Friday, August 31, 2012

Art at the Fair

One of my favorite parts of a fair are the art entries. I love looking at the creative and unique pieces people submit each year. There are always so many inspiring, interesting, and thought-provoking pieces.

Here are some of my favorites from the Minnesota State Fair last weekend. Please keep in mind that I photographed the artwork with my cell phone, so that's why the pictures are blurry. And the building was really busy, so either out of consideration of other art lovers or an inability to get in front of the piece, everything is shot from a side angle.

Gnarly Tree-Oahu
Black & White Print by Lars Michael of Brooklyn Park

As a lover of Ansel Adams, it was no surprise that I was drawn into the moodiness and contrast of this print. I also like that it's such a sharp contrast with photography and scenery I'd most likely associate with a Hawaiian island.


Abandoned Staircase
Digital Photography Printed on Canvas by David A. Parker of Stillwater

I was really surprised that this was a photograph; it looked like a painting. There is an amazing ethereal quality about the work, and I love abandoned buildings.

Steel Ship, Iceland
Color Print From 120mm Film by Emilie Hitch of Minneapolis

 This photograph had such great color and texture. I would definitely hang it on my wall.

Roadkill Baby Blanket
by Pamela Valfer
 
This is where we get to "thought provoking" on this short tour. I found this fascinating (it even had little beady eyes attached), but I would not put this anywhere in my house. 

Have you seen any great artwork at the fair recently?




Sunday, August 26, 2012

The Great Minnesota Get Together!

With my parents in town over the weekend, we set out for the great Minnesota get together. Otherwise known as the Minnesota State Fair. Rainshowers didn't keep us from eating, walking, petting animals and having a great day.






Elephant Ear with Apple

So many people!
 
My little farmhand
We'll definitely be back next year!

Monday, August 6, 2012

Book Review: Moloka'i


This is one of the most beautiful
cover images I've ever seen.

By Alan Brennert

If you're looking for an inspiring story about a life well lived, this is it! Moloka'i is the story of young Rachel Kalama who is ripped from her family and all she knew to spend her life in isolation on a small tropical island. Rachel must start a new life and create a new family.

Despite a debilitating illness, Rachel is able to live a full, adventurous life on the small island of Moloka'i. Her heartbreaks and triumphs became my own as I progressed through the book. Brennert has really immersed the reader in Rachel's life. You'll live with Rachel as she learns about life, love and loss and you'll be able to follow the changes the 21st century brought through her experiences.

I highly recommend this book, but that comes with a caveat. I sometimes found this book so heartbreaking that is made me incredibly angry. I contemplated throwing the book across the room more than once. It was well worth pushing through, though.