Art Marathon - Day 4

A lovely walk on a Sunday morning began with these views of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center, designed by Eero Saarinen.

Much about this architectural icon of Milwaukee has been in the news lately, thanks to a conversation started by Mary-Louise Schumacher on Art City blog and in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

My opinion of this building has improved throughout the years. Growing up in Milwaukee, I was originally attracted to all the great art inside. Memorable field trips, trinkets from the MAM gift shop, and teenage chat sessions with my friends on the terrace overlooking the lake endeared to me all that it is.

Later––in the decade since I returned to Milwaukee––the War Memorial Center's modernist sensibility and striking mosaic facade have made it central to my understanding of the city. The structure is a gateway to the lakefront, imbued with meaning–both commemorative and nostalgic.

I tend to take lots of photos of the building and its approach flanked by American flags. I approach photography in much the same way as I do graphic design. Each image is about geometric balance, eye-pleasing lines, and appropriate white space. Shadows and light transform photographs from flat layouts into 3-D renderings. Saarinen's form offers many opportunities for successful image design.

The unique buildings that shape our city's liveliness are memorable and significant. Each one marks Milwaukee as a place of its own, unlike any other. Assisted by the Great Lake Michigan and a Midwestern practicality, our architectural palette has a lot to offer visitors and inhabitants alike.

Day 4. Excursion: Milwaukee County War Memorial Center.
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Art Marathon - Day 3

A lovely summer day spent catching up on relaxation and reading at home.

Day 3. Rejuventation: Home.

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Art Marathon - Day 2

Day 2. Luscious.

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Art Marathon

Thanks to Cream City Illustrators, I'll have inspiration to create art every day from June 14 to July 14 as part of their Art Marathon. While it is most likely that I'll make photographs, I hope to expand it to some other pursuits as well. Perhaps I will accomplish some collage or embroidery during the 30 days of art. Though, time does fly by.

I'll post my creations routinely on the Cream City Illustrators site at:
http://creamcityillustrators.com/

I also plan to post here as well as my facebook page from time to time through the month.

Here's to art, creativity and gratitude!

Day 1. Excursion: Four Mile Road.

What She Said now open at EFFJAY PROJEKTS Gallery in Sheboygan

Thrilled to see this preview in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Monday, May 21 for What She Said: Wisconsin Photography Now, which I co-curated with William Zuback at EFFJAY PROJEKTS Gallery, 604 Erie Avenue in Sheboygan.

Featuring contemporary art photography by Jessie Eisner-Kleyle, Jessica Kaminski, Jenaille Northey, and Nicole Peaslee, the exhibition is now open. Their work forms a quartet of unique perspectives connected by their investigation into the meaning of identity in today’s society.

Please join us for a reception on Saturday, June 2, 5 to 8 pm, with an artists' talk beginning at 6 pm.

Madonna & Child Interpreted through January 13

Mini-hikes and bascule bridges

Bridge, 2011

Life is full.

The last several weeks and day have offered up an amazing array of opportunities and occasions. The short list is really a long list. Some of these moments become featured events in my memory. 

Last Sunday, during the first weekend of June, we went on a late afternoon jaunt to Schlitz Audubon Nature Center. The weather near the lakeshore was sunny, lovely and somewhat breezy. First, we stopped inside the building where we had to tear ourselves away from the indigenous prairie seeds and wildlife plus toys in the gift shop to begin our mini-hike before closing time at the park. Next, we wandered down to the beach that inhabits the Audubon Center and borders Doctors Park. We enjoyed sand between our toes and avoided just a few alewives who had pitched themselves on to the beach.

Our tour continued along nice trails through all manner of Wisconsin ecosystems, all found at this local treasure. On a northern loop, we found ourselves across the ravine from two wild turkeys. I'd never seen the large birds while on foot before. They were much bigger than I expected. Hiking further along the path, we spent some time peering at tadpoles in one of the many ponds in the park, and some large frogs in another. 

Just passed some old farm equipment, we commented on a fresh set of deer tracks in the mud along the path. Seconds later, their makers appeared. Happily unaccustomed to visits from humans, the two deer munched on their late afternoon snack of buds and grasses. Continuing around the next turn, our view got even better – we were probably no more than 20 feet from the pair.

So much wildlife in one lovely park just a short drive along Lake Michigan from downtown Milwaukee. We will be visiting again.

Last week, I started playing with my brand new Verizon iPhone 4 The rumors are true, it puts my Android smart phone to shame in functionality and quality. I can actually use apps on my new phone. Amazing. Plus, it doesn't randomly call my closest friends while I'm on the phone with my dad.

So, I've started snapping mobile photos everywhere and at events again. The one above is on the State Street bascule bridge, en route, on foot to the Journal Sentinel building last Wednesday. Just over an hour later, I dipped my toe into the "Summer of China" at Milwaukee Art Museum, thanks to a kind invitation by Art and Architecture Critic Mary-Louise Schumacher. 

As an Art City Contributor, I was delighted to be part of a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the breathtaking featured exhibition The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City. The show appealed to me on so many levels. I hope to go in-depth with my thoughts, ponderings and reactions soon. For now, I'd just like to say that MAM is offering visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some of these exquisitely crafted pieces will never be on full display again, even once they return to their original architectural locations within the Qianlong Emperor's Private Garden inside the Forbidden City. I recommend seeing them this summer, while you can.