And The Mountains Echoed - Book Review

Khaled Hosseini’s new novel “And the Mountains Echoed” was not the “Kite Runner.” I wanted to love this book like I loved the “Kite Runner” but didn’t. The chapters were long and characters came into the story in one chapter and you never heard from them again as in Chapter Three, for example. Hosseini, however, kept the same intensity as his other two books where tragedy occurs then you’re left speechless when it happens. Overall the novel was enjoyable but wasn’t a “page-turner” like many other books I’ve read.

The first chapter begins with a father telling his small children a fable where the theme of the novel emerges – family and making hard decisions that will affect the rest of your life. In that respect, Chapter Three is about two sisters where one is envious of the other. Hosseini shocks the reader with an ending that digs deep into your psyche; I was disturbed what transpired reading those last words. 

Perhaps Hosseini wants you to make connections as you read each chapter with your own hard choices. Maybe you didn’t want to make these decisions but in retrospect, it was the right choice. I related to both Pari characters where they both seemed lost subconsciously and a past that was forgotten. A brother continues to grieve for his sister by keeping her treasures safe for his entire lifetime. It seems every character can’t find their way in the world, regret and an agonizing feeling that can’t seem to go away.  

Another chapter that was a stretch as a cohesive story was Chapter Five. Two characters appear in Kabul where a doctor becomes attached to a sick child and he ultimately regrets the lies that he tells when he goes back to the US. The doctor is successful and remembers his trip where war is a reality and people are struggling to get by. Just like Hosseini’s other novels, I enjoy reading the details about the countries the characters are emerged into and how they deal with their environment. The descriptions are so vivid that you get a good representation of what it’s like.

My favorite chapters, however, were the last two where you finally get the back story of Mr. Markos (he was mentioned in the beginning of the novel); it’s set in the tiny Greek Island of Tinos and it brings me back to when I visited the beautiful islands – a clean breeze, a clear aqua sea and homemade, fresh food. Markos’ mother is just like every other Greek woman, strong willed and won’t take any nonsense from anyone. “She was —is—a woman of enormous will, a woman without apology, and not a woman with whom you want to have a dispute . . .” Yes, this describes my Greek mother perfectly. 

I appreciate Hosseini’s descriptions phonetically spelled out in Greek, “ . . . a cup of ellinikós kafés” meaning, Greek coffee. I felt nostalgic as I thought of my own Greek mother anxiously reading the coffee sediment of the coffee cup (the cup is turned upside down and the sediment is read like tea leaves).

Markos grows up quickly when he has to deal with a disfigured visitor at his home – he’s uncomfortable as any young child would be as he calls her a “monster” but his Greek Mother sets him straight. ‘“She’s a person who has had a terrible thing happen to her. Call her that name again, I’d like to see you. Say it and see what happens.”’ Strong willed mother who respects everyone and treats them with respect. Markos and the visitor, Thalia form a bond that continues throughout his adult life. That is the other common theme in this novel: bonding. When a bond is formed, it continues throughout the life of the character. That is clear with Nabi and Mr. Wahdati; Pari and Abdulluh (sister and brother then father and daughter); Idris and Roshi; Adel and Gholam.

The other theme was how characters interact with a difference in class systems – the rich versus the poor. This was reflected in the relationship with Nabi and Mr. Wahdati where Nabi did everything for his master even when he had a stroke. His wife and child left and Nabi, indebted to his master, continues on when he’s thought about quitting. Nabi’s entire life revolved around Mr. Wahdati – he never left the house. Reality or fiction? There are many times you continue on out of loyalty even though other people might tell you to move on. 

Love and regret is what happens in life and Hosseini’s novel gives many examples of this theme. Everyone does their best to have a fulfilling life; mistakes and regrets just happen. The novel was an okay read where I’m glad I read it. The story came full circle as I read the last pages, even shedding a tear. I definitely recommend it but don’t expect a duplicate of “The Kite Runner.”

Hosseini, Khaled, “And the Mountains Echoed,” (2013), The Penguin Group Inc., New York, New York. 

Summer - It's What I Live For

What have I been doing this summer? A lot since my last post.

Courtesy of Porch Fest website (www.larchmereporchfest.org)

Larchere Porch Fest

Summer Solstice began when I rode my bike to the Larchmere Porch Fest, now in its 6 year. I’ve always wanted to attend but there were so many other events that I just ran out of time. This year, I was determined to go. I am so glad that I did.

It was a perfect sunny day when I pulled out my mountain bike, checked the tires and continued on St. Clair Avenue heading towards Euclid Avenue. I usually ride through East Cleveland when I travel to the heights - eliminating heavy traffic. I am saddened, however, at the blighted buildings that were once iconic, beautiful structures where residents couldn’t wait to visit. As I ride through East Cleveland, I try to imagine what life was like a hundred years ago when I gaze upon the peeling paint, and wood in the window frames. The roads are littered with plastic pop bottles choking the drains. It takes restraint for me not to pick it up. I continue and try not to let the trash deter me from my destination. 

I ride along Terrace Road where there are many dilapidated homes; however, a truck is parked in a driveway along side a dumpster where repairs are under way. Moreover, I see a few individuals with trash buckets and bags clearing up the trash. Things are looking up even though it has been a slow process.

My commute is close to fifty minutes traveling through the back roads; Larchmere is bustling with cars, bikes and people carrying chairs to the various venues. Luckily I came prepared with a printed out map, a must have. The way the Porch Fest works is different bands are scheduled from 1 p.m until 8 p.m. through the streets north and south of Larchmere. The first band that I saw was a “blues” band north of Larchmere - people were dancing and tapping there feet. It’s very easy to get confused where all the streets are, hence the map. 

What I enjoyed most about the festival is the diversity: young and old walking (strollers in tow), biking or driving to the many different types of music all day long. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. Not knowing the system, I locked my bike and walked to the various streets. Each porch is sponsored: Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District sponsored “Jah Messengers” Roots Reggae that was fantastic. People were sitting on sidewalks and tree lawns taking in this local talent. http://www.csucauldron.com/news/view.php/320151/Local-Reggae-Band-Heats-Things-Up

I kept thinking, I should have gotten here earlier; what took me so long to finally attend this event. Quite frankly, I did not want to leave. 

The last band I listened to was: “Fever, Fever,” alternative folk rock from Columbus sponsored by Studio Graphique. They were fantastic. There were so many people around the house that you couldn’t help but tap your feet. Not only did each porch get sponsored but the home owner provided water and light refreshments. So cool!

I walked slowly to my bike trying to listen to as much music as I could. A few gentleman asked about the schedule, “When is the next band going to play?” I told them to get a map from the information booth and go from there. The music was all around, not necessarily on Larchmere. Moreover, the event was well organized with plenty of food and music genre for everyone to enjoy. For example, I biked to E.127 and listened to “Workmen’s Circle Klezmer Orchestra” Eastern European Klezmer Music - not my taste but it’s available. 

On my way home, I couldn’t stop thinking about this festival. Excellent! If you haven’t been to Larchmere, I highly recommend it. There is a wide variety of music that will peak anyone’s interest. 

CMA - Solstice Party

Next stop, The Cleveland Museum of Art Annual Solstice Party. All I can say is it was crowded. My understanding is the event sold out in just a few weeks. If you plan to attend next year, get your tickets early. 

As I do every year, I volunteered. What I enjoy most as a “wrist band” greeter volunteer is seeing the attendees first. You get a sneak peak into the various outfits and wild shoes from platforms to elegant straps. The most outrageous was orange shorts to the ordinary by wearing jeans. This is the best “people watching” venue.

I thought the music was fun; it was geared towards a “yoga” theme for the new Yoga exhibit. The Salar System band  had two dancers displaying their flexibility and fluidity. The music reflected their Afgan traditions by using unusual instruments and spirituality. It was good. Once the band finished, I bumped into a friend that didn’t care for the music. You’re going to have that but one thing is clear - it’s music that you probably won’t hear again. That’s what makes Solstice the event of the year - a unique array of music and diverse attendees. 

As an art themed event, there were these stacked balloons with faces on them that were being passed from person to person. It was amazing to see how the balloons stayed erect for as tall as they were. There is so much energy at this party that you can’t help but get swept away.

It was enjoyable and it was good to see a few people that I haven’t seen in a while but I hate to admit that I probably enjoyed the porch fest a bit more. 

Wade Oval Wednesdays

This event started on June 11 on a perfect, cool sunny evening. The band, “Coast2Coast,” where the crowd was energized by the music. There was a diverse crowd walking around excited that summer is finally here; others were standing in the long vendor lines, Gyros or wood fired pizza; relaxing on a blanket eating sausage and grilled peppers from Constantino’s Market; drinking wine and relaxing under a shaded tree. Whatever you feel like doing, it’s available at this low key event. 

Photo by Anna Chanakas

I sat in the back with my sister’s dog, Max, that was loving every minute of his first WOW experience. He sniffed some new smells especially the sausage and peppers at the blanket next to us. Young Kids appeared out of nowhere wanting to pet Max. “He’s so cute, they all said.”

I remember attending my first Wade Oval Wednesday several years ago to a small, but passionate music crowd; now hundreds show up for this weekly free music festival. Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S Band gets a huge following year after year. If you don’t get there by 5 p.m to claim a spot, you might be out of luck. 

Nothing to do in Cleveland? Well, I just described three events out of many going on this summer. This is why I adore summer, the many free events where you can just hang out and relax in a comfortable chair or blanket. Meet friends or sit under a tree and catch up on your reading. Summer in Cleveland has events for everyone. Enjoy!

Art is all Around Cleveland

Van Gogh, Dirge: Reflections on [Life and] Death, Masters of the Violin and Organ concerts was what I experienced this week – a flurry of activity. What did I like the best? What left an impression long after I was gone? What filled me with joy? Everything I saw and heard was spectacular in its own right. That’s my unbiased opinion. 

MOCA - 

To answer the question, what left me with something to think about was definitely MOCA’s Dirge: Reflections on [Life and] Death. I volunteer at MOCA every Thursday afternoon and it has taken me two months to finally see this thought-provoking show. I hammered away on a 3x5 card a “message,” the life I led or hope to lead – how I want to be remembered long after I’m gone; videos of a woman battling cancer that I am all to familiar with; blowing onto circular mirrors as an image appears; and two lightbulbs hanging loosely on a wall. Most of the exhibits, I found engaging and left me wondering what I just experienced – about my first impression. That’s a well executed exhibit when you keep pondering what it all means. 

There were many pieces I liked a lot. The piece, “Untitled (Face in Dirt)” where the artist, David Wojnarowicz buries his AIDS-stricken body in dirt as his expression looks uncomfortable, and in pain. His struggle with AIDS is felt as I gaze into his face where I get the sense that hope is fading away. He is in a “stand-still” with his mortality where no matter how hard he tries, death is looming. I also felt that life has similar, confining struggles as you work as hard as you can, as you try to get ahead or get noticed; sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t. Moreover, the piece is about death but it can be viewed how life is a continuous challenge and you have to make the best of what what “cards are dealt.” 

Another photograph, there is a sign in the foreground that says, “ You’re still alive.” right in front of a vertical metal fence that leads your eye into rows and rows of headstones. My impression is that life it tough but you need to make the best of it because what is the alternative – Death? Life is precious no matter what crap you have to deal with. That was a “wake-up” call for me since I’ve experienced the pain and agony of my mother battling cancer. Through her pain she said to me quietly, “What did I do to deserve this?” My father, who died of a heart attack, brought on by his diabetes, he expressed to me, “If you have your health, you have everything.” I’m paraphrasing as his words entered my mind over and over throughout the years.

My father was so right on so many levels that I never thought about it until I lost my mother years later. Now, I believe in a healthy lifestyle eating vegetables and exercise to control the things I can. You only have one life so I choose to preserve mine.   

The Pedro Reyes installation was equipped with a large black mat where the artist instructed visitors to lay down and think about their life then formulate a “message.” Then the visitor takes two cards and hammers out their message using heavy iron letters – you can hear the noise reverberating throughout the galleries. The message that I hammered onto the 3 x 5 card, “A Big Heart” was a saying someone said to me once. With all my volunteer work helping residents in the homeless shelter to tutoring GED students, I am filled with joy when I can help a single person achieve a goal or put a smile on their face. By doing that, I have a purposeful life.

I have to think back to what my mother always taught me, put a smile on your face and be nice to people. It’s not an act – I like meeting new people and finding out what makes them “tick.” Thanks Mom for making me the person that I am today. 

Next to the Reyes piece, a video installation of Hannah Wilke, she places her body boldly in front of visitors to visualize her life with lymphoma – very difficult to watch. You can quickly see the hair loss as strands of hair limply hang there where you just want to shave it off. Her naked body with bruises and bandages where needles pierced her skin filling her body with poison. The description above, I saw my own mother’s body wither away to nothing – skin and bones that I don’t wish upon anyone. I didn’t watch a lot of the videos but I got the sense of her struggle – I give her credit for documenting the process. For me, memories flooded to my mother’s battle where she did what she needed to do and ultimately her body gave out! I admire her strength along with everyone else to survive.

Lastly, the mirror series by Oscar Muñoz, “Breath” where visitors breathe on a mirror and an image eerily appears. The dead, lost souls appear for a spit second where their life is embraced and remembered. How many people have we lost to natural disasters, illness, and/or accidents – someone’s sister, brother or spouse. Life and death should be celebrated even for a brief instant. Everyone is important to someone out there.

MOCA’s show excellent where you might have to experience more than once.

Van Gogh - Cleveland Museum of Art

Van Gogh was excellent as well. As I wrote in a previous blog, I attended a lecture right before the exhibit opened and his brilliance amazed me even more. I also attended a second lecture about his “repetitions”  where the artist fine-tuned his craft. For example, the painting he created from life had quicker brush strokes than the repetition; the repetition, therefore, was created in a controlled environment of the studio. Van Gogh allowed himself to explore details that were missed on his original. How the conservator and curator learned conclusively which one was the original and the “copy”  or “repetition” that Van Gogh called them. This was achieved through x-rays. I listen to this lecture and I was bothered with the extent of all these “x-rays.” I know deep down that it doesn’t ruin the paintings but do we really need to know every aspect of the creative process an artist endures – I think not. 

The process was interesting nevertheless. In the exhibition, the curator and/or conservator do not know how Van Gogh created his repetitions. Through the x-ray process, they didn’t see any charcoal markings to suggest transposing exactly from one painting to the next. They were amazed by the accuracy of each “repetition” as a computer generated line drawing showed the original painting was not far off from the “repetition.” Fascinating but for me, the accuracy doesn’t change my view point about Van Gogh’s brilliance. I love that he explores unusual color choices: using oranges, yellows, blues, and purples in his faces – impressionism. The thick globs of paint or quickly getting an idea on canvass with loose brushstrokes. I love them all. 

My two favorites were the ones that the Cleveland Museum of Art owns - The Large Plane Trees and the Cyprus Trees (painted from life). My only criticism concerning the exhibit was the quantity – there wasn’t more Van Gogh’s to see. However, stellar quality that is worth a trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art. 

Two wonderful exhibits in Cleveland, Ohio by two world class institutions.  

Best March Event in Town

From The Cleveland International Film Festival website

Since Wednesday, March 19, my time has been spent sitting in a dark theater watching countless films at the Cleveland International Film Festival. Hence, March is my favorite month because I can see a variety of films normally not shown at your neighborhood movie theater. From documentaries, short subjects to narratives, whatever you like to see, they have it. So incredible.

How many films did I watch?

My magic number was twenty-four. My total films I was able to watch. Not bad! It might sound like a lot but individuals who buy passes (this gives filmgoers the flexibility to see any film and watch as many films as their heart desires) can see upwards of sixty-six if they watch six per day for eleven days. It is doable, but not recommended. I saw six films once and by the time I was on my sixth one, my brain was inoperable. I walked out of the theater with a glazed look on my face not thinking about the film I just watched. I needed to get out into the fresh air. Hence, all the films begin to blur together.

The beauty of buying a pass is the ability to choose a film on the “fly.” What this means is: if you hear what audiences are saying about a film, you can decide to see something else without worrying that you just bought a ticket to a certain film. Once you buy a ticket, you are locked into that film. You can decide to sell it or exchange it for a fee. 

What I traditionally do: I read the entire guide, mark notes which ones are documentaries, thrillers, comedies and check the ones that I have an interest in. What happened this year is most of the films that I picked didn’t exhibit the long lines; hence, I adjusted my picks based on what others have gravitated towards. 

You may have thought I bought tickets, not necessarily. I volunteer every year so at the end of my shift, I receive “two vouchers” that is turned in for tickets. Most of the time it works out well; other times when the film is on “stand by” you give the desk your “voucher” and pray that you get into the film after everyone else. Usually it’s not a problem – they seat you where you might not have the best seat, but your “in.” What happened this year, everyone wanted to see “The Verdict” and by the time I heard “the buzz” I was too late in securing a ticket. I got a “stand by” ticket but they were not seating any “stand by.” This is a rarity, but it has happened because of the record breaking crowds. My recommendation - Buy your tickets early.

The Ballot

Quite honestly, I’m not exactly sure when I became such a film buff. I always enjoyed seeing movies but not the passion I currently have where I scrutinize all elements of the film: is it a good story, it is beautiful to watch, are the characters interesting, the dialogue (writing) is original and tight editing where it moves along at a good clip. This is what I think about when I cast my ballot for “excellent” or if the story and/or dialogue is idiotic it will receive a “fair.” I gave more “fair” ratings than I usually do and I’m embarrassed to admit, a few more “excellence.” It seems like I love the film right when I watch it then when I see something else the following day, I kick myself that I gave the rating that I did. Frustrating at times!

I can honestly say that there were a lot of well made films – a few that stick out: “The Auction,” ( a quiet film about an elderly gentleman who inherits a farm and he ends up auctioning it off throwing him into a new world that he hasn’t experienced in a long time; “The Ferry,” another quiet film about an elderly Chinese man who ferries individuals from one end of the river to the next. The cinematography was gorgeous and light on dialogue but it was just beautiful; “The Longest Distance” where a woman gets cancer and decides to take her own life on her own terms. Again, a beautiful film that was well written and the characters had depth that struck your emotions that I couldn’t stop thinking about well after I left (An Award Winner). “Obvious Child” that was not on my radar but as I was volunteering the night before, I saw a lot of people going into the theater. The film opens up with a woman comedian delivering her monologue that was “raw.” I quickly thought, why did I get a ticket for this film? However to my surprise, I really, really enjoyed it because it was not trite where you knew what was going to happen in all those romantic comedies. I was impressed – a well written comedy where I laughed and cried at the same time. For a documentary, I loved “Gore Vidal: The United States of Amnesia” where Gore just told it how it was. He didn’t care if you agreed with him or not. I didn’t agree with everything he said, but I respect his view point. This film was on my maybe list and turned out to be a delight. 

I can go on and on which films I loved and the ones I didn’t. Not everyone has the same opinion on films; that is why film like any other artistic medium is very subjective. As I mentioned above, I stood in the “stand by” line for “The Verdict,” and I didn’t get in. They added a screening and I was so excited to see it and what happened, I was bored to tears. Everyone loved it and my opinion was that it needed more editing – way too long. That’s how it goes. You never know if you will be enamored or bored – the beauty of The Cleveland International Film Festival. You will always be amazed by the films that you see, not normally seen in your neighborhood. 

I realize March is over and April is half way done but Cleveland has so many gems like a film festival primarily in one spot. 

The Cleveland International Film Festival
March 18 - 29 2015 
http://www.clevelandfilm.org

Waterloo Arts District - First Friday

It’s March 8, the first Friday Walk All Over Waterloo event and the art scene is a flurry of activity. There were at least three art events going on. I could have volunteered for the Cleveland Museum of Art’s MIX event or hit MOCA’s free party from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m, but I elected to attend the my neighborhood first friday event instead. I’m glad I did. 

The National Arts Program 

Waterloo Arts was crazy busy with the opening of the National Arts Program where Cleveland locals can submit art. I’m a Cleveland resident so I submitted a pastel grape drawing. You would of thought I was entering a “big time” exhibit for I couldn’t decide what to draw or do. Admittedly, I was stressed. I ran downstairs into my refrigerator and grabbed a bunch of fruit – oranges, apples and grapes. I arranged them and arranged them again into different configurations. I did a small apple sketch while I sat at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s atrium waiting for my sister. 

I settled on three apples and I manically drew and illustrated with my favorite medium – pastels. As of last year, I finally set up my drawing table and I’ve been doing some drawing – I drew my sister’s house as a Christmas present and two African elephants. I enjoy it as I pull out a wide variety of color no matter what the object is - apples don’t necessarily need to be all red. There are browns, purples and yellows – I’m thinking like Van Gogh and other artists that put color down as you feel how it should look. 

I finished the apples and settled on the grape drawing instead. I was happy with it as I framed it and dropped it off at Waterloo Arts. That is the first time I submitted a drawing. Yes, I’ve done graphic design where the client sees it and decides if it’s good or not. It gets printed for the whole  world to see. Who really sees or cares who the designer is. The client wants it done and preferably under budget – project completed.  

As I walked into the Waterloo Arts, there was an abundance of artwork from school aged children to someone as young as two. For example, there was a dress form made out of metal with plastic strips for a skirt that was leaning against the wall. I love it. It was a good start into the art of sculpture. 

Other children submitted photography, collages, pottery and drawings. The main comment from attendees was how they all enjoyed “art done by children.” I completely agree. The creativity was infectious. All this from Clevelanders. I was so proud of the crowd where it was hard to maneuver within the gallery and see the exhibit.

The other piece that I thought was creative was a wall relief of an elephant using found metal. Again, this was a beautiful example of sculpture. It was easily recognized and the polished metal worked as a plausible solution. Too bad it was stuck in the back.

Where was my piece, you may ask? It took me a while to find it but it was back in the corner below another piece that won second place. A woman was photographing the piece above mine; she might have gotten some purple grape in there. It wasn’t important where my piece was. It was an honor to submit it with all the great art in Cleveland. The best in show was a painting of two nudes with vibrant red hair blowing in the wind per say. It was well done. Very close to that piece, there was a boat scene that I though was also done well. All the work was stellar in one way or another.

All egos aside, my favorite part of the evening was the parents standing next to their child and taking a photo of their art work. There was an energetic full, crowd anticipating a view of creative art in Cleveland. I was happy to see so many people walking along Waterloo jettisoning from one gallery to the next.

Maria Neil Art Project

After I left Waterloo Art Gallery, I walked a few more minutes down the road to Maria Neil Art Project Gallery to see new work from “Hilary Gent: Aftermath.” Her paintings were amazing. The entire gallery was glowing in orange, red, brown, and yellows. Right when you walked in, there was a huge canvas that over took the gallery dramatically with an urban housing feel. I walked around several time to take it all in.

I approached Hilary and told her how much I loved her work. She gave me the back story that all this work “emerged” within the last year after witnessing a building engulfed in flames. That makes sense since the color pallet is orange and red equating with fire. The fire filled her with such emotion that her coping mechanism took over and she created art work - painting after painting after painting. 

My favorite piece was off to the right side as you enter the gallery. There are these white buildings (probably homes) and at the foreground is a scrapheap of discarded wood, timber if you will. It just spoke to me because of the balance between the cleanliness of the white homes with the sadness of timber gone in to waste. Right next to the painting, there was a relief of wire and plastic, it looked like a bird’s nest to me – the artist retrieved scraps from the fire that also is in the show.

Who says you have to go far away from home to see terrific art. I didn’t have to this Friday. There is creativity in the tiniest of places. I like how the artist is inspired by their art instead of a big time gallery showcasing their wares. Waterloo is intimate and quietly off the beaten path. If you haven’t attended any art galleries on Waterloo, I suggest you do.

Maria Neil Art Project

Hilary Gent: After Math - March 7 - April 19, 2014

www.marianeilartproject.com

Waterloo Arts

http://artscollinwood.org

Van Gogh’s Brilliance

Brochure produced by The Cleveland Museum of Art

Computer problems and projects, I have not been writing my regular blog posts. Life has gotten in the way. Now that I had the pleasure of being in the audience for the “Van Gogh: The Face in the Mirror” lecture, I’m ready to delve in. My reason for signing up for the Van Gogh lecture is my love for the painter – his bold brush strokes and unorthodox color choices. The Cleveland Museum of Art owns three Van Gogh’s and I love staring at them whenever I walk into the Contemporary Galleries. Therefore, I can’t wait to see Van Gogh Repetitions exhibit on view until May 26, 2014.

Friday’s lecture solidified for me why Van Gogh was an important painter. Lecturer, Shackelford described how Van Gogh painted many self portraits during his career that were different – not repetitions that the Cleveland Museum of Art show will focus on. Van Gogh painted his portrait using many different colors – the hues red that reflected his red hair color and shallow, yellows that reflected his illness. Most of his portraits were painted as a mirror image; hence, Van Gogh had his pallet in his right hand and painted with his left. Therefore, Van Gogh did not reverse the image; he kept it as is while he painted himself. I never thought about the “mirror image” as the reverse of what was real – Van Gogh was right handed.

I learned something new while I listed to Dr. Shackelford’s lecture.

Moreover, Van Gogh’s inspiration for his self portraits with easel was from Rembrandt’s self portrait as he stood by an easel. Rembrandt’s version was soft and used a brown pallet, while Van Gogh’s bold colors immediately awakens the viewer attention. Van Gogh’s other inspiration for his “dot” brush strokes is similar to Seurat’s pointillism. And what I already knew is that Van Gogh painted himself due to the expense of using models – it was easier to paint yourself in the mirror and experiment with different colors and brush strokes.

Shackelford’s lecture also introduced other paintings from Van Gogh such as his “Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin” in two versions (this is in the exhibit). One version is brightly painted with orange, blues and bright green where the other version is muted – using brown tones. For me, I prefer the brighter version where I can see Van Gogh happily mixing these colors and excited by his subject. Moreover, I love the “sunflowers” for the same reason – the vibrant yellows take over the canvas and you’re instantly propelled into the painters thinking process. Van Gogh draws you into his subject matter no matter what.

The Cleveland Museum of Art is fortunate to have “The Large Plane Trees” where this subject matter has been repeated. I love the dominance of the trees in the blue, purple and maroon brush strokes in the bark that makes Van Gogh brilliant by using unorthodox colors, in my opinion. If you look close, you can see tiny “red diamonds” where Van Gogh painted on a table cloth with this pattern. Again, his funds were limited –hence canvases are costly.

When I do my pastel drawings, I integrate Van Gogh’s ideology when I use purples and reds in my plants–experimenting with color to create a “stop and stare” for the viewer. He is a step above other artists when he uses a “swirling method such as ‘Starry Night.’” Moreover, that is what draws me in, a new paint stroke, thick use of paint that is almost a glob onto the canvas or color choice. Van Gogh is a master.

After Shackelford’s lecture, I am even more in awe with Van Gogh for his creativity – constantly trying to improve himself. He created these repetitions so he can learn by doing – it was his creative process to become a better painter. In his process, all of his versions are elegantly and beautifully painted.

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Cleveland Museum of Art to distribute the audio guides. It was the first Saturday for the Van Gogh exhibit and it was crowded. As I stood by my perch, I can see the four repetitions of Van Gogh’s “Portrait of the Postman Joseph Roulin” and they are all remarkable in their own right. You can see the bright colors from a distance where I just stood and stared. Van Gogh’s brilliance will always be cherished by me. The museum owns three, where I wish we had more but the pieces are stellar.

If you love Van Gogh or not, you will be in awe as you gaze upon his brilliant canvases. I’m looking forward to seeing the show, alive and in person.

Ice Fishing

Photo by Anna Chanakas

It’s six o’clock on a Sunday morning and I put on six layers of clothing to hit the streets of Cleveland for my weekly jog. Crazy I know since I’m not a huge fan of winter. However, I couldn’t help but be enamored with the shards of glass that were once waves lapping along the beach. This is still my lake in a frozen mass where I couldn’t see beyond the enormous waves blocking the horizon line. I stood knee deep in snow wondering how the lake feels, so still without nobody to play with.

I stupidly jog along a snow covered pier slowly in case I slip – I turn 360 degrees to make sure the lake is solid. I’m amazed how beautiful it is as I stare not wanting to leave. As I leave, I hear a tapping noise; I soon realize two gentleman are hitting the solid ice to do some ice fishing. All these weeks I’ve been running along the pier, this was a first. I couldn’t see how they were going to make a hole but they kept at it–tap, tap, tap.

No way was I going to stand in the middle of the lake to fish or do anything else. What if the waves gave way and the lake begins to move grabbing life into its wake. I can clearly see it’s solid but what if that one spot cracks? Too much of a gamble for my taste. I’ll just look at its elegance from the ground, thank you. 

Photo by Anna chanakas

I tore myself away from the tapping sound and continued on my way. I’m just as crazy as those two fishermen as I run in ankle deep snow. I have my route and I run as if it’s a spring day. I carefully run down to the beach where the snow drifts are inhibiting my pace; I walked. I couldn’t tell where the sand ended and where the waves began. It was stark white so I couldn’t see – I made it to the edge as my feet got heavier and heavier. It was hard to pace myself as the snow impeded my judgment. I walked as best as I could, alone. I turned away from the waves and lost my footing falling onto the soft snow leaving a snow angel behind. No one was around so if I get hurt, it’s my own fault. Stupid!

I’m resilient so I found my way onto the snow covered stairs balancing my way up. Again, I wasn’t exactly running more like a staggered walk. Not only didn’t I have my balance but The Cleveland Metroparks decided to put a chain link fence around all the stair wells. I’m sure they want to repair the shoddy stairs but I didn’t care as I climbed the twenty or so stairs then pulling my legs over the chain linked fence. A shiny new fence is not going to deter me from the beach even though it’s snow covered. 

It is a gamble for sure running in the early morning darkness but that’s what I love about it–the quietness. It’s my way of being surrounded by nature one step at a time. I could hear the birds, squirrels and other wildlife trying to survive this brutal winter. It’s a crisp morning but I’m not shivering since I’m moving my legs and arms. At one point, I take off my gloves as the blood rushes into my finger tips. The wind blows ever so slightly as I climb a small incline trying not to slip on the ice. I’m a jogger but not a fast one. I go a pace where my heart pumps and my breathing increases–just to say I’m working out. 

I probably run five miles, give or take. I’m exhausted and excited when I finally stop. I’m finished with my route and I can finally walk home. Thrilled that I got a workout in and was able to celebrate the crispness of the day. Winter is not my favorite season but I’m happy to run regardless of the weather. I embrace the day whatever it brings. I’ve jogged in pouring rain, wind gusts and snow storms – it’s just once a week so I “suck it up.” I’m always delighted when I finish, patting myself on the back that I made it out the door and endured the elements. Every season has its challenges – summer gets hot when I walk home sweaty but each Sunday I’m thankful that I can run and enjoy my Lake Erie. I can’t image living anywhere else.