Gnarliness

I took this photo at a viewpoint overlooking the Pacific in the San Juan Capistrano area yesterday. There was a whole group of these wonderfully gnarly trees. I don't know what kind. The structure of this one reminded me of a hand reaching up to the sky.I'd been in California to visit relatives and unfortunately my mom fell and broke her hip, requiring surgery. I was able to delay my departure and stay a few extra days to help out. So I took this photo during a quick break away from the hospital. A foray into nature, however short, tends to put life into perspective for me. No ocean photos (although it was pretty) -- it was the trees that spoke to me of age and strength and determination. 

Elements, one of eight collages in series

Uncle Maurice

I want to create a website in honor of my late uncle, the artist Maurice Bernson, and since I haven't been able to pull that off quite yet... I thought I'd put some posts related to him on my blog in the meantime. 

Maurice had a huge influence on me. He was a multi-talented artist and, from as early as I can remember, he considered me one too. Whenever I talked to him on the phone, he would always end our chats by saying, "Remember, us artists gotta stick together!" 

This photo was taken of us at Pebble Beach near Pescadero in Northern California in the early '80s. The area has sculpted rock formations and a beach that is made up of beautiful pebbles of all colors, wonderfully rounded, and a pleasure to let run through your fingers! It was a spectacular day, like many I shared with him. 

Constructed faces... "Sour" video

Loved watching this music video composed of many pieces, apparently all shot with webcams, a moving mosaic. The constructed faces reminded me of the look of some of my Foundling collages!