Renee Wicinski of NW Indiana - A photographer you should know . . .

One person I highly respect as a photographer is Renee Wicinski of NW Indiana.  She and I worked together at a couple Tier 1 automotive companies.  Basically she was my customer within the plant.  Through this we developed a respect and understanding of each other’s views, we were able to help each other see what the other sees, solve problems together, continually improving, and I have to credit that to each of us being a photographer.

When she and I found out we both liked photography, she was the first to bring in some of her work.  Not to show off, but to find out if what she intended is what I saw.  (Someone actually valued my opinion!)  The one photo that really stood out to me was one she arranged and shot for her boyfriend Pete.  It was one of his pride and joy guitars (at least I believe he had more than one pride and joy).  The photo is one thing, which is what she has allowed me to show you below.  The arrangement that she had with the picture frame is what completed it, which you really need to see to appreciate her talent.

So, this post is to show off Renee's work to those who like photography.  I am sure she could be convinced to do some commissioned work, if you are interested.  For now, enjoy a very small sample of her work.  

Thank you Renee for being a photographer and friend.  I will update this blog entry as time goes so that everyone will have a one-stop-update and review of your work.

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Paul Henry's Art Gallery - Hammond, IN

If you are looking for art, and specifically art of local talent, you need to visit Paul Henry's Art Gallery on Sibley Blvd. in Hammond, IN.  I did so for the first time today, not to look for and buy art, but because I just found out about this place.

The store is an old hardware store that now showcases many (and I mean many) local artists from paintings to photography, and now on Thursday nights local acoustical entertainment. I went through the gallery today and I was very impressed by the talent. This is not your typical gallery . . . perhaps better. It is a raw, take it as you see it, display of art that is creatively placed throughout the store.

The store is located on Sibley, just east of Hohman Ave, and behind the Towle Community Theatre. Parking is located behind the store, between Sibley and Fayette. Enter at the back of the store, through the green door. Special Note: When the store is open, just give the door a little shove and push. No door knob turning is required!

David Mueller was there when I arrived, sitting and enjoying life as it were.  He is very friendly and very willing to give you whatever information you may want on the artist and what goes on in the gallery.

The store itself is just as interesting as the gallery, built in 1902.

Artwork can be found everywhere.  When you first go in, especially after seeing the hardware store sign from outside, your senses are not necessarily in tune to the art.  What first grabs you is the wood floors, counters, rolling ladders, wood display cases.  After you look around and absorb that, you then begin to notice the fantastic art.

The back room invites you to sit down and paint for yourself, however the walls speak in such loud voice that you just want to look around.

The two pieces of art on the right caught my eye (to the right in the above photo).  It made me wish I had a bigger house so I could buy the art for myself and hang them.  (My place is a bit small, with paintings from my mom and others.  No place to properly store at the moment if I were to rotate them.)

I think it is fitting that I chose the wallpaper for this blog too (though over time I may change it).  It reminds me a lot of this gallery.  I would like to display my mom's work at this gallery.  Not to sell, but for others to look at and enjoy as much as I do.  Maybe this summer.

I strongly recommend if you are in need of a painting to bless an open spot on your wall, that you visit Paul Henry's Art Gallery.  Everything is reasonably priced.  Talk to David to get to know the artist, even ask to meet the artist, and take a piece of art home.  There is so much varied talent that if you do not find what you want, select an artist and find out if you can commission some work.  I believe it would be well worth it.

Paul Henry's Art Gallery

416 Sibley Blvd.

Hammond, IN 46320

www.paulhenrysart.com
Mon thru Sat 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Sunday Noon to 5:00 PM
Thursday Night Jam Starts 7:00 PM

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Doctor Who - Van Gogh's exploding TARDIS

When I saw the Doctor Who episode "The Pandorica Opens", with River Song (Alex Kingston) looking for a painting, getting caught by the future Queen, and showing up in Roman times as Cleopatra to show The Doctor the painting, I was entranced. When the doctor rolled the painting open it was a Van Gogh (fictional) of the TARDIS exploding, I knew I had to have one. So I commissioned one.

This oil painting was commissioned from my friend Elisa of NW Indiana. One of my pride and joys. The canvas is stretched over a frame, and has yet to be framed . . . that is if I choose to frame it.

And, I think I will quote myself here for the record, "Think inside the TARDIS box."  For those who have watched Doctor Who and who know what a TARDIS is, this will make sense.

Check out some more of my Doctor Who blogs.  For Chicago TARDIS 2012, click here. For Chicago Tardis 2013, click here.

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Chicago Tardis 2011 - Doctor Who Convention

This years convention was a bit strange because actors canceled and others came in to replace.  In all, I enjoyed another good year.

Originally the character River Song played by actress Alex Kingston was to attend.  For those who do not know her work, she was very popular in the TV series ER, as Dr. Elizabeth Corday.  She was sexy then, and sexy now.  Alex had to cancel the convention because she was given a role in the TV series Upstairs Downstairs, episode 2.1 staring in 2012.  Though a disappointment for me, I also have to be joyful in that she has another important work in her life, beyond ER and Doctor Who, that should carry her for some time.  From sitting with the actors, talking to them, shaking hands, you begin to understand their world.  Acting is one thing, and being able to sustain a recurring role or find other roles to act seems to be the challenge.  So kudos to Alex.  Perhaps we can meet some other time.

Alex was then replace by the 5th Doctor, Peter Davison (I believe he was a replacement and not originally billed to show - I do not remember now).  Then the character Tegan played by Janet Fielding and Nyssa played by Sarah Sutton were to show.  However, Sarah could not make it at the last minute because of some urgent family matters.  Later that weekend the character Adric, played by Matthew Waterhouse was booked to take Sarah's place.

I am not going to go through the list of actors and writers who attended.  There are many who return each year and whom we always enjoy.  Some of the new actors this year included Beth Chalmers (photo below) who was very charming and engaging, Andrew Hayden Smith, and Mark Sheppard.  Beth is in the Big Finish audios of Doctor Who that my son collects.  Mark Sheppard, played Canton Everett Delaware III in a couple episodes of Doctor Who, and has been in dozens of other TV series such as Supernatural, Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica, and my son's and my favorite, Burn Notice.

Beth Chalmers signing a photo for us.

Andrew Haden Smith speaking in the Grand Ballroom.

Mark Sheppard with Wes and Nick.

Sunday brunch with the actors has become a favorite for us.  We are able to choose which actor to sit with because of the member level we are at, and enjoy their company while we eat and talk about all sorts of things.  This year Nick and I chose brunch with Peter Davison.  This is probably the 1st year we have gone for "the big one", top dog, main character.  We did so because first, we never had brunch with Peter Davison, and second, because he has a roll in "Law and Order - UK" which Nick and his mom enjoy watching.

Photo after Brunch with Peter Davison

As usual, Nick and I spent money in the dealers room buying all things that were Doctor Who.  You cannot help but spend money at these types of events.  We obtained a lot of autographs from the actors, photographs with the actors, attended their discussion panels, and of course attended the annual masquerade show.

Pre-Event Gathering with Supporting Members

Discussion Panel with the "Chicks Dig Time Lords"

Peter Davison's Discussion Panel

Does this really need a caption?

Intro - Peter Davison

End of Opening Ceremonies

Matthew, Janet, and Peter's Panel

Photo with Ben, Beth, Jason, and Nick of Big Finish

Big Finish Discussion Panel

Fan in Costume - New Series Character

Masquerade Night

Masquerade Night

Masquerade Night

This convention is for the family to enjoy Doctor Who, dress up as you favorite character, to have an escape from the day-to-day.  There may be times when the actors or audience forgets that this is a "family event", but it is all in good taste.  Everyone has fun, especially the kids.

If you are interested in attending, the Chicago TARDIS convention is held every Thanksgiving weekend near Chicago.  For additional information you can go to their website at:  www.chicagotardis.com

Hope to see you there in 2012!


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The Carlson Oxbow Nature Park - Hammond IN

I often drove by it and wondered what was back there. Going down the frontage road of 177th you are consumed getting from Kennedy to Cline, because this is typically why you use this road. As you drive down 177th you here 80/94 above you, you see a small industrial park, and a bunch of trees. However, you never take notice of much else.

The Kennedy side of this nature park was updated 2011 with some new pavement and what looks to be future off roads.  After the construction was completed it seemed more inviting to travel down 177th just for fun, rather than just a means to cross from Kennedy to Cline.  So I did just that.  I tried to figure out how to get back in there.  I knew something was back there because I had heard people talk about it.  Could I drive through, or did I have to find a hiking path?  Eventually I parked in a lot off 177th, near a path entrance.  I took my camera with and walked in.

Very surprisingly there was a very nice board walk zigzagging over the wetland.  Very well constructed, and wide.  The local growth framed the board walk as you walked through, sometimes giving you a peak into the wetland.

The trip seemed long going in, probably because I was shooting photos.  The trip back was very quick.  This is not a path to get a lot of exercise on.  Here is another map showing the paths and estimated distance.

Click on the photo to enlarge. (Same with the other photos.)

Once you get through the board walk onto land again, the area opens up and becomes more scenic.

The red barrier in the background separates 80/94 from the park.

There are several things I enjoy about this nature park.  First is that even though it is in a residential and commercial area, it is still secluded between 80/94, Kennedy, Cline, and the Little Calumet River.  When I was there I saw very few people using the park.  There is also a makeshift bike path that follows the Little Calumet River between Kennedy and Cline.  Off the bike path into Little Calumet River is a short dock to walk out on.  If they were to pave the bike path I would definitely consider biking up there instead of driving.

When I was there I ran into a crew from Hammond who were keeping up the nature park.  I talked to them for a while and found out this is mostly volunteer work.  As they keep improving the paths, planting more plants, and adding some structures, it is becoming increasingly difficult to keep it all maintained.  From what I saw, they are doing a very good job.

This nature park is a very good start for NW Indiana.  I had commented to the people maintaining the park that it is beginning to remind me of the Morton Arboretum in Lisle-IL, but different and to a much smaller scale.  The hope of the park is for people to volunteer, helping out with the maintenance and development.  In return they are willing to put up a sign with your name or club, in the section you are wanting to help maintain throughout the year.  I believe they said one of the Boy Scout troops in the area are doing this.

If you get a chance please check this nature park out.  It is small and interesting enough to keep you engaged for a couple hours.  There are places to sit and relax, and you can sit on the edge and look over the Little Calumet River with peace and tranquility.  If you feel like volunteering some time and energy, go on a Saturday morning and look for the people working the grounds.  They are friendly, willing to answer questions, and would really appreciate the help.  If that is not your cup of tea for a Saturday morning, go anyway and enjoy.

For more information you can go to this website:  http://www.hammondindiana.com/carlson-oxbow.htm

Later I hope to have a map plotted of the trail to help you get around.

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