Matisyahu Sings a Song of Peace

Matisyahu sings a very beautiful song here and, I hope you will have a few moments to enjoy his song while visiting.  I believe it's from his new album and it has a very special message of peace. 

La Vie en Rose, Louis Armstrong

A Facebook friend brought my attention to an old, Louis Armstrong song, "La Vie en Rose," and I am posting it here to share with you, visitors, here today.  It's so beautiful, fine a moment or two to listen.  It's not a long interpretation of the song but, it is most beautiful.  I know you will enjoy hearing it. 

Summer Views: Coney Island, Photographics, Joyce Dade (c) 2011



A day at the beach, the beach of my dreams, Coney Island.  The old world and the natural world hold hands, an old, long lost bathhouse from the turn of the past century and condos (or are they housing projects?) stand side by side, sprinkled with green trees and blue skies.  Coney Island was a sheer pleasure this year and always.  A trip to this beach in particular is one that is always well worth the taking. 

Coney Island, el Mundo Entero, 2011

The Beach at Coney Island, Sprinkled with Clouds, Alternate View

Black Bathing Beauties, Coney Island, USA, 2011, Joyce Dade (c)

A Joy Forever

As autumn approachs, John Kets,

A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

Nor do we merely feel these essences
For one short hour; no, even as the trees
That whisper round a temple become soon
Dear as the temple's self, so does the moon,
The passion poesy, glories infinite,
Haunt us till they become a cheering light
Unto our souls, and bound to us so fast
That, whether there be shine or gloom o'ercast,
They always must be with us, or we die.

Therefore, 'tis with full happiness that I
Will trace the story of Endymion.
The very music of the name has gone
Into my being, and each pleasant scene
Is growing fresh before me as the green
Of our own valleys: so I will begin
Now while I cannot hear the city's din;
Now while the early budders are just new,
And run in mazes of the youngest hue
About old forests; while the willow trails
Its delicate amber; and the dairy pails
Bring home increase of milk. And, as the year
Grows lush in juicy stalks, I'll smoothly steer
My little boat, for many quiet hours,
With streams that deepen freshly into bowers.
Many and many a verse I hope to write,
Before the daisies, vermeil rimmed and white,
Hide in deep herbage; and ere yet the bees
Hum about globes of clover and sweet peas,
I must be near the middle of my story.
O may no wintry season, bare and hoary,
See it half finished: but let Autumn bold,
With universal tinge of sober gold,
Be all about me when I make an end!
And now at once, adventuresome, I send
My herald thought into a wilderness:
There let its trumpet blow, and quickly dress
My uncertain path with green, that I may speed
Easily onward, thorough flowers and weed.

"New" Gustav Kimpt Painting Authenticated in Europe

I just found this exciting information along the way.  A "new" Gustav Klimpt painting was authenticated in Europe.  The painting was created in 1901 and sold one year later in 1902 to the current owner's ancestors. 

It is a beautiful painting and reminds me of the value and importance of appreciating and collecting the work of visionary art from visionary artists.  Of course, the appreciation for this work is huge. 

The ancestors and the current owners, I can hear them now, singing. 

Khan Academy

Visitors may be interested in a wonderful, free online Academy, the Kahn Academy where you can brush up on and or learn about all those topics that intimidated you and may or may not have been flunked by any number of people who would love to finally get a grip on how it all makes sense. 

The mastermind behind this concept was recently interviewed on Charlie Rose and, I just know you will love seeing the line up of "courses" there for the taking and so that you can become better acquainted with the young, genius who has put this together for others and at not cost!

Kevin Trudeau, Elite Humanitarian

Beloved friends and visitors, I've been away on vacation for quite a while, I realize that and request your forgiveness.  :)  Yes, I have been busy with any number of projects and the art hustle continues however; I am back today for a shout out of love to you and to, Kevin Trudeau. 

Kevin Trudeau has a great radio program, writes books on health, success and as young as he is - he has won my respect, admiration and love.  I recommend his YouTube programs to you and have posted his website here on, J'adore.  Please do not hesitate to listen in to his shows, watch his infomercials and learn about this man who is such a great humanitarian.

For those who like with Oprah, enjoy contests and give aways, Kevin Trudeau has presented the opportunity to win a car and or win $500 (for posting a comment).  Sound enticing? 

I have posted a quick way to visit his website to the right on my site. 

I'm proud to be a friend of Kevin Trudeau and to welcome you to become acquainted with him, his ideas, his vision and the wonderful sponsors who support his daily radio programs. 

You must know, I say this because I love you and want the best for you.  Kevin Trudeau is the best there is.  He is authentic, noble, brave, courageous, easy on the eye, generous. and very cool  What's not to love?  Check him out, you will be glad you did. 

I love you, Kevin Trudeau!

Georges Braque's Long Awaited NYC Retrospective

Dear Visitor,

I hope by now you know I love you and just to prove to you that I do; I am going to drop this link on you. 

If you are a (huge) fan of Georges Braque as I am, the Aguavella Gallery right here in Nueva York will be exhibiting his paintings in a major retrospective this October!  This wonderful news came to be via Twitter and published first in the Observer.  The best thing is this early heads up. 

How long have I loved the work of Georges Braque?  Let's just say it's been many years since I was an undergraduate studying the fine arts and first came to know of Braque and his friendship with Pablo Picasso. 

I'm thrilled that I in the New York City and will have this opportunity, am I ever looking forward to seeing this show. 

Thank you, Observer and thank you, Andrew Russeth!

End of the Hiatus

Yes, two weeks have gone by and I am here again to update, resize and reconfigure the J'adore site after what seemed like an endless hiatus.  The vacation vibe is still on but I am still thinking of my visitors, my creative production continues and my summer series of work is moving along nicely. 

I have posted some additional images elsewhere at my other art blog http://www.joycedade-photography.blogspot.com/ so please do visit or revisit to see how beautiful our local New York City area beach looks this time of year. 

Coney Island is breathtaking.  The water for the moment is clean and warm from first entry.  The beach has accumulated debris but not as much as in former years and, we beachcombers can do a bit of community service. 

Pick up a few plastic bottles or containers along the way and, it's all for the better. 

My Guys: Picasso and Braque

I am somewhat of a retro gal.  I love the art movements of a century ago.  The ones that lasted for a few years only, Cubism and Futurism but, the ones that have made such an enormous impact on the world of the following hundred years and beyond.  When I think of it as I do now, those are the only two art movements that I love at all, the rest is in a way passe.  Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque - now those guys were authentic bona fide genius visionaries.  We haven't really seen the likes of them since then from my view point although there are others from their time period that I also adore.

I found this along the way today and only hope I get a chance to see this show.  Will it travel to my part of the world?  Bob Duggan has written a rather cool article and although, I am not sure if I will be able to see the show, if it will be traveling to the New York City area but my guys are together at the Kimbell Art Museum, how very cool is that? 

I Think You'll Love This From The Art Newspaper Via Saatchi Debate

The Saatchi people just made my day with this fascinating article published on The Art Newspaper.  A recent debate on trends in the art world including some quotes such as the following that gave me my first real laugh of the day:  

"Find me one curator at the Tate who thinks Hirst's art matters and is meaningful," proclaimed Lewis (making chair Tim Marlow, director of exhibitions at White Cube - Hirst's dealer - a little jittery).

Yes, I adore you but all is not Le Vie en Rose

With the world and the world's oceans trending the way they have been for a long time and for other reasons that involve movements and trends outside of human control, we are in for some very problematic times and this according to a recent, Huffington Post article.  The world's oceans have been distressed and changes will affect us all in the times to come. 

I am posting it here for your consideration.  Notice of this trend relates to directly to the Neptune in Pisces trend which is underway now and for many years to come.  (For those interested, please visit my astrology analysis blog, http://weeklyastrology.blogspot.com/.

 .

Alternative Views & Perspective Change

The New York Times just published an article on what is being called, "stereo blindness," a visual deviation that artists to see the external world from a different perspective with interesting sometimes 'genius' results. 

I realize that perhaps visitors who are artists may find this info informative too but due to their own practices and understanding may know of this instinctively or otherwise. 

Many people who are not 'dreamers' or artists and are probably unaware of this concept and practice so; I am adding the link (here under the New York Times mentioned above) so that readers can get the complementary understanding of what goes into appreciating non traditional or conventional photography imaging for example, special effects (blur, haze etc.).  There is a direct relationship to artistic creation, vision and daydreaming. 

The article is interesting and notes differences in visual perception among artists and non artists.

I am posting this now and will return to my own personal feelings on the topic in the near future. 

Thank you for visiting, return again soon.

Closeup Portrait of a Woman from the 2011 Series of Portraits

Portrait in Confetti, 2011 Special Effects Art Photography

Girl with Sunbrella + Rudi from the Beautiful Neighbor Series of Photographs

Lovely Girl + Rudi in Quantified Existential from the Beautiful Neighbor Series of Photographs

Quantum Girl with the Sunbrella + Rudi in Strings from the Beautiful Neigbhbor Series of Photographs

The Beautiful Tao Te Ching

I am reminded now of my long ago research and study in Oriental philosophy.  I read many of the classics texts when I was a much younger woman and one in particular brings back wonderful memories, the Tao Te Ching, a beautiful book on the natural world and our place in it. 

I am grateful to have been able to read this book in my youth.  It has all the beauty of springtime in it and all the wonders and natural beauty of our world.  Of course, the book can be appreciated at any time, at any age but to read this book in youth gives to the reader something special, something extra.  The beauty contained in the words of the Tao Te Ching can be more vividly recalled later in life when after time has brought to bear so many thing that are other than beautiful, situations and circumstances, painful episodes in life, such as loss and or sorrow.  

As it is, I owe quite a bit to Eastern philosophy and the classical texts I studied many, many years ago.  Reading the  Tao Te Ching and other great philosophical texts again and even just being reminded of the book, after time and the tide of circumstances has passed is wonderful.  It is as if an oasis exists in some quadrant of the mind, of memory that is uplifting and sustaining and at the same time in my case, a direct connection to my youth takes place.  

When we return to the Tao Te Ching or I-Ching or other such philosophical work, it is as if to an old friend or relative for that matter.  It is as if a return again to a long ago beauty and the many beautiful concepts of nature and our human place in the natural world these classical texts point us toward.

The Sad Beauty of Paul Cezanne in Words

Because I love Cezanne and what he had to say that almost made me cry today, I am posting a quote that floated by me on Twitter just now.  It is beautiful and sad so be prepared.

Fruits ... like having their portrait painted. They seem to sit there and ask your forgiveness for fading. Their thought is given off with their perfumes. They come with all their scents, they speak of the fields they have left, the rain which has nourished them, the daybreaks they have seen. Cezanne

Lynn, From the Beautiful Neighbor Series of Photographs

I know I said this blog would be strictly verbal after I went and added photos some time ago but, I don't have time now to start yet another blog although I would love to.  My beautiful neighbor series is humming along and, I simply love my neighbors.  They're cool in conventional too but I like the special effects applied to them for that extra, existential and cosmopolitan edge. 

The Gorgon's Riddle Updated and Remixed

And what exactly is the Gorgon's Riddle that has endured the sands of time and is that which takes us to this present day? 

The Gorgon (one of the ones who incidentally did not lose its head) gave a riddle for those who wished to seek safe passage and to avoid instant petrification upon sight.  The riddle was and remains the following:

"When exactly is a man most like a beautiful flower? 

The correct answer which allowed for safe passage and denies instant petrification was and remains the following simple and direct answer.

"Man is perhaps most like a beautiful flower when he plays soccer with his fellows (who include children and young women) in springtime.

Dear reader, you now have the answer to an ancient riddle that will allow you to travel far and wide in safety and humility. 

Under the most beautiful conditions (and actual pre-conditions) of fellowship with others, man may perhaps remember that he has become as if a flower playing on the astroturf in springtime. 

Ralph Ellison Essay in PDF Format Below Via Paul Devlin

Ralph Ellison essay I picked up today and wanted to share with you.  It comes from the Root online.  The America Artist and His Audience, was a gift waiting to be plucked today, the day of the approaching Rapture.  :)

I am looking forward to reading the above Ellison esay as soon as time allows and thought you should know of this. 

The article regarding Dr. Cornell West and his well reported beef with President Obama is a must to read elsewhere on theroot.com as well and the subsequent commentary at the Root which says quite a bit.  I will reserve any comments because as it is, I love both men and hold them in the highest esteem.  No side taking here. 

Inner City Mousie Story

Out for a morning walk with my pit bull dog, the two of us walked into a woman looking down and a little friend of hers there, brown and still and very small.  It was an adolescent mouse, not too big and not too small with his round back very still there in the middle of the sidewalk.  He wasn't moving and we both spoke about how he might in fact be dying. 

The city is overrun with rodents now worse than ever or so it seems.  They squeak around and do some not nice scary running, creeping in my neighbors bed for one thing and scaring me by scurrying around so if you live in a brownstone and don't have a cat, you're likely having visitors.  You've likely had uninvited visitors since the cold winter where they look for food and shelter like every other critter. 

We suggested that the little critter might make his move because someone walking by would probably step on him and the hard concrete is a very undignified way for any living animal to leave this world. 

The neighbor, a lovely and mature Latina said she hated it when she saw animals sick or dying.  We both felt the same way.  She pointed to the fact that she even went so far as to share a piece of the apple her friend had given her.  She shared a chunk of apple with the small mouse.  He stood there not moving and she said that he was eating it. 

Finally, and with the both of us feeling sorry for the little mouse - she spoke to him and suggested he move over to the nearby garden and not in a hurry and not entirely slow either, he managed his way over to the garden, believe it or not, as if he understood the necessity to do so. 

He left his chunk of apple behind him which my neighbor quickly picked up and placed near him in the garden.  By necessity, we left him in the garden on this beautiful spring day to make his way.  To make it and go on or to end his days which may have come to an end with the possibility of a stomach somewhat filled with  a friendly neighbor's apple. 

Stories From the Past Looking Forward

Many years ago when I was a student of Tai Chi, and while lunching with friends from our group in Chinatown, I entered a small trinkets shop to ask, why were they selling small figurines of African, Black males, on display in the window? 

It didn't make sense to me, I couldn't on the surface of things and as I stood outside the shop wondering, why would an Asian shop owner have such items for sale?  When I entered the store and after looking around a moment or two, I asked the question of why?  Why sell black figurines? 

The shop owner was an elderly man who was kind enough to answer my question and with insight and at the same time; the shop owner also taught me a little something about Han culture.  He said that the Han saw American Blacks who had been oppressed for so long, but who had fought oppression, he said the Han saw them as role models, that their struggle to overcome suppression and the seeming timeless hatred and discrimination against them.  Blacks had survived so much against them and Blacks were to be admired.  His answer did surprise me, it was unexpected.

The Han shop owner went on to correct something I was completely unaware of as well and that was, my use of the word, "Chinese."  In our discussion, I must have used the name Chinese but, he was quick to note and to inform me politely that the "Chinese" were not really "Chinese." He informed and educated me to the fact that the so called "Chinese," are really of the Han people and call themselves Han. 

(Doing some research just yesterday on this, I found that there's more to what is involved and there are divisions of the Han people based on Dynasty periods and so forth but that's a side issue). 

Suffice to say, I treasure the memory of that day in the shop with my friends.  It was a moment and point of contact, and a sharing I never would have otherwise dreamed of. 

Alternatively, in another completely different context - yesterday, I shared a story with my neighbor as we made our way over to pick up some groceries.  I hadn't seen her all winter and we talked over ourselves often in our conversations but, I shared with her another story that I will share with visitors here. 

I told her of a young girl, perhaps twenty five years ago who lived in my neighborhood.  She was African American and lived in one of the less than luxury tenements in our neighborhood of million dollar brownstones. 

I saw this long ago neighbor one day and barely recognized her, she had grown up.  I hadn't seen her in twenty years more or less.  She told me she had just stepped off a plane from Japan and that she was a Japanese resident for many years.  She moved to Japan years ago and began teaching, started a family with a Japanese man she fell in love with but that day she was visiting relatives in New York. 

(Oddly, I saw her again on her last day of the visit, as she was preparing to board a plane back to Japan with her daughter who of course was fluent in Japanese.) 

She explained to me that she was making a nice living in Japan, teaching and singing in Jazz clubs. She also had other business interests of starting her own school, in other words, she had a whole new life. 

She also shared how her daughter was ostracized, made fun of for being African American and Chinese but you might think, that would be expected.  The Japanese are conservative people with certain set views on any number of things, interracial marriage with one of their own is one of their social taboos apparently.  Who can say? 

At any rate, she told me something I will always remember.  Her in-laws didn't particularly like her at first.  They were afraid of her and for their son.  She was American.  She was African American.  She had a gun.  All African Americans own and carry guns.  In parenthesis, all African Americans are violent. 

Why wouldn't the Japanese consider that the overwhelming majority of Americans across the country own and carry guns and that they are not African American but Caucasian Americans? 

My former young neighbor told me that, Japanese TV always showed Blacks in America as "being violent."  Her in laws were frankly afraid for quite a while, of her and what a life with her would be for their son.  Blacks were always involved in some violent crime or other, they had seen this countless times on Japanese television. 

I contrast the two scenarios here because they are fresh in my mind and because, they point to the importance of perspective. 

Yes, perspective, a right (or wrong) way of thinking, thinking freely or being brainwashed and, the necessity for each of us in our own way and time, for each of us to be be tolerant with each the other and to be free thinkers as much as possible.  If we could only get a handle on that, we as individuals and the we of nations would have come a great distance in terms of peaceful co-existence, brotherhood, fellowship and outright evolution of the species. 

Despite propaganda media, despite our obvious phenotype differences and freedom of restriction of freedom of thought and expression - we can chose the high road and thankfully many of us do on a daily basis. It's something that requires constant vigilance though.  I know, the statement above may sound too simplistic and maybe even, unsophisticated and naive but, be that as it may. 

One thing seems clear to me, when we let go of our God given ability to be free thinkers and fellows in this world of a multitude of others who do not think like us or look like us but who are "us" in the final, human analysis - we have lost our humanity or some vital part of our humanity. The loss of humanity is one thing.  The poor thing is barbaric or uncivilized or stupid or backwards or whatever but pathological fear of others who are different makes it easy and by necessity or by extension, some would say, easier to destroy or look to destroy the different ones and those who think differently.

Xenophobia is a pathology state.  A sickness that stems in part from from fear and misinterpretation of others who are different and who think and live differently than we do and those in our race, our group, our clique, our church, our club, our neighborhood or hood. The list goes on and on, doesn't it? 

We should not only struggle ourselves but actively teach our children to think clearly and freely as much as possible even as, we go globally into a darker period in our collective global times.  It is more important now than perhaps ever that we try harder to have the correct perspective and to teach our young ones the same.

But back to the story, apparently, the Chinese do not have the same media coverage that the Japanese do or if they do, at least some portion of the people chose, I should repeat they used their free will and chose (certainly at least in this instance of one Han man in New York city selling black male figurines); to  see American Blacks as heroic and not violent! Perspective.  

All joking aside about the media, it is one that has and does focus on Black crime and violence as we all know - somewhere in there, current day Han people put it together in small art objects, little black figurines, in order to make a statement and pass it on through display and sales to others.  They chose to see after coming to know that the struggles for equality and freedom of African Americans in America as heroic and worthy and beautiful. 

The Japanese don't hold all the conservative cards though, do they?  Han society is in many regards also conservative and there are present day issues with the arts and in other areas that point to the severity of government of China in terms of blocking information, Internet, discourse etc. With their long history and tradition, they too will have to grow up and let go of some of their conservatism as the future unfolds for them as well.  The growing up for the Han going forward will be more as a rejuvenation, a youthful turn of the tide away from conservatism. 

(They have a new relationship with Africa which is also interesting as their country grows and expands going forward.) 

Perspective and a lifetime of struggle to reach a correct perspective for ourselves and our loved ones who are presumably the future of this world is everything.  In contrast to the commercial of some recent times in which the slogan was:  "The right relationship is everything." 

Honestly, if the right relationship is everything it may only be in the context of the right perspective in relationships being everything. 

We owe it to ourselves not to be brainwashed as much as it is within our power to be free and, as much as it may go against the grain of society as our collective societies reach a decline (or as the kids say, "burst of the bubble"). 

Han China and Japan may need to grow up but we need to grow up in the traditional sense of the world. Our country is young.  America needs to grow up but in the true sense of the word, grow up from our our own brand of fears and class differences, of the threats and horrors of our past racist history, etc.  Tolerance, tolerance and more tolerance of others because, we live with so many different cultures and ethnic groups, our case is perhaps a special one. 

The correct perspective, so hard to come by perhaps but now more than every, correct perspective is what is so necessary.

The Art World Turns

The Evangelicals say that the Rapture is rapidly approaching and I am not sure what to make of the end of the world and the start of the evermore on earth (my interpretation of the Rapture here with apologies if I got it wrong).  What has already arrived is the long awaited day when Europe and their yearly art festivals would open entry to other neglected artists to represent their disregarded nations of the world.  Africa, the Middle East and I suppose everyone is welcome now at major art festivals, the Venice Biennale, case in point.

Visitors don't get me wrong, I love the Italians and European culture but my question is, why now?  Why ever?  Why not before, the Middle East artists, the African American male artists and so on?  Although I am not sure I will be able to find answers to these questions, it is interesting that now, even the N'words from the United States can participate!  Imagine that.

Is it that the art world has grown up that it has decided to make a bit of room for other viewpoints, other visions and other standards of beauty as well as sheer ugliness (these modalities are universal after all). 

Since I am not an art historian, I may not be able to on my own get to the answer of the questions I pose here but that does not stop me from wondering and from looking to find answers.  I know, it might be like asking why did the end of slavery end when it did?  Why not sooner?  Why not later?  That too would take a historian to put perspective and all that goes with it, in order to answer the question. 

Whatever the case may be, I leave this as an open ended discussion for future analysis and hopefully the trend marks a true beginning.  A crew of African American (male) artists show this year in Italy at one or another main art events.  This Venice Biennale may be the location, I'm not entirely sure but then, my question goes to why just males?  Where are the African American female artists who could represent (but please, not the usual suspects, KW (I'll use initials here but you can figure it out, I'm sure) or other regressive and stereotypical types)?  Where are we in the mix?  The obvious answer is that we are not in the mix, not that I know of, as yet.  Ah, left out even until the end, what does that say?  Wouldn't it be thrilling that when the time did arrive for African American artists who happen to be women, when the best of the bunch had the opportunity to represent overseas in Europe (if we'll ever "represent" very much here at home). 

One can hope and wish and pray and hold one's breath but, I have the feeling when the time arrives for Black women, the old worn, tried and true to the stereotype visions of slavery times in one context, one form of another will be there representing the United States and where exactly will the forward looking visionary African American artists who just happen to be women be in the mix?  I think we will see what is put forward as American culture, beauty and meaning will be a backwards looking one when the world turns to spotlight the best that our country has to offer.  It doesn't have to be the case and it will be interesting to see who the curators will be to perpetuate the same, old, weary and tragic American legacy or a forward looking, visionary contribution that is alive in the work of American artists who look to the present day and perhaps, just maybe, a more glorious future for themselves and for all of us vis-a-vis, the creation of an American art history of caliber and worth. 

Youth Culutre & The Same Old, Art Players: Intro to a Perspective

Americans and (I will say 'their' and not 'our') their proverbial focus on youth and youth culture have it all wrong. 

It makes sense from the viewpoint of fresh and beautiful or young and lovely or up and coming or nice and new but from another perspective, youth culture is sheerly a commercial fabrication and a false purveyor of what culture Americans should be passing on as art history when; it's often the low ball and low road of what it is to be creative and contribute to a culture of art in our country and by extension, to the exporting and global reach of artists who the Europeans and Asians will often not buy at auction. 

What's wrong with the picture?  Why aren't the artists of a true caliber or worth being brought forward?  There are any number of questions we can ask whether we are in the world of art, viewing it from the outside or strictly outsiders on the fringe. 

I ask myself these questions when I see what goes for awards and honors and it is not bitterness or sour grapes that I am disgusted in many instances.  Why are the key players always the same?  Why are they always in the press receiving awards and making art history?  It just doesn't make sense. 

The names hardly need mentioning, those who follow the arts already know who they are for one thing, there are no others or very few if any others there to compete with the same, tired, "icons" of American art. 

It is not just the same "old boys," either.  Now we have the "old girls," a few select over rated and inferior artists who dominate the scene.  From one perspective and I will venture to say from a critical art historical perspective, it is obscene but more on that in upcoming commentary. 

What is your take on this topic?  I'd love to know. 

"Time To Chat," Said the Cat in the Hat

It looks as though photography has taken over my opinion and commentary blogspot!  Isn't it high time I posted some commentary, some gossip or advice, some literary content of some kind? 

As it is, when I'm out walking my dog, parading the neighborhood, all sorts of things occur to me to write but by the time I'm back at the crib, I've forgotten what occurred to me.  I need a voice recorder. Talking to myself doesn't help either, I've tried that but my mind wanders. 

Life has so many distractions and as the days go by and more opportunities and temptings are dangled (art openings/art parties, warmer weather and other opportunities to get busy with something new) before me in one form or fashion.

I have a new portfolio and items for purchase online that I would like to mention now.  I am now also located at Fine Art America, a wonderful merchandising venue for artists.

I've embedded (sounds sexy but it's not really) the PayPal payment button on my three photography blogspots here on Blogger.  It was easy enough to put that together and now, I hope you'll purchase something!  I hope this doesn't sound like so much shameless self promotion but, you'll be glad you bought something for your home or office that reflects a bit of the leading edge in special effects photography.  I just know it.  :)

But I'm back to promotions and art photography, I want to suggest that when you visit today or the next time you stop by, please leave a comment and consider joining my group as a friendly follower.  If it's one of the two, just leave a comment or criticism regarding what you see.  I'd love your  feedback.  It's easy to do and something that can be done quickly enough.  The best part of it is that it's free to do!

Remember that the art or photography you purchase today could compliment your man cave so something having to do with sports or action on the playing field would fit in nicely. 

My ongoing soccer series underway for some time now highlights the anonymity and beauty of local soccer players who from my viewpoint look like living, moving flowers that scramble for their beloved soccer ball on astro turf that grounds them even as they race around chasing that ball to reach their goal. 

I am an abstract person so the game itself is not the most interesting aspect of being in the park.  I don't know the rules.  I do know the beauty of these athletes who kick and bounce the soccer ball off every part of their bodies and slam right up against each other without injury from what I can see, screeching something all the while in a Jamaican lingo (from what I have been told by one of the players). 

Men as brothers.  Men in fellowship.  Men who share a closeness that is a sporting form of unity.  I enjoy the game from that viewpoint with a camera that can appreciate the players nearby and closeup or at a distance where their size is overshadowed by the immensity of the playing field and buildings nearby. 

The soccer players are beautiful and it is my business and privilege to make them more beautiful still when I am in a position to do so, later when I am at home at my computer making them sparkle all the more beautifully.

Skateboard Jumpers (Sand), Photograph, 2011, 30" x 40"

existential youth, photographic, 30"x40"



While waiting to meet a friend for lunch, in the area just off of  Wall Street recently, an ethnically mixed group of skateboard jumpers appeared out of nowhere.  They made several jumps off the ledge which I was privileged to snap into action and photograph as quickly as possible.  I have applied special effects so that the daring young daredevils are unrecognizable however, their youthful vigor comes through somehow even in these abstraction images.  I said a few words, "Can I take some pictures?" or something like that that may or may not have registered but they were kind and did some stunts before wandering off to some better location for their daring leaps. 

Dynamism with Dots, Photographic Print, 30" x 40"

From the Wonderful Advertisement Series, Photograph 30x40 inches

The Wonders of Advertising Photography Series, 30x40 inches

What you see here is a hybrid photograph that combines visual and or graphic elements of photography, illustration, advertisement, the appearance of watercolor and/or drawing of some kind. 

I am currently exploring special effects and hybrid art photography in a number of series that are underway including: Existential Dog, The Wonderful Advertisements, Soccer Players and Beautiful Neighbors to mention a few. Ongoing this summer will be a continuation of the Amusement Park, Boardwalk and Firework Series underway for some time now.

Enlargements of these photographic images are available so contact me if you are interested in sizes from small (10x12 inches) to large (30x40 inches).

Please join me as a friendly follower and drop me a message with feedback. I'd love to hear what you think of this unconventional take on life as I know it to be from a quantum and or existential viewpoint. 

Beautiful Dog Walker, Photography Series, 2011

Beautiful Dog Walker, Photography Series, 2011

Derek, from the Beautiful Dog Walker Series of Photographs, 2011

Alterate View of a Refreshment Stand, Photograph, 2011 (c) Joyce Dade

Male Passing By and the Wonderful Advertisement

Woman and the Wonder of Advertising, Photographic Series, 2011

Cyclist w/Backpack + Bicycle, Digital Photograph 2011

Dynamism of the Skateboard Jumpers at Rest

Walk Your Dog Baby, Digital Photograph, 2011

Walk Your Dog Lady, Walk Your Dog, 2011

A Passover & Easter Note of Love

Friends, visitors and collectors with interest in my art photography and literary content, a note of request that you please leave a message regarding any work that you see here at J'adore or elsewhere on the other special effects blogs, Joyce Dade Photography and Jade-Mixed. 

I would love it of course if you would also add me as a follow on the tab located to your right and I hope that does not sound pushy, just a reminder. 

I also want to remind visitors that I can be reached on Twitter and Facebook as well.  My twitter tweets are private but, please send a request and I will contact you immediately that I have received your request.

The reason for private tweets is primarily because that reduces the content that I will need to go through and limiting my followers, organizations (and trends) will take less time on a daily basis and not because I don't like this one or that one who would like to follow me, it's just simply easier for me to do the research and introduce myself without being completely overwhelmed by a large number of followers.  I don't think that celebs with hundreds of thousands of followers really go through their followers.  I am sure they don't but, I want to be able to have a closer relationship with my friends on Twitter and here on J'dore so please, let me know who you are and what you think about the photographics and or commentary I have made.  I would love to know and I will follow up with you. 

As you may know from other commentary I have posted here or elsewhere, I am in the process of developing collectors for my fine art photography and oil paintings.  I am an independent artist by circumstance and it falls on me to do the research, make the contacts and promote my work without shame online and in my blogs as well as across the blogosphere.  If you see what you like, contact me and purchase a print for your home or office.  A woman can't live by art photography alone can she?   

I would love for you to be a collector of my photography.  I will be securing a PayPal or other shopping vehicle for my other photography sites in the upcoming days but, in the meantime, you can contact me regarding sizes and pricing if you are interested in a purchase.  Every image here is available of course and what you see here is low resolution for a variety of reasons and small in size.  Special effects look wonderful in full size.  It is distinctive art photography. 

My note of love and reminder? 
A.  Drop me a line. 
     Write a commentary. 
B.  See what you like?
C.  Contact me and order a copy. 

Have a wonderful Passover and or Easter holiday, dear visitor and I hope to hear from you soon!

Overcast of the Soccer Players

No Wind Off the Ocean for me Today

I missed the wind off the ocean today.  Confidentially speaking although I had a wonderful day, I'm guilty for not having gone to the Luna Park and Cyclone opening today in Coney Island as I had wanted to.  I changed my mind and spent the day in the park with my pitbull taking pictures.  We had a wonderful time and I have a wonderful new series of designer dog photographics of my dog but, I missed Marty Makowitz and the fun festivities in the rain at Coney Island.  :(

Anyway, it's over now and nothing can be done.  It's a little dreary to be at the rides when the weather is less than sunny, most people stay away and it's colder on the Island so, I bargained to stay closer to home and also to miss the first opportunity day to see the Pablo Picasso, Marie Therese show at the Gagosian Gallery which will also have to wait until next week.

Be that as it may, I came home to find that I had lots of "robot" errors on my blogs and had to undo all the tag insertions or at least I thought I had to which has taken a lot of time and energy.  Most of it is done now, I only hope I did the right thing and that it wasn't unnecessary to delete them.  If the "spiders" will not crawl your blog is your blog cloaked and subsequently invisible?  I could not entirely be sure there are so many cross references to go through. 

Don't get me wrong, I am grateful for the opportunity to have these sites for free.  Thank you Blogger! 

The Old Astroland, Twilight of an Amusement Park Series

The Early Bird Gets It Done Sooner!

With springtime here now there is no excuse, I have to remind myself of that (the earlier I rise the more to life there is to accomplish, it's just that simple). 

The blogging, twittering life, photography opportunities (not to mention spring cleaning that continues to be pushed to the back burner because of the aforementioned here) and perhaps shameless self promotion must be done by the blogger, artist, photographer and or housekeeper, in my case, singlehandedly.  Cinderella or no Cinderella, just get it done.  No excuses now Joyce, you must get it done. 

As it is, I wanted to see the Gagosian Gallery, Marie Therese exhibition that promises to be overwhelming, I am sure.  Why can't I go today as I had planned?  There's too much to do and the weather is awful.  Am I making excuses?  I'm being partly honest and partly, I'm making excuses.  I will be seeing this exhibition come hell or high water but, it will probably have to wait until next week. 

I'm sure Senor Picasso will have to wait although, I don't want to wait.  I'd love to hop the train and get up there but, tomorrow I will be time tripping down to Coney Island for the photo opportunity there with the open of, Luna Park!

Yes, Luna Park opens tomorrow and with it the Cyclone ride for the season.  There will be events to mark the opening and I just can't miss it, not even for Picasso (I guess).  I hate to be that frank about it but there it is.  I only hope it's not packed to the gills whenever I am able to get it together to visit the Gagosian gallery.  :)

You Know How it is. I Adore You.

Friends and other adorable visitors, thank you for your visits to J'adore and to my other blogs on Blogger. 

Please remember to click around, don't be shy about posting commentary and feedback and, consider purchasing photographic enlargements of what you see here if you see what you like.  (PayPal will soon be available, in the meantime, contact me regarding any interest you may have)

What you see here and at my other photographic blog spots are samples of ongoing photographic series that have been underway for some time and as mentioned elsewhere, they exist in special effects:  Haze, blur, fuzz, sand, lace etc. 

I say this as a reminder and because, I adore you and want you to enjoy your visits with me at J'adore and elsewhere. 

Summer Boardwalk & Fireworks Series, 2010

Portrait of an Artist with Orange Light Sculpture

"Just Get It Done"

A reminder to visitors is that photographic print enlargements are available of the special effects photography on this site. 

Blogging here is my way of introducing my digital art photography to others and with the option to purchase quality prints for home and or office. 

Online business is time consuming for independent artists and photographers who don't have agents and or assistants who must handle the responsibilities of blogs, websites, uploads, publishing research, social media, Twitter and all the rest of it.  

But like Andy Warhol said some time ago, "...Just get it done." 

Soccer Players in Blur, from the Sports 2011 Photography Series

Soccer Players in Action

Neo-Dynamism of Three Soccer Players

Soccer Players in Blur, from the Sports 2011 Photography Series

Sports in blur?  I'm onto soccer perhaps for the first time with this spanking new sports series of soccer players and Aikedo players.  It is occupying my time now and although I regret not doing the necessary  spring cleaning that does so need to be done, I must develop this sports series and perhaps for publication. 

Visitors please do return when you have time to see this exciting and unusual portfolio develop over time, summer will be here soon and there should follow a lifeguard series in blur as well. 

A Woman Can't Live By Photography Alone

A Woman Cannot Live By Twitter & Facebook Alone

It is so true that a woman cannot live by words alone.  For this woman, there needs to be photography and songs and friendships and love.  As it is, Twitter and Facebook and other social media take up up so much time, I find I have to discipline myself to not overspend time and it is difficult.  I love my friends.  Facebook friends share so much, the pleasures of the past, music and literature and all the wonderful things they offer up like gifts every day.  It's difficult but a woman must pull herself away from overdoing it with the "gifts" of Twitter and Facebook.  The party has to end some time or other and with springtime here, it looks like it will have to be now. 

Dare I mention spring cleaning?  I don't want to mention it.  I don't want to think about it but it must get done by no one other than me.  So as it is, it's goodbye to social media and my beloved friends there for the duration until I can get something meaningful done.  I'm not whining, just saying. 

How many projects can one person handle?  I don't know know the exact number but I know one thing; I'm pushing the boundaries for myself as much as possible to make up for lost time (which can't be made up for) and to just get it done.  But "just get it done" is not on the creative tip now it's on the mundane so, I declare with this statement that a woman cannot live by the joy and pleasures of social media alone.  Spring cleaning must be done!  I go to it reluctantly you can be sure of that but go to it I must because I can't hire someone else to do it otherwise, I would. :((

Action Soccer Players in Blur 2011

I Missed Destry's Art Reception :(

Just a follow up note, I missed my friend's solo art opening this past weekend and I was looking forward to meeting him in person after many conversations on Facebook.  I was looking forward to seeing his work up close and personal and posting images here but, I was unable to attend for the opening.

Hopefully, I will be allowed to take some pictures when I do attend before the show is over and at that time I will post them here for visitors to enjoy. 

Springtime Composition with Distant Bird, Clouds, Rooftop & Blue Sky

Destry Sparks Shows in New York City 2011

I'm blogging this early Friday evening but the event art party takes place tomorrow.  I've waited a long time to meet my friend, Destry Sparks who will be in solo exhibition for the first time in New York City. 

I will have to stop it with Twitter for a while to attend but I am looking forward to meeting him and seeing his burlap paintings and mixed media pieces. 

There will be more including photographics at this site in the next few days.

Abstraction for An Amusement Park as a Birthday Cake (McArthur's Park)

Do I Love Learning How to Blog?

Will there or will there not be something extra, something time consuming, something that requires submitting my blogs to search engines? 

The answer to that remains to be seen but one thing is for certain, I will have more researching online and more reading to do over the weekend and in the coming weeks.  

I suppose not being able to afford to hire an assistant to handle blog construction and other such time consuming details will be up to me and, I'm no geek bur for example.  I have to embed some links but how? 

I'll just mention here that, I sent an article to  The New York Times recently and although they rejected it, they sent a nice reject email.  I have submitted before to the Times but never the nice reject email so maybe my writing has improved?  It won't be the last they hear from me, I'd love to publish with them.  Be that as it may, an independent's work never seems to get done including in cyberspace. 

If I Didn't Adore You Would I .... ?

I think it's time to share a story and I will ask myself and you the following, would I share this story with you I didn't love you? 

Years ago when I was a kid, a good friend of mine from Tai Chi class who happened to have a relatively high level job with the government gave me some museum passes to the Metropolitan Museum of Art because she couldn't attend.  She knew I was an artist and that I could and would use the tickets. 

What I didn't know was that the event would be so high profile.  I just wasn't thinking properly or maybe, I wasn't thinking at all?  Because when the day came to attend the night preview:  I was so rudely surprised to see a photographer snap into position to take my picture just as I walked in the entrance way.  And just at the entrance way, standing there at the door was none other than our Mayor at the time, Mayor Koch!  I loved Mayor Koch and voted for him too and all of this would have been thrilling in a nice way had I not been wearing sneakers! 

I was so embarrassed my face turned red as I shook hands with the Mayor and, as I shook hands with the Mayor - a quickly snapped photograph was taken by that photographer I noticed out of the corner of my eye!  My sneakers may or may not have been included in that photo, the photographer was somewhat at a distance but, that did not change the fact that I was wearing them!

I was so embarrassed the remainder of my time at the night preview (Pablo Picasso, or some such important exhibition that was being previewed), my face stayed red. 

I can see myself now, standing in front of one masterpiece or another with a red face glowing, glad to be out of the sight for the moment at least and apologizing to the person I had with me who happened to be a family member for not knowing or realizing that the event would be so high profile!  Had I know, sneakers would not have been in the picture.  :)

Yes, the rest of the night was a blur to me.  I suppose it goes without saying that although there were cocktails to be had at the reception, we were not having any and did not have any.  We left as quickly as possible.  

Now you know that I adore you if I'm willing to share that kind of story with you.