A Right-Brain Distraction

When I first started writing this Blog, “The Biggest Ball of String”, my idea was that it would be a
quick way to tell our friends about whatever trip we were on – I could tell everyone at once, and show a bunch of pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But, right away, I realized that 1) I think way too many things are interesting and I take way too many pictures, and if I tried to blog that, it would probably be boring to everyone else, clog up the system with 1000′s of pictures of green fields, and I’d never finish writing; 2) I think way too many things are interesting, so got sidetracked into telling information about the location – not just that we’d been there, but other things to see, how much some attractions cost, hours of operation, etc.; 3) I don’t necessarily like to write about what I’m doing right that second, because, to be honest, I don’t necessarily want people to know where I am, right at that second… depending on the what, the where and the who….

Anyway! I’m bring this up now because it takes longer to research the areas than it does to just chatter away about what I loved and what I didn’t, and so – and here’s the point – I got side tracked this week, and ran out of time (I didn’t realize it was time for my weekly Sunday blog!)  I could quickly whip something up now, but I want to talk about the Seahorse Ranch (Farm, actually) and want to get the details right, instead of “we went to the Farm – it was cool”, which, by the way, it was!

So, Seahorse Ranch next week. Confession, this week.

In the meantime, the reason I was distracted is because I’m working on an art project, and I always lose track of time when I’m working on something “right brained.”  So much so, that when I am working on something, I have to set the alarm to remind myself that I have other things to do. 

This time, I’m painting a bottle (I can’t show a picture because I want the outcome to be a surprise for the person to whom it belongs…. and I don’t know if they are reading my blog or not… … guess this is one way to find out…)

I’ve had a lot of projects this summer, which is why I went from a “twice a week” blog to a “once a week” blog…

Sometimes, my projects are painting pictures, usually the projects involve sculpting little quirky figurine type things (I call them “My Little Creatures“), and this is my first bottle. 

 

I had already started painting by the time my “Left-brain” said, “Hey! You should’ve taken a “before” picture.” Oh well.  Unless… here’s a picture (edited) – maybe someone will recognize what the bottle is? The part that’s covered is an embossed sunshine…or sunflower…? all clear…

So, that’s that! Hope to be back on track! In the meantime, I am committed to getting something written about the Seahorse Ranch for next week.

Inglewood (Calgary) Sculptuary and other art

Even when I say “Inglewood Art Supply store”, I smell oil paints, and paint thinner and remover…and wax…and it’s a wonderful smell…..

 

For me, it’s a throwback to childhood – it smells like my mom’s oil painting box. Perhaps that’s why I find the smell comforting… some people have a similar nostalgic feeling when they smell cookies baking.

The store is small, with narrow aisles, packed FULL of supplies. I often need help in locating something – I could browse, but then, I’d buy way more than planned… that happens anyway.

I’ve learned that Calgary is known for its sculptures and art, scattered around the city. I have driven passed many pieces, many times, during rush hour, and never even noticed. Now that I’ve started this blog, though, I not only notice these things, but stop for a closer look.

Inglewood (and the neighborhood right next store, Ramsay) has some very interesting pieces.

This first statue is at Fort Calgary, and is of Colonel James Alexander Farquharson (not a typo) Macleod, who was an RCMP commission at Fort Calgary – which, by the way, he named in 1876. (I briefly discussed Fort Calgary in my Inglewood blog July 16 2013).

 

He died in October 1880 and is buried in Union Cemetery, in Calgary.

 

There are statues, sculptures and general quirky art scattered all around Inglewood and the attached neighborhood of Ramsay.

One of the…oddest…is the upside-down church, in the Ramsay area. It’s technically named, by the artist (Dennis Oppenheim), “Device to Root Out Evil”…. I don’t love that name.. but it is what it is.

 

Originally, it was in Vancouver, but considered too controversial, and some people were offended by it, so, eventually, it was relocated to Calgary. IF you are offended by it – I’m just showing you what’s there, and don’t necessarily want to debate it.

Across the street from the Deane House (also mentioned in my Inglewood blog) is the Stone Sculpture Symposium: The Circle of Life.

There’s so much more in Inglewood – there’s even more in this particular park! Go to Inglewood, save enough time for a stroll, wander around looking at the art, go visit the galleries, stay for lunch. Be inspired – go buy paints and canvas or some charcoals at Inglewood Art Supplies. (http://www.calgary-inglewood.com/Home-New)

See you on Wednesday!