Meet Leo Ticheli - Magic City Art Connection

Today I'd like you to meet my new friend, the multi-talented Leo Ticheli.  Leo's one of Birmingham's  finest cinematographers.  He's been at it for over 30 years and his production company is one of the best in the city.  In addition he's a fine photographer.  As you can see, some of his fine art photography is for "grownups" and he does it very well.   He's promised me some "milder"  photos for my blog while I'm in France. You're in for a treat. ( He's even joining the CHAIR SERIES!)   Thanks Leo, for your kind words of encouragement and support!

* The Chair Series continues!!! Halcyon at Jackson Daily Photo was nice enough to join in with some very comfy chairs on Wednesday. Check them out! 

Is it just 16 days till Paris?????

Hands and Clay - Shadow Series V

Two Generations

Today we return to the Magic City Art Connection.  One thing I dearly love about this event is the  outstanding job they do with providing art activities for children. One fourth of Linn Park is devoted to just that.  I zeroed in on the clay tables mainly because of the incredible light that was coming through the trees illuminating their hands. 

Pinch Pots

America the Beautiful - Cinco de Mayo

 We interrupt the previously scheduled  Shadows Series

to bring you Cinco de Mayo!

Sometimes the subject makes the photographer look really, really good. This is one of those times.  Meet America.  Yes, that's really her name!  She attended her big brother's graduation from the STAIR reading program at my church.  She got all dressed up for the occasion, right down to her cute black boots.  I took one look at her and began planning the photos in my head. Stalking might be too strong a word, so let's just say I was "relentless".   She was preoccupied with that big chocolate chip cookie,  so she really didn't notice the gazillion pictures I was madly snapping.  Oh my, I think this might be one of my very favorite portraits. 

The bottom photo is one I took last fall at the Dia de los Muertos festivities.  I think it's a nice addition to the Cinco de Mayo theme today!

Some Posies

As many of you know, I'm still in France and trying to keep two blogs going! Today, not much but some gerbera daisies in an old vintage Coke bottle sitting in my kitchen window. Enjoy!

Shadow Series IV - At the Gardens

SHADOW SERIES IV

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens is lovely every month of the year.  I especially like to stop by late in the afternoon when the setting sun casts that special light.  See for yourself.

Well my goodness, the Table /Chair series continues and today my dear, sweet friend Bibi in Belgrade has added a grand addition to the series. Thank you Bibi!!!

Shadow Series III - Kevin's Studio Revisited

SHADOW SERIES III

Look familiar?  Of course it does.  This is my friend Kevin Irwin's studio. We've been here  and here many times, but today it's all about her beautiful work and the play of shadows on them. The top figures are some of her fanciful clay pieces, and the bottom photo gives you a glimpse of the delicate colored glass jewelry and other baubles she creates.  They were sparkling in the afternoon sunlight.

I'll bet you think this is it for photos from her studio. Nope!

Shadow Series II- The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement

SHADOW  SERIES II

Several weeks ago fellow bloggers Maya and Janet visited me here in Birmingham.  I decided to take them on a little road trip north to Cullman, Alabama.  We stopped at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrement on our way out of town.  I must give Janet a nod for this shot.  She "saw" it first and I of course copied her.  The bottom photo is the detailed railing in front.  You may have noticed a bit of it here.

THREE WEEKS FROM TODAY, WE LEAVE FOR PARIS!!!

Straw Hats - May Theme Day - Shadows

Today is the first day of May and that means Theme Day for City Daily Photo Bloggers around the world.  Our theme this month is SHADOWS.  Ahhhhh my favorite so far.  I started digging around my IPhoto library and found quite a few.  So many that I've decided to carry the theme through this entire week.  I hope you will enjoy them. 

Today, I have two. This lovely lady in the top photo had stopped to admire a stroller full of triplets at the Magic City Art Connection.  She asked me why I wanted her picture,  and I told her I loved the light and shadows from her hat. She was okay with that!  ( I wish I had gone on to tell  her how much I loved her sweet face.)   

The gentleman below made an appearance the first week or so of my blog last year.  Since I was hardly a blip on the radar at that point, I thought I'd bring him back for the rest of you to meet. He sells some mighty fine produce at the Pepper Place Market each Saturday. I took him a print of this photograph the next time I went.  He declared himself a "star"!  And he is indeed.  I hope he'll be there with his tomatoes May 16th when they reopen.

CDPB around the world have some very creative takes on "shadows".   You'll want to click the link below to see them all! 

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

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.

Checkmate at the City Hall

It's not every day that you can go and pay your parking ticket or have a chat with the mayor and have a quick game ( can you have a quick game?)  of chess outside at the same time!  Well the Mountain Brook City Hall in Crestline Village offers this plus this beautiful fountain as well. The chess pieces are toddler size, and I really wanted a photo of some folks actually playing a game, but had to settle this shot.  If I'm ever in the right place at the right time, I'll show you the results.

* Please check out our friend Marley's Cheltenham DP blog today.  Marley has joined the Table/Chair series and a fine one it is!!!!  Thanks Marl.

Under the Umbrellas

Made you smile, didn't it!  Welcome to Zoës Kitchen in Homewood.  Zoë's very first place was just down the street and it was hardly big enough to turn around in,  much less handle the mobs of patrons that lined up for lunch every day.  Now you can dine at Zoës all over town,  and you can find  franchises in AZ, TN, LA, TX, FL, NC, and SC !   Their  motto is "Eat Smart, Eat Healthy" and they mean it, but with  Zoë's great Greek twist.  I eat there a lot and it's always fresh and healthy just like they advertise,  but I have a little secret.......the homemade chocolate sheet cake is the absolute best thing you ever put in your mouth!

Stripes - Table/Chair Series

Sometimes I stumble on the best photo ops when I least expect it.  I went to Wine and Whiners, a really fun group as you've probably  guessed,  last Wednesday afternoon ( after 5 of course!!).  I had never been to Beth's home before and wasn't prepared for all of the great photographs that awaited me.  I took one look around and high tailed it to the car for my trusty camera.  Here's but one example.  I had a little post processing fun with this one so I'm including another photo so you can see how pretty this table and chairs looks tucked away in her backyard. 

Meet the Artists - Magic City Art Connection

Michael Cameron Marlowe

Birmingham, AL

What a great weekend in Birmingham.  I love a good art show!!!! The Magic City Art Connection is always a fabulous event. Set in downtown Birmingham's Linn Park , it is a wonderful conglomeration of art and music and just plain fun!  If you read yesterday's post,  you know I have been a "repeat offender" by attending both Friday and Saturday.  I will have several more posts for you.  Today meet a few artists friends! By the way, I think Daphne and Michael have been inside my head.  IF I could paint worth a hoot, I'd be a big copycat of their work.   

Daphne Covington

Atlanta, GA

Coolin' Off

Most of you, outside of the Deep South, won't believe we had temps in the high 80's yesterday and more to come tomorrow.  I joined some friends downtown at the Magic City Art Connection yesterday afternoon at 4:00 and whew,  was it warm.  But what a great event.  I met so many talented , creative, friendly artists.  How will I get all of them on here for you to meet?  I promise to give it a try. Just as I was leaving,  I spotted these cute kiddos finding their own way to cool off in the waterfall at Linn Park.  I  really wanted to dip my toes in as well. Today, I'm on my way back downtown to meet more artists.  Stay tuned!