Working Up a Sweat

By now, everyone in Birmingham has worked up a sweat, even Rodin's Jean d'Aire at the Birmingham Museum of Art!   I photographed this piece in the Sculpture Garden after a rain. I felt like my original image was rather straightforward and not all that interesting, thus a little post processing work.

When we visited the Musée Rodin in Paris a few weeks ago, I met Jean d'Aire again in the gardens.  It was shady and cool and he seemed a little more comfortable.  I thought I'd include it as well.

Reduce, REUSE, Recycle

The best part of the Magic City Art Connection in my opinion, is the WIDE range of art that is offered.  There's always some art/artists that just blow me away with their talent and creativity. The word "funky" comes to mind!   Case in point is Randy Gachet, a sculptor from Birmingham.  I regret that I don't have a photo of Randy to share.  I think I was so busy trying to capture his art that I forgot to meet him!  

Talk about reusing materials.  Randy uses old TIRES for his amazing work.  The mirror in the top photo was something to see.  I stared wide mouthed for a few minutes before I attempted to photograph it.  The bird and his perch are made from a series of rubber pieces as well.  

I hope Randy is careful when he's out on the interstate picking up those old tires! Blowouts are welcome I would think.

The Ballerina

This exquisite bronze in the Sculpture Garden at the Birmingham Museum of Art has fascinated me for months.   I have photographed her from every angle and at almost every time of day. Nothing I shot seemed to do her justice.  I had almost given up, but Saturday I tried once again. This time,  I found a new perspective.  Maybe it was the raindrops.  I think I'm finally satisfied!

Birmingham's First Skyscraper

In 1913, the Jefferson County Savings and Loan,  now the City Federal Building, opened its doors. Located downtown on 2nd Avenue North,  this 27 story terra cotta faced  building is still the tallest neo classical skyscraper in the southeast. Thankfully spared the wrecking ball, it is now open for business as City Federal condominiums.

Bottom Photo: Eva and "L'ami de personne" (Nobody's Friend).  This bronze by Swedish sculptor Eric Dietman, is in Jardin des Tuileries.

I am in Paris this week.  My photos are preposted this week.  In addition to the Birmingham photo I am including a Paris photo from my last trip in March, 2007.  From time to time I may leave a comment from Paris.  Thanks for stopping by.  Bonne weekend!

Styrofoam Goes Green!

I volunteered at the Birmingham Museum of Art yesterday.  We have a wonderful new exhibit of drawings by Leonardo da Vinci which began today.  Wish you all could see it.  It reminded me that I had this photo in my archives.  This sculpture is an interesting one for sure.  It is made entirely of styrofoam cups!!   "Untitled" may be the name the artist chose, but visitors I overheard described it as " a brain,  coral, and a wasp's nest".   The artist is Tara Donovan and employees and volunteers at the museum actually hotglued the tens of thousands of cups together for this piece.  I like the way the trees outside reflected this nice soft green tint.  Maybe styrofoam can "go green".  (Yeah - right.)

The Tune du Jour is "Paper Cup" by the wonderful Fifth Dimension.  

Can you believe I found a song for this post???

Hot Chocolate!

One of my favorite pieces of sculpture at the Birmingham Museum of Art has to be this Botero.  When I took my 3rd graders for our annual  field trip to the museum , I had to find a way to offset the "giggle factor" that would ensue when confronted with the nudity that abounds in a museum.  I used the head 'em off at the pass technique.  I told them  before we went,  that they would see a very large nude woman that was made of a brown metal that looked like chocolate. Whenever I saw her,  I always thought that I might look like her one day, if I didn't quit eating chocolate!   I named her the "Chocolate Lady" and told them to be on the lookout for her.  Thankfully, the snickers (no pun intended)  turned to squeals of , "Oh look, there's the Chocolate Lady!"  

On July 16, Jilly over at Monte Carlo DP, posted Botero's Adam and Eve.

Eddie Kendrick, a Birmingham Legend

Eddie Kendrick, lead singer for the fabulous Temptations was a Birmingham boy.  He never forgot his roots and we  have not forgotten him!  The Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park is located on 4th Avenue North within blocks of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Civil Rights Institute.  It's a lovely small,shady, well kept park.  Eddie is center stage.  Artist Ron McDowell captured his lively stage presence and spirit perfectly.  The other four members of the group show off their legendary choreography in the background.  I am a long time fan and  always have wished I had been able to see them perform in person.  Standing in front of that granite stage, I felt like I finally got my chance.  What a lovely tribute to Eddie and his legendary career. Hometown boy makes good.  He certainly did and aren't we proud!

Note: Kendrick is the family's name.  Early in his career an "s" was added.  The park uses the family spelling.

TOMORROW: Portraits From My Heart II

"Awesome" Sculpture!

Several weeks ago I posted a piece of sculpture by Alabama artist Charlie Lucas.  A nice collection of his metal pieces is currently on exhibition outside in the Sculpture Pit at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  I claimed that this is one place that  children could run around and enjoy the art, even ......touch it!  Just to prove it, here's my grandson Davis having a closer look at two pieces  that he thought were really "awesome".   This might disprove the theory that museums can't be kid friendly.

Remembering

Kelly Ingram Park is a place for remembering.  Birmingham in the 1960's was a city in turmoil. This is a part of Birmingham's history that evokes memories of racial stife that tore our city apart and a civil rights movement that demanded much needed changes.  Today Birmingham still remembers the past and takes pride in the positive changes that have taken place over the years.  Kelly Ingram Park sits across the street from the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the 16th Avenue Baptist Church.  The sculpture  in this park is startling and thought provoking, serving as a visual reminder of sacrifices made during those turbulent times.  It is indeed a place for remembering,  learning from the past, and celebrating the present. 

I will be bringing more photos from this historic district in weeks to come.

The Four Sisters

In 1898, four Daughters of Charity founded St. Vincent's Hospital, the city's oldest hospital.  Here they are depicted wearing a more modern,  metallic version of the very recognizable habits of their day.  St. Vincent's Hospital advertises that they are "where babies come from."  For our family that is absolutely true.  My two daughters and 5 grandchildren were all born there.  The hospital has grown and grown over the years, but continues to give the same excellent, compassionate care that it is known for.  I live near this hospital and always enjoy seeing the Four Sisters as I pass by.

Thanks to my friend Amy who tells me that this sculpture was done by Birmingham artist Brad Morton.

SKYWATCH FRIDAY - A Little Razzle Dazzle at the BMA

The metallic panels of this sculpture at the Birmingham Museum of Art shimmer in the sunlight. The blue sky and white clouds are the perfect backdrop for it.  The Sculpture Garden is  kid, adult, and photographer friendly .  It is a wonderful place to introduce children to the world of art. They can run around, be noisy and look at the eclectic mix of  sculpture up close and personal.  Who knew a museum could be so much fun!

 

Please click on the Skywatch Friday link on the sidebar to see all the other participants this week.

Reuse and Recyle!

Don't miss " The World Through My Eyes", an exhibition of Alabama's noted self taught artist Charlie Lucas at the Birmingham Museum of Art.  For his sculpture Lucas often uses machine parts and other cast off materials.  Twelve of his large scale pieces  are on exhibit in the museum's sculpture pit.  Recently I spent an afternoon photographing all of  the works in the sculpture garden.  It was a photographer's paradise.  I especially liked this wall mounted piece, but don't worry, I have other pieces to share.