You may remember my painting Dad’s Tools for Day 330 of my Studio 365 last November. I thought for this week’s Photo Challenge: Nostalgia, in which Jeff Golinski asks, “What kinds of experiences stir emotions for the past within you?” this photograph of the tools, some of which are over seventy years old and which I still use lovingly today, would be the perfect answer to his question.
Dad’s Tools I 26.11.15
Dad’s Tools II 27.11.15
I have been struggling how best to respond to this week’s Daily Post Photo Challenge from Cheri in which she asks, “what quest means to you.”
Initially I thought, somewhat philosophically, that I would explore trying to represent the quest we all have had at some point in our lives for “the meaning of life,” but this week watching the horror and tragedy in Aleppo becoming more desperate each day, and seeing the heartbreaking images of little children, the same age as my beautiful granddaughter who is fifteen months old today, being pulled from the rubble of their homes, it is clear that the meaning of life had ended for them before it had even had a chance to begin.
Watching on my laptop one of Jeremy Bowen’s reports from Syria, one image stood out as a metaphor for all the White Helmet volunteer relief workers, first responders and medics who have lost their lives in the name of peace and humanity trying to save these children and families. This ambulance had been pulverized in targeted bombing and on its side are the words HAS YOUR HEART DIED, and hidden behind the pillar I believe the words read ALONG WITH YOUR CHILDREN?
How else to express both outrage and sadness but with pen and brush, ink and paper, as I have done too many times before:
And so you ask what is my answer to Cheri’s question,”What does quest mean to you?”It is simply that one day those responsible for these war crimes will be held accountable and brought to justice.
Aleppo 25.9.16
Here is the link to Jeremy Bowen’s report from September 14th:
Syria ceasefire: Aleppo district “pulverized”
Look who visited down the road here in Kitsilano this afternoon, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who looked stunning in her Alexander McQueen outfit.
The raised eyebrow belongs to Vancouver’s mayor.
the gondolier 24.9.16
For those of you who enjoyed yesterday’s post for the first day of fall, I thought today I would tell the story of its evolution. Two days ago my wife picked up this beautiful fallen maple leaf as she was walking home knowing how much it would appeal to me, and how right she was. I immediately went outside and held it up against the clear blue sky, and as I turned it in the bright morning sunshine its glorious colours came alive.
Several photographs later I was happy with what I had captured, but now how best to use them. Using Photoshop Elements I created a different layer for each of the images, some of which were duplicated, reversed and re-sized as I placed them around the central leaf.
I could have gone on for a while but felt the need to stop, as it magically became the perfect image with which to celebrate the first day of fall. I hope you agree.
Rialto 19.9.16
Bon Voyage Tracy
Returning from the Farmer’s Market today, Fall was in the air.
bouquet from the imagination I 17.9.16
bouquet from the imagination II 17.9.16
I’m beginning to think the Gift of the Four Treasures has magical properties.
Discover Challenge: Here and Now
“Choose a moment and capture it in the medium of your choice.”
This week’s Discover Challenge from the Daily Post is all about being in the moment. After Here and Now: Part One, and having introduced you to the Gift of the Four Treasures earlier this month, today in another over my shoulder video, Here and Now: Part Two continues to be very much in the moment as the painting from Part One begins to appear thanks to those beautiful treasures.
over my shoulder VII – Here and Now
thechangingpalette 