I love these images of diary pages, from the website of Louise Best, aka LouLou, who loves (and makes) books and lives behind a hedge in a village in England.
She has a website here, and a blogspot there, and even a shop over at Etsy. Take a look...LouLou loves yoga, too, and has written some long blog letters from a trip to India. She's the adoring mother of two daughters.
We are both fans of the Garden and Cosmos show, put together by the brilliant people at the Freer and Sackler Gallery on the Mall in Washington, DC. My dear friend Deb, who works there (toiling long hours in the warren of museum tunnels under the Mall) found LouLou for me...a birthday gift from a fellow Leo.
There's a photo of postcards LouLou/ Louise has made, inspired by the glorious Garden and Cosmos. And the lovely diary pages offer mind mapping of yet another kind. LouLou has a nice name for this place where you can sometimes locate fellow blogartists – the "interwonderweb"....indeed!
Four years ago, before Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth was released in book, audio, and video form, McKibbon asked about art and climate change: "Where are the books? The poems? The plays? The goddamn operas?" Now comes the news that An Inconvenient Truth will be staged in an operatic rendition by composer Giorgio Battistelli at the Milan opera house La Scala, premiering in the 2011 season.
The sinking Venus reminds me that while I once fervently loved the original painting (especially during a romantic phase in high school), it strikes me as incredibly kitschy today: the boy angels blowing those pink blowsy flowers, Venus' placid demeanor (with her head at that impossible angle), the faithful overdressed attendant...it's a strangely wonderful view of the beautiful. I bet there are many more altered versions out there. Send me one, if you run across Botticelli's Venus in another environment!
Okay, my own search resulted in this amusing cluster-collapse send-up of Rubens' Venus and Adonis, over at St. Kiki of Assisi. No erotic decluttering going on there.
I've been in a decluttering frame of mind recently, and appreciated this mind map posted by a friend on facebook. It comes from Paul Foreman, a prolific mind-mapper.
Okay, but I do have a confession to make: I am an ambivalent declutterer, not the kind of person who easily or ruthlessly discards material possessions. I think that's because I am also an artist and archivist, and some of the more exhilarating moments of my life have occurred when I've entered a space full of "junk" and been able to dig into the treasure. I can feel as disoriented in a space that is "too empty" as many people may feel in a space that's too full. I do love to approach clutter and reshape and reorganize it, putting like things together and discarding those that seem truly superfluous. But the thrill of chaos, rearrangement, and transformation: I'm in.
This is a fascinating topic, I think, and I'm reflecting on it as I take boxes to the corner for recycling. Anyone else decluttering out there? What kind of poem do you enter when you declutter?
It's time to finally reenter the blogging universe. It's now early August, and so much time has passed since my last message. Time to jump back into the daily practice of the blog: here's a splash!
My friend Nancy Ortenstone was mentioned yesterday over at How About Orange, where there is a link to her beautiful painting "Entering the Poem." Nancy recently opened a new gallery in Taos, New Mexico, with her partner, Pierre Delattre. I designed the signs on the outside of their new space.
Anyone out there heading to Taos – be sure to stop in to see Pierre's and Nancy's exquisite paintings. The work of Nancy's daughter, emerging artist Carla O'Neal, is represented there as well.
I'm about to get on an airplane tomorrow, to visit relatives in Holland and Germany, and I've decided to push the pause button on social media updates for the next couple of weeks. No facebook, no twitter, no elenabella. Instead, I'll slip into the comfortable obscurity of a face-to-face life, camera, sketchbook and journal in hand. This is an experiment: I'm sure there will be much to say about the trip. But I won't always have ready access to the web, so I've made the decision to (try to) put the internet out of my mind. My focus will be on direct conversation, biking, hiking, sleeping, relaxing, and experiencing the chance to explore a few places that are now deeply familiar landing spots over in Europe. I'll be sharing some highlights after July 7th: come back in two weeks and find out what we did on our summer vacation! Bon voyage! Auf wiedersehen! Abientot j'espere..
And now, just for fun, that heroic moment when Obama swatted a fly. I like the fact that he slaps his own hand while smashing the fly: it's a double whammy, a calculated risk.
I received two messages yesterday that juxtaposed themselves in an interesting way. One was a video of images by photographer Hans Silvester, who has collected pictures of the Omo and other African people, in books such as Natural Fashion: Tribal Decoration from Africa. The other was the poem here, by John Caddy, of the Morning Earth website, accompanied by this photo of a gorgeously adorned webworm, the natural kind.
Of all the images I've seen in my life of human adornment, I find those by Silvester to be the most intriguing and beautiful – not least because the humans here seem to show such a profound connection with and appreciation for the natural world. At the same time, such pictures make me somewhat uncomfortable, as they so clearly objectify those resources, both human and natural, that are increasingly exotic and vulnerable. What happens next to these people? And don't they put the rest of us to shame, not least because their artistic sensibility seems so sophisticated and contemporary, without exposure to the latest trends in either art or fashion? Here's a review from the New York Times that touches on these issues.
Caddy's poem catches some of this ambivalence for me, from the perspective of the humble worm. If the poem had begun "You say I'm lovely" it would echo the comments viewers make of the portraits in Silvester's books. The question "So how am I different from you?" seems so relevant in both instances. I think it's a real question, not just a rhetorical one.
There are several videos of Omo photos at YouTube, but I liked the one here best, not least for the music that accompanies it. I'm not sure what the music is, though, or who is making it. Watch the video, and let your eyes and soul be amazed.
You say I’m unlovely
but I know I’m fine.
I’m bristly and blue with round yellow spots in patches of black. My long stripes of blue are bordered in gold, my skirt of orange bristles is fit for a Chinatown dragon.
I hatch in my webs by the thousands and graze all the leaves I can find. I am blessed in my beauty, my manifold colors, I know I am chosen. So how am I different from you?
The web has spawned a number of blogging projects that impose the discipline of daily practice, including elenabella. A remarkable site in this regard is Toy-A-Day, by Joe – someone relatively anonymous who has created a downloadable template for making paper figures, like Pikachu, the Mario Bros., or anyone else you'd enjoy toying with.
I love the idea of Toy-A-Day, but was really impressed when I found that Joe also gives us a Poster-A-Day, such as the one here. He designs and uploads posters (not every single day, but regularly), based on a quote by a famous artist. The posters are created in hi-resolution and are available on the site for anyone to download and print. Each includes a little bio about the artist, such as this one:
Arne Emil Jacobsen (11 February 1902 – 24 March 1971) was a Danish architect and designer, exemplar of the 'Danish Modern' style. In addition to his architectural work he created a number of highly original chairs and other furniture. He received several international distinctions and medals.
Not only that, but Joe also makes art cards, over at 1000 ACEO, a new project. ACEO stands for Art Cards, Editions and Originals. These cards have one defining condition - they are 3.5 inches by 2.5 inches, the size of a trading card. Take a look at the creative challenges this guy has set for himself, and the gifts he's throwing out on the web. Hey, Joe – I'm a fan!
Last Saturday, June 13 2009, was World Naked Bike Day(the same day as the Queen's Birthday Parade, Trooping the Colour).In cities around the world people rode naked in peaceful protest against oil dependency and the dominance of car culture.
The ride is an imaginative way to demonstrate the vulnerability of cyclists on the road, and to comment on our "indecent exposure" to pollution generated by motor vehicles.
The first World Naked Bike Ride was held on 12 June 2004, when 58 cyclists rode naked through London's Hyde Park. The police were tolerant, there were no arrests, and viewers – no surprise here – found the event to be an enjoyable spectator sport. Remember the hysteria over Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction"? This event offers a nice counterweight regarding views of the human body. There's some great use of body paint and self decoration. This event has continued to grow, drawing over 1,000 riders in the 2008 London ride. Now there is a wiki where people in cities around the world can plan their own rides. Nothing in the Twin Cities yet, or Bloomington, Indiana, or Pittsburgh: still time to get the wheels rolling for 2010. Here's a WordPress blog with links to posts about the ride in various cities.
World Naked Bike Ride has its own film, World Naked B, a "movie about people, suspense, intrigue, love and the potential of environmental catastrophic collapse." Here is what the filmmakers say:
Our group of highly entertaining movie makers has set upon a world wide mission to interview as many of the WNBR organizers as possible and uncover their personal motives and ambitions for world domination. You can help us with this project by helping us release this movie in your home town.
$20 + $3 shipping. This includes full public or television screening rights, as well as the right to copy and distribute an unlimited quantity of the original. These can be sold as a fundraiser for local rides.
Pineapples and mustard-colored bridges in Pittsburgh, and a perpetually pouring Heinz ketchup bottle. I found this to be a wonderful city, the original home of Andy Warhol. Just back after several rich days of conversation, idea-sharing, and taking in textures and sounds.
Did you know? In 2009, The EconomistnamedPittsburgh the most livable city in the United States and 29th-most-livable city worldwide. It was a pleasure to see the sister bridges, the brick facades, neighborhood enclaves, and hills and rivers of this intriguing place. Lots of visual drama in those steep inclines!
Click here to learn how Pittsburgh almost lost – and then regained – its "H".
The disk contains images from the early 20th century of cooperative creameries in Minnesota, showing various facets of milk production. They're beautiful and evocative, and indulge my fascination with creameries. Look at the lovely diagram of confined cows, with those grain-tailed arrows indicating the escape of methane gas? Andy Warhol would have loved these pictures.
Okay, so I am in Pittsburgh, Steeler country. Penguin country! Whoo hoo: after the Pens won the Stanley Cup last night, a lot of us cooperators went outside and whooped and hollered, doing a call and response with the passing taxi drivers, who were, of course, blasting their horns.
And then the Detroit Tigers won their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates: it was a double D-P night, with the winning Pitt game away, the D win here. (And the Tigers are staying here at the Westin!) Certainly more sports in one day than this blogger usually takes in. Here are some images from the sports stores along the Strip.
From the Streamliner Dinner on Bainbridge Island, to DeLuca's on the Strip in Pittsburgh: that's the story of my search for the best local breakfast during recent trips. We were told to go to DeLuca's because rumor had it that Obama had eaten there, but the truemor is that Obama was at breakfast rival Pamela's. (Get the full story here, at the very informative Obama Foodorama, A Daily Diary of The Obama Foodscape, One Bipartisan Byte At A Time.)
We thought the breakfast was terrific – and so was the ambience: bustling, friendly, evoking years of morning-meals-out-with-friends gone by. Here are just a few pictures.
"the long, low counter, with accompanying swivel stools attached to the floor, allows diners to watch the kitchen staff whip up a variety of breakfast favorites. The booths are small but cozy, and a Greek-themed mural and an ancient clock on the front wall are relics from bygone eras. The service is friendly, efficient and quick. A first-time diner immediately feels welcome.
Of course, you get a lot of these comforts (not to mention some of the same ambience) at your Aunt Betty's house."
Yes, but who is lucky enough to have an Aunt Betty anymore? (If you have one, please let me know.) That comment reminds me of the CD by Bloomington musician Carrie Newcomer, Betty's Diner: I bet Carrie would appreciate DeLuca's.
Right now I'm on a road trip to Pittsburgh, traveling with Martha, grocery manager of Bloomingfoods East, and Art Sherwood, co-owner of LIFE Certified Organic Farm. We are heading toCCMA, the annual gathering of the Consumer Cooperative Management Association. It's going to be fun to visit a new city, and we've been having great conversations.
Here are a couple of photos from LIFE Farm, taken by Ann Schertz. Art was our Local Food Hero at Bloomingfoods in 2007. He works on numerous agricultural projects in education and business, both in the US and abroad. He's kind of a ubiquitous fellow for a farmer, cropping up everywhere!
There's a new movie, FRESH, by Ana Joanes, that is causing a lot of buzz: here is the trailer. You'll see Will Allen of Growing Power, and (in the film itself) other inspiring food activists, like Joel Salatin. I have to admit, I teared up when I saw this trailer.
I'm not the only one. There's an interview with Ana Joanes over at Cheese Slave, a blog celebrating "the love of cheese. And bacon. And butter. And raw milk. And all those other things we’re not supposed to eat." The author, annmarie at realfoodmedia.com (use the @ sign), says she gets teary-eyed, too, when she sees it.
Reference to FRESH is popping up all over. Click here to go the blog of The Beginning Farmer, where he mentions it, too. And the film showed to sold out audiences last week in Minneapolis, with more screenings coming across the land. Here's a story about Ana Joanes at the Huffington Post. It's exciting, this momentum in the direction of reclaiming our land and local food economies.
Okay, these are right up my alley. It was all I could do to sit on my hands to stop myself from starting to make one of these great fabric bowls.
I'll get back to this later: for now, I'm getting ready to drive off to Pittsburgh for a national conference for the Consumer Cooperative Management Association (CCMA). I've never been to Pittsburgh, though my friends Judy and Jenny grew up there, and I've spent some time today doing research: it looks exciting. And any city with a river is good with me!
Yesterday afternoon, a meeting with wonderful friends to talk about one of my favorite reads of the past year, Elizabeth Bowen's The House in Paris. Scones and real strawberries, sweet peas, cherry blossoms, a few minutes to sing together, Malcolm Dalglish's new processional for next February, Arts Week in Bloomington. (I wish I could really sing...I do love to listen.)
Stopped to talk for a minute with Ruth, next door, as she harvested kale from her front yard garden. Home of Scott Russell Sanders, author of the new book A Conservationist's Manifesto. Came home to a supper in our own backyard, a large salad and even the kids were here. Sav and Andreas are back from a week in Canada on an island, with friends.
Working, hatching plans to go to Pittsburgh later this week, for the 53rd annual gathering of CCMA, the Consumer Cooperatives Management Association. This is always fun: a chance to learn, reconnect, a tribal reunion.
Oh, and I'm twittering, too. Who knew? We'll see where that goes. You can find me at CCMA2009: I will twitter (in Twitsburgh) for natural foods and cooperation! I am also over there at elenabella. Come follow me, if you want to play with those kinds of messages.
Will Allen, founder and CEO of Growing Power, Inc., won a much-deserved MacArthur Foundation fellowship in 2008. Once a professional basketball player, Allen also worked in corporate marketing at Procter and Gamble before turning his energy to the development of Growing Power, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, since 1995.
Allen is a major source of inspiration and information for the urban gardening movement, inspiring people of all ages. He teaches workshops to aspiring urban farmers across the United States and abroad. His passion is for transforming the cultivation, production, and delivery of healthy foods to underserved urban populations.
Allen recognized that many low-income urban populations have very limited access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables, resulting in health-related problems such as obesity and diabetes. He transplanted the best “back to the land” efforts of the sustainable agriculture movement to an urban garden of under three acres, using raised beds, aquaculture, vermiculture, and compost-heated greenhouses to raise food. He then went to focus on redesigning urban food distribution networks.
Naturally, he's had a huge impact on human culture in the process. Growing Power works because it engages many people through internships, workshops, and intensive, hands-in-the-compost-bin training. The goal is to improve the diet and health of the urban poor, and in the meantime, a whole lot of learning, community building, and creative interaction takes place.
Lucky, lucky us. We saw Howling Bells, the Glasgow band Snow Patrol, and Coldplay last night at Verizon Center near Noblesville, Indiana, under a nearly full moon. Years ago we saw Coldplay in Louisville with Fiona Apple. Both were great concerts, but this was the best, due to the perfectly beautiful night.
Coldplay gives a fabulous concert. Chris Martin literally throws himself across the stage, but he's like a super ball, he bounces. He's light on his feet, sweet, there is something so endearingly childlike about his persona, a hard thing to pull off in the world of rock music. But it works. (I had this weird flash that we were in the world's best possible kindergarten class – which sounds strange, but then I saw the new Coldplay video, "Life in Technicolor ii" – check it out, below.)
The other thing about this band is that they have absolutely gorgeous visual effects; this time there was very cool video throughout, sometimes projected on spinning balls that were lifted and lowered over the stage. During the song "Yellow" huge yellow balloons bounced into the crowd. At another point tissue and mylar butterflies are shot out into the sky, for a euphoria effect. We did a cell phone wave.
These guys are really good musicians, something that is apparent when they perform live. The group includes vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist Chris Martin, lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer/backing vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Will Champion (coolest drummer ever). Coldplay invited Oxfam on this mammoth Viva la Vida tour, and there's a great website about that.
A couple of times the stage went dark and the lads reappeared on smaller platforms in the audience, once way back out on the lawn. There, they clustered like a bluegrass band, playing in a tight ensemble. At the end of the night, as we were leaving, they gave away their latest CD, a live album, Left Right Left Right Left. So as the crowd crawled through traffic leaving the concert, we could carry the music with us, extending the mood. Sweet, sweet, sweet.
What the heck is that, I wondered? A pirate? Someone whose eye has been poked out with a spoon? I realized, on one level, it was meant to be a smiley face, but the one-eyed thing was really distracting -- what happened to the other eye? Or was it an asymmetrical cyclops?
DN3 reflects on what this logo suggests about a corporation that proudly devours smaller brands. A bland and tasteless pirate, it seems entirely clueless about current local food trends. With a new tagline, "Food you love,"ConAgra Foods Inc. for the first time is overtly advertising its name with the brands it makes (make that "overtakes"). Hmmm. Yumm? Check out this sharp and savvy debunking of their brand strategy, from someone with years of experience in media and natural foods.
There's a photo of ConAgra products sitting on a shelf in a pantry somewhere...straight out of the 70s? I think I cleaned out that cupboard once: I can almost feel the sticky, smudgy dust on those boxes and on the lids of those jars. Oops – stale and outdated...have to pitch them!
Where do messages go? When we twitter, how are our tweets dispersed? I thought about this in relation to homing pigeons, trying to imagine what the world was like when they were commonly used to relay information. Here, from Wikipedia, is a photo of a B-type bus from London converted into a pigeon loft for use in Northern France and Belgium during the Great War. Carrier pigeons played a vital part in World War II too, for communication during the Invasion of Normandy; radios couldn't be used for fear of message interception by the enemy.
Carrier pigeons were first used 3,000 years ago in Egypt and Persia. They also were used to proclaim the winner of the Olympics. Carrier pigeons lived in the minarets of mosques, such as those in the Jamia Masjid mosque in Srirangapatna, headquarters of Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore. National Geographic offers computer wallpaper of homing pigeons in a clay roost. Research suggests that homing pigeons establish habitual routes with repetition, much the way humans do. The discovery of iron-containing structures in the beaks of pigeons may explain how they (and perhaps other birds) navigate in relation to the Earth's magnetic fields.
It's exciting to think that we can use computers and handheld devices to communicate over long distances today, using the latest applications, but it's really just an extension and transformation of pigeon delivery service and the telegraph. (I'm sure I used more than 140 characters trying to craft that thought: bear with me!) I think it's important to remember that these have all been "technologies." When one supplants another, whole worlds of sensory experience are lost, even as new ones are gained.
I never thought I'd blog, but here I am almost every day, with thoughts and observations sent out to friends, strangers, and far-flung family. This webspot is a bio-logue, a public idea and inspiration board. You can scroll the left side for a visual archive.
I love these images of diary pages, from the website of Louise Best, aka LouLou, who loves (and makes) books and lives behind a hedge in a village in England.
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