Jennifer Coyne Qudeen: art trip

Showing posts with label art trip. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Wordless Wednesday - Baltimore grafitti

Sunday, January 28, 2018

Baltimore - 2 Churches

A disclaimer seems appropriate given the photographic content of this post. I am not a religious person by anyone's definition. On my best days, it could be said that I am spiritual, but even that is sketchy. At the end of the day, though, churches fascinate me. It's the architecture - the creativity and skill that went into the designing, planning and constructing of such buildings. Like any big city, Baltimore is filled with churches.

One of my favorites is the Mount Vernon Place United Methodist Church. Located near the George Peabody Library, this Victorian Gothic beauty dominates the skyline along Charles Street.

The building is made [of] six of different types of stone. Its extraordinary color (especially when wet) comes from the use of the now rare green serpentine metabasalt from the Falls Road area of Baltimore County, and buff and red sandstone trim. (from the church website)

The stone carvers' marks, evident on every stone,

bring to mind hand stitching.

It is impossible, for me, to pass this beauty without touching the carvers' marks and wondering at the history and stories behind them. Did each stone carver have a signature mark? Did it vary based on the stone? What thoughts occupied the carvers minds while their hands produced such beauty, etc.

I would love to see the inside as well. A kind lady stopped while I was photographing

and assured me that the inside is just as spectacular.

I did try the front doors, but they were locked. Perhaps on a future visit...

.........

The Baltimore Basilica's facade is quite a contrast.

It presents a very imposing front, complete with majestic columns.

I must admit to being a bit baffled and disappointed as I walked up the steps, finding this church more akin to a federal building than my idea of a cathedral. And then I entered.

The lightness of the interior stopped me mid step and all disappointment fled

to be replaced by awe.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Baltimore - George Peabody Library

Greetings from Baltimore, Maryland! I'm in town for a few days to visit friends and explore the city. Yesterday, I strolled along Charles Street and stopped in at the George Peabody Library.

I've seen photos of this glorious library before, never realizing that it is open to the public. Walking through a smaller room to step into the doorway and be greeted by this spectacular site was one of those jaw dropping, breathtaking moments that will forever be remembered.

The Peabody Library building, which opened in 1878, was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind,

in collaboration with the first provost, Dr. Nathaniel H. Morison.

Renowned for its striking architectural interior, the Peabody Stack Room contains five tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies, which rise dramatically to the skylight 61 feet above the floor.

The ironwork was fabricated by the Bartlett-Robbins Company.*

This architectural gem is truly awe inspiring. A second visit was required on my way back to the hotel later in the afternoon. Many of the tables were occupied and I couldn't help but wonder what one would think if I sat down and took out my stitching. Another time...

*exerpt from George Peabody Library History

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Wordless Wednesday

Baltimore harbor, January 23, 2018

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Art on Paper NYC - part 1

Art on Paper took place over the weekend at Pier 36 in New York. I ventured into the city along with Ellen and Deborah to see what this year's show had in store.

Dominating the entry area of Art on Paper was Li Hongbo's Rainbow, 2015. It was such a joy to see this installation.

I first saw Li Hongbo's work at Klein Sun Gallery in winter 2014. The exhibit was of what at first glance appeared to be classical carved busts, but which turned out to be so much more. Click here to visit my post from 2014.

The following photos are some of the pieces that caught my eye. Most work was framed and impossible to photograph well due to the reflection of the lights. I found that angled shots worked...sometimes...kinda...and sometimes not. The amount of information given on the tags varied from gallery to gallery. In fact, some galleries chose not to use identifying tags as a way to get the public to engage with them. As often as possible, I've linked to the artist's web site or to the gallery representing them. Just click on the artist's name. Enjoy the photos! There are more to come.

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