Washington, DC
Yoko Ono
Nothing is Ordinary
Presidential Portraits on View at the Portrait Gallery
Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald and Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley on view at the Portrait Gallery! These portraits make lovely additions to the collection. Photos from a quick trip, below:
Modern Wing at NGA
After traveling through the dark "Multiverse" by Leo Villareal to get to the East Wing, the feeling of the warm sun through the glass ceiling, just may have been life-changing. So GLAD I had my wide-angle this time around - to capture the real ambiance of this vast and expansive lobby space. Enjoy captures below:
Spring Blossoms
An overcast day makes a great opportunity to get some amazing shots in natural and ambient light. In this scenario, the overcast sky is complemented with pale pink hues offered by the flower blossoms. These captures are special because of the different focal lengths of the branches and blossoms; some are closer to the camera, while others further away - adding depth and volume to the composition.
Now, if spring could only hurry up & stay!
"Shrumen Lumen" - from No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man
This installation, on display at the Renwick Gallery was created by FoldHaus, "a group of designers, engineers and makers who strive to create high quality interactive kinetic art." The artwork on display, "Shrumen Lumen" is a large sculptural piece, depicting mushrooms in origami form. The origami sculptures are interactive and change movements and coloration in response to what is happening around them. The tops of the "mushrooms" slowly change shape while the entire body changes color - a truly magical experience to watch <3
"Volume"
Volume, by Leo Villareal is made entirely of white LED lights + mirror-finished stainless steel + custom software, and electrical hardware. This dangling light installation is a show-stopping centerpiece, adding shine and sparkle and illumination to the grand staircase of the Renwick Gallery. From far away, Volume appears to be a chandelier, however, Villareal has created this light sculpture using tens of thousands of individual LED bulbs and a computerized program to give the illumination frequent motion.
R+R at Drybar
Desperately needed to alleviate some of the snow day cabin fever that has been building up all week. This salon is so light and airy, with tasteful pops of yellow everywhere; even with snow on the ground outside, its impossible not to feel optimistic for sunnier days.
A little pampering goes a long way! Definitely a nice + relaxing treat
Entangled Orbits by Tomás Saraceno
Internationally acclaimed artist and trained architect Tomás Saraceno uses iridescent panels, spider webs, and inflatable orbs in three fascinating sculptures on view. The centerpiece of the exhibition, Entangled Orbits, transforms the East Lobby with clusters of iridescent-paneled modules held in place by strings reminiscent of a spider web. Appearing somewhat like bubbles, these spherical modules evoke the artist’s visionary plans for “cloud cities,” which look to naturally occurring forms for inspiration and might provide environments for future human habitation. Similarly, the intricate spider web of ropes refers to a natural structure that encompasses the qualities of strength, beauty, and flexibility.
Moon Dust (Apollo 17)
While on a stroll through the BMA, I encountered the installation in progress of Spencer Finch's "Moondust"...upon first impression, I thought "oh, how clever, so many lightbulbs"...however, unbeknownst to me, this piece is very intricate with deep history and meaning to be displayed at the BMA for the next 7 years! So here's a first look at "Stardust" - still unfinished (undergoing installation), can't wait to get visit again when it's opened officially later this month!
MoMa Rendezvous
Hump Day Relief
What better way to blow off some mid-week steam than at this homey little lounge for a few craft cocktails? I love the exposed brick and lighting combo as it creates such a warm and glowing atmosphere - (I grew up in a home with exposed and glazed brick walls, so much nostalgia!)
Experimental Projects
Botanic Interlude
In the spirit of Nothing is Ordinary, and as demonstrated above, a photo "opp" is liable to occur anytime, anyplace. With the curtain draped like so behind the palms and foliage, this botanical garden shed is obviously an ideal background for an impromptu photo session.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
It's that time of year when things are just prettier, more festive and full of charm. Snow, poinsettias and glowy fairy lights! Hope everyone has a very Happy Holiday season!
xo.
Japanese Kintsugi
"Kintsugi (金継ぎ, きんつぎ, "golden joinery"), also known as Kintsukuroi (金繕い, きんつくろい, "golden repair"), is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum, a method similar to the maki-e technique. As a philosophy, it treats breakage and repair as part of the history of an object, rather than something to disguise"
Upward Spines
What a view, courtesy of the Horticultural Center
Neon in Chinatown
I have a natural inclination to pink neon.
The City is Lighting Up
Wanted House Guests
Every so often, when I am working on the Immortal Floral series, my home transforms into a tropical dream filled with excessive amounts of colorful flowers and exotic botanics. Over the summer, when these Gladioluses were in bloom, I wanted to get as many color varitions as possible. Pictured below, their massive stem spans, totally engulfing my living room. Their colorful petals really pop against the grey and neutral background and accents.
Exploring Longwood
Many people already know that Longwood Gardens is one of Philadelphia's best hidden gems. Located in the "suburbs" of the city, the long drive out is well worth it. Planning to see everything in just one visit is impossible - each time you go, discovering or being fascinated by something new (or old) is inevitable. Needless to say, I've been enjoying many quiet and relaxing summer evenings here. Pictured are images from our latest hike.
