I Guess I Just Don't Get It!

The local community college has a pretty decent art program and over the years they've developed quite a following for their art shows. They have a very nice space in which they hold monthly Gallery Shows highlighting artists of varying media.

Our MVP group got together tonight for our monthly meeting to visit the gallery. I can't tell you what the theme was, cause even after reading the bio and description, it still wasn't clear to me. I hoped that after viewing the work on display, it would become clearer.

Unfortunately, I guess I just don't get it. Now, I know that art is subjective. One man's junk is another man's art and vica versa. But there are some pieces of "art" that are beyond my comprehension, and most of what we saw in the gallery tonight made me scratch my head in wonderment.

This first image shows a peep hole about 1 1/2 inch in diameter through which the scene of a window and fire escape are seen.

hmmmmm

Cute, but my own children have created scenes just as interesting with their lego blocks.

This was probably one of the most interesting pieces in the show. It was an illustration of a $5 bill, in huge scale, broken into these pieces within frames and connected with hinges. The entire piece was in the shape of a huge "S".

The guys seemed to tire of the show pretty quickly.

The gals were a little more persistent in trying to "appreciate" the pieces on display.

Another diorama. Okaaayyy

And then this below. This piece was really beautiful. The wood was very appealing, but, seriously, what's the point?

Well, I'm sure that people have said that about some of my photos. What's the point? What's she trying to say??

I submitted some images to an art show recently. For two of them, when I photographed the subjects, I zoomed my lens for no other reason than to get a funky look. The judge, who did the judging at a closed session, wrote comments for each artist about each piece of work. On my card, she wrote, "What are you trying to say?"

Truth be told, I wasn't trying to say anything, I was just having fun with my camera.

I guess the work we saw tonight was pretty much the same. The artists were just having fun with their mediums. Our "opinions-be-damned" or some such sentiment.

These photos show just a representation of the pieces on display. Maybe you'd like them, maybe not. But bravo to those artists for being bold enough to display their work.

One day I'd like to have a show there. We'll see.

Mace

I got to spend some time with my grandson, Mace, today. He came here right after school. We did some computer stuff and then we headed outside for some photos. It's been a long time since we've done a photo session.

My yard is really pretty pathetic looking. Ugly trees and scraggly bushes accompanied by old cars, car parts, lawn mowers and even a small sail boat dot the landscape. (If you've ever seen Sanfaord & Son, you might have an idea of what my yard looks like). So it was very tricky to get shots of him without "junk" in the background. We didn't have much time, so we couldn't even get in the car and go someplace that looked better.

But-----I got some shots of him that I'm happy with and now I can finish the project I'm working on as a gift for his mother AND I've got some current photos of him for myself. Whoohooo.

Couldn't Find the Photo

The other day I posted that I was keeping an eye out for a photo of my granddaughter. It was taken by a newspaper photographer who said she didn't know if/when it would run in the paper. I've looked every day and, voila, no photo. (According to my daughter, it was taken at a local Halloween party. I didn't get the chance to see the kiddies in their costumes, so I was looking forward to seeing the picture--oh well)

But today I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the "Star Student" ceremony at school. Lauren didn't know she had been chosen, but we all knew. She's in kindergarten.

Before the awards began, the 4th graders sang a few songs. Those kids crack me up--they're sooooo cute. They're enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, excited. They haven't become jaded and cynical yet. Their faces beam and they still like grown-ups, thriving on the encouragement and love that we give them.

I get teary-eyed when I watch them. Is that a surprise to anyone who knows me?

So this group of 4th graders sang. Their first song was "America". I'm so glad I live in a small town where patriotism and God still mean something.

Lauren with her award. I couldn't stay any longer to get more photos. I like this one. She cracks me up, too.

The Headlines Say It All

Today, the day after election day, I looked at the newspaper. Usually I just bring it in the house, toss it on the counter for my husband, and ignore it. But the other day my daughter asked me to keep an eye out for a photo of my granddaughter--the photographer told her he didn't know when it would run in the paper--so I'm looking for it each day.

I came across these headlines--didn't read the articles, but the titles made me really happy. I guess the newspapers DO run some good news sometimes!!

So Happy-Day-After-Election-Day to you all.

It Says It All

Well, hubby is home from the hospital. Last week was a whirlwind of chores, work and trips to the hospital. Ironically, I had a meeting every night from Tuesday through Saturday in addition to all the daytime stuff. Some weeks are just plain boring, with nothing more than my photo meeting on Wed. But naturally, the week hubby was hospitalized is the week I was booked solid. Murphey's Law at work!

Anyway, as I said, he's home. So now I'm just as busy, the only difference is that I'm not in the car as much. But after church this morning, I had to go to the store for a few things. I must have seen at least 4 license plates that grabbed my attention--and sure enough I saw them when I was driving and there was no camera within reach.

But when I returned to my car, I saw this one on the car next to mine. I grabbed the camera and GOT IT!

Maybe you don't remember, but a while back I mentioned how I didn't want any more drama in my life. (well there certainly is some now that hubby's laid up--but that's not the kind of drama I'm talking about) You know, the kind that develops when interpersonal relationships go awry--whether it's with a girlfriend, boyfriend, co-worker, boss, neighbor. Even though I'm not able to do it too often, I'm learning that the best response to that kind of "drama" is WHATEVER.

This license plate says it all.