This past January, our journey to the Hotel de Grace, the Ice Hotel, was a surreal adventure, unfolding on the coldest day of the Canadian winter.  We FROZE, but reveled in the magical beauty of ice sculptures that transformed the landscape into a crystalline wonderland.

A visit to the Kunstmuseum in Basel was an unforgettable journey into the mind of Paula Rego, whose Power Games exhibit unveils the raw intensity and nuanced beauty of her work.  Her paintings, both fierce and tender, confront the complexities of power, gender, and human nature with profound depth.

We, as a culture, love a comeback story.  This past October I was heartbroken that our favorite Asheville restaurant was in the flood zone of Hurricane Helene.  This is a place where we had our rehearsal dinner for our wedding; we entertained out-of-town friends with local veggies and seafood towers; and where we dined quite frequently.

I met Tony Sweet when I signed up for his workshops in the Great Smoky Mountains, and then went on immediately to Charleston, SC to learn about infrared photography from him  in 2016.  HE BLEW MY MIND!  I was a beginner and was just getting comfortable with my camera and Lightroom.  He inspired me to go further, try more things, push color, and work the entire scene for hours.

As the night came to us, my husband and I  made it into the embrace of a hidden jazz club that was a sanctuary, nestled beneath the cobbled streets of Paris.  The air was thick with anticipation, the low murmur of an exclusive crowd blending with the sultry hum of a stand up bass and a soft piano.  The dimly lit room, was bathed in  a glow, it felt like a secret shared between us, the music, and the city itself.

Leonardo da Vinci was a true Renaissance polymath whose contributions spanned art, science, engineering, and anatomy.  As one of the most influential artists in history, his masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper revolutionized the art world.

The Centre Pompidou in Paris is hosting a Surrealism exhibition from September 4, 2024 to January 13, 2025,  curated by Didier Ottinger and Marie Sarré.   The Surrealists have been an inspiration to me since childhood so onward to the land of dreams, fantasies, and the flow of real to imagined.

Shelley Vandegrift is a gifted photographer whose lens captures the world through a blend of curiosity and wanderlust.  Her keen eye transforms everyday scenes into extraordinary moments, offering a fresh, unique perspective that invites viewers to see the world as she does—full of wonder, adventure, and hidden beauty.  She masterfully captures the world through both infrared and color photography, creating stunning images that reveal hidden layers of beauty.  

I was very excited  to have a Q & A  With Xuan Hui Ng about her beautiful photography and her magical timing of capturing a scene in camera.  I fell in love with her work when she had a show at the  Griffin Museum of Photography back in December and I featured her here in my newsletter.

Valda Bailey is one of my favorite people.  She does it all.  She is a photographer, artist, and instructor who creates art from her soulful mind and shares it with the world and with her beautiful community at Find Your Voice.  She is a wonderfully curious artist who plays with shape and color like nobody's business.  She travels the world;  and takes us there.  She is inquisitive, super smart, funny, and the most kind and humble person you could ever meet.  She also likes a good ice cream.

Doug Chinnery needs no introduction.  He is an extraordinary Artist and Photographer.  He is a Teacher and an Encourager.  His passion has inspired many to not only take a photograph, but to see what else it can be.  Photography maybe two diminsional, but Doug is not.  He is a passionate human being full of life and humor.

The Dali Museum in Spain is the piece of art.  Having been a fan of Salvador Dali's work since I was a teen, when Roderick said he bought museum tickets and train passes to Figures, I leapt for joy.  We had seen a gallery showing of his work a couple of years ago in Monterey, but this was different.  This was his creation.  

Granville Carrol is a fascinating artist with a big voice in expressing his creativity.  He is also one of  the kindest persons I have learned from in a while.  His images are astounding and deeply rooted in his identity and I had to celebrate him this month.  I have preordered his book and can't wait for it's arrival!  He is an artist, teacher, and book maker, and I am grateful to call him friend too!

Michael Clark is an internationally published adventure photographer specializing in adventure sports, travel, and landscape photography. Balancing extreme action with subtle details, striking portraits and wild landscapes, he creates images for the editorial, advertising and stock markets worldwide.

Welcome to the world of JP Terlizzi and his new work Creatures of Curiosity! It is a colorful and vibrant exhibition and if you are on Houston, TX, it is a must see. JP Terlizzi is an award-winning New York City photographer whose contemporary practice explores themes of memory, relationship, and identity.

Congratulations on The Ephemeral Archive Exhibition hosted by the Los Angeles Center of Photography and curated by Rotem Rozental, Executive Director and Curator of LACP.  The exhibition is a part of a larger exhibition titled IF MEMORY SERVES.  This is a must see in LA!  Go support this inspiring art and the artists who put their heart and soul into it.

My Friend Diana is just amazing!  She uses beautiful historic printing techniques, creates amazing handmade books, and has the best sense of humor.  I took a Tri-Gum Printing Class with her this last year, and boy is she a master!  I am especially drawn to her florals.

This past week, I have been rockin’ out to Van Halen.  They just announced the Best of All Worlds Tour with the band members touring in their seventies.  How about that?!?!  I’ve been inspired by guitar all of my life.  There is nothing that compares to Eddie’s playing.  The song “Dreams” brings me to tears every time. It’s a reminder to pursue what is most important.  
 

Paul Cezanne is from Provence.  As he moved to Paris briefly, he returned to Southern France making his art and living his dream.  My hubby and I were over the moon to see his studio!  It was our chance to be in his space, to see what he made into art, and experience the magic that is all Cezanne.

The Marc Chagall museum exceeded my expectations and left me AMAZED and inspired.  He was doing with painting the very themes I explore with my photography.  Strong vibrant colors.  Double Exposures.  Conveying a message of intentionality with subject placement.