Author: onajide

Another round of gallery openings last night. There are so many new galleries in Miami that I cannot go to every opening. I haven’t been to an opening in Coral Gables in so long it seems years. At one time I was there gallery hopping monthly but, the art wasn’t so good back then. Mostly I do N. Miami (around MoCA) and the Wynood (last night) and Miami Design District (last night) as the latter are two districts right next to each other. Anyway I was impressed with the quality of the figurative work now showing. Also, the two MFA artists showing at FAU were impressive. I’ve had so much on my plate I haven’t had time to gather my thoughts (and notes) to write something. I did, at least, get some images. I’ve got finals to finish up this coming week then I can get to it.

Caron Butler of the Miami Heat (in white) was a blur to New Orleans Hornets defenders all-night long.Copyright 2004 NBA

So far, this spring has been mild even if we haven’t had any significant rain. We need rain however, to have more rain the temperature probably needs to go up. Mid-80s is plenty warm enough for me at the moment since my a/c unit isn’t working. I hate the idea of having to buy a new one. Money is already tight enough. Anyway, I’m feeling good, if a bit unsure about next month, and have some projects to work on.

Did I mention one dept. ridding itself of its photo supplies? I have a ton of film and paper on hand to work with now. Praises! First off will be some pinhole images on film. I’ve never done pinhole photography but, really want to see what I can do.

I’m giving my first final exam today and, two more on Tuesday. My fourth class is only having final critiques (photo & creative writing). This has been a really awesome semester.

Cycling isn’t the only sport I like. There was a major pro race in Europe today, Fleche Wallone, won by Italian Davide Rebellin. Cycling – Eurosport.com: Three days after winning the Amstel Gold Race, Davide Rebellin (Gerolsteiner) outsprinted fellow Italian Danilo Di Luca…

Also, 2004 Dodge Tour de Georgia – stage 2 is going on. (I think using Tour de Georgia is silly, just say Tour of Georgia and stop pretending.) There are a number of European pro teams here racing, including USPS. Lance Armstong is downplaying his chances to win but, he’s capable. Just because he’s in the race people want him to win but, he’s focusing on something nobody has yet done, win Le Tour de France for the 6th time. I think that Joop Zotemelk got 2nd place in the Tour 7 times and won once. That is a record that say a lot too. Of course, he was racing during the era of Eddie Mercxk and he (Eddie) raced every race to win, even small races. However, in those days pro cyclists weren’t paid very well at all. Thank goodness rules have come into play and, teams must have a guaranteed bank account with which to pay riders or the pro team cannot race, period.

Anyway, tonight my other sports love, basketball, took center stage. Miami Heat played an awesome game tonight. So far, every game I’ve seen live, they have won and that’s including past years. Maybe I should go more often. *smile* Miami vs. New Orleans

I sat next to a couple that was very friendly and we enjoyed ourselves talking and screaming and jumping up and down. She was VERY cute and sexy (looked to be maybe 25), he was short and thick, very handsome, shaved head, big blond hairy arms and big hands (looked to be about 35). I know about his hands were big because at the end of the game they said, “Nice to meet you and drive safe,” afterwhich they both shook my hand. That’s really geat to know that people can really be friendly and have a good time. *Let’s Go HEAT!*

Black & white is how I do most photography. This was scanned from film.

Congratulations to Mariah & Kaver

About the size of a crow, the peregrine falcon is a distinctive bird with an interesting dark stripe coming down from the top of their head and accented by a a white throat and sides of their neck. Agricultural and industrial use of pesticides has caused a worldwide decline of peregrine falcons. Pesticide use is closely regulated in Canada and the U.S. but not in Latin America where peregrines winter. Peregrines can reach speeds close to 320 km-h in a downward dive, they are said to be the fastest birds on earth. They use their speed and agility to catch birds in mid-air. Their prey range in size from sparrows to large waterfowl such as ducks.

I have had many people tell me how much they like my two drawings as part of Kerry James Marshall’s exhibition in Miami Art Museum. Yesterday, I went to get update info from Bernice Steinbaum (and her assistants) for her gallery website. She asked me about the drawings and if they are available, she “had to have it.” I was surprised because people in Miami haven’t seemed to respond to my work in ways that I would like. What would I like? I’d like to be respected and accorded more credit and opportunities to show in my locale. I’ll have another exhibition opporunity this summer with my friend Edouard (whose studio I showed you) in a show called, “Nepotism.” Isn’t that a fun title? 🙂

I’m going to work on some new photographic pieces, since I have access to tons of free photo paper. A gift came from the Univ. Learning Resources because they are going 98% digital. All the stuff they’re not planning to use anymore has come to the photo area where I’m teaching at no cost to us. They also have two enlargers to bring over once they go through some paperwork. With maybe 20 boxes of 250 sheet boxes of paper, I can experiment without concern for how much it will cost. They also gave us 3 cases of 35mm film: Kodak 125 plus-x, T-Max 100, and T-Max 400. That, and more, will enhance my summer printmaking. 🙂