RAIN, SURF AND ART.

Another cold, wet and rainy day. I wanted to see some art and Selena’s memorial. Selena was a young Texas girl who was destined to become the Hispanic Madonna;  beautiful voice, talent, an already star-studded singing career at age 23 when she was gunned down by her fan club president. There is a brief story of her life at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selena

I’m not even familiar with her music, but there is a sample of it at the Wikipedia link. I just remember the anguished messages I would read on passing cars after her death,  signs painted on their windows. Justice for Selina. We love you Selena. Selena lives.  Her fans were heartbroken. I promised myself I will download some of her music someday soon.

The shoreline drive was grey and wet and we stopped into the Art Center of Corpus Christi with their clever  motto being: Life Is Short, Art Is Long.

They have several galleries featuring local artists, a nice lunch spot and the  exhibits change every month. Quality work, here.  One artist, Ty Heintze stood out from the rest. A small charcoal drawing sells for $5,000. He has won many awards.  (No pictures allowed in the galleries.)

You can photograph in the student rooms,  a huge area featuring middle school and high school artists. I found the most interesting, three portraits made by different students,  using a disciplined method of rendering the whole drawing with a finger pressed in ink.

The portraits themselves are quite compelling, but the method is unique, and great practice for students.

Much harder than it looks, as you can imagine.

The art center clay studio was closed this day, but the frame around the gallery was also a treat. Eight inch tiles, each about an inch thick, formed the trim around the door. Each tile done by a different student.

Surprisingly innovative and three dimensional. The Art Center suggests to me that there is a very vibrant arts community in Corpus Christi.

We moved on to The Texas Surf Museum out of curiosity.

It is mostly walls and walls of various surfboards. Various types and styles from the past and present.

I found that surf boards can be as personal as their owners.

The museum is a combination shop and museum about people who love, love, love their sport. There are tender messages, and eulogies to those notables who inspired others  and passed.Autographed boards, many,many pictures and three different videos to watch.

The only place you are likely to see a surf board dressed in a shirt and outfitted with a video player. There are three places to watch surfing adventures on video.

This is a meeting,or class, surfboard style.

Surfing can be individual or competitive or just part of a social club.

But the most endearing photos were of disabled and blind adults and kids being guided through the joys of surfing by club members.

The sheer joy on their faces tells the tale.

Avid surfers will enjoy this museum much more than we did. It is a special community. But, the joy in these photos warmed me.

It was a great way to wait out the rain.

And, the shop owner recommended Kikos Mexican restaurant as a family owned, distinctive and delicious place to eat. And, it was. My order was chicken enchildadas with chili gravy, (raw onions came on the side) and a guacamole cup. The chips and salsa were superior, no salt on the chips and the salsa distinctively different, and good. It is located on Everhart St. just blocks off San Padre Island Drive.

You won’t be disappointed.

FRESH FISH

Fish should be fresh but these ceramic fish are downright cheeky. On the phone, Jim talks excitedly about the unique opportunity to take close up deer photos at his current place at Thousand Trails in Texas. I’m bummed because I can’t be there, but I’ve got plane tickets to join him. And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jim. (Today we are the same age.) X0X0.

I really love ceramics but traveling as we do, and now, with medical problems and therapy, I have no time for ceramics except to enjoy other people’s. It is even tougher to get pictures of fresh fish, Jim. Your next challenge.

I once had a pond full of goldfish, but the raccoons discovered it and that ended that.

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After that octopus and shark video yesterday, these art pieces are just too cute.

San Angelo, Texas – Day 5

Mary remains at home in California tending to medical issues. She had successful carotid artery surgery on Wednesday, returned home Thursday and is in the process of recuperation.

The motorhome is parked at VFW Post #1815. I expect to depart later this morning.

Concho Street was the first street in San Angelo, Texas. Yesterday I showed some photos of Concho Street. Here are more and some other nearby alleys…

As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…

Enjoying old historic places is another joy in the life of a full-time RVer!

If you have not checked out my Ramblin Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2012
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

Santa Fe, New Mexico – Day3

Mary remains at home in California tending to medical issues.

The motorhome is parked at Fraternal Order of Eagles #2811. I expect to be here a couple of more days.

Santa Fe has a population of about 68,000 and is at about 7,000 feet of elevation. You can read all about this city by clicking this Wikipedia informational link…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe,_New_Mexico

Yesterday I drove the Bronco the less than two miles to Canyon Road in Santa Fe. According to their brochure, it’s a half-mile long with more than 100 galleries, artist studios, boutiques and restaurants.

I soon discovered that I live in another world than these folks. The prices are outrageous…or at least I thought so. I openly confess I do not appreciate “modern art”. When I look at something I cannot figure out what it is or what the artist is trying to convey…it’s hard for me to appreciate it. It must be the ex-engineer in me! 

Here’s an example…painting size (in inches) followed by the price…
13×13 – $1,600
40×23 – $7,500
51×78 – $17,000
30×48 – $6,000

Here are some photos that I took there…

As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…

This blown glass is 48x22x6 – $30,000…

Most of the galleries I wandered into, I barely got a grunt as a greeting. I think they could detect I wasn’t a buyer.

However in the gallery I enjoyed the most. Lakind, I got a most enthusiastic greeting by a young gal named Sophie. She explained that they have the most unusual gallery on Canyon Road because they feature paintings by both father and daughter. Here’s their website link…
http://www.lakindfineart.com/

Today’s extra large photo gallery is for my life-partner Mary, who is not traveling with me at the moment. She is a true art affection-ado and it would have taken us weeks before we left Santa Fe. As for myself, I enjoy art I can understand, so I had an enjoyable time wandering around Canyon Road…understanding what I could. I’ll continue exploring the city today.

Enjoying interesting places is another joy of a full-time RVer!

 If you have not checked out my Ramblin Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2012
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

DOCTORS IN MY LIFE.

Since our accident on May 27th, I swear, I have never had so many doctors in my life. If it isn’t one thing it is another. Poke and probe and test. Since the accident I feel like I have sand in one eye and it keeps swelling.  After a round yesterday with my eye doctor and picking up records from one place to deliver to another place, I stopped at the Arts Council for an art fix. Jim has taken gallery pictures for me that I appreciate, but it isn’t the same as being able to view your own choices of things you admire. I am ever impressed by the talent in my community.

My favorite piece in the exhibit was this triptych in the photo above.  I’ve done a close up of each piece.

 

Simple lines, bold colors. Beautifully matched.

Many nice pieces, so if you have a chance to visit the Arts Council Gallery in San Andreas, do it. I’m working on a piece of my own, but it is not for sale. Maybe, since I’m home for an extended period, I’ll get a piece finished for the affordable arts exhibit they do before Christmas.

I don’t know why I like old, rusty, derelict cars. This worked on a ceramic piece. Tough to execute.

Homer as a pretty jolly sculpture is appealing

Trees, another favorite theme. Who doesn’t love a tree?

Bead work is making an impact in the arts/crafts world. This little bird is something to hang on the Christmas tree or not. It works anywhere.

If I have errands, I like to seize the day, and art makes me smile and eases the burdens we sometimes carry.

 

Taos, New Mexico – Day 9

The motorhome is currently parked at the Fraternal Order Of Eagles Airee #3489. I expect to be here for a couple of more days.

I took the Bronco and drove about three miles to Harwood Art Museum. Taos has several distinguished art museums and is the oldest in town and the second oldest in the entire State of New Mexico..

You can read all about the Harwood Art Museum by clicking this link to their website…
http://harwoodmuseum.org/

You can read even more about this museum by clicking this Wikipedia informational link…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harwood_Museum_of_Art

Many thanks to Lucy Perera, Curator of Education, for the invitation…

As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…

Enjoying great museums is another joy in the life of a full-time RVer!

If you have not checked out my new Ramblin Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2012
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

Taos, New Mexico – Day 5

The motorhome is currently parked at the Fraternal Order Of Eagles Airee #3849. I expect to be here for several days.

I took the Bronco and drove about three miles to the central plaza…and was greatly disappointed.

Many cities in the southwestern United States still retain the old Mexico flavor…that is a large central plaza with an old church usually 200-300 years old. Not so in Taos, New Mexico. It can be precisely described in only ten words…a small central plaza with shops, shops and more shops. Everything is so commercialized and touristy. How disappointing for a history buff like myself. Even those sites they claim as historical are presented in a very touristy way. A great place if you enjoy lots of art museums, art galleries, art shops and general tourist shops.

I spent two hours wandering around hoping to find something interesting and came away with these meager photos…

As always you may left click upon an image to see an enlarged view and then click once again to see an even larger view…

Enjoying beautiful historical sites is another joy in the life of a full-time RVer! No so today!

You can read all about the town of Taos by clicking this Wikipedia link…
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taos,_New_Mexico

If you have not checked out my new Ramblin Man’s Photos Blog, you can do so by clicking this link…
http://ramblinmanphotos.wordpress.com/

All original material Copyright – Jim Jaillet 2012
For more information about my three books, click this link:
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/panamaorbust

ALL ABOUT TOWN

Yesterday, we visited the National Hispanic Cultural Center Art Museum and the fantastic Torreon Fresco, painted by Frederico Vigil. The work has taken him ten years to complete. The silo type building with light from the ceiling opened to the public in 2010.  Unfortunately, neither place allows pictures. When visiting ABQ, don’t miss the Fresco. We headed for Oldtown, the preserved adobes and quaint shops of the one time business center of an older Albuquerque.

In front of this old adobe hotel from 1706 craftspeople ply their goods.

Inside  a tiled adobe fireplace once heated the  lobby.

Only historical buildings have a  fancy newel post like this one leading up the stairs. The building is now a restaurant and gallery; the stairway was blocked off.

San Felipe Church dates from the 1700s as well.

It doesn’t matter what religion you are or aren’t, the rich wooden door leading to the confessional is something anyone can appreciate. Lighter natural wooden pews contrast with the darkened tile and door.

The church is simple and appears to have had loving care.

Old time buildings have charm, and most of them sell light weight tourist souvenirs and t-shirts and decorator items. I didn’t expect to find anything I’d want to buy. Most of the choices are made for vacationers who want a memory of their trip, or a quick treat or toy while they enjoy the atmosphere.  The covered wagon had a display of hot sauces and our very favorite, hard-to-find,  Marie Sharps sauces were on sale and we grabbed two bottles of Belizian Heat. Jim visited Marie Sharps factory when he was in Central America in 2004.

People get funny about their hot sauces as in XXX rated. I liked the Screw The Republicans and Screw the Democrats best. Both deserve the jab.

And, they get serious about their hot sauces as in Venomous Hot Sauce, only available at the counter, if you dare. I’ll pass. I’ve smelled and tasted ghost pepper once before.

As you wander, cozy courtyards are available to relax and take in the scene. Several have gardens with flowers and herbs. It is a nice way to spend an afternoon. If you get off the main street, the smaller shops have distinctive south-western items, authentically crafted Indian jewelry, costume, baskets and pottery; fair trade items from around the world.  And some good art.

By the time we arrived, we were hungry and we peeked into several restaurants but I wanted to see the buildings on the old El Camino Real and the South side of Route 66. We didn’t find much to see but we ran into a our favorite kind of restaurant. Independent, family owned with many cars in the parking lot. Las Comolear. (Don’t depend on my spelling.)  And two days ago, Los Compadres. We can’t seem to get enough Mexican food, as in everyday.

 

 

 

 

We didn’t get to all of  Oldtown  and may have a chance to see the rest another day.

 

A PLACE FOR EVERYTHING

Some people never throw anything away. You might think this is a junk-pile and you’d be right. If it is huge and rusty and unwanted, and useless in its present form?  George Manus will find a place for it.

A master welder and cat tamer, George has an eye for beauty and form. He finds a place for everything, including several feral cats he feeds and cares for.

Example. An  insect with parts most of us would have tossed. Maybe the legs came from an old chair or stool.

A giant spider with a bicycle seat head commands her giant television dish web.

A mad-cap driver; wait til you get a look at his face.

 

On this whimsical car, I didn’t see the garden rake until I saw the shadow of it in the picture.

If you like cowboys, he has several in his yard on the corner of Paisano and Skyline Rd.  in Albuquerque. He can be reached at 505-480-6370.

Or how about a dinosaur with a motorcycle engine case for a head?

Besides George, who would keep a rusted out old chain saw?

A fountain for your garden?

With metal critters cavorting in the water to come.

A frog stayed too long and the grass grew up around him.

A bulldog and a cat.  Men seem to like this type of art. Anything with car parts and machined pieces. It takes an artist to make them into something unique.

A bird and an eyeball on a stick.

George has two international shows per year, one in Colorado and another in California where he sells most of his stuff.

 

George is a corporate artist.  He sells  his work to  museums and parks and corporations.  His yard is a wonderful place to visit.

YARN BOMBERS

I had a picture of a yarn taxi and lost it somewhere in my voluminous files.  I spent enough time looking for it this morning and decided to skip it. The subject of today’s blog is something entirely new to me, yarn bombing, or knitted graffiti. I didn’t get to see this scene cartooned in Yankee Magazine where three women, at the base of a tree,  knitted furiously at night when nobody was looking. It is known as yarn bombing.

It started because knitting a scarf or a hat after awhile is boring.  They’ve turned their knitting hobby into something public and happy. As one person termed it, “polite” graffiti.  They’ve knitted a 46 foot long rainbow over a railing. They knitted mustaches to disguise themselves as they knitted just to make it more fun.  Now they work openly in the daytime because everyone seems to like their whimsical work.

It does soften a park bench.  Now, I’m trying to learn more about the yarn taxi cab and where it came from and how to get another picture of it. Yarn bombing started in 2005 and can be found from Australia to Finland.  And, technically, it is illegal. I’m always amazed at the result of an imaginative mind. Swinging!