Seasonal Change...

Grayer skies.

More time indoors at drawing table than on-site.

Annual trip to IKEA for candles.

William Kentridge & State of Mind

A few weeks ago, I read my U of C Alumni Magazine and found two excellent reasons for visiting Hyde Park. The first was a "lecture," more a performance piece, called "Listening to the Image" by William Kentridge. It explored "the relationship between sound and image." Even though his physical style is more literal than I usually prefer, I believe he does very creative work in his methods and questions. And he deals with deep stuff. I couldn't get photos of the performance, but I do have some images here from April when I saw Kentridge's work up at the Milwaukee Art Museum. The program was terrific and especially so because it wasn't the typical U of C intellectual process. The website says the audio will be available here 10.25.13, so try back.

You have until January 12, 2014 to visit the Smart Gallery's fun exhibit: "State of Mind: New California Art Circa 1970." It brought up a lot of nostalgia in me for times when artists weren't starting out selling for millions at the large NYC galleries. I particularly gravitated to a landscape piece by John Baldessari. 

Killing Time, Artistically

The Patina of Age can be witnessed

in its many artful guises

at my favorite, soulful, urban oasis

in Chicago: Graceland Cemetery.

What to listen to while strolling there? Bach Partita for solo violin No.2 in D Minor. I have the version played by Arthur Grumiaux.

The Landscape of Hospice

My stepdad died in his home early Saturday with this view from the hospital bed. Actually, he faced a birch swaying in the hot breeze out the front window. I like to imagine he could hear the tree, although it's unlikely.  You never know if you might need this information, but Horizon Hospice was exceptional. My have things improved since my dad died at home in 1978 a year before Horizon was around...

Chicago Botanic Garden: Sept. Views

Rare for me to see a public garden during growing season, so I was thrilled when the opportunity for an hour visit arose last week. Where else does one head in Sept., but to the Fruit and Veggie Island? Passed the Prairie Garden en route. The big plant in front, a Silphium, will out-compete everything around it if not vigilantly maintained...

The apple branches were heavily laden. This is not it, but there was one fragrant tree. I thought it was "MacCort," but can't find that type on-line.

I liked these sculptural sentinels near the bee hives. See how they read better against the "open" space than against the evergreen hedge.

Here I tried to show the lovely light through the Smokebush. That didn't translate so well, but I like the photo for other reasons...And, below, I felt amused by the shadows on these benches.

MLK: Dream Speech 50th Anniversary

I have nothing profound to add that others haven't phrased more eloquently on this historic occasion.

The image here is from the University of Chicago's Logan Art Center looking to the South side. I still have fond memories of living in Hyde Park during college, one of Chicago's few integrated neighborhoods...

Illumination: I am Bradley Manning

Why am I showcasing this beautiful bloom on Franklinia alatamaha that we planted for a client this season? Because, in my mind, beauty and illumination are intertwined. This wonderful tree was named for Ben Franklin who embodied many of the early values of this country that are vital, in my opinion, to a functional Democracy. Transparency and debate are included in those values.

With that, I urge you to watch the video: "I am Bradley Manning." It's just a coincidence that I found about it today, the day after Manning's 35-year sentence and the day we learn that Manning's attorney says Manning wants to live the rest of his life as a woman, Chelsea. I can't imagine how hard it must be to live in society without the truth of what one feels is one's true gender. To me, that must be like trying to grow an authentic English Garden (that wants temperate, rainy, non-extreme conditions) in our Midwestern Prairie and Urban Soils.

Your thoughts?