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50-50 III
At first glance my neighborhood seems average, with nothing particular to distinguish it from any other. One must go elsewhere for the scenic vistas, the grand mansions, the four star restaurants, and the world reknowned landmarks.
In a culture where happiness is elusive, the grass is greener somewhere else, and emphasis is placed on being, having, and making more, I felt inspired to seek out and find the little pleasures in life that can create a beautiful landscape in one’s everyday experience and sustain body and spirit. So I left my car in the garage and set out on foot, with camera in hand, to find the little gems in my own back yard and down the street that I might have ignored or, at best, under-appreciated.
Find them I did! These treasures are the sandwich that satisfies one’s hunger, the angels that sing from a church facade, and the afternoon sunlight that kisses a stuccoed building. They are the interested gaze of an animal, a flower reaching toward the sky, and workmen improving a street. The pattern and texture of freshly washed clothes and the silhouette of tree branches against the moon; these too are special.
My photographic reference created the basis for the artworks, which I painted in my studio after carefully studying each one for the colors, subjects, and compositions that inspired me most. The diversity and richness that I have found in my neighborhood delights me. I’m guessing your neighborhood is just as wonderfully average as mine!