As is

As I walked around New York a few weeks ago,

I noticed I wasn't taking pictures.

I was worried that I was not inspired . . .

What would I paint now?

And then they struck me . . . the fabulous water towers of the city skyline.

Peaking out from behind walls, towering over the city, on top of it all,

they were everywhere.

"...cuz when i look around, i think this, this is good enough

and i try to laugh at whatever life brings,

cuz when i look down i just miss all the good stuff

when i look up

i just trip over things..."

- ani difranco

southernmost Brooklyn, New York City - March 14, 2009

It's a choice, to stay

It's a dream, and I want to wake

You have blood on your hands and I'm feeling faint

and honey, you can't decide...

...smoke your cigarrettes, make your love, love . . .

I am drowning and you can't decide

It's not about geography or happenstance

you need to fly and take a chance

you don't need to soar to emptiness and float on high and forever dance alone

your scared, cause I feel like home . . .

. . . you leave me here on the other side.

words - Rachael Y. , photo - Nadir B.

"Inscription 4026 B.C." by Enrico Donati

This is one of my favourite pieces from the MOMA last week.

- rich colours, thick textures, bold size, large shadows, glowing lights -

just like the city itself; fascinating, rich, inspiring.

hello Martin Kippenberger

I am currently wondering the streets of NYC.

One of my favourite things in life, really!

And while wondering through the floors of the MOMA, one of my other favourite things to do, especially when I know I am going to turn the corner and

run face to face with Mr. Mark Rothko!

I was introduced to the works of Martin Kippenberger.

A heavy retrospective, diverse and disturbing, enlightening and emotional.

The collection of work varied from room to room, really from piece to piece and it left me with the feeling that this man's personality was as such.

Amongst all of the caos were some beautiful pieces.

My favourite? an untitled painting 240 x 300 cm large,

from a series of work that was titled " dear painter, paint for me"

( it is pictured above with the man on the couch) nice place to sit in my opinion.

The light from this painting struck me from across the room.

Reminded me of the first time I saw an Edward Hopper in the flesh.

ahhhhh a day at the MOMA, life is sweet.

THE BEST OF MOMA

Here are my picks for the best pieces at the MOMA.

I love finding paintings by artists that i am familiar with, but that surprise me, that are not typical of their style.

The Rothko paintings are still by far my favourites though.

My breathe changes when i stand in front of them, shaking my head in awe.

FROM THE F TRAIN BACK TO THE RAIN

Just got back from an amazing week! Nyc is always good to me. My only problem with going there is that i don't ever want to leave. Driving back from the airport last night noticing how green vancouver is, that's what we get from all that rain; cleanliness and green grass. This is lovely in the summer, but i am not inspired to paint green grass. I am inspired by the stone, the tiles, the brick, the dark streets, the glowing lights, the trains and the sounds of the subway, the chipping paint, the different heights of the buildings, the shadows, the signs, the bridges . . .

more pics to come.

DRIFT AND FLY

It has been a busy time at my house.
Paint has been flying. Estevan and I have been painting tandem in the living room, quite a lovely moment until he painted the couch. I love that he loves to paint of course, he is even quite good at critiquing.
Preparing for the DRIFT this weekend (detailed details to come)
Then I am off to NYC for a little business and some inspiration.

I will post some new pics soon . . .

red bricks, cold land, blue sky

towering bricks

in winter

lost and found

i turn right

into you.