I have been absent from this blog for too many days this summer, and it has made me realize that in the last six weeks my time has been fragmented and somewhat chaotic. We went to San Francisco this weekend to meet our daughter and her fiance, and therefore, I was gone again. However, I did have some unique and fun experiences that I would like to share. One of the things I love about being close to a large city is having access to great museum exhibits that I try to take advantage of when visiting. Yesterday, after our daughter and her fiance left to head home, I decided I would see the special exhibit at the MOMA. It was titled Georgia O’Keeffe and Ansel Adams: Natural Affinities. I have always loved reading books on O’Keeffe, her life and her art, and enjoyed the photography of Ansel Adams because he visited and photographed all the places I loved growing up and still visit now, the Sierras, the desert, and other parts of the West. I was not disappointed with the exhibit and purchased the book because I want to absorb and read more about the influences and friendship between these two great artists.
What I believe they both had in common was a mutual love of nature and a way to interpret it through a painting or a photograph. They chose to represent what they saw realistically to a point, and then they revealed, through their unique artistic sensibilities, what they saw based on emotion or feeling. It was worth the crowds on a Sunday to pay the price of a ticket and be engaged for a brief period of time.
The other event I took part in was the Alameda Outdoor Antique Faire. It happens only once a month, the first Sunday, and if I am in the Bay Area during this time, I always try and attend. I got there later than I usually do, but found little to entice me. I did find a roll of older wall paper that was really lovely, and it is always fun to watch and listen to people as they shop and explore. It amazes me what vendors have to sell sometimes and how some people will flock to their spaces. It proves there is something to fascinate everyone.
I am really jealous about the O’Keefe/Adams exhibit. Lucky you about combining so many compelling ideas into one trip.
Someday, I will get to Alameda on a first Sunday. Sounds like endless fun.
So much inspiration to be found… Hope you are finding some quiet moments.
Thank you for a small visit to the Bay Area! I love seeing it though other eyes, because there is so much going on, you really need many extra eyes to see the whole area.
O’Keefe’s work has always touched something deep within me. Skull and flower, sand or outcrop. I have never heard of Ansel Adams, but the photo on the front of the book juxtaposed with O’Keefe’s painting looks very exciting! Thank you for sharing, and increasing my knowledge and appreciation American Art. How amazing for you to live in and visit the areas and landscapes where they worked, and got so much inspiration from! xx