Bahamian Rhapsody

Bahamian Rhapsody

Rhapsody in music is defined as a one-movement work that is integrated, free-flowing, with highly contrasted moods and color. It has an air of spontaneous inspiration and a sense of improvisation. A perfect description for our recent trip to the island of Exuma in the Bahamas. I was invited to join Kara Bingaman and Vicki Meany of Evolved Home Design to photograph their client’s home. With a few final touches remaining, this island respite was almost complete. These talented ladies incorporated a very organic, natural feel without distracting from the panoramic blues of the water. A serene and calming rhapsody...just what the client ordered.  Click here for more photos of this peaceful retreat.   When our work was done, we headed to Santana’s in Little Exuma to sample some of the best lobster on the island. We were not disappointed by the food or the views. The owner, Keturah was busy cooking up some delicious food while we soaked in the views and Bahamian...
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Inspirational Spaces

Inspirational Spaces

A few years ago, I clipped a photo from a magazine that embodies my ultimate working environment.  It’s a small space with a drafting table, windows on three sides overlooking the dunes and ultimately the ocean. Pretty sweet! I can’t imagine anyone not liking that set-up.  Maybe you have a real or “dream space" of your own. No matter where you work or what you do...it’s important to be inspired by your surroundings.  I had this in mind while creating a plan for the conference room at Northwestern Mutual - Stamford's new office.   The room had a good start, a blond wood conference table and a beautiful blue accent wall.  But it needed some energy and inspiration.  So here is the end result: Many thanks to Lisa and Phil Bender of Northwestern Mutual for the opportunity to transform this space into a creative work environment. Thank you Kara Bingaman of Evolved Home for your hanging expertise. Maybe your office or workspace could use...
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When to Hit the Reset Button

When to Hit the Reset Button

When my hair dryer shuts off, there’s a button you push to get it started again.  A small, red “reset” or "test" button on the cord that restores power. It might be a pretty good metaphor in life. We all have some kind of ritual or practice that helps us to re-charge.  Last week I found myself at the beach on several occasions, shooting photos or walking my pups.  After the first visit,  it was so peaceful and restorative that I was enticed to go back a few more times.  Maybe I just needed it..   Recently I worked on a photo session for yoga and fitness instructor, Kathy Drake of Wellbeing Yoga Fitness. I have been practicing yoga and working with Kathy for many years.  It is a restorative, energizing and positive experience that I need to achieve balance in my life.  So I guess that’s a button too. Whether it’s down dog or a run on the beach, we all need some balance.  So...
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Dog Portraits: More than just a Pretty Snout

Dog Portraits: More than just a Pretty Snout

Inspired by this pose, courtesy of my girl Ruby, I set out to begin a series of dog portraits with special emphasis on their “noses” or “snouts” as my husband calls them. After a few photo sessions with my canine friends and “their humans," I began to see or maybe not see something. As I cropped with the camera and later with the images, it became clear that something was missing.  Capturing images of a nose without eyes, I was truly missing their personality. The spirit, twinkle and even a little attitude, just wasn’t there. So the eyes are back in the picture.  Click here  to look at Dogs Volume I and let me know if you agree. Maybe Volume II will be titled: "Heads or Tails"... check back for more dog photography!      ...
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The Art Connection

The Art Connection

Six degrees of separation is the theory that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away, by way of introduction, from any other person in the world. On our way to grab dinner before our opening reception on Saturday, Nanci Hersh and I talked about how often this rings true in our lives.  Our reception that night was all about introductions to new faces and reminiscing with old friends but our connection to everyone was through the art on the walls. In her blog “See For Yourself” Nanci Hersh talks about the energy of the evening, "Our work spoke to each other from across the room while the non stop flow of people mingled, mixed and reunited."     Transformations Gallery is a great venue to showcase Nanci’s koi paintings and my photographs. If you missed us this weekend, I will be at Transformations at the Old Franklin School in Metuchen, NJ on Sunday, October 13th for a Gallery Walk.  The show runs through November...
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The Hull Story

The Hull Story

We are always checking out boats in harbors and docks.  My husband grew up sailing and loves to provide me with the history and specs of every vessel. During our annual Vineyard trip this year, we did our usual harbor walk. While Jack rattled on about the boats, I could not stop noticing the hulls.  They all have a history.  Some old, peeling, rusted, colorful; others are sleek, shiny and new. It’s really the waterline where the hull meets the water that has a unique reflective quality.  This is where the light dances and creates beautiful design and movement.  The colors are always different and the light bounce from the water is ever changing. Which brings me to this shot and a new appreciation for the beauty of the “hull”.  I’ve decided to include this image in my upcoming show at the Transformations Gallery in NJ with painter and friend Nanci Hersh because of the net-like quality of the light. “Catching Up” opens on...
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Spools of inspiration

Spools of inspiration

Inspiration is derived from all sorts of things.  As an artist and photographer my inspiration comes from the very visual things that I encounter every day. Last summer while biking in Menemsha on Martha's Vineyard, I found myself surrounded by beautiful nets and rope.  The bold color of the nets was a striking contrast against the rusted steel and created some great imagery.  A large rusted fishing spool dripping with color was the shot that hooked me in (no pun intended!).  I spent more time shooting...stacks of lobster traps, twisted rope, aging metal and lots of nets. With a full day of sun, biking and camera work behind us, we headed out in search of the ultimate lobster roll. I returned to the docks a few more times to capture different light levels and see if any new fishing boats had come in. The results were very powerful images with strong contrast, vibrant color and interesting texture.  Inspired by the fishing spool,...
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