Sunday, August 22, 2010

Fly Away Home.

Since I am now back home in Saint Paul. Minnesota, it's about time that I discontinue posting on this blog 'til I return again to this wonderful city.  Like the birds above, after a delicious repast of Santa Fe, I had to fly away home.

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Books

You really cannot visit Santa Fe without attending the world-famous Opera.  Whether you are a novice or an opera buff, Collected Works bookstore will give you background information on the performance of your choice. 
Take your pick!

Friday, August 20, 2010

Collected Works

A great place to hang out!

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Crazy Heart

Remember the scene in Crazy Heart where Jeff Bridges played his music in a bar? None other than Evangelo's on San Francisco Street close to the Plaza.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

10,000 Waves


This is part of the interior of 10,000 Waves, a spa extraordinare a few miles outside Santa Fe. After three hours there, after sitting in the sauna, relaxing in the communal hot tub, and having a massage, I felt like I could melt right back into the earth.

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Signs of the Times

Come back tomorrow and we'll follow one of these signs!

Monday, August 16, 2010

A little something!

Here is another item of apparel that I really MUST have! It's neither a shawl nor a vest, but it's a lovely article of clothing that can be worn over a blouse or sweater.  Very innovative! And, a little something that both feels and looks elegant.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Primitive Images on handmade paper by Ginny Hogan

Artist Ginny Hogan lives in Santa Fe and learned the ancient art of papermaking when she attended Colorado State University.  Handmade paper is formed from the cellulose fibers of plants.

Hogan explains in a brochure how she works the process: The pulp I make is 100% cotton, beaten in a Hollander.  This I press onto a screen to form sheets.  When dry, I treat the sheets with layers of acrylic paint and add images with acrylic and gouache. The images I use come from rock art painting and pecking, called pictographs and petroglyphs made by native people all over the world.  While no one can decipher the exact meaning of these images, it is commonly believed they were used for shamanic rituals involving healing, hunting, fertility, and protection.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

A Fine White Steed

"The sight of him did something to me I've never quite been able to explain. He was more than tremendous strength and speed and beauty of motion. He set me dreaming.”  Walt Morey

Friday, August 13, 2010

Kudos!


I met these fine looking young men in the courtyard in the Eldorado shopping plaza.  They scheduled several days there collecting used clothing for those in need.  The project was conceived and organized by the young man on the left for his Eagle Scout project. A picture of the future? Perhaps these boys and others like them will help improve our society. Kudos for all of them!!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Go Fly a Kite!

If someone tells you to go fly a kite, hustle over to the Farmers Market to get one!

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

My Friend's Baskets

My Santa Fe friend is an expert on baskets and has been collecting them for years from the Indian basket weavers' themselves.  Here is a photo of just a small part of his collection.

Monday, August 9, 2010

Window Scenes


When I look up from my reading, I often smile because these are typical scenes I see though the casa's windows.  The top photo was taken at nightfall.  The bottom was through a different window during  a brief downpour. Look closely and you can see the water droplets.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Fiesta


My mother was a weaver, and I lament the fact that I never learned! I'm sure that my love of textiles stems from her artistry.  These chenille shawls are awesome, and I'm determined to buy one. The fiesta pink is particularly winsome!! But, then  again, I love the beige and brown tones. The weaver of these shawls displays them in several cities.  I found those pictured above in Chimayo and saw a few others in Bernilillo.  Can't seem to be able to decide on the colour...another one in primarlily in a delicious shade of cilantro was particularly handsome.


The scarves in the bottom photo are equally as beautiful as the shawls.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Weaving, Chimayo rugs


The village of Chimayo, which is not too far from Santa Fe, has several shops founded by local families that have outstanding rugs, purses, place mats, clothing and much more for sale.  It's fun and instructive to visit both the Ortegas Weavers and Centinella Traditional Arts shops.  These rugs are hanging on the wall at Centinela with another wall containing many ribbons won at the annual Spanish Market.  Below is a photo of Lisa Trujillo, one of the owners and weavers who make magic on the looms.

The rug on the top is the Rio Grande Saltillos design; it approximates the style of a bordered rectangle with a serrate diamond in the center. The smaller photo is a rug woven int ehe Rio Grande style.

Friday, August 6, 2010

A Concha Artist

Julia Gomez' work definitely is prizeworthy. With infinite patience, she is an accomplished concha artist.  This is more than just ordinary embroidery.  Her designs are intricate and lovely.  Too labor intensive for me, but what an artist!

The colcha technique is believed to have been brought to what is now New Mexico by Spanish settlers. Colcha embroidery, which is defined by a specific type of stitching, was used early on mostly for bed coverings, altar cloths and later, clothing. But now the technique also is used to create decorative arts for the home.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

She Who Hesitates...

Textiles and tinwork are probably my favorite pieces of artwork, and I was particularly captivated by this white shawl.  But, did I need another one? After contemplating it for about 30 minutes I decided to buy it.  I returned to the booth to make my purchase, but... a wiser shopper had already purchased it; I guess I really do not need another one!!~

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

A Typical Southwest Church

Unfortunately I did not get any information about the artist and this painting.  The weather on the first day of Spanish Market was a little wet so I moved quickly from one booth to the next in the rain.  It appeals to me because it is representative of so many small village churches I've seen in New Mexico.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Diffferent as Night and Day

The differences of the people in this photo clearly shows the variety of spectators at the Spanish Market.  After attending for several different years, I noticed that some of the same people with their own decorated "works of art" show up each year to celebrate!

Monday, August 2, 2010

Come One, Come All!

During the two days of Spanish Market, young students gave free performances in the Courtyard of the Convention Center (when it wasn't raining). This novel way of advertising was the method used by the students to attract attention and to pass out brochures.

Sunday, August 1, 2010

"Colourful"-Theme for August, 2010

This vivid painting of a colourful but illegal activity caught my eye at Spanish Market.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

One Amigo


The fine arts and crafts are not the only works of art at the Spanish Market.  Some of the spectators are truly spectacular, too.

Friday, July 30, 2010

My Kind of Gal!

The Spanish Market is made up of two very distinct sections: traditional art, which is the largest, and contemporary art, which is growing with each passing year.  Many artists are interested in exploring their traditions by placing them in more modern venues.  Although this kind of art work is often more closely associated with México, I saw several examples of figures representing El Dia de Los Muertos. Many years ago I saw a figurine of a bride representing that tradition, but didn't buy it.  Regretted it ever since and am still looking for another one.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Creation Retablo

The Spanish Market honours the talents of students from elementary through high school age.  If I lived here I would start collecting traditional art from the young people, who are the artists of the future. This retablo was created by Elias Pacheco, age 15! He deservedly won a ribbon for his representation of creation. I think I'll contact him before I leave to see if it's still available for sale.

Retablos come in various sizes, but here is a good definition of traditional retablos:


A retablo (or lamina) is a small oil painting on any variety of surface, typically a wood carving. Used to honor different saints of the Catholic Church, the retablo grew in popularity as the indigenous people were converted by Catholic missionaries. Retablos are designated as “portable, flat, two-dimensional, painted wood or relief panel” designs.

Aside from being found behind the altar, similar ornamental structures are built and carved over facades and doorways. When one wanted to express gratitude they could give retablos that described “the miraculous deed of a saint to whom the petitioner turned to in a time of need” (Correa 113). All of the numerous saints depicted on the retablos were thought to each remedy an array of problems faced on a daily basis. People often called upon these saints to bless them for events such as harvests or feasts.









Wednesday, July 28, 2010

A Feast for the Eyes and Stomach, too!


I strolled the Farmers' Market today to see the colours of flowers, artifacts and food.  These squash blossoms caught my eye.  Now I have to find a good recipe.  They're really too pretty to eat!      PS. I'm still having tons of trouble posting and commenting.  Thank you to all my loyal blogger friends who are still coming by, despite the fact that I'm not commenting on your blogs.  I'm still trying to solve these problems!! 
Added Later:  For those who are interested, for recipes, click here.


 

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

My fine feathered friends!


While drinking my morning coffee, I can sit on the deck and watch the antics of these delightful little birds.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Mirror, Mirror...

During the Preview show of Spanish Market wares, I was drawn to textiles, weavings, and tinwork. This elaborate tinwork mirror is a work of art.

Sunday, July 25, 2010

"...From Baton Rouge, honey"

On Friday night I got a ticket from a friend to go to the Convention Center for a preview of some of the wonderful art and artifacts that had received ribbons for their work.  Before the doors opened I noticed this woman who was waiting with a companion.  After I strolled through the large hall, admiring all of the outstanding Spanish Market artwork, I stopped and introduced myself to Marilyn Ehr, who often comes to Santa Fe for both Spanish Market in July and Indian Market in August.  When I asked her where she was from, she replied, "Baton Rouge, honey...Baton Rouge."  Check the jewelry!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Navajo Artist, Bahe


Finally!! After many frustrating delays, I've found a place where I can photo blog, although it is slower than my old dial-up!  It is my hope that I can begin posting on a daily basis.  Spanish Market opens in the Plaza tomorrow and runs through Sunday, and I intend to spend time getting photos and admiring all the artisans' work.

The painting above by a Navajo artist, Bahe, is one that hangs in the hallway of my friends' home.  I'm living in a splendid little casa with delightful artwork throughout!!

John Bahe Smith is a self-taught local native painter from Shonto, Arizona located on the Navajo Nation. Mr Smith has been painting with acrylics most of his life. Hist interest in painting began when he was 9 years old.
John Bahe draws his inspiration from the geological landscape that surrounds Navajo National Monument. He integrates this scenic, geological landscape with cultural Navajo crafts to create lively, picturesque paintings. John Bahe's original acrylic paintings are on display and for sale at the Navajo National Monument. While at the Navajo National Monument during parts of the year you will be able to meet John Bahe and learn more about his art.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Theme Day-Reflections: San Francisco de Asis, Ranchos de Taos


San Francisco de Asis in Rancho de Taos is probably the most photographed church in New Mexico because of a Georgia O'Keeffe painting. This is a view of the main entrance on the east side of the building.  O'Keefe's painting is of the rear or west side. The small photo is the image painted by O'Keefe  I took these photos on a rainy afternoon in 2008.  Although I'm still in Saint Paul, Mn, I'm returning to Santa Fe on July 19 and will again be posting more photos on this site.
To see many more photos of reflections from blogger from around the world,  click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

ABC Wednesday-"P"=PARTING is Such Sweet Sorrow!

Because I love Santa Fe, it has been hard to leave and return to St. Paul, MN.  Although I've been back for about a month now I continued to post photos that I snapped while there, and need to stop now.  But, take heart!  I'm returning to my favorite city in July, and will again post more photos during the two weeks when I will be housesitting for friends while they're on vacation!  Can't wait!!
To see more photos from around the world for ABC Wednesday, click here.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Need to Rest?

The Capitol has a marvelous collection of art created by New Mexican artists, and I wonder how many people tour that section of the building.  I've been there several times and have found that it's nice to be able to rest while viewing all the marvelous artwork.  The benches themselves are works of art!

I also posted a photo of a bench on my other current blog, Visual St.Paul. Go visit!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

An Unusual Boardwalk


On February 22 I showed you some statues commemorating the end of the Santa Fe trail on Museum Hill as well as a map. While exploring at Pecos National Historical Park we were able to walk on this boardwalk which covered a remnant of the old original trail.  I can't imagine the hardships these traders and travellers endured so many years ago, but I was thrilled to be able to see this bit of history.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Theme Day-Statues: The Cowboy

I have posted many pictures of artistic statues that I have taken in this fair city: Native Americans because of their historical significance in this part of the country, animals of all species, and even naked/nude women exhibited in galleries on Canyon Road.   But what could be more representative of the American Southwest than the ubiquitous cowboy! So here he is!

Friday, April 30, 2010

The High Road to Taos

Want a fantastic visual experience? Take the High Road to Taos for a leisurely and enjoyable drive with a varied landscape, traditional villages, unusual arts and crafts studios, and historical churches. You won't regret a minute of it.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

A long winter


I knew that this past winter was a long and hard one in Santa Fe, and it looks like this hotel has plenty of firewood!

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

ABC Wednesday-"O"-Opera


Taken from the highway, one can see only a portion of the OPERA HOUSE. Frankly, I prefer the OLD design rather than this ONE, but I still love the OPERA season.

To see more ABC Wednesday photos posted by bloggers from around the world, click here: http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/?

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

"All of my favorite things"

What do I love about Santa Fe? In one word, everything!  To be specific: the history, the culture, the land, the  people, the art and crafts, the colour!