Door, Vatican City

This seems to be a favorite photo of many who admire my work. Vatican City is such a small space, nestled within Rome. Most pictures you see are of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s, and all of the other reasons you actually go visit this walled city-state.

We entered through the metal detectors and marveled at the sheer size of St. Peter’s Square. After viewing some of the church below, marveling at its size as well, we began our ascent to get a better look at the dome. After getting to the top of the first set of stairs, we were at the base of the dome, and had a beautiful view of the city.

As I wondered around, I stumbled upon this door. Peachy, creamy colors, and a weather worn door. The only thing that made this picture more perfect is that warm glow that seems to permeate all of Rome. Click! I had captured that instance. I enjoyed viewing a lot of beautiful art that day, but this simple, rustic door was one of the more beautiful moments I captured.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art by Courtney

Cats of Boboli, No. 5

Cat Number 5, as I lovingly refer to him, is one of my favorite cats from Boboli Garden. Some might ask why, since he’s only showing me his behind, but it’s more about the feeling of the photograph than the actual subject (sorry Number 5).

This photo reminds me very much of Dutch paintings in the 1600s. Partly it’s Number 5’s position. He looks as if he has cornered something, and it brings to mind the metaphors of the paintings. The lighting also is a bit reminiscent of the Dutch paintings. While we don’t get into the full-blown black of the Dutch pieces, there’s definitely shadow and light playing together in the image, with the warm overtones from the fading sunshine and the dark wood.

So, of all the cats in the Cats of Boboli series, that’s why Number 5 is my favorite. Behind and all!

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Florence, Influences, Italy, My Art, Others Art by Courtney

Carousel Rooster

So today we took a trip to La Galeria to switch up the artwork, which means I’m in the same building, new space. Since I had the camera with me to take some pictures of the new setup, I also took some pictures of the gallery, since I haven’t done so since my work was in Dos.

My new space at the gallery is a bit smaller than the last one, so it’s a good thing a few of the framed pieces have sold (not to mention this artist likes making a little cash money on occasion). (more…)

Filed under:
Day in the Life, My Art, Others Art by Courtney

1548, Venice

“I’ve found the perfect place,” he said under his breath, as he sipped his coffee and pretended read the newspaper.

“Oh?” She tucked her foot back, stretching, to tap his sole. It was a slight movement, no real physical contact, but it meant the world to her.

“In the courtyard, near the osteria where we first met. Number 1548.”

By all accounts, the place looked nondescript. There was tape holding the buzzer in place, and a grocery mailer stuck in the scroll work. But, ohh, the scroll work! Somehow, it all seemed so special, so full of meaning – the hearts in the scroll work, the location, the house number alluding to the day they met. Seemingly commonplace to most, but heaven to her.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art, venice by Courtney

Marie Laveau’s Final Resting Place, New Orleans

MARIE LAVEAU
As sung by Papa Celestin

There lived a conjure lady not long ago
In New Orleans Lou’siana named Marie Laveau.
Believe it or not, strange as it seems,
She made a fortune sellin’ voodoo and interpretin’ dreams.
She was known throughout the nation as the voodoo queen.
Folks come to her from miles and miles around.
She’d show them how to put that voodoo down.
To the voodoo lady they all would go,
Rich, educated, ign’ant, and po’.
She’d snap her fingers and shake her head.
Then tell ’em ’bout they lovers livin’ or dead.
An old, old lady named Widow Brown
She asked why her lover stopped comin’ around.
The voodoo gazed at her and squawk:
“I seen him kissin’ a young girl way up in Shakespeare’s Park
Hangin’ round an oak tree in the dark.” (more…)

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Music, My Art, New Orleans, Voodoo by Courtney