Tattoo@ARTSPACE

Sounds daft, but I was delighted to have had trouble finding a parking space last night for the opening of the ARTSPACE Tattoo exhibit, and smiled at the sight of the many Harleys parked in front, the jackets of the "Bikers Against Child Abuse" worn by their owners....very different from the usual art exhibit opening and to me, more interesting. Also enjoyed how the exhibit was set up by Leigh Elgin and Josh Porter: the timeline re the American Tattoo, a panel showing various tattoos and their owners with onlookers asked to match those up, the corner exhibiting various antique tattoo paraphenalia such as a machine made in a prison, a steamer trunk fitted out for a traveling tattoo artist, framed old "flash", etc. The only one I could match was that of Steve Ross and his Sparky dog collar tattoo, and that because of prior knowledge. The video, done w. Picasa is not edited, just stitched together, but it shows the gallery packed with viewers, a bit of the antique corner plus Jerry Davenport's art kids corner and Stu Stella working her henna magic.

Perhaps The Eye of the Storm?

These are details from my latest painting, about 18"x24" on Stratford 400 watercolor paper. I was so proud of myself when, after a 30 year hiatus from the drafting table, I used a Leroy set to create the tiny numbers. No title as yet...any suggestions?

Newest Painting

This is painted with acrylics on Stratmore 400 watercolor paper, coated with gloss medium.

January Violets

I associate violets with March weather because, in yesteryear, Ira would order them from the florist for my birthday. The patch of violets that I can see outside the patio doors as I have breakfast, this year have advanced their flowering, perhaps because of the multiple seasons per day we've been experiencing. They bloom profusely in spite of my neglect and the bird, squirrel and cat traffic through that area.

Inauguration

Inauguration Day rituals, ceremonies, media coverage...all were awesome. I was astounded that we have, with the digital age, become a nation of photographers. Everywhere that the various TV cameras went, there were hordes of people holding up their phones, cameras to document the history-making scenes. That was also true for the evening Inaugural Balls....TV shots that included rows of hands holding cameras and phones, recording that moment. I was thrilled with the CNN satellite images, before and after, of the D.C. areas, showing as black masses, the millions that watched the Swearing-in ceremonies, the parade. And I really want the SYNC program that was used on CNN by John King to collage the thousands of individuals' photos into that huge and detailed "mural". Wow! What technology has wrought!

ARTSPACE: I hardly knew ya'

What a great response to the "Show us your Ink (or Tatt)" call from our community. So many interesting and interested locals arrived at Artspace Saturday afternoon to have their body art photographed by Mike Silva. They arrived with their families, friends, waited patiently and many shared their experiences and art via loudspeaker. Yes! There were some bikers; I expected them. I was however amazed that this body art has been embraced by people of all ages, all social classes, races, ethnicities, white, blue and rainbow collars, et al. Wow! Beautiful. It was especially wonderful to see all these people whom I'd never before seen at Artspace; alas, Maggie Martin was not to be seen. I hope these delightful participants return not only for this exhibit but also for other events.

Yelapa, Mexico

We visited Yelapa during Xmas week while on a catamaran tour for snorkeling and kayaking from Pto. Vallarta. Reached only by sea, it remains thusfar a charming fishing village, w. friendly, kind inhabitants, some skinny tail wagging dogs...only a nonaggressive few vending junk on the beach to tourists. This dear lady stopped on the dirt path and posed for Ira. I worked in Painter to simplify that photo and achieve this portrait. I wish I'd noted her name, etc. so that I could mail it to her.

Nathan Family Holiday

Here is my family, minus Bonnie and Jimmy Saunders who had work obligations, aboard the Sapphire Princess. We visited Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, had perfect weather and great fun being together. More photos later of adventures ashore.

Left to right: Ira, Tama, Shari, Kate Wyn, Hero, Kathleen, Dane, Austin, Keith

Cabo Humpback whales

These photos were taken on Christmas Day at Cabo San Lucas. Ira and I, this time, chose to do our whale watching from a small motor driven dinghy; a lot bumpier but we were much closer to the wonderful creatures than from the larger tour boats. The humpbacks arrive mid December and have their babies here; they leave in March. Gray whales can be seen further up the Baja peninsula in the Sea of Cortez.