorned trees, grey skies and dull grasses to the glowing sun and golden buds.

It is also the time of year that the gold finches dress up in their brightest plumage to show off for and get the attention of the nearest ladies.

Soon the yellows will have to share the stage with the other glorious spectrum of colors working their way onto the canvas.

Allowing the pinks and purples - white blooms and deep ruby petals to also shine in the limelight.

But I will always give thanks and appreciation to the yellows as being the pioneers of Spring!




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