Notes on archived photo samples

​Notes on seven archived photographs appearing under the FINE ARTS title   
 
1.  I visited John Lopez’s studio in Lemmon, SD on a return trip to Michigan from Portland, OR.  What a fantastic experience!  Definitely off the beaten path, Lemmon is 90 miles southwest of Bismarck, ND (as the crow flies) and 125 miles northeast of the Black Hills in South Dakota.  This little town has a fine small museum (with includes examples of Lopez’s metal art) and enough “Old West” photography subjects to last a couple days.  Maps are available which direct visitors to the many locations of Lopez’s art in the outdoors of the West. 
 
2.  Andy Goldsworthy is my favorite artist!  I was glad to see one of his arches at the Frederick Meijer Garden.  My personal favorite work of art created by Goldsworthy is “The Wall” at the Storm King Art Center in New Windsor, NY.  I am still looking for my photos of it taken several years ago.  There are hundreds of them displayed on the Internet. 
 
3.  I have visited "Chihuly Garden and Glass" in Seattle several times.  You will not regret making a journey to wherever in the country his work is displayed.  And while you’re in Seattle take advantage of reduced fares if you choose to take an elevator to the top of the recently renovated Space Needle while also visiting Chihuly’s gallery on the same day. 
 
4.  ODS, the Olympic Driftwood Sculptors……what a fun group in which to belong!  Members reflect all ages, all ability levels, and all motivations for belonging.  Take a class from the group’s leader and certified “Driftwood Sculptor”, Ms. Tuttie Peetz!  It is interesting (to me, at least!) to note that the Seattle area has  ~TWO~   Driftwood Sculpting clubs.  The expected protocols are quite different between the two groups.  For examples, one group insists on using only wood bases for the art while the other group permits use of any material, including metal and stone.  One group allows inlays of substances, e.g. ground coral, for decorative purposes while the other group finds this anathema to a more exclusive wood-only art.
 
While on a visit to India, Washington’s Lt. Governor presented to the Dalai Lama one of Tuttie’s sculptures as a symbol of Washington’s dynamic arts communities:  https://www.peninsuladailynews.com/news/from-sequim-to-dalai-lama-tuttie-peetzs-driftwood-gifted-during-international-trip/.  I had the honor of attending two of Tuttie’s classes and assisting with the ODS’ annual "Art Show" conducted in Sequim, WA, in conjunction with the Sequim Lavender Festival.  My driftwood sculptures……ahh…..uhh……not yet completed. 
 
5.  Port Townsend has been named the “Paris of the Pacific Northwest” by Sunset Magazine.  Residents and tourists agree!  It is a mecca for learning, creating, and exhibiting fine arts of all types.  An example: memoir writing.  Rob Sullivan, retired geography professor from UCLA, teaches a six week course in “Autogeography” at the City of Port Townsend Public Library.  I attended this course and it jump started a memoir using a model different from the usual autobiography forms. 
https://ptpubliclibrary.org/library/page/create-your-own-autogeography-six-week-workshop

For a few years I spent one month in Port Townsend twice per year and I long to return. 
 
5.  I have been intrigued by moss ever since I learned that the Boy Scout premise that moss primarily grows on the north side of trees is a myth.  A visit to Olympic National Park where the rainfall in different parts of the Park varies from 40” per year to 140” per year proves that moss can grow prolifically and completely around trunks and limbs of trees.
 
My go-to expert is “Mossin’ Annie” Martin, author of The Magical World of Moss Gardening.  I consulted with her while in Brevard, NC, south of Asheville, a few years ago.
 
How are Chinese gardens different from more well known Japanese-style gardens?  Visit the "Lan Su Chinese Garden" in Portland and find out.  While at it, visit the "Innisfree Garden" in Millbrook, NY which combines characteristics of both Chinese and Japanese gardens.  Is the green in this photo moss or algae?  

I'll never forget my visit to the Lan Su Garden.  I have carried a Chinese coin I bought at its gift shop in my pocket every day for the last nine years.  
 
6.  Black and white photos are not usually published in calendars.  The Presque Isle Calendar of 2013 included my photo of the huge maritime chain on the February page.  A color photo of this scene was giving me a great deal of conflict.  That is, until I consulted one of my photography mentors.  She took one look at the color version and suggested B&W.  I Photoshopped it and that’s the way it has stayed ever since!