Constance Hobbs Art & Photography

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Geneva Flea Market

Yesterday I went to the Geneva flea market which is held every Saturday in the Plainpalais area of town. The assortment of goods is amazing. It runs the gamut from sheer junk to fine furniture. The surprising thing is that you can still find that unique piece at substantial savings. You can also find fine soaps from Provence, beads galore, jewelry, fine pens, reproductions and original prints and beautiful scarfs from the east, plus much more. I've included some photo's to give you a taste of what it's like.The second photo here is of Henry Dunant who was the founder of The International Red Cross established here in Geneva in 1863. The Red Cross is an international humanitarian movement created to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for the human being and to prevent and alleviate human suffering.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Nostalgia

I came across this photo today as I was organizing my files. It's an old image. I made it when I was experimenting with collage. Somehow it appealed to me today and I decided to share it. The sweet little moth came from my garden. The feather I found on the beach and the leaf I can't remember. All assembled in the US. The image has a sense of nostalgia and that's how I'm feeling. It's cold here in Geneva today. Certainly not the promise of spring. There is a radio station here called Nostalgie, which means nostalgic in french, and I've been listening to it all day. They play rock 'n' roll interspersed with romantic French songs and ballads. Some of it is simply beautiful but tugs at the heart strings. I miss the States. Europe is beautiful and Switzerland is "uniquely" centrally located. That means you can hop to the south of France in 3-4 hours by car, Paris 3 hours by the TGV train, London an hour or two (depending on traffic) by plane, Milan 3 hours by car, I think you get the idea. But, alas, today I miss the US.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

© 2010 Constance Hobbs. All rights reserved.

Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.

Rachel Carson

Monday, March 1, 2010

Harbinger of Spring

It was a beautiful day here in Geneva. It certainly felt like spring and lots of people were out and about. The local supermarket had an abundance of colorful primroses outside its doors and a mountain of lovely tulips inside. I walked through the park and where the earth has been cleared away little leaf sprouts can be seen showing themselves off. Spring really is just around the corner. How simply wonderful.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

February Moon

The moon was visible from my bed last night. It was a crescent shape and the clouds moved across its face with no particular destination. As the moon illuminated the night I tried to imagine its entirety, out there in space, orbiting around the earth. The earth simply hanging out there, all on its own, orbiting around the sun. Did you know that the moon is 384,403 kilometres or 238,857 miles away. The moon makes a complete orbit around the earth every 29.5 days (taking into consideration the earths rotation around the sun as well). The moon is extremely cold and space is a very hostile environment to humans compared with earth. What an amazing fact.

All of this life is the result of the big bang. Of course its a theory but apparently the best one so far. If the big bang is correct, and we can use that as a marker for the beginning of time, was there anything before the big bang? What may have existed before? Anything? Nothing? What is nothing? Can you imagine nothing, no-thing? As I tried to imagine nothing, the thought occurred to me that If everything came from nothing, then the concept or reality of nothing is everything. Nothing must contain everything. Paradoxical. Pretty weird no? Think about the color black. It absorbs all light, all color. Black is the result, the totality of all color, everything and yet it is black, nothing. Is the idea of nothing like the color black? Everything and nothing at the same time. So, I lay in bed last night trying to make some sense of it all. I really should know better by now. Life is a mystery and there simply are no answers. But its a lot of fun to think about.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Winter's Melancholy

Winter is on the wane. Of course, we all know it can snow heavily in March, as winter makes its last effort to affirm her power. This is my birthday month which helps abate the melancholy spirit of February. One gets weary of winter about now and spring is still a way off. That's why this is such a popular month for tropical vacations. It's their high season. Skiing is popular too. If you go to the Geneva airport here you will see lots of foreigners arriving with their skiing gear. There is plenty of snow this season in the Alps so they won't be disappointed. We had one lovely sunny day here in Geneva this past week with 50 degree F. temperature. One could feel that spring is just around the corner. I'm really partial to the renewal of spring. It always holds such promise.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Sports Illustrated swimsuit Issue

The sports Illustrated swimsuit issue has hit the news stands with lovely Brooklyn Decker on the cover. Beauty is a commodity in our culture whether male or female, young or old. I wonder if it would be possible for beauty to "just be" and enjoyed for itself? Not used to sell things or to gain advantage. For the uneducated, but beautiful, I suppose its a very welcome asset. Or if you just happen not to be too bright, beauty comes in handy. As human beings there is something built into our sensibilities, a preference towards symmetry and hence beauty. This simple fact supports this weakness in our culture. It takes extraordinary character to recognize the power of ones beauty and not to use it for personal gain. Or to develop skills, a profession, something hard when It's so much easier to capitalize on one's beauty.

The very sad reality that these beautiful men and women fall prey to is the plastic surgeons promise and dream of perfection. There is some controversy over Brooklyn Decker's use of plastic surgery. She is only 22. What happens when you start so young with surgery? The constant demands of "touching up" and the obvious health risks? We all have favorite personalities that we hardly recognize because of plastic surgery. Over time it deforms one. These unrealistic views on beauty are largely American but do exist worldwide. What happens to Brooklyn Decker when she is no longer youthfully beautiful?

She is married to hot shot tennis star Andy Roddick. I took the photo of Roddick below at the US Open practice sessions.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day

A Valentine greeting from me to you. Happy Valentine's Day to my family and friends and to the faithful followers of my blog. A little history of Valentine's Day to follow. Have a great Day and remember all those you love.

Saint Valentine's Day is an annual holiday held on February 14 celebrating love and affection between intimate companions. The holiday is named after one or more early Christian martyrs named Valentine and was established by Pope Gelasius I in AD 496. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines"). The holiday first became associated with romantic love in the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the High Middle Ages, when the tradition of courtly love flourished.

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. Almost 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.