My NW Indiana and More

Friday, February 12, 2016

Art Institute of Chicago - Birthday

Thinking of Vincent van Gogh, it is sad to think that we never appreciated him until after his death. That goes for many artists and many other people. We need to learn how to appreciate the artists we have now, whether painters, musicians, sculptors, improvs, comedians, photographers. It is weird to think too, that we have museums to honor the dead, and galleries to honor the living. Yet so few artists are seen.

Going to the Chicago Art Institute you can see what people thought of their time. These were real artists, real subjects being paints (for the most part). It is a reflection into their minds at that time. From clothing, colors, to scenery. They all tell a story.

Some of the photos in this blog have been edited to include the painting's frame, while many others without. Some are focused, while others may be a bit fuzzy because of my shutter speed and ability to hold the camera without movement. My intent with this presentation of photos is to give you a non-distorted image. Unless you are aligned dead center of the image, and leveled, you will experience a parallax effect. Also, picture frames can distort either from the material itself, or the stretch of the canvas. Either way, I have taken effort to "straighten" these photos for your viewing pleasure.

My first ride on South Shore! When I worked in Chicago many years ago, I took the "IC" (Illinois Central Gulf) into Chicago. They served the south side. Now it is Metra. A couple photos from the South Shore platform.

This Van Gogh exhibit was put together because of the three paintings he did of his bedroom (1888 to 1889). Two of the paintings were brought in while one of them is owned by the Art Institute of Chicago, with perhaps some others. This is the first time all three paintings have been brought together in North America.

I took note of Vincent van Gogh, of all things, when he was portrayed in Doctor Who. The show took some liberty to illustrate Van Gogh's mental state. Because of that, I commissioned a piece from an artist friend based on Starry Night, when Vincent foreseen the TARDIS blowing up. I have been fortunate to have met actor Tony Curran who played Vincent, and had him sign the painting. I also met actress Alex Kingston who was given the painting in the episode, and traveled through time to give it to the Doctor. She also signed the painting. You can see this painting by clicking here.

In the photo above you will see a pallet actually used by Vincent van Gogh. I believe the tubes of paint were just a donation by someone who wanted to help complete the feel of the image.

Next are photos of other artist's work . . .

President George Washington

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Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Cryin' Side of Town - Shubas

It is always a treat to listen to David Prusina & the Cryin' Side of Town. I first met David on my first Chicago photography outing to photograph Mr. Lou Shields, at The Horseshoe, March of 2012. David headlined, Jonathan Monti's band was the middle man, and Lou opened for them. It was a real special night, just like this night was.

Back then I remembered walking around The Horseshoe, looking at the shutters, lit glass bottles, and meeting this person in a cap who was the most inviting and friendly person one could meet. It turned out to be David Prusina, the headline act with his acoustic solo. Looking at my photos then, which I thought were pretty cool at the time given the low lighting, and now, I have come a long way in my photography. Listening to David then, and now, he has refined his talent and has put a lot of energy (along with the rest of the band) into his music. And now David is accompanied by that same Johathan Monti who bottles a lot of energy himself. With the smooth Henry Heine on the stand up base, Henry adds the flavor to the songs for this awesome trio tonight.

Thank you again, David, for doing what you do, and to Monti for teaming up with his friend!

Now, this was not the only talent this evening. Though David Prusina and The Cry'n Side of Town is who I came to see, they opened for Dan Hubbard who is a very accomplished musician. An honor for The Cry'n Side to open for Dan. It was an honor to be listen to Dan, and to be there at Shubas for his CD release party!!!

Here are the photos of the evening. Enjoy!