I am frequently amazed at how many talented writers, artists, photographers, etc. are out there blogging, and am equally amazed at how by following a link or two, we find wonderful and unexpected gems.
I was looking at a Fresh Pressed site, photographs taken by Loren Cooper during a blanketing of snow in London and was drawn to one commenter. I visited Inidna’s blog where she had posted videos and information about an Australian musician, Gotye. I’ve never heard of him, but am easily getting lost in his music, and am already considering buying his album. What drew me in immediately is this deeply touching animated video wed to one of Gotye’s songs, Bronte, from his album Making Mirrors. What a brilliant combination of music and story.
Here’s a little treat for you. In my restless state, I was revisiting some places on the web I particularly enjoyed, and this is one of them.
Have you ever been to see the Sistine Chapel? I have not, but would love to. If you would, too, then take a look at this fabulous web site where you can view the entire Sistine Chapel in 360 glorious degrees. Your cursor will move the chapel in any direction, and you can also zoom in on any detail. Perhaps one of the most wonderful features of the site is the sacred music that is playing in the background. I was working earlier, (after I’d taken my tour), and just listening to the music while I worked.
This may be the closest I … or you … ever get to this miraculous piece of art. Hope you are inspired …
That’s a pretty big promise, I know. But don’t take my word for it. Take a mere 10 minutes from your life and be moved by this amazing film, “Change for A Dollar,” by Sharon Wright. Don’t miss this. Watch here, or for a bigger view, just click the link above.
How excited was I to learn that I am a finalist in the Dog Writers Association of America’s (DWAA) national contest for dog illustration! My French Bulldog art has been appearing in Just Frenchies magazine, a quarterly publication for the breed, for quite a few years now, and they recently notified me that I was a finalist. The publisher and editor-in-chief had submitted my French Bulldog artwork to DWAA, unbeknownst to me, and lo and behold … I made the cut.
I’m particularly honored to be among other finalists who are artists contributing to Dog Fancy and the AKC Gazette. That’s some mighty fine company. The winner will be announced at Westminster this coming February 2012, but I understand all the winners are announced prior to the show at the DWAA annual dinner.
This is the kind of thing where I would be beyond ecstatic if I won, but am just so grateful to have been submitted by my publisher AND to have been named a DWAA finalist among many accomplished professionals.
The burning question may be exactly which piece was submitted? And the answer is, I’m not sure yet. But it might be this one.
If you think carousels are one of the most magical creations of man, raise your hand. Really. Put it up. I thought so. You and me both.
So I expect you will be as excited as I was to learn that Jane’s Carousel gave its first ride on September 16, 2011. The carousel was manufactured by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (P.T.C.) in 1922, and was designated as P.T.C. 61. It was originally installed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio, once a prosperous steel manufacturing city. The carousel fell on hard times, and in 1984, Jane and David Walentas purchased the carousel, in poor condition, to prevent it from being sold off piecemeal.
Jane has been lovingly restoring the carousel ever since. Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park on the East River, between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, P.T.C. 61 couldn’t look more magnificent. It is housed in a square, acrylic pavilion designed by Pulitzer prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel. Jane’s years of work and the creation of its location and housing were all undertaken at the personal expense of Jane and her husband. Jane’s Carousel is their gift to the people of the city of New York. And what a gift it is.
However there’s one more truly magical element to this carousel. It’s what happens at night. Once every hour, the carousel starts on its own. Backlit from the center of the carousel, the horses’ shadows are thrown on the walls of the acrylic pavilion. Take a look.
To see the beautiful carvings and detail of the horses themselves, watch this YouTube video. The opening section gives you views from a distance and the dedication by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and others. The film of the horses themselves begins at about 7:45, set to music a real joy to watch.
Jane and David Walentas, thank you for this extraordinary and magical gift. The history of the carousel and all the work that went into its restoration as well as details on visiting and taking a ride can be found at the Jane’s Carousel web site.
Still A Dreamer 