Constance Hobbs Photography Blog

Monday, February 8, 2010

At bottom every man knows well enough that he is a unique being, only once on this earth; and by no extraordinary chance will such a marvelously picturesque piece of diversity in unity as he is, ever be put together a second time.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Monday, February 1, 2010

F-Stop Magazine

My two images above are currently being featured in F-Stop online photography magazine. I am excited to be amongst such a wonderful group of photographers. The theme of the show is "Away From Here". Expressing and interpreting various modes of escapism, whether psychological or physical. I hope you'll stop by for a visit.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Center for fine Art Photography

My image above "Cowboy" was selected for exhibition at The Center for Fine Art Photography in Colorado. The exhibiton is curated by Rich Clarkson. A renowned American photographer, Mr. Clarkson was named by American Photo magazine as one of the 50 most influential individuals in American photography. I am pleased and proud to be exhibiting alongside the other photographers chosen for this exhibit. The exhibition runs from March 19th to April 17th. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Winter Thoughts

"Like the leaves that fall from a tree, all things are impermanent, nothing endures; there is always change and death. Have you ever noticed a tree naked against the sky, how beautiful it is? All its branches are outlined, and in its nakedness there is a poem, there is a song. Every leaf is gone and it is waiting for the spring. When the spring comes it again fills the tree with the music of many leaves, which in due season fall and are blown away; and that is the way of life."

J. Krishnamurti

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The French Alps

I drove to Ikea today. Its located in a town called Aubonne about 20 to 30 minutes outside of Geneva. Its a beautiful ride along the lake or you can take the auto route which is faster. The view across the lake is to the French Alps and it is breath taking. I only had my point and shoot camera with me so these two photos don't really capture the sheer majesty of the Alps. Imagine the people who have this view on a daily basis. It's one of the most spectacular views in the whole world.

Helping Haiti

Haiti is devastated and some wonderful photographers have gotten together to try and raise as much money as possible in order to help. Please buy a print and find out more info here.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Wonderful Switzerland

I took a ride along the Lake here in Geneva to a lovely town called Crissier. Absolutely charming village. As charming as my daughter whose birthday it is today. Happy Birthday Alexandra.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

How We See

What is it that white flowers remind you of? Is it gentility, fragility, purity, femininity, vulnerability, beauty, or freshness? We all have associations with things in our environment. The interesting thing is that we have different associations. I find that fascinating. Like this flower above, if I asked 10 people what it made them think of, or what was their emotional response, I'm sure I would get 10 different reactions. And so it goes with art and photography. People view our work differently. Haven't you noticed that the art pieces you like are not the same pieces that get the biggest response from others? Curious, isn't it?

I am continually stunned by the power and strength of our early experiences on the rest of our lives. I feel that's what comes into play frequently when viewing art. No matter how professional one is, for example a curator, or how open minded, we all have preferences. These preferences are formed early and altered little as life marches on. Buddhists say, if we live a conscious life, we can be free of those influences. That's wonderful, but if you are like me I often go on auto pilot which is when these influences frequently rear their head. Now, some people are comfy with their preferences, others wish they could have a lobotomy, and some try or are successful at being open minded and uninfluenced. Oh yes, and then there are those that are completely ignorant that such a thing exists.

My sister always said "there's a Jack for every Jill". Now I know this seems unrelated, but I don't think it is. In the same vain there is a market for every artist. Let's face it. Some people will love your work, others will be neutral and still others will hate it. It's important to remember that these folks, as well as art professionals, have their preferences and don't view or choose work completely freely. As an artist there are so many rejections and hills to climb its important to keep this in mind. My father used to say "there's room for everybody in life". This includes artists too! Good luck to everyone for this new year. I wish everyone success, however you define it.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Winter Blues

It's that time of year when the holidays are over, the kids are back at school, and winter has settled in. When fortunate souls are able to get away for sun and fun in the tropics. I understand why so many of us become depressed and disillusioned as we battle against the cold. Its the lack of light, for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, and the parties are over from the holidays. Bummer.

It's time to face all those new year resolutions we've made. Will we manage to keep our commitments to ourselves? Why does this seem so hard? Is it because we have become accustomed to our routines and human beings resist change? We like to stay at our present comfort level. Play it safe. We must be willing to feel uncomfortable for a time in order for things to change. If not, all will remain the same. If we want things to be different, we have to be different. Start with your head and your thoughts. What are you focusing on everyday? What is the running mantra or recurring theme played over and over. Start there, become aware of your thoughts, you might be surprised what you'll find.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Kaleidoscope Quilt

I know what your thinking. It can't possibly be a photograph, but it is. I call these digital flips. They are part of my kaleidoscope series. This image started with the photograph of a leaf. Then I turned it into a cyanotype and photoshoped the rest. I love quilts and quilting. I've made quite a few in my time. I also used quilting as a technique in my clothing design.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

The Life Force

There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.

~ Martha Graham ~

Saturday, January 2, 2010

The End of 2009

The year 2009 is now down the drain, over, finished, completed, perhaps happily deleted for some of us. What a year! Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, Michael Jackson died, there was swine flu hysteria, the recession from hell, and Pepsi changed it's logo, just to name a few. So here we are. At the cross roads of a new year. 2010 Twenty ten! Wow, what a number! This is the time of year when most people take stock of where they have been and where they want to go. Or who they are and who they'd like to be. Self improvement. People courageously go forward with a list of New Year resolutions that statistically are dropped within the first 3 months of the new year. I don't mean to be a scrooge but perhaps there is a better way.

I think we all make choices and decisions for reasons either conscious or unconscious. We are either aware or ignorant of our motives. It's Okay no matter what. We do the best we can. We are human and mistakes are inherent in the animal. To get down on ourselves because we aren't where we want to be, especially creatively, I don't feel is productive. Some people feel that they can not get things accomplished if they are not hard on themselves. I know this route because I have traveled it myself. I have found I create a much more pleasant atmosphere for myself and my family when I am kind to me. I congratulate myself for things well done and note the things I consider possibly problematic. I, like many other courageous souls will take stock, adjust my goals and go forward by just showing up with a happy attitude for my job, my work, my life. So much of accomplishing anything in life is practice and just plain sticking to it. Work it through. Artists, writers, dancers etc, all creative people sometimes have to just show up and work it through. So whether you are just where you want to be creatively or struggling remember, you are not alone and when you're down you can only go up.

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone. I'm a little under the weather at present and not feeling well enough to post my thoughts on the years end. I'll be up and running soon. Stay in touch.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

A very Merry Christmas and the happiest of Holidays to all. I wish all my family, friends and readers of my blog a joyful holiday season!!!

Joyeux Noel de Geneve

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas Madness

I have always admired people who shop for Christmas all year round. It's such a civilized way to approach the commercial end of the holidays. It allows one to choose gifts with time and thoughtfulness. If you find yourself, as I often do running around at the last minute, it takes away from the joy of being with family and friends without fatigue. My problem is I can't seem to get into the holiday spirit until the weather turns cold and the date draws near. It's similar to people who shop early for the seasonal change of clothes. I never could manage that one either, which is very funny since I was in the fashion business which runs way ahead of everyone else season wise. How do people manage holiday shopping in warm climates? I suppose its what one is used to. I'd probably be a disaster. Well, then again, maybe not!

The image above and the image below were taken at Rockefeller Center with the tree, the flags and the wind whipping everything about. New York is such a wonderful place to be for the holidays. We won't make it there this year. I wish everyone much success with their Christmas Holiday shopping. It's champagne and family in Switzerland for us tonight. Bon appetit!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Tis the Season

The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.

Paul Strand

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Florida Dreaming

Last night we had a lovely evening with friends old and new. It has been snowing here in Geneva for several days now and is quite cold. The lake creates dampness in the air so the cold can be especially piercing. The conversation over dinner found itself gravitating towards warmer climates and to Florida. As many people are flocking away from Florida, due to the financial crisis, there also exits many that find its warm climate, easy going lifestyle and abundant good restaurants hard to beat. So, I offer up these images of Florida from our recent visits to warm every one's hearts while its cold outside. These are for you David!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Swiss Cookie

Yum. Yum. I hope everyone is finding some time for peace and quiet during the insanity and joy of the holiday season.

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Water Color on Paper

A friend of mine asked me to put up these water colors. I did them in 2008 in the winter when I was probably thinking of spring. My friend and I were discussing how when you feel stuck in any medium its good to switch gears and play around with something else. I really enjoy doing small works of art on paper or small canvases. It allows me to work on several at one time easily. I have always enjoyed doing things with my hands. I suppose that's why I enjoyed working with clothing. When I was designing clothing I utilized a lot of artistic techniques including applique, patchwork, embroidery, lace, beadwork and transfers. I think the important thing is not to be serious at all when you switch gears. Totally experiment. Use colors you don't like, brushes you've never used before, odd surfaces, you get the idea.

Friday, December 11, 2009

European Pastry

One of the pitfalls, or not, of living in Europe is the constant availability of delicious pastries. Not only pastries but chocolate too! I'm grateful that I am not a chocoholic. That would be a disaster. The variety and quality of both are amazing here. The pastries above are from our little, local, modest pastry shop. I never read the book "Why French Women Don't Get Fat" but I have my own theories about that. Europeans are by and large very slim. One of the major reasons for this is that they do not over consume. They are reasonable about food. They eat fresh food including lots of fruit and vegetables. Snack foods, like chips etc., are very expensive here and consumed rarely. When you go to a restaurant the portions are small compared to American portions. You might call American portions generous, or perhaps grotesque, depending on your point of view. I like to think of them as generous. The important thing to remember is that you don't have to finish everything on your plate no matter where you live.

Geneva is part of French culture. So, living here is almost like living in France. Of course the Swiss won't agree with that, but its largely true. Geneva is surrounded by France. The border is minutes away. So while Americans are having cocktails and munchies the French are having coffee. They do not have a cocktail hour, that is an American invention. They do not drink wine until they eat, which is better for you, and they do not over consume the wine as well. The food here is not as pumped up with pesticides and other chemicals as it is in the States. That is because the food simply does not have to travel the long distances it does in the States. So the Europeans eat lots of pastries "sensibly" and remain slim.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Geneva Switzerland

I thought I would treat everyone to images of Geneva.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Blue Exhibition

My photo above, Meditation #06, was chosen for the exhibition Blue at The Photo Place Gallery in Vermont. The show was curated by Aline Smithson, a very talented photographer in her own right. There is a catalogue of the show that can be purchased for $20.00 from Blurb books at the following link: Click Here to Order from Blurb Books.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

More Snow on the Jura Mountains

We arrived back in Geneva this morning from Florida. We went from beautiful white sand beaches to snow covered mountains. From 80 degrees F. to 32 degrees F. I'm exhausted and totally jet lagged so I'll be brief. This was the view from our flat when we arrived this morning.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Longboat Key, Sarasota Florida

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Florida

I'm enjoying our last few days in Florida. We are in Sarasota and the weather is mixed. It's warm, 80 degrees F., but it has turned windy and cloudy. The Gulf of Mexico has some substantial waves which I found surprising. On the local news they have a count down to the last days of the hurricane season. It begins June 1st and ends November 30th. Sarasota is a big town. Population about 370,000 in total, but probably 50 to 100,00 in the city proper. There is a lot going on in the arts. Ringling College of the Arts is located here. The Ringling circus family have contributed quite a bit to the cultural life of Sarasota. This is the first time I will spend Thanksgiving in a warm climate. I would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Traveling

Traveling abroad but will be back soon, stay in touch.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Color Color Color

I guess we all know how much I love color. This image is made originally from clouds. Playing with the colors and finally combining two images together.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Expectations

Expectations, we all have them and what are they exactly? We have expectations that are part of our rearing and home environment. Basically the expectations of the family at large. Then we have expectations that we acquire as we experience life, and the ones that we think we should have and hope to or want to acquire. Now, how does this effect us?

I wonder if what we receive in life is equal to our expectations? What we expect we get. Can we live life without any at all? I'm sure Buddhists think we can. Having realistic or unrealistic expectations can effect us enormously. If you have unrealistic expectations you set yourself up for lots of disappointment and pain. By contrast, if you have realistic expectations you gain confidence and self assurance by accomplishing what you expect to. How do we differentiate between what's realistic and unrealistic? Between expectations that are our own and the ones that are not?

I suppose by knowing ourselves intimately. Taking a hard look at what is really possible for us. But that might mean placing limitations on ourselves where none exist. We may think or feel that some things are beyond our reach and this may not be true. I think there is nothing worse then imposing limitations on people. Life can be magical and wonderful things can happen if you are open to them. Perhaps its necessary to think, believe and have faith in possibility. Isn't possibility a wonderful word?! It's origins are Latin and pertain to ability. Possibility is extraordinary, mysterious and implies potential. I think if we have the expectation of things being possible, then it is probable, that wonderful things will happen to us in this life.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Snow on the Jura Mountains

We woke this morning to snow on the Jura Mountains. Winter is imminent now. Geneva is surrounded by mountains. You have the Alps on one side and the lower Jura mountains on the other. The Jura lie mostly in Switzerland but a good part of the western sector lies in France. The mountains above are the view from my flat here in Geneva but they actually are in France. The highest peaks of the Jura are in the south, in the Geneva area and include Cret de la Neige at 5,636 feet and Le Reculet at 5,633 feet, both in France. If you are a skiier Geneva is a wonderful place to live. In a half hour to 45 minutes you can find yourself in an ideal place to have a run. I remember the first time we drove up a local mountain side and just pulled the car over to the side of the road, parked and took the lift right up. No fuss, no lines, pure joy, amazing. Especially wonderful if you have small kids. So easy.

It's that time of year when I promise myself to do "winter projects". I always imagine extra time to do things not yet done. You know, all those either personal or artistic ideas that have been floating around in your brain. Yet somehow it remains elusive to me. Each year I'm just as busy as I always am. I think one should try to make space all year long for experimentation and personal projects. Experimentation and personal projects are fun, and after all, we all need fun!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Two Pears

Two pears just before we ate them.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Autumn in Geneva

We have been so fortunate with the weather here in Geneva, but today it has decided to change. I was walking in the park and I remembered something Joseph Campbell had said in an interview I had seen. He said, "I have such enormous admiration for mothers". He considered motherhood an incredible sacrifice. When my children were small, life was usually hectic and busy. I didn't have the luxury of contemplating "my sacrifice" if indeed I thought I was making one. Now that the girls are in college and I have more time for reflection, I am able to see bits and pieces of sacrifice emerging. I'm not sure where I will go with this, but explore it I will.

When we lived in downtown Manhattan I remember other artist friends who wouldn't dream of having a child because it would take away from their art. They were absolutely correct, it would. Other artist friends had only one child. They felt it gave them more free time and flexibility, as a couple with a child and not as a family per se. I will admit there is a big change going from having one child to having two. Women have a complex life to lead as wives, mothers, sisters and lovers. So much to juggle, to do, to be. I'm like Joseph Campbell. I admire women. Being a good mother is such a wonderful, difficult and consuming job. If a women is able to achieve more than that, they are super women to me.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Creativity

"Creativity always requires taking a chance on one's self...and moving ahead despite self-doubts, discouragement, and anxiety."

Stephen Diamond

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Center de la photographie Geneve

Katja Glass

The Photography Center in Geneva, Centre de la photographie, had an interesting exhibit which I visited recently. I particularly liked the work of Katja Glass. It got me thinking about self image. Have you ever stopped to consider what self image really means? It's an image, a picture, a snap shot in your head of who you are, right? It's a concept really. Something made up. We think in images. An accumulation of images defining who you are. Now how can you be a concept or an image? Can we conceptualize ourselves? We are a living, breathing, changing, moving human being, in the flow of life. An image, a photo, a picture, is static. We are not static. We are constantly in motion. Cells dividing, mutating, dying and being born a new.

Bianca Dugaro

Psychoanalysts say we're supposed to have a good self image in order to be happy. Is that really true? I'm certainly no expert in this area, I'm just a human being questioning these things. I do feel this can be very confusing for most of us. Imagine all these different labels and images vying for your attention. An accumulation of things people have said about you, experiences you've had, insults, praise, parental expectations, all things good and bad. The list goes on and on. Which one of these images is the real you? Maybe none. Which image you select probably reflects your current mood and who you've recently spent time with. Can we choose and select who we are? Pick an image and live up to it. Or are we always in a process of growing, becoming or simply being?

Sophie Brasey

We seem to be so easily influenced as human beings. We either respond to flattery or insults rather quickly.

Now, what if we were to drop all these images? What is there then? Nothing? The real you perhaps? Freedom? Maybe its a relief to drop all these stories in our heads. Plus, its hard to live up to some images. Imagine the effort put forth to keep up an image of something you really are not. What a burden. Or images of failure and success? I say images are a burden and of little value. You are a success because you were born and are alive. You are part of this miracle called life. The greatest mystery of all mysteries. You are much more grand than any image created by yourself or another.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A Birthday Wish

Today is my older brothers birthday. I can't imagine my life without him. In fact, I can't imagine my life without any of my siblings. I have sometimes considered what life would have been like as an only child. So much attention, peace and quiet and no competition for ones parents attention and affection. That sounds pretty good. If I had been an only child though, I would have missed out on all the camaraderie, love, and affection that exists between brothers and sisters. The noise, the chaos, the competition and all the rough and tumble were very stimulating and instructive. Life can sometimes be a lonely place and I am a lucky lady to have so many wonderful siblings.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Winter Ahead

The trees are losing their leaves in Geneva. Winter is ahead.

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Time

I was thinking about the earth rotating around the sun. Isn't this our concept of time, day and night? How long it takes us to sling shot around the sun with the momentum from the Big Bang. The Big Bang occurred some 13.7 billion years ago. This sequence of events following each other, day after day and night after night, is what we call time. What would happen if the earth got tired just a tad and slowed down just a tad? Well, never mind, let's not think about that.

Our concept of time then, is nothing more then a constant rotation around the sun. So is there really any time at all besides that? Can we define it as a specific event or a thing? It seems to me we are in constant motion spinning, whirling, rotating and going no where.

What about the past? What happened to all that millennia of time that's gone by? The history of all that has happened since the Big Bang. Is there some vast reservoir that holds the past? Or is that reservoir only in our minds? If it exists in our minds, it must take up a lot of space. What's the value of carrying around this reservoir? Particular knowledge of where we live and so forth is important, but what about the rest? Tons of useless experiences of hurts or pleasantries that may be propelling us forward, hurling us along on a trajectory that may be false.

Has our past already become ashes, useless debris in the brain taking up space? If so, what can we do about it? I have experimented with this and it isn't easy. When you try to live without your past you are trying to live without your own identity. Who you "think" you are. But that's really just a story, isn't it? A certain sequence of events and experiences that no longer exist and makes up who we think we are. Are you and I merely a sequence of events? Experiences that have already turned to ashes? At first its scary to experiment with this but as time goes on it becomes a fun game. Its very challenging.

Scientists believe that we use only a small portion of our brains. Is it because the past, time, takes up so much space? It's like a room filled with old furniture. You have to move out all the old furniture to give space for new possibilities. I like what quantum physicists call human beings. Bubbling bits of energy and possibility. Totally cool. Totally awesome.

Now, there might have been time before the Big Bang. Scientists really don't know for sure. The Big Bang is a theory supported by some good evidence, but a theory non-the-less. Our concept of time is very small, day, night, and what we perceive as a sequence of events. It's our small world. A concept of time as everything or nothing is huge. Or the idea that the Universe is limited or limitless. It's fun to try to imagine a limitless universe. I do like one concept of time though. To tell time by the beat of ones own heart, now that's lovely.

Trust

Trust is something hard to come by even in ones own family. Why is that? Why is there such a lack of trust amongst human beings? When do we begin to trust? Or, what gives us an opportunity for trust to grow? I've heard people say that without trust there is no real relationship. I'm not sure I have the answers to the earlier questions, but I do think trust begins inside oneself. One must trust and have a sense of belief in oneself first. How many times as artists do we mistrust the value of what we are doing artistically? Frequently. How many times do we have an idea, think of a great contact, want to connect with another artist only to back track and lose our enthusiasm with a lack of trust in ourselves? A lack of self assurance. I think women may suffer from this malady more then men.

The only way I know to increase our sense of trust is literally to catch ourselves in the myst of non-trust either with ourselves or with another. This means becoming more conscious of what we are doing every day. What we are thinking and feeling. Trust can grow within ourselves or within our relationships to others. Trusting first is a way of extending a hand. Others may be capable of responding or not, but if we are conscious we ought to be able to tell the difference. Some successful artists are not necessarily the most talented, but they are the ones who trust themselves to make it in some facet of the art world. So, as an artist, trust in oneself is a feeling not to be under estimated in its importance.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

An Authentic Life

Is there a fine line or subtle difference between happiness and unhappiness? I think there is. I'm not referring to obvious reactions to stimuli that create deep despair or extreme joy. I'm referring to everyday happiness or unhappiness. As human beings we adapt and become used to things as they are. We form habits and routines and there is a certain comfort in that. Is contentment happiness? I suppose it could be or is part of happiness.

I sometimes think what a nightmare it would be to wake at 60 or 70 years old only to realize that one has lead someone else's life. As a woman, I find my life has been very influenced by my husband and my family. Motherhood also places or imposes restrictions upon us. I want to live an authentic life. One that is uniquely mine and belongs to me. Not a life that has my husband or families stamp of approval upon it. I think its a good idea to ponder the question of happiness, unhappiness, habit, routine and influence. You can throw in authority too. Who is your authority outside yourself and inside yourself. How did it get there? One form of authority is that little bird in your head distinguishing between right and wrong and that big bundle of "shoulds". Are those "shoulds" really yours or very subtly someone else's?

I realize one has to follow ones bliss inside the framework of everyday life. One has to balance the two. A good life or a life well lived, becomes then, a work of art. Perhaps the most important work of art.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Autumn in Geneva

I'm in Geneva Switzerland now. The leaves are turning colors and carelessly tumbling and falling to the ground. I've always enjoyed watching the leaves fall from the trees and toss about in the wind. They twist, twirl and dance about and when the sunlight catches them they turn a brilliant hue. I especially like the sweeping blanket of color they leave behind on the ground. Color. What vitality!

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Colorful Florida

I was having dinner one evening in a restaurant in Florida. There was a very boisterous foursome next to us and I overheard a couple say "don't speak ill of the dead." It seemed such a funny thing to say since I don't think the dead really care what you say about them. More importantly I think one should say "don't speak ill of the living". Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if everyone were more kind, generous and forgiving towards one another? Too Utopian you say? Boring you think? I think its important to speak your mind and when necessary to stand up for oneself when trespassed upon, but it seems to me modern man is very demanding and unforgiving. Who sets these standards, rules and regulations for the masses?

Our psyche's are bombarded daily with bits and pieces of information that come to us from myriad sources. Information overload. Is our idea of the way life is supposed to be created for us or do we form our world through our own desires, morality and ethics? What is contemporary culture and society? Who forms your thinking? Are you really free to form your own concept of the way it should be? Or is your world dictated to you without you questioning it? How many of us really stop to think about all this "stuff" coming at us.

Believe me, a smile and a kind word go a long way towards converting people over to your side rather than criticism. People criticize, speak ill and alienate because they are afraid. It makes them feel better about themselves, justified in their actions (I'm right, their wrong, ) and it also pushes people away as a means to protect oneself. Generally people are comforted by sameness. Diversity makes people think and become uncomfortable. It makes people question their own way of doing things, heaven forbid. Perhaps there are other more productive happier ways to live and to be. We can learn from one another but not through criticism and exclusion but with warmth, acceptance, love and even tenderness. I think all human beings crave love, respect and reassurance. So next time someone says to you, don't speak ill of the dead, say, okay, no problem, but lets also not speak ill of the living either.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Florida

After getting one daughter squared away at college in Massachusetts we were off to Florida to check on our other daughter who recently transferred there. Florida is hot, very hot in September. People say June, July and August are very hot in Florida, well, you can add September to that list. I had never been to the gulf coast before and I really enjoyed it. We flew to Tampa and drove directly to Sarasota. It was a beautiful sunset drive along the water as seen in the photo above. Sarasota is a city by the sea. It's a combination of high rise buildings, small shops, galleries and restaurants. A very charming place. There are several keys or islands directly off the coast of Sarasota with lovely beaches. The gulf coast beaches are flat, shallow for quite a distance and the water is warm. Siesta key is a younger, funkier place, with a lively rock' n 'roll night life. While Lido key is more groomed, subdued and upscale. Both have a lot to enjoy. I almost forgot to mention about the sand on Siesta key. It's so white and soft, that no matter how hot the sun, your feet never burn.

We left Sarasota and drove across Alligator Alley to the east coast. Now mind you, I did think I was going to see big alligators or crocks sunning themselves in the marshes along the way. Well, not a one. Still, I wouldn't have wanted a car break-down, especially at night. I should mention that the marshes are fenced off the entire way. Some Floridians say one should be careful making the crossing at night. We made it to Delray, a beautiful little resort town that extends west from the Atlantic Ocean. We explored the area from Lighthouse point to Hobe Sound. It's all very nice. A colorful mix of private homes, condos, seasonal apartments and hotels.

Of course we did all this off season. People informed us that the population swells in season to approximately triple its size. The peak season runs from just after Christmas until March, but the "snow birds" as they're called, start to arrive as early as November and stay until April. It rained hardly at all and when it did it was usually at night. We were lucky. One major draw back was the environmental issues concerning the sea. It seems that between serious jelly fish, sea lice, and other maritime phenomena, the sea is off limits a good deal of the time. That's not good. I also heard tales of Burmese boa constrictors in the everglades and deadly fish from the south pacific in-crouching on Florida waters. When aquarium fish become too big people and some shop keepers throw them into the sea. These animals are introduced into environments in which they do not belong upsetting the delicate eco systems. People should be made more aware of the danger of their actions.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Going South

We're off to Florida. It might be difficult to keep up with my blog for a few weeks. But I'll be back. Before we head down South we're off to Massachusetts to install my daughter in college. So, see you soon and a bientot.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

The Abundant Garden

I'm always so surprised how relatively easy it is to grow vegetables. Nature has repeatedly returned my efforts with substantial abundance. I remember years ago I met an elderly gardener who told me it wasn't necessary to prepare the entire garden bed of soil, just the area around the planting itself. He told me to take some lime and fertilizer, mix it together, prepare a hole, sprinkle in the mixture, drop in your plant or seed, and voila! The lime sweetens the soil, and we all know what the fertilizer does. With these modest instructions I began to garden. I had such success I couldn't believe it.

My first garden had quite a bit of sand in the soil which I found out is great for tomatoes and other vegetables as well. So, with very little knowledge I began to garden. The tomatoes above are a harvest from my most recent garden. Nature is so abundant, it's hard to fail as a gardener. Over the years I have discovered there are two secret ingredients to successful gardening that people rarely talk about, love and care. You have to spend time nurturing and caring for your garden or you won't have success. Isn't the garden really a metaphor for life? Take parenting as an example. You must love, care, respect, nurture, pay attention and give your time to your children in order to be a successful parent. Basically, what you put in is what you get out. I guess we could say the same for all relationship. The earth is bountiful. If we look out at the natural world we see vast oceans, the expansive sky, the infinity of stars and space and we realize we live in an abundant universe. Prosperity is our birthright. Just as the earth supports the growth of the garden with love and care it supports us and cares for our growth as human beings.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Sheer Joy and Positive Expectation

This photograph of my nephew Parker contemplating the abyss of the Atlantic Ocean in Southampton on Long Island, really brings home to me what we face in our daily lives. I remember as a child, every summer, looking out with substantial fear at the awesome waves crashing along the Long Island shore. I was tempted to carelessly dive in with the expectation of total exhilaration, joy, and the wonderful experience of riding a wave successfully to shore. One could risk total annihilation with this carefree, adventurous decision. One false move, especially if the ocean was rough and the currents strong and you might find yourself seriously injured or worse, drowned. One only has to tousle with the enormous power of nature to understand the prospect of total destruction. So many times I missed that perfect moment of harmony with the ocean and experienced it's tremendous strength with the smashing of my scull against the sand and my desperate gasps for air as my tiny body was splish-splashed about over and over again. Not something to look forward to I can assure you.

Isn't daily life somewhat similar? As an artist don't we sometimes wake to the feeling of contemplating the abyss? Wondering if we will catch the perfect wave and successfully make it to shore? Or will we lack such harmony, tousle with the waves and become disoriented by the power of the ocean, the flow of life. The reason I like this photo so much is that it reminds me of my childhood bravado. Risk taking with out too much thought and knowledge of what might happen. This is what we need as artists. To stand in front of what we hope to achieve with childlike innocence. Not with the adult knowledge of every possible problem that might arise, but with childhood simplicity and sheer joy. With the positive expectation of happiness and success.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Why do we compare?

I was considering why comparison is such a knee-jerk reaction for most people. I have a teenage daughter whose stories are filled with young girls who compare and compete rather than cooperate. That kind of comparison and competition brings with it enmity, aggression, gossip, and definitely not love and affection. Comparison breeds conflict. American society is a competitive society. We thrive on it. Don't get me wrong, growing up the middle child of 5, I experienced my share of competition. Competition feeds the ego, whether positive or negative, while cooperation feeds the heart and soul. Perhaps both are important in this life. Yet competition fosters stepping on or over another. It's a shutting down, selfish process, implying me first you second. Not a helping, cooperative process. Many people feel that man could not have created all that he has without competition. I'm not so sure that's true and isn't our present society corrupt in many ways? Just look at the Bernie Madoffs and wall street "greed-aholics". (Of course everyone on wall street isn't a greedy monster.)

As an artist, what is to be gained by comparing your art to another's? Nothing, is my estimation. When you are comparing artistic work side by side are we truly seeing either work? Are we understanding either work? Has our society become so ruled by the head, the intellect and not by the heart that it has become so difficult for people to forgive, cooperate and love one another? Some artists reach out and help one another. That's a beautiful thing. They understand just how difficult it is to work alone and to try to get the work out. To feel inspired by another artists work is a wonderful experience. To have your passion stirred, to see something, grow and understand something new. Each artist is unique and has a unique story to tell. So, I think its important to put away the intellect and competition in order to create something of true value. Sometimes when I'm considering the contemporary art market and famous artists, it seems to me the intellect, a formula, packaging, manipulation, self promotion and a star formula prevail. It's a business after all and there are rules to follow. If you want to be recognized or famous there's a game to play and contacts to be made. The catch here is that most artists find this the antithesis of what they want to pursue. Ah, the dilemma of being a fine artist. I wish us all Good luck!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Vote for my Book

I entered my book Meditations, as seen on the right, for the photography now book contest at Blurb. If anyone has the time or interest it would be great if you could vote for it here.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Leaving Europe

Last night we had dinner with friends in the old town of Geneva. We sat out under the stars drinking white wine and discussing ideal places to live all over the world. It's a kind of game which is a lot of fun. You can learn wonderful facts and opinions about exotic places you haven't traveled to as yet. Our friends ideal place to live is South Africa and ours is yet to be determined. After dinner we took a few spins on the ferris wheel which is situated behind the Russian church in the old town. Its temporary and will be removed at the end of October so we were lucky for the ride. Tomorrow we leave for the States. I'm sorry to go but I look forward to seeing my children. Au revoir mes amis, et a' bientot.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Being Alive

I was walking down avenue de Champel in Geneva, on my way to the grocery store, when suddenly I became completely aware of being alive. What a wondrous, marvelous, fascinating experience simply to live, to exist. I was pondering the miracle of life itself. The state of being aware, of being awake. I was considering all the amazing things human being have accomplished. In the arts, music, architecture, flying machines and the list goes on. The possibilities for human beings are enormous compared to other species. My father used to say, "life is everything because the alternative is pretty scary". I sometimes think about that, but I don't know that there is much point in contemplating death, especially since we don't know what it is. No one alive truly knows. We don't know if its scary either. So why spend any precious life moments on it. It will simply come one day and I guess we will finally find out what its all about. Until then, lets see what we can accomplish and enjoy the wonder of being alive.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Ahhh July

July is usually the best summer month in the north east of the US. It's a month that represents hot days, blue skies, cumulus clouds, back yard barbecues, pool parties, beach parties and ocean swims. What could be better. I took the photo above last July just before I plunged under a wave. I'm in Switzerland now and as beautiful as it is here there is no ocean. There are beautiful lakes and fabulous mountains, but no ocean for a dip. I'll be returning to New York in one weeks time and as soon as I can I will be at the ocean.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Hydrangea's

The Hydrangea plant is one of my favorite flowering shrubs and blooms from early spring until late fall. If you travel to any summer resort in the north east of the Us they are usually very abundant. They remind me of summer cottages, sea air, pounding surf and tons of fun. They are surprisingly abundant in Switzerland as well. In Geneva, which is French speaking, they are known as Hortensia. Its quite an amazing flower. In most species the flower heads or balls are white but can run the gamut from pastel to brilliant pink, blue, burgundy, green, yellow and purple. The color depends upon the acidity in the soil. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, neutral soils produce pale, creamy colors and alkaline soils result in pink and purple. You can control the colors by more or less acid in your soil, particularly the presence of aluminum ions. Hydrangeas can grow to very large sizes and live a long time and in the fall they naturally dry and you can bring them indoors for a dried arrangement. If you plant a bush you will be adequately rewarded with very little fuss.

Friday, July 10, 2009

The Rhone and the Rhine Rivers

My husband and I were strolling along the Lake of Geneva, better known as Lac Leman here. It is the second largest fresh water lake in Europe and is known for its turbulent currents. The lake has its source in the Swiss Alps, the Rhone Glacier in Valais, at an altitude of 7,100 feet. Its crescent shape was carved as a glacier receded. My husband made the smallest remark which impressed me. He said, "in a few days this water will be in Camargue." I thought about all the many people who must have traveled this river for centuries, just as we travel on a highway today. This was a route to the south of France. The river is wide and beautiful in Avignon in the South of France where Roman life is still quite evident. In Arles Van Gogh painted along its shores and there are beautiful Roman ruins visible there today. Finally the river empties into the Mediterranean Sea. The Rhine River, another very important European river, also has its source in the Swiss Alps. It empties into Lake Constance, my name sake, which lies in the northern alpine region and borders Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The Rhine continues from Lake Constance through Germany, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and finally empties into the North sea. The many castles and prehistoric fortifications that line its shores testify to its importance as a waterway. Two very remarkable rivers, both with their source in the Swiss Alps, carrying along with their currents ancient stories of lives and loves won and lost.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Fourth of July

Today is our American Fourth of July celebration. The American International club here in Geneva hosts a night of entertainment and fun. The highlight, of course, are the fire works. So, you are wondering, what in the world do orange bears have to do with anything? I found these bears in front of an art gallery in Paris on the boulevard St. Germaine. They certainly have nothing to do with our Fourth of July but you have to admit they are pretty funny and the color is reminiscent of fireworks. I wish all my American family and friends a very happy Fourth.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Living Life

There are so many ways to live a life. This thought frequently recurs when I travel. Our planet is so vast containing so many different cultures, customs, and traditions. I imagine all the millions, upon millions of people with their personal stories and saga's. Each individual connected to their family and friends with tales of triumph and defeat, gain and loss. It's like an intricate cob web of energetic connections whether positive or negative. I wonder about the number of people we can actually touch or get to know in our life time. It's really relatively few. If you like making connections I suppose a life in politics, religion, or entertainment would be a good start.

So what would you choose for your life if you were completely free to do so? Would you choose a remote island life, a big city life, small town life, an adventurous life? No matter what life style one chooses, as human beings we have certain limitations. We are bound by our basic need for food, clothing, shelter and safety. As a result, we will always have some sort of routine. If you become a mother you cannot escape routine. Children bind you to routine whether you enjoy it or find it maddening. What kind of life style or routine appeals most to you? There are always rewards and sacrifices, positives and negatives in whatever we choose. If you travel to a small mountain village here in Switzerland, you will find people content to live out their entire lives in that town or hamlet, with the same routines their parents and grandparents had. I find that amazing. This is our one and only human life here on this planet, (as far as we know). I say, don't play it safe, be conscious of who you are, muster up the courage and follow your heart.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Leaving Paris

I left Paris reluctantly. There was so much to do, to see and simply not enough time to accomplish it all. I'm hoping to get back there before I return to New York. I'm in Switzerland now and the weather is lovely. I'll leave you with a view of the sunset from my flat.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Musee d'Orsay

The musee d'Orsay is not to be missed on any one's trip to Paris. The museum has been converted and restored from an old railway station and retains much of it's original architecture. It is situated on the left bank just across the Seine river from the Louvre and the Jardin Des Tuileries. If you are a fan of Impressionist paintings, this museum contains one of the finest collections in the world. You will find works by Manet, Monet, Van Gogh, Pissarro, Cezanne, Corot, Degas, Gauguin, Renoir, Sisley and the list goes on and on. I was thinking of Van Gogh's life as I looked upon the painting he made of his small room in Arles, France, "La Chambre de Van Gogh a Arles", painted in 1889. I really respond to that piece, the color and energy are incredible. We've been taught that he led a tortured life and maybe that's true. But he had a passion for his work and that is tremendous reward in and of itself. Anyone looking at his work knows that this is true.

Art is not created for recognition and success. It is created for itself. If recognition, money and success come, so much the better, but it isn't the goal. It does seem incredible that he was never recognized in his own time. His paintings have sold for some of the highest prices ever in the art market today. I wonder if he knows? Is he sitting at some cafe in the universe having a good laugh at all those who tortured him, misunderstood him and ridiculed him? I would love to think so. Many artists have all the same struggles today. Families that don't understand or support them. A market place that has no use for their work, and the difficulty of making ends meet. As an artist it's so hard to stick to your dream as practical realities present themselves endlessly. This is the usefulness of success, supporting yourself from your art, every artists dream.

Monday, June 15, 2009

L'amour

On my first day in Paris love was in the air. This is not an unusual event here. Everywhere couples show affection for each other without restraint. What is it about the French culture that inspires such intimacy? You find it in the young, the old and everyone in-between. There is something gentle about Paris. You can see it in the streets and hear it in their language, which is spoken gently, softly and politely.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Paris, France

I'm leaving for Paris tomorrow. I will be attending the Paris Air Show and experiencing other wonderful things French. After Paris I will be moving on to Switzerland. I will do my best to keep up my posts and communicate my experiences while traveling abroad.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Stepping Out

Aren't we all afraid of stepping out? Leaving behind what we know, what is familiar and what is comfortable? To genuinely take risk? As an artist-photographer or any creative soul, if you want to make progress in the fine art community, you will eventually have to step away from your studio, your computer or your routine. Most artists are sensitive, intelligent, self-questioning human beings, which often makes this process more difficult and frightening. I think our biology works against "stepping out" as well. Biologically we have survived as we are, as we've been, we are a success because we are alive. So our programming seeks stability, balance and the status quo. We all know those exceptional few who are completely confident in everything that they do. I often wonder what makes for such self confidence? Is it that they were very loved and cared for as a child or the opposite, some form of compensation for being unloved and cared for? Either way, I lack such enormous self confidence in my work. But, I have found, that when one ventures out from the habitat one has made for oneself, life has an astonishing way of taking care of you. Life carries you where it will because you have become part of it. It is no longer you taking care all by yourself, you have the powerful support of life itself.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Ordinary Life

Ordinary life, everyday things that need to get done, can be so demanding on one's time. I have often marveled at people who thrive on routine, living with certainty about their days, weeks and months ahead. By contrast, I have friends who practically destroy their lives in an effort to avoid anything that resembles routine and boredom. Then there are the rest of us, striving to achieve a balance between what needs to get done and our photography and art. Most artistic people simply want to make their art, do their work and not be involved in the "business of art". Of course, the business of art is necessary in order to thrive and continue as an artist. So how does one strike this balance? I think with patience and diligence. People don't seem to talk about diligence anymore. Diligence may be underrated but extremely necessary for success of any kind. To keep at something, experimenting, changing, adapting, but most importantly to keep doing the work. Diligence also implies the love of something. It's hard to hang in, if you're not in love. I've often had older, wiser people then I say, "if you do the work, hang in there, then the rest will follow". They just neglected to say if they meant to hang in there for one year, ten years or twenty?!

Monday, June 1, 2009

Review Santa Fe

Review Santa Fe is a juried portfolio review event from June 4-7, in Santa Fe New Mexico. It is a weekend conference for photographers who have created a significant project or series and are seeking wider recognition. Up to 100 photographers meet with curators, editors, art directors, publishers, gallery and agency reps, and other market professionals. See the Review Santa Fe 100, here and congratulations to all.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Love and Death

Last night as I went to bed there was a gentle spring rain tapping against the roof. As I lie there listening to its sweet melodic sound, I thought about how rain gives one permission to stay inside and indulge in comfort as apposed to sunny days that beckon one outdoors and to activity. So, there I was comfortable in bed, listening to the rain and contemplating death. One of my children told me she had a nightmare the night before, dreaming about her own demise. It was the first time this child realized that she was going to die. I thought about the miracle of life, existence and death. What a mystery it is to be alive and then to die. Forget about the big bang, what was there before? Putting God aside, I thought, how did we all get here? How did all this happen? What is the impetus behind life? What does this all mean? This inconceivably massive Universe with all its celestial activity going on all the time and we hardly seem to notice. I like to play a trick on myself every time I have a problem that I find overwhelming. I remind myself that I am standing on a ball, spinning at 1000 miles per hour, hanging in black space, and falling. Not to mention that it looks like we have no support besides the miracle of gravity. And if we fell, where would we fall to? That just puts that little ole problem of mine in perspective. So, I told my daughter that death is with us all the time. Life and creation and death and destruction. The spring leaves are delicate, vulnerable and new every year only shortly to turn glorious colors before their death. I told her death is a natural part of life and that nature is supportive, good, and takes care of her own. So death is nothing to fear and if birth is considered good then so is death. Why would death be any different? The main point is not to get hung up on death, because then you will waste this precious gift of life which we are all sharing. So, I made a mental note to laugh a lot today and I suggested to my daughter that she might do the same.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

New York Summer Season

The summer season has officially begun here in New York. It's a wonderful time. It's made especially so because we are surrounded by beaches and mountains aren't that far away. May is a beautiful month. Blossoms and fragrant smells abound with warm sunny days and cool breezy evenings. Nature has begun to flex her muscles and demonstrate her awesome powers of creation, birth and growth. We experienced such a cold snowy winter this year, spring is especially welcome. I'm reminded of a lovely passage in a book by Susan Hanson called Icons of Loss and Grace, Moments from the Natural World, " Listening to the song of these swimmers on a sunny afternoon, I imagine how such lightness would feel, how such a letting go might lift a heavy spirit turned without forgiveness on itself. Leaning into the curve of the tree, I imagine the mercy of the world consoling and supporting me. I imagine the river and me in it, and the water bearing me away on a current of sweet unfathomable peace."

Monday, May 25, 2009

Andy Rooney on Memorial Day

Last night on 60 minutes Andy Rooney gave a poignant commentary on Memorial Day. I'm not sure it reads as beautifully as it was spoken, but his sentiment seemed right on target to me. You can read it here. Or if you like, watch it here. I wonder what Memorial Day means to most Americans? Certainly military families and those with children in the military, or families that have served our country, the meaning has enormous depth and purpose. But to the rest of us, is it simply the start of the summer season, summer resorts and summer fun? Do the rest of us even think about or remember all those courageous souls that fought for, or are currently fighting for, the USA? Not to mention all the Americans who gave their lives, or as Andy Rooney said, "had their lives taken." It was only after I lived abroad for several years that the American way of life and all its enormous freedoms I understood. These freedoms are worth fighting for or at least standing up for. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not advocating war. I only wish we had other ways and means of solving our international differences. But today, as we blunder along in our ignorance and continue to use war as a means of defense, protection and economic freedom, let us remember all those remarkable Americans who have done what they could, and still do what they can, to protect and keep us safe.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Why People Photograph

I often think of something I read that Robert Adams wrote in his book Why People Photograph, "If I like many photographers, and I do, I account for this by noting a quality they share-animation. They may or may not make a living by photography, but they are alive by it." I think many photographers, if not all, can relate to this quote. I don't think that human beings consciously think about wanting to feel alive, but they do search for passion. Passion equates into a lust for life and the sheer joy of being in that state. In the act of creativity you feel something, you have an idea, something unique to you and to be able to capture that through your photography, your work, is exhilarating, inspiring and stimulating.

Monday, May 18, 2009

NYPhoto Festival 09

One of my photos from my meditation series was exhibited at the New York Photo Festival this past weekend.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Henri Cartier Bresson and The Mind's Eye

I've been reading a book by Henri Cartier Bresson called The Mind's Eye. He makes the statement-"for the world is movement, and you cannot be stationary in your attitude toward something that is moving." This reminded me of something I had read by J. Krishnamurti. "Reality is a living thing and cannot be captured, and you cannot say it is always there. There is a path only to something which is stationary, to a fixed, static point. To a living thing which is constantly in movement, which has no resting place, how can there be a path to it?" Fascinating statements that make one think. So, how to join the river of life which is always flowing, endlessly moving on, exploring, and pushing forward? I think one has to be self-forgetful. To end all the daily concerns. To be free, open and vulnerable to life requires an empty mind. When the head does not dictate to the heart. In the act and process of photography I am self forgetful. Perhaps that's the beauty of the process for me. I feel as though I'm in the flow.

Thursday, May 14, 2009

The New York Photo Festival

Today is the start of the NYPhoto Festival in New York city.

www.newyorkphotofestival.com