Finally - A New Blog for 2015 - Photography

It is Martin Luther King Day and this is the first opportunity I have sat down and written. It’s not like I haven’t had the time or interest. It’s what I think about every time I contemplate to write – what do I write about regarding art? I’ve attended some art related events: The Cleveland Museum of Art for instance – their monthly MIX events where there were hundreds of people jam packed into a gigantic atrium watching an elaborate fashion show. It was creative and inventive where designers were inspired by the newest exhibit, “Forbidden Games.” I didn’t see the exhibit until much later.

At first I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy “Forbidden Games” for I am not a surrealist fan. I took the chance that I might enjoy it. What I saw were these old, 1920s black and white photographs that were amazing – I was pleasantly surprised. Don’t be alarmed by the title, sometimes you’ll never know unless you go against what is comfortable. Experience something new and embrace the difference.

The Cleveland Museum of Art - "Forbidden Games"

These black and white photographs brought me back when I took my first photography class at Kent State University–film processing. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I loved photography but nervous if my compositions would be perceived as brilliant or just average. I shot rolls and rolls of film that summer – some images were great; some not so much. I was obsessed with the many different bridges in Cleveland so that was my final project – it turned out rather well if I must say.

I understand the relevance of digital pictures (I went to many photo-shoots when digital was in its infancy). It is wonderful when you can simply “delete” a photo when you shoot a crappy photo instead of shooting an entire roll of film, developing a contact sheet then finding out that there is one or two photos worth printing. For me, that is what was so wonderful about film, your contact sheet was always a surprise a dynamic shot you took or a mistake; How it was enlarged was also challenging – more light in, or less producing contrasting light and shadow. This was the creative process not done as well for digital. Many might not agree, and that is fine. I do miss it.

In the show there were “still life” images that I still remember several weeks later – empty men’s shoes on steps or a coffin factory where the viewers saw rows and rows of coffins neatly stacked. You don’t see the coffins right away but once you read the description, it’s easily identifiable.

These electronic images that are seen here were created via iPad at the museum, using a “layering technique” to produce different images. This might have been something unique to some museum goers, but for me this was not new. This process can be easily done using “Photoshop.”  In the 1930s, however, creating images with depth by layering many images or double exposing them was probably a more challenging process without the aid of a computer. I admire these old photographs for that reason.

Created  by Toni - The Cleveland Museum of Art -Dec. 2014

I can definitely discuss black and white photography for a very long time.

If you didn’t see “Forbidden Games,” it was worth a look; sorry it closed January 2015.

The Transformer Station has a wide range of unique photography solutions. Alison Rossiter who found “expired film papers” on eBay and developed them to see how it would work out.

Other tidbits:

December was filled with running from one local art fair to the next. There was the Screw Factory in Lakewood where I stood idle for a few minutes before I was able to move. Locally, that’s a good problem to have but for a shopper it was frustrating and intimidating. All the vendors had unusual products not seen in a “box store” but I just couldn’t get past the crowds. I wandered around not knowing what to buy, having a glazed look on my face – too many choices. What do I do? I end up buying stuff “just in case” I need a special gift down the road.

After I left the crazy crowd, I went up a flight of steps into an artists studio (Megan Frankenfield) and I found these contemporary paintings and/or photographs the filled the entire space. They were so unusual. The artist took photographs and cut them into squares then painted on top of them then transferred them onto canvas. Excitedly, I bought three at a bundled price.

One of the pieces I bought - iPhone photo (couldn't get rid of glare Photoshop)

I ran into that problem at the Pilgrim Church in Tremont. I walked around with my head cut off trying to find “the perfect” gift. What happened? I bought a few bracelets for myself and now that I look at them, “Why did I buy them?” I haven’t worn them nor do I have anyone who wears bracelets. More money down the drain.

With The Cleveland Museum of Art, Tremont and Waterloo art walks, Third Fridays at 78th Street Studio plus local artists all around town, there is always something new to experience in Cleveland. Winter is cold but you can still see great art indoors.

Transformer Station’s new exhibition now open: February 8 until May 2, 2015

Summer with Max

Photo by Anna Chanakas at #ParadetheCircle

I spent much of this past summer with my sister’s dog, Max – a cocker-doodle. Max became a member of the family late February, officially adopted in March. As a rescue, we didn’t know what his past was so I couldn’t wait until the summer events began so he can experience some new smells. 

Max’s first event was Wade Oval Wednesday on June 11, 2014, to the musical performance of Coast2Coast. My sister brought Max at the end of Martin Luther King drive and I drove to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s lagoon. One thing about Max, he loves being outside. He knows when you get your shoes on and grab the leash, he is going out for a walk. He gets so excited that he jumps about a foot off the ground; he can’t sit still when you try to get he collar on. Eventually he calms down enough to clip the leash onto his collar – he anxiously pulls ahead to find his first smell. 

Me and Max went around the lagoon with his head down low, one inch above the ground. He was so excited about the lagoon that he walked right then left – there was so much to take in. I was just as excited as he was. I enjoyed watching him tour the lagoon grounds. 

Max in his new Bed 

It was somewhat awkward since I had to carry my fold-up chair and food for the little guy; then I had to maneuver the leash to make sure Max didn’t get too close to the crowd. 

We sat back behind the crowd. I didn’t want Max to invade other people’s space. This outdoor venue was new to him. His nose was going crazy with all the food smells. He pulled on the leash trying to taste some sausage and peppers. To Max’s point, it did smell delicious. With all the people around, Max did well. 

The second thing about Max – he is a people magnet. I was walking Max around the perimeter of the oval and the next thing I know a little girl appears and says, “Can I pet your dog?” I was taken aback. Max was somewhat anxious and I told the girl and her mother, “Let him smell you.” The girl pet his back carefully and Max jerked some. I knew all this excitement was just too much for him. I told them Max is a rescue and we better keep on walking. They were fine with that and they continued on. “Thank you,” they said.

Another woman said, “What kind of dog is that? I told her the type of dog Max was and she couldn’t believe it. She said she had the same exact dog and his name was Max also. She also said that he lived for sixteen years. That sounds good to me. Everyone that stopped me said, “He is just so cute.” Yep, the entire summer – Max got all the cutie points. 

The next venue, Parade the Circle. This time my sister attended and we walked down MLK to the Parade. Max was excited and anxious at the same time. It was a cool June so I wore layers of clothing. Max was getting a little better when he saw other dogs – he didn’t growl at all of them, just the ones larger than him. I didn’t spend that much time with Max at the Parade since it was my sister’s dog and she wanted to “show him off.” They got close to the parade where bold Max wanted to see so he put his paws onto someone else’s cooler. So cute!

One of my favorite events in July is the Cleveland Museum of Art Ohio City Stages at the Transformer Station. They were a success last year with a crowded West 29 Street. Everyone was out – dogs, children, Great Lakes beer and food trucks. And yes, Max was by my side for all five of those concerts. What is so interesting about these concerts unlike anything else in town was the versatility - one of my favorites was, Conjunto Chappottin y Sus Estrellas. They were from Cuba (top Cuban son groups on the latin music scene)Cuban  and didn’t speak too much English but the music overpowered the entire street. Everyone was out either dancing, eating or taking in the music. July went so fast. 

Max sat by my chair and trying to get his share of snacks. The girls I sat with toted pretzels, tiny sausages, nuts and fruit. Max knows that if he “sits” he will get rewarded with a treat. Everyone loved him so he got his snacks. We were all pushovers. 

Max also got more comfortable with other dogs. He sniffed and they responded. I think this year was even more special than last because it was a new experience as Max won our hearts. 

Who doesn’t just love summer! I’m counting the days until next year. 

My entire summer I tried to include Max in as many outdoor events as possible. Mostly it was Wade Oval Wednesdays and the Ohio City Stages music venue. I just enjoyed being outdoors listening to music and meeting new people. Life is better with a dog as you see things how they might see them. Their excitement spills over into your own. 

What can I say, I’m so proud when someone asks, “What kind of dog is that? He’s just so stinkin’ cute.” 

Yoga and Me

Photo courtesy of twitter: @NCoastHarbor

Child’s pose, down dog, cat and cow stretch, plank, warrior 1, half-moon - these poses (and so many more) can be seen every Tuesday night at Voinovich Park at 6:00 p.m., now extended until October. It is a new initiative to get more people downtown along our fabulous lake; see North Coast Harbor for more information. There is nothing better than yoga with the lake as a back drop. I, for one, love it.

I can’t tell you enough how much yoga has helped me both physically and mentally by using “the breath” to get into and out of these crazy poses. Some people might think; I can’t do “that!” It is just too hard. Or, how can yoga possibly be any kind of serious workout. Believe me, it’s a workout. You will sweat and get that heart beating. Not convinced—try holding a “plank (a push-up position - straight back and arms)” for a minute or so and your arms will cry out – please stop!

I began yoga at the old Bally’s in Beachwood with an instructor that was fantastic. She went in and out of these poses like it was “nothin’” She was so fit and limber that you were amazed by just looking at her flawless technique. I did the basics just like everyone else but I accelerated quickly since my hamstrings were so loose; my hips on the other hand, are still tight after all these years. What I loved most about this instructor – she pushed you into new poses while showing modifications. I quickly started “binding” my poses (interlocking your hands in a pose) and tried every week to “push myself” harder to get a better workout.

I do not recommend this to a beginner. I have been working out for years doing “boot camp” classes, running and biking for as long as I can remember. In fact while attending high school, I got up early and practiced my back bends and did sit-ups before class. Crazy, I know.

I’m fit but that doesn’t mean you can’t do yoga. Yoga is a practice that is individual. You work at your own pace and push yourself only as far as your own body can go. It is not a contest with other participants in the class. For example during last night’s class, the instructor told us to close our eyes so we would refrain from looking at what others are doing. I was almost in a meditative state where I focused on my breath.

 As I just mentioned, my hips are so tight that I don’t even try “half lotus” (sitting Indian style and putting your heals on your thighs in an “x”). I do what I can as long as I feel a stretch without injury. That’s key; you do not want to injure yourself while doing yoga or any physical activity. “Listen to your body.”

How did I find out about yoga at Voinovich Park? As I rode my bike around the Rock Hall, I noticed a banner with a new logo for “North Coast Harbor” with a summer schedule. Free Yoga Tuesday - I’m there!

I don’t know what it is but it seems like “yoga” practices are all around me: Free yoga at Voinovich Park; Wade Oval Wednesday during July and August only in conjunction with The Cleveland Museum of Art’s new exhibit. I also heard that House of Blues has yoga on Saturday, technically free but donations are accepted to educate children about yoga. The Transformer Station had yoga during their Red Peckerwood exhibit earlier this summer and I noticed yoga at Tremont’s Lincoln Park during their Tuesday market.

Convinced yet in trying yoga? Well, all I can say is I breath deeper and can work harder in any physical activity just by using the “ujjayi breath”. The inhalation and exhalation are done through the nose in equal durations (inhaling for four seconds then exhaling for four seconds). Yoga is a total body activity that has been around for thousands of years. I always leave my yoga practice feeling rejuvenated and ready for my next challenge. Don’t be too quick to dismiss it as too hard. Just give it a try.

On Friday, July 25, there was "Yarn n Yoga" at Euclid Beach Park — practicing yoga on the beach.