Mid-October, amid busy and brief trips to New York and London, respectively, I had the incredible opportunity to attend special art exhibits:

• Vasily Kandinsky, the Guggenheim

A great museum to visit, for Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture as well as the artwork on display. Kandinsky’s images, en masse, help set it off to best advantage—and not surprisingly so. Being a significant part of the the permanent collection, they actually helped inspire the building’s design.

October 21st (soon after my visit) marked the Guggenheim’s 50th anniversary!

• Georgia O’Keefe, The Whitney

O’Keefe’s abstractions are less well known than her paintings of flowers and landscapes. That said, the 130 plus paintings, drawings, watercolors, and sculptures, on exhibit here, herald O’Keefe as one of America’s first and boldest abstract artists.

I went from the O’Keefe to the Kandinsky, the Whitney and Guggenheim not being far from each other. What a double-header, and great day!

• JMW Turner and The Masters, the Tate Britain

Some of Turner’s most dramatic paintings are juxtaposed with masterpieces created by artists whom he revered and was obsessed with becoming “just as good as”:  Canaletto, Rubens, Rembrandt, and Titian.  

Over-crowded and somewhat predictable, this exhibit didn’t excite me as much as Kandinsky or O’Keefe had.

• Anish Kapoor, The Royal Academy

Kapoor was the winner of the 1991 Turner Prize, and this exhibit overviews his sculpture to date.  

From the gasps and sighs made by others passing through at the same time, I realized I wasn’t alone in not loving most of what I saw!  It felt almost sacriligious to see the fine walls, ceilings, and floors of five of the Royal Academy’s galleries smeared with crimson wax and stain…  

In another section of the Academy, only a few of us seemed to chance upon the John Madejski Fine Rooms and the Council and Reynolds Rooms. A real treat!  Wonder what the Academy’s original esteemed artist-members might of thought of the Kapoor exhibit?  Gazing at W.P. Frith’s work, “Private View at the Royal Academy (1881), I don’t think it would be hard to guess.

The most magnificent piece from Kapoor’s exhibit is outside in the courtyard, with a close-up included at the beginning of this post.

• Beatles to Bowie, The National Portrait Gallery

The sub-title of this exhibit is “the 60s exposed.”  Over 150 photos, together with a variety of memorabilia show “swinging London’s” icons, while giving historical overviews of pop music and culture.

Even if you don’t recognize all the personalities displayed, there’s a sense of wow over the attention to detail and passage of time. A popular exhibit with others who’d grown up in the 60s too—last Sunday, at least! Afterwards, as bonus, there’s the National Portrait Gallery’s café: a unique setting and delicious food.

• The Age of the Marvellous, One Marylebone (former Holy Trinity Church)

This exhibit is an exquisite “experiment” in the art world. All Visual Arts (AVA ) brings two master-minds together:  Joe La Placa (art world insider) and Mike Platt (multi-millionaire CEO of Blue Crest). Their alliance leads to the unique creation of a major collection of contemporary art produced in collaboration with a select stable of hand-picked artists. Ambitious shows, like The Age of the Marvellous, are scheduled to be viewed over the next five years. These will introduce AVA artwork to a wider public.

Naturally, my favorite piece was a painting:  Jonathan Wateridge’s splendid depiction, The Architect’s House (2009).

• Frieze Art Fair, Regents Park

After stepping out of The Age of the Marvellous, in awe, it was hard not to adjust to some of what we saw when visiting Frieze…

Why did Gagosian Gallery’s Notebook Page by Tom Friedman have a $35,000 price tag?

Why did Kukje Gallery’s $50,000 black dog sculpture by Gimhongsok, Canine Construction (2009), in cast resin, raise my spirits?  There I am, right behind it:-)

Let’s not forget that art means different things to different people at different times, often with shock appeal challenging personal taste and questions pertaining to technique and talent…  

As a student in London, I lived at International Students’ House, York Terrace East. Ironically, the room that I had there then overlooks where the Frieze Art Fair is held now! This was, indeed, a sentimental journey. Though I hate to admit it, 29 years have passed since that time! As dusk fell, I noticed a single light left on in the students’ residence.  Could it have been mine?!

These You Tube Videos give interesting feedback:  Cher’s classic "if I Could Turn Back Time," and this stumbled upon piece, If You Could Turn Back Time posted by WingzOFaDove.

 

My visit to the UK, this week, happened to coincided with North West in Bloom Award Ceremonies.  A luncheon was held at Southport’s Floral Hall Complex. Southport brings back memories of childhood day trips, so I was pleased for the opportunity to revisit the area. Although much has changed, a lot of the architecture and topography the same. As an earlier post on this blog tells, the North West of Britatin is well worth exploring: England Isn’t Just London. Travel North West For Authentic Local Experiences (June 25, 2008).

The North West in Bloom is part of the Britain in Bloom family. The intention is, as Britain in Bloom’s brochure cover states: “A cleaner and greener Britain through community action.”

p.s. My mother, Shirley, was part of the Woolton team, (front, center of image).

Earlier Posts About Merseyside (Liverpool), On This Blog, Include:

• Art Matters: Liverpool and Toronto Art Scenes, Quick Impressions (October 13, 2008)
• The Beat Goes On and Up in Liverpool—Thanks to Liverpool One (October 4, 2008)
• Memories: The Mersey Ferry, An Interesting Ride (August 18, 2008)
• KLIMT at the TATE in Liverpool (June 16, 2008)
• “Liverpool One” Wins—Helps Make A Once-Great City Great Again (June 11, 2008)
• Anniversaries, Celebrations, History, and Change: Liverpool and Beyond (September 23, 2007)
• UK: Liverpool—Travel Hot Spot (November 1, 2006)

As summer turns to fall—the so-called “quiet season”—there’s usually a gap period between major exhibitions. In Britain, many seem to close mid-September, new ones opening later in the month. Last week, on a two-day trip to London, I made the most of what was available, and there was still an abundance. When I lived in this city, as a student (late 70‘s - early 80‘s), many of these venues, exhibits, and activities didn’t exist (or weren’t open to the public)!  Wow! Nor, did the traffic…

Here are some of the high- (and low-) lights—and recommendations—from my whistle stop tour:

DAY ONE

• Tate Modern
No feature exhibit, but great to experience the building, ambiance, and other collections.  Would have liked to have taken the bridge connecting to the other side of the Thames, or the boat to the Tate Britain.  Maybe next time!

• Garden Museum, Lambeth
Quaint, but not as remarkable as anticipated from write-ups. Likely, nicer to coincide a visit with their events and lectures. Pleasant surprise: vegetarian restaurant’s pineapple and banana cake is yummy! Also, from here, I made a little detour towards and along the Thames, noticing newer attractions like the London Eye Ferris Wheel.

• Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
An absolute must-see!  Even for those not interested in war, the history, memorabilia and presentation are excellent. Lots to think about, marvel over, and learn from! Also, note the "green" lunch delivery service at an adjacent government building:-)

• Thames Circular Cruise
Disappointing. Supposed to be an hour, but little more than 40 minutes. And, with no commentary, it was hard to know what all the sites and details were. Would have been nice to hear some local tales and history. Too bad the driver was busy texting…and not always looking!  Maybe during off-season efforts wain?

• Big Ben
Always there. Ever powerful, from every angle.  Wonderfully restored and in its 150th anniversary year (1859 - 2009)!

• Trafalgar Square Exhibits
Anthony Gormely’s One and Other was unimpressive.  Participants are not as high off the ground as imagined, if you walk the perimeter of the square.  I arrived at a “changing of the guard.”  Travel to the North of England (Mersey River’s Crosby Beach) to see a much more remarkable work by Gormley, the Another Place Figures.

The London Design Festival’s Centrepiece Chess Board was drawing a healthy crowd.

• Noel Coward Theatre, Calendar Girls
Lovely theater and easy to buy a last-minute upper balcony ticket at the door, prior to performance, then have a seat upgrade to the stalls!  Poor attendance for what, to me, seemed to work better as a movie then a play. Jerry Hall being in the cast was a plus, but not enough to keep me from dozing off. Long day!

DAY TWO

• Natural History Museum and Darwin Centre
The new Darwin Centre is incredible. Next time, hope to make it into the Cocoon!  Just caught the end of the Butterfly Jungle exhibit. Love the architecture and design of the original historic buildings. Just seeing and being in them is a great experience in itself.  Same goes for the V and A (next paragraph, below).

• Victoria and Albert Museum, London Design Festival, Sackler Centre
A great collaboration. Two (or three) for the price of one—in fact, no price. Each were free (and easy)!  Please check the heart artifact I had the opportunity to make during a London Design Festival activity, the Shape of My Heart (close up image at the start of this post can be found on the official Heart site as well). The Sackler Centre is a wonderful addition and resource—helps bring the museum (and beyond) to life!  As an undergrad, I spent many hours in the V and A library. No Sackler Centre then!  Also managed to catch the Telling Tales exhibit!

• Saatchi Gallery
Being a Saatchi on-line Gallery artist, I was very curious to see this new beyond cyber space venue. What an accomplishment!  It’s also interesting to note the setting, close to Sloane Square:  a luxe and lovely part of town!  Then there’s the school playing field and track just in front of it, full of little people enjoying gym classes.

• Kensington Palace and Gardens… and The Last Debutantes
1958, the year focused on by the palace’s feature exhibit was a significant time for me. I was about to come into being, but not as a debutante:-)  An interesting era with a lot of attention to detail, etiquette, couture, and culture.  Precious and lacking today!  Lucky with the weather. A glorious season to be outside there:  the swans and geese were plump and abundant, preening in the glow of an autumn dusk.

• Hyde Park and Princess Diana Fountain
You can get lost here.  But on a beautiful autumn evening, and if you’ve got the time, that’s okay…  The signage isn’t evident everywhere.  To find the Diana Fountain, down by the Serpentine, far from the Diana Playground, wasn’t easy (at least for me). The Fountain, itself, I thought, was disappointing—looked to me like a series of drain outlets: some flowing well, others not.  No adornment and nothing remarkable. I could, of course, have been missing something?

Royal park dog poop bins were neat and official looking. Could do with similar around Toronto:-)

 

CITY TRANSPORTATION

Wondering how I got around?  Via the Oyster travel card.  Worth the investment, but please be advised to take the tube for speed, buses if you’ve got all the time in the world… The Number 10 bus (from Hyde Park to Euston) took 1 hour and 15 mins! Oxford Street is particularly slow and congested (especially at rush hour) and there are easier ways to cross it…  Missed my train!  Nice that Euston Station now has such an amazing selection of take-out eateries!  Prête à Manger won out for me. Delicious advocado wrap!

A beautiful visit, like a beautiful butterfly (from the Natural History Exhibit):  too short-lived but very memorable.

 

Earlier posts about London on this blog include:

• LONDON Landmarks Change (March 2, 2008)
• Green LONDON: from Pink Cabs to Green Attitude (February 27, 2008)
• Taxi, Taxi! LONDON’S Colorful Cabbies (February 25, 2008)
• Sentimental and Historical London—A Quick Guide (October 7, 2007)

 

This is an exciting day and land-mark occasion world-wide—the swearing in of President Barack Hussein Obama as 44th President of the United States!

For those of us not in the US, some ways to connect and/or participate:

• Television:  BBC live Coverage will begin at 4:00 pm Greenwich Mean Time
• Social Networking:  CNN on Facebook, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (US)
• E-Bulletins and Links: CBS’s Couric and Co’s Inside Scoop
• On-Line Newspaper: TimesOnLine
• On-Line Broadcast Links:  CBC.ca

Question:  A New Media Inauguration?  The BBC asks who will triumph on the day, new or old media?

Watching the Clock…  Obama’s Inauguration Schedule Highlights (Eastern Standard Time, US)

• 11:30 a.m. Obama announced at West Front of Capitol
• 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Inauguration Ceremony
• 12:35 p.m. Departure ceremony for outgoing President George W. Bush and Vice-President Dick Cheney
• 12:45 p.m. Signing ceremony in the President’s Room in the Capitol
• 1:05 p.m. Inaugural luncheon at Statuary Hall
• 2:20 p.m. Review of troops on East Front
• 2:25 to 6 p.m. The 56th Inaugural Parade travels down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House
• 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. Obama to appear at 10 inaugural balls

Connect how and whenever you can—and enjoy in the moment!

For a very quick reminder of election night 08, please see: A Night to Remember: US Elections From Canadian Side of the Border—Best, Worst, and Unsurprising Details (November 6, 2008).

I took the flag-shot at the start of this post in Fort Williams Park by Portland Head Light, Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Maine.  Well worth a visit!

Thanks to a News Alert e-mail landing in my in-box at 3:57 p.m. (eastern standard time), 8:57 p.m., UK time, I found out about US Airways Flight 1549’s crash almost right away.  After clicking on the link in the e-mail, live-at-the-time MSNBC video footage appeared.

Today’s plane crash was, allegedly, due to a double bird-strike by Canada Geese. Perhaps, as a result, more attention will be given to city birds and how man and nature can often end up as unfortunate accidental obstacles for each other.

Ironically, fighting jet lag (after an overnight transatlantic flight), I was in the midst of resizing imagery of Canadian migrating birds for a future blog post. Birds are too often taken for granted, and I was planning to show a wonderful personal in-city (Toronto) sighting.  The shots that follow were taken from my bathroom window one late fall/early winter morning:

Birds collecting in the trees

Birds moving between trees

Birds close up

Birds taking off

It’s a shame there’s no audio with these photos. It was the sound the readying-to-depart birds made that alerted me, and was the most memorable.

MORE IMPORTANT NOW:  Thankfully all passengers and crew from the downed US Airways plane were rescued swiftly and efficiently, with medical experts close by almost immediately.  What an impressive operation!  A true Manhattan miracle.  Kudos to all involved, especially the pilot! A "good news" story!

This e-mail was received in response to my recent blog entry on solo travel.  Its author is Maxwell Kates, and I am posting it with his permission:

I’m writing to respond to your blog entry about single travelers. I thought it was well written as it describes a number of thoughts and concerns single travelers face or may not realize.  Although my research in this area is not scientific, I am aware that there has never been a community so large, widespread, and disparate as the singles of our times.  Of the 6.6 billion people on the planet, at least two billion are considered single.  There might have been other communities to which members might not have wished to admit association in the past, but these were, generally, more cohesive, due to common practices, lifestyles, or beliefs. What seems to unite singles today is an absence from their lives.  I feel it is difficult for any business to target a product to a market such as "singles" if it is defined by what members are not, rather than what they are.  I’ve discovered this after attending events where participants have come together due to their (non)marital status, but may have nothing in common with respect to anything else.  Also, I’ve also traveled a lot in the past five years.  Apart from a trip to New York with my dad in 2005, it’s been independent of friends and family.  I’ve taken package excursions, attended conventions, joined with organizations and to volunteer, all en groupe.  Each trip has had advantages and disadvantages.  Your level of connection with co-travelers is the luck of the draw.  Then there’s the alternative: traveling completely on your own. Last month I went to Vancouver for a week.  Why Vancouver?  Part of the reason is that I know about a dozen people there.  I was unemployed at the time and wanted to be around people I knew.  Of the twelve, I arranged to meet six of them, averaging nearly one visit a day over eight days.  With one of the six, I traveled to Seattle where I saw three more people I know - two intentionally, one by accident.   Another factor for picking Vancouver was on a recommendation by another member of "the singles jungle," who deemed the city a welcoming destination for solo travelers.  When traveling alone, I try to find a hotel that has a community atmosphere.  As was the case with prior vacations to San Francisco and to London, I succeeded in Vancouver.  You never know who you’ll meet in such circumstances. These are all topics you discussed in your recent entry. Others, including self-sufficiency and personal entertainment, are concepts which did not cross my mind.  Yes, traveling (and living, for that matter) on your own can be more expensive than with friends or a significant other, but it beats the alternative of uncongenial companionship, just for the sake of it. Thanks for writing about such matters and providing readers the opportunity to think about them.

Maxwell, thank you for your feedback, sharings and suggestions!

 

When I decided to travel to French Polynesia (where I am writing from now), I was well aware that this is a honeymoon/couples destination.  However, there are may other special celebrations to mark with big trips like this—birthdays, professional milestones, overcoming burnout. Or, quite simply it may be the right time to go somewhere/the realization of a dream.  If we have the health, strength, and good fortune to be able to do so, it’s important to seize opportunities, no over-analysis.  Live in the moment!  Last week, I was in hospital.  It was touch-and-go whether I’d be able to travel at all.  This reinforced to me, all the more, the necessity of brushing aside qualms about traveling solo.  

Can travel, will travel, and hope for the best!  Why should solo travelers be deprived of seeing places like Tahiti or Bora Bora, just because it’s not typical for them to be there?… I’m thrilled to be in the South Pacific right now!   Though I’ve been excited to view the wonders of this remarkable paradise, I do admit to having had time to reflect and wonder about issues solo travel stirs. Others have shared their stories about this. And, of course, I have many of my own.

Some people can travel alone.  Others cannot.  When choosing to travel solo—or having no option but to do so, certain factors matter.  These include:

1. Destinations: where you go and how you get there can make things easier (or not)
2. Tour operators:  select wisely
3. Personal coping/activity strategies
4. Personal expectations and tolerances
5. Personal gregariousness, charisma, and courage
6. Luck and timing:  co-travelers and environmental factors

For those who travel solo to get away from everything and everyone, this blog entry might appear ridiculous.  It is really intended for a growing (and, possibly, more embarrassed and silent) majority:  those who might, increasingly, be obliged to spend time alone, at home as well as on the road, like it or not.

Though it’s hard to accept, we live in a lonely and isolating world.  Ironically, Internet dating and big-city life can be counterproductive—lead to a lack of community feeling and less accountability/reliability.  From the outside, those who are in relationships would think it’s easy to meet and connect.  From the inside, those who are not in relationships will tell you it’s more difficult than it seems.  Many tire of the process, and those around them (especially if coupled) don’t, usually want to hear about it.  A lot give up along the way—would rather "settle" with someone who’s not really for them than endure the stigma and pain perpetual self-reliance can provoke.

Then, comes vacation time. The best things in life (vacations being no exception) are shared.  But, if you don’t have "significant others" in your life, what do you do?  Find a congenial "friend" who’s schedule, budget, and interests permit them to journey with you?  Or, stay home?  If you are optimistic, brave, adventurous, or resilient, the travel bug will win out and you’ll decide to go anyway.  Nevertheless, despite good intentions (unflagging courage and being properly organized and prepared) it’s hard, sometimes, not to feel inadequate or out of place, even if you are not.  

Don’t worry about what  others might think or say.  Probably, if they’re traveling as a twosome or en famille, they wouldn’t have the stamina of mind to go it alone, or enjoy!  And then there’s their squabbles.  Just because people are traveling together, it doesn’t mean that they are doing so happily.  Trips have been known to end relationships, rather than bring people closer!

TRAVELING SOLO:  Weighing the Options

1. Destinations:  where you go and how you get there can make things easier (or not)

• Where you’ve been before (and feel safe).
• Vacation/second homes (family or timeshare, where there’s familiarity/routine/other people).
• Package trips (where everything is organized and there’s less personal responsibility).
• Group trips (where interactive opportunities are part of the itinerary).
• Activity/adventure/cultural trips (where there’s a common goal and theme and/or group dynamic).
•  Conference(s)Seminars and their ad-ons (where the professional and personal can overlap).

2. Tour operators:  select wisely

• Those who offer solo traveler options (they’re not for "singles" per se, but don’t make singles feel uncomfortable).
• Those who are solo-sensitive (and provide incentives for those who, like it or not, are obliged to travel alone).
• Those who don’t charge single supplements (might alienate/discriminate/take advantage…).
• Those who welcome repeat business (and will try harder, however they can—every person mattering, not just every room).
• Those who are pet friendly.  (If you don’t have a human to travel with, you may want to take your pet).
• Those who realize that solo travelers are a market worth favoring—that solo travel shouldn’t just be the "privilege" of those who can pay the price (financially and/or emotionally).

3. Personal coping/activity strategies

Nothing worse than having others feel sorry for you, or appearing needy…

• Always have your own entertainments (in lieu of traveling companions who may not actualize):  books, magazines, handicrafts (knitting, paints, etc.), photographic equipment, Ipod, sports equipment., and, and, and…
•  Self-sufficiency. (Yikes!).  You might have noone to hold your place in the line, or watch your bag.   You also might not be able to run and get refreshments, or to the bathroom.  Be prepared:

- Carry snacks
- Go to the bathroom before you get off the plane, or train
- Travel light
- Know how to entertain yourself (as above)
- Know how to connect with co-travelers (who can be helpful) but be cautious
- Be prepared to not have to depend on anyone else for anything (thought getting photos taken of yourself, by strangers, can be challenging…)

If driving, staying awake and safety matter even more:  audio-entertainment, traveling at the best time of day for you, where you stop, nutrition, car maintenance/protection, and, and, and…

4. Personal expectations and tolerances

Be prepared to not have to depend on anyone else for companionship or favors.  How solos navigate in a non-solo crowd is personal.  We all have different (cap)abilities, as well as purposes for our journeys.  At home, it’s possible to hide from situations where you feel you might not fit in. On the road, you’re out in the open, and exposed to environments and happenings that can make you feel awkward/out-of-context (no shields).  Know your limitations, but also be prepared to stretch yourself.  Try new things, and ways to approach others.  Turn fears into opportunities!  At home, you know what to expect (most of the time).  On the road, you don’t always… Different cultures stimulate fresh  chances to grow and learn.  Embrace, enjoy, and be thankful!
 
5. Personal gregariousness, charisma, and courage

How you are at home may be how you are on vacation. How you are at home may not be how you are on vacation.   Some are quiet.  Some are not.  Some are approachable. Some are not. Some need to make extra efforts. Some do not.  A little success may go a long way.  Try and try again.  Use whatever skills and talents you have, or invent them.  Be open to possibilities and let travel help broaden your mind and ways of seeing and doing…  

6. Luck and timing:  co-travelers and environmental factors

Sense who your co-travelers are.  Some may be traveling together because they want quality time with each other.  These folks won’t welcome you joining them, at meals or in activities.  Others may enjoy meeting new people no matter what, and might welcome you with open arms. Some of the best (accidental) friendships are made on vacation!  Finally, there are those travelers who, may (unintentionally or not) find "strays" entertaining "filler" for an evening or an excursion.  Also, depending on where you are staying, and who else is staying there at the time, dining and excursions may offer ways to connect.  Tables which are open to anyone to join, and activities that don’t just cater for "twos" but offer "partner-providing" opportunities are bonuses (funny as it might seem)!

At time of booking, ask questions

• What your tour operator/destination (can or will) provide (if their single supplement offers something in return, like solo-sensitiviy).
• Without asking for specifics, check the demographic of other travelers (age, gender, social status, etc.)—If you will stand out from the crowd, or not.

Trip providers, please listen up.  Remember that tours and destinations that are solo-friendly (integrate solos with regular travelers) are often preferred by solo travelers.  Many don’t enjoy "singles’ trips" or activities per se—and that’s a whole other discussion as to why…

At time of booking, know your personal limitations

Try and stretch yourself wherever you can.  Nothing is ever perfect.  Attitude, effort, and intention count—for traveler and travel provider, alike!  That said, it’s nice for vacationers (who are paying) to have their stressors reduced where and however they can be!  

Trip providers, please listen up.  Remember, if you do charge a single supplement, try and give those paying it value for the extra money.  There’s always something creative or  considerate  that can be done (and it doesn’t have to cost).  A little thoughtfulness/kindness can go a long way!

 
More to follow on my French Polynesian adventure later in this blog.  What a spectacular part of the world!

 

I managed to catch the last day of the Toronto International Fine Art Fair, a week ago, Monday. An enervating experience!  This had little to do with (many) gallery representatives being tired and inattentive.  Quite simply, the atmosphere seemed flat and nothing stood out as different or exceptional.  Having shown at Toronto Art Expo in March (at the Toronto Convention Center as well), this previous disappointing experience sprung to mind.  Also, I hear from others that Toronto’s Nuit Blanche (which coincided on the Saturday night of the Fine Art Fair) was even worse this year than last.  Despite the organizational PR and swish website, I understand that people appeared to be wandering the streets aimlessly, seeking something that might impress them, but going home tired and deflated.

Having just returned from the Liverpool Biennale, which was hopping, it’s hard not to make comparisons.  I think there’s a lot Toronto’s arts community (and sponsors) can learn from what’s happening across the Atlantic—not just from how artwork is exhibited, but to how ambiance is induced.  User-friendliness, approachability/accessibility, and interactive involvement (at all levels) help create a more fun environment that keeps you engaged. 

From the Walker Art Gallery’s (first photo in this blog entry) John Moores’ and Ben Johnson’s exhibits, to the Conservation Center (second photo in this blog entry), to the Tate Gallery, to Bloomberg’s New Contemporaries, I was surprised and delighted to see the range of possibilities—something for all tastes, attention spans, and budgets.

What’s nice about the British approach is that everyone can get involved somehow, and keep passion alive. (Please see the photo of the interactive display, above, at the Conservation Center.)  Also, most museums and galleries are free (and government/trust supported), with lots of helpers around to explain and motivate.  You can even try things out for yourself, with projects like The Big Draw, which reminds that "drawing is for life, not just for children!"  (Please see the the photo below, also check out www.campaignfordrawing.org.)

 

Canada-based artists, currently on exhibit in Liverpool, include, David Altmedj, at the Tate, with his piece, The Holes, and Paul Ygartua, in Bar Four at the Hard Days’ Night Hotel.  And, then there’s street art, from all parts and in all parts, that’s catching a lot of attention—like the spider behind Liverpool’s Town Hall. (Anthony Gormley’s spectacular installation "Another Place" exhibit in the Mersey Estuary ended up staying more permanently.  Be fun if this one could too!) That’s my photo of the spider, but the Telegraph has a better night-time shot.

 

The point is that art excites and motivates. The more of it that’s around, the more people get interested, causing new opportunities/creativity (of all types) to emerge, as well as interesting juxtapositions of old and new—like with Liverpool Town Hall, behind which the spider dazzles, by night. 

 

The energy in this historic city is very positive right now!  At a time of worldwide slump, Liverpool wraps up its year as European Capital of Culture on a high note.  The opening of Phase Two of Liverpool One by HRH Princess Anne, last Wednesday, has been a boost for the city, country, and beyond.  Looking through guest comments for Liverpool One, it seems a lot of other expat. Liverpudlians, including a bunch of Canadians, have already given rave reviews.

Liverpool, it’s clear, is back on the map—a pedestrian delight, encompassing the (once again) aptly named Paradise Street!  It will be interesting to see what happens when the newness and excitement from Liverpool One’s completion wear off.  But, noticing how proud Liverpudlians appear to have been made to feel, let’s stay optimistic!

 

Many European travelers have quickly discovered this jewel of shopping/entertainment venues (photo above). Added to the culture and history Liverpool, itself, already provides, there’s now a sophisticated urban do-it-all get-away destination that won’t disappoint locals or tourists.  Don’t worry about the weather.  "Scousers" with their down-to-earth and fun ways can make up for that!  Time to provide more direct routings from North America to Liverpool, without the need to detour via Manchester or London!  (British Midland, Air Canada, Continental listen up!)

 

Stopping over in New York on the way to Liverpool, I spent last Sunday at MOMA (The Museum of Modern Art).  My photos from that visit were on the same disc as those from Liverpool One.  Walkways and views, it’s clear, create interesting parallels between the two very distinct locations (as the MOMA photo, above, shows).  Liverpool One is not only a great place to shop and eat, but an interesting architectural feat, a treat for photographers and design enthusiasts of all levels.

More on Liverpool One:  Please check out my June 11 blog entry, "Liverpool One Wins—Helps Make a Once-Great City Great Again."

Fed up with Air Transat’s/Thomas Cooke’s Toronto-Manchester (UK) service (described in a previous blog entry, Charter Flights, May 26, 08), I’ve been fortunate to be able to try a different Manchester-bound routing.  Happening to be in Chicago last month, I flew BMI from there to Manchester, direct (and back).  The results were positive:  a more comfortable plane, friendlier crew, better baggage allowance and food, a nice variety of free magazines, personal entertainment systems in each seat, and less fuss at booking and check-in, also 20-minute early arrivals (both ways) with speedy baggage delivery.

The only disappointment was Chicago O’Hare’s International Terminal, where there are limited nutrition options once you go through security. (Bring your own food!)  Toronto’s renovated Pearson can definitely set an example here (if you are up for paying the price).  BMI doesn’t have a Toronto service, unfortunately. 

Interesting to note:  BMI crew stay at the Holiday Inn, Chicago Mart Plaza—another favorite of mine!

 

Last weekend, on an overcast Saturday afternoon, the restaurant at Debenham’s in the new Liverpool One was bustling.  There was a menu card on every table advertising chocolate soups.  But, from what we saw, we were the only customers ordering one.  The "hubble bubble" looked good in the photo (and as above), but, according to my niece, a chocolate aficionado, it was a little disappointing.  So, off to the plush new two-storey Costa Coffee on the corner of Lord Street we went, and found a triple chocolate muffin.  This got a five star rating, and satiated her craving!  They also have soya milk latté there—and it rivals Canada’s Lettieri’s.

On Saturday, for sentimentality’s sake, I took a ferry across the Mersey.  The round trip is 50 minutes, and we hardly saw the time pass.  There were two main distractions:  

1. A Long Haired Miniature Dachshund puppy called Sam sat next to us.  He was doing a homework assignment for "puppy school":  taking a ride on public transportation.  Not only was he very relaxed, he enjoyed a lot of attention and strokes from everyone around, nestling in my lap for a good portion of the trip.  (No nervousness, unlike my older dog Lev who can shake terribly on boats, as in thunderstorms. Sage, my younger dog, on the other hand, is just as calm as Sam was.)  All dogs have their own ways, like humans.  Some things you can’t change, even with training.  We look forward to reading more about Sam’s progress on his blog: samlamb.wordpress.com

2. After pulling out of Seacombe dock and turning around, the river got choppy (The commercial ship that was adjacent to us shows this, inserted below.  Also, please note the Liverpool skyline in the background.) A big wave shot across the upper deck and we were drenched. Quite a surprise! Wet through to our undies, it took most of the rest of the day to dry out!

 

Summertime in Canada, (particularly Ontario), at first glance, seems to divide the population into two:  those who have cottages and those who don’t.  Those who have cottages enjoy miles of private shorelines.  Those who don’t can find it hard to gain access to a lot of areas—no parking allowed without resident permit and scant public facilities.  Even when a beach is public, regulations can be prohibitive—with limited hours, no pets, parking and entry charges, and more. A  Sunday afternoon trip to West Kirby, last month, prompted me to think about summertime phenomena and marvel at the old-world charm and simplicity of the setting—few obvious restrictions and daytrip fun for all without fees or memberships.  Please look below to glimpse (on-going) pleasures of British yesteryear:  families, dogs, adult kids, fisherman, and sailors welcome.

 

 

Keep your eyes open—and camera handy—wherever you are, even close to home.  Nature will surprise, delight and astonish if you give her time and consideration.

Some things are easy to pass by. Others make us stop and pay attention:

• Tree stumps by a dried up river bed:  Connecticut, US, November 07

• Frost coated fallen apples:  Liverpool, UK, December 07

 

There’s so much more to England than its capital, London—something I rediscovered earlier this month, visiting childhood haunts in the North West.  

A stroll along Otterspool’s Promenade, overlooking the River Mersey on a Saturday evening. 

 

A walk around the "lake" at West Kirby (on the Wirral Peninsula) on a Sunday afternoon. 

 

A trek over to Hilbre Island on a quiet weekday.

 

Then there were new dining experiences… British food can’t be described as "bad" anymore!  In Liverpool, on Church Street, just off Penny Lane, and all along Allerton Road, a wide variety of restaurants are popping up.  We tried Spire and weren’t disappointed.  Healthy fare, satisfying portions nicely arranged, and friendly service.

In West Kirby, opposite the promenade, there’s the Sunset Lounge Bar.  It’s been there for the last 21 years, and we signed a petition, at the owner’s urging, that the local council not close it down for redevelopment.  A delicious mid-afternoon lunch snack hit the spot—well prepared food and old-world charm, good fuel for that walk around the lake.  No!  Visitors are not walking on water (in the Weskirb photo); the divide between the "lake" and inlet has a creative and historic walking trail.  And, looking off into the distance, some more modern/incongruent constructions are clearly visible:  wind turbines opposite Hoylake’s shoreline, the next resort over. Energy-saving opportunities are changing natural land and sea scapes everywhere, even here.

 

 

Yet another accolade for Liverpool this month!  The Tate’s Klimt exhibit is a hit.  Last Monday, as an artist walking through, I became tearful in some places, identifying in different ways with practice, process, product, and response.  It was only on entering the gift store that I was disappointed.  A poster of the spectacular painting, "The Three Ages of Life," in my mind, had desecrated the original work.  It was up there for sale with only two stages of life—mother and child.  The old lady (old age) had been removed. 

As I start to make reproductions of my own artwork, I am extremely sensitive to what the artist might have thought about this crop.  A third of his vision had been removed without his consent or knowledge, and the greater meaning behind the piece damaged completely. Speaking to the manager of the gift store, I got an explanation.  It was all about commerce—financial returns.  She stressed how everyone cuts up Klimt, showing me images in a book of how fashion designers had made prints from excerpts of his work. This "nothing unusual" piece of merchandise (the two-thirds print) would sell better (allegedly have more mass market appeal) and bring income to the Tate.  It sounded like the message she was trying to give was that because the money would be coming back to the Tate (was not for "commercial benefit") that it was acceptable. As our conversation continued, the manager went on to tell me that postcards displaying the whole piece had already sold out, and there would be more later, once other images sold to make space again.

The postcard image that had sold out has been inserted at the start of this blog entry.  The two thirds image from the poster was also available at the store on a mini greeting card, and is inserted below.

 
The day after my visit to the Klimt exhibit (last Monday), the friends I’d been with there called to let me know that others were upset by the Klimt crop. The Guardian had just published a letter by a Maureen Everhsed which they’d headed "Age old problem."

 

It’s like Liverpool hit the fast-forward button all of a sudden!  As somebody who hasn’t lived there for more than a quarter of century, its a lot easier for me to see this.  First came the Albert Dock complex, then the Capital of Culture, and now Liverpool One. 

Though there’s still hard hats, cranes, and construction everywhere, on a beautiful sunny day, this week, I was thrilled to see my hometown revived and bustling.

 

Please check out some of the posters inserted below that tell a little more about this new landmark.

 

Better still, go visit Liverpool.  You will be surprised, delighted, and entertained.  The shopping isn’t bad either…

When more carefully manicured cities, like Toronto, feel bereft of ambiance and energy in comparison, it’s clear something is working right in Liverpool.  The graphic design for its construction posters (inserted above), also helps with mood.  I couldn’t think of a city where the heart symbol fits better. You can say a lot else about Liverpudlians, but you can’t deny their friendliness, directness, humor, spirit and heart.  HeArTs off to them!  

Christopher Hart (no heart-typo) made this interesting comment in a Times Culture supplement after Paul McCartney’s recent Liverpool concert, "It’s a battered and bleeding heavyweight of a city, struggling to haul itsel off the canvas.  But it has an astonishing charisma—and I can still hear the sound of 35,000 voices ringing in my ears, singing about "times of trouble" and "all the lonely people" and "take a sad song and make it better."

A comment on the Liverpool 08 home page by Alexei Sayle states, "I’ve been all over the world looking for excitement, and it turns out that the most thrilling town I’ve ever visited is the one I was born in."  Right now, many non-resident Liverpudlians will find it hard not to agree!

 

Walking through the Yonge/St. Clair Centre (Toronto) to purchase a treat at Timothy’s, Easter Friday morning, I wasn’t surprised to notice that Ziggy’s/St. Clair Market (Loblaws flagship supermarket) was closed (grills down).  What did catch my attention was their display of floral merchandise that wasn’t locked away. Even if there are hidden cameras, and this is the way things are left daily, I still find it remarkable.  Perhaps that’s because I grew up in Liverpool.  Even though it’s the European Capital of Culture for 2008, most stores (and their goods) still have to be boarded up when businesses aren’t open.

As I walked through Leicester Square last September (07), the bells on top of the landmark Swiss Centre chimed, an array of tourists and super sized Beefeater impersonator standing by.

With a redevelopment of this site, I was happy to have witnessed its last days.  I remember, during the late 70’s- early 80’s, when I was a student in London, the Swiss Center was a "hot spot."

 

What happened in the interim, to this and so many other familiar places?  Everything changes… When we’re around all the time, we might not notice.  When we’re away for long periods, differences can be striking!

On my overnight visit to London last September (07), I noticed that London’s signage has definitely improved.  It tells tourists (and locals) exactly how long it might take to walk from one place to another.

 

It also advises where CCTV cameras are watching!  (There’s 10,000 of them!)

 

What’s not improved are the one-way streets.

 

Then there’s the traffic congestion.  Public transport is encouraged.  But, sometimes, that too can be quiet overwhelming, with red buses appearing to be coming at you from every direction, especially at Picadilly Circus.

 

You don’t have to look very far to see Londoners are going "green."  Their awareness and habits are revealed in a few quick snaps from my overnnight visit there last September.  

An electric car

Organic food businesses, as advertised on this van

City of Westminster recycling at Covent Garden

A carbon neutral taxi

 

A wooden playground

 

There’s also a free magazine for pick-up in the doorway of many stores, called New Consumer.  I chanced on its fifth birthday edition last September (07).

In North America, we’ve just started to hear about "pink cabs." The Pink Ladies cab company was started in Warrington (Northern England), in 2005, and has been so successful it’s now looking for franchisees. Pink cabs are driven by women for women, saftey and comfort being paramount.  In the days when all British cabs were black, "Pink Ladies" might have stood out.  Now they are part of an already colorful streetscape.

I hadn’t been in London for quite a while till Fall 07. (I still haven’t managed to finish writing about that trip on this blog, with so many other life/travel interruptions.)  When there, I couldn’t help but think how much brighter a place this city has become because of its colorful cabbies. Traditional "stiff upper lip" black vehicles are transformed into mobile advertising machines.  When I noticed the first colourful cab, I thought it was a one-off vehicle.  Then, each way I turned, I saw another and yet another.  Time to pull out the camera and start snapping.  Cab after cab, I collaged their images into a poster (inserted above) on returning home.  Funny what strikes us on our travel adventures.  I’d never have thought that cabs would capture my attention like this.  I suspect their ads are working! You certainly can’t help but notice them.

Other ads, I was aware, were displayed by humans.  I chanced on a bunch of placard supporters close to Covent Garden station.  I didn’t envy their job, sitting there holding arrow signs to local businesses. Fortunately, it was a balmy September morning.  I don’t know how widespread or seasonal this form of (in)human(e) advertising might be…

 

What’s sentimental for one person, might not be for another.  My recent overnight visit to London had me surprising myself by the photos I took—what I might not have given any special attention to, on a daily basis, when living there.  I was a student in London from 1979 - 1981, and my recollections go back to then.

Unfortunately, the shots in this blog entry (taken in less than 24 hours) could only cover a fraction of the city, from Picadilly to Bloomsbury.

Nothing seems to change with Fortnum and Mason, at least externally.  Its neighbor Simpsons was turned into Waterstones a while back (making it the biggest bookstore in Europe), giving Picadilly a slightly different feel.

 

Something that will never move from directly across the street is the Royal Academy.

My timing was lucky!  I got to catch the exhibit, Impressionists by the Sea. I also got to dash through the National Portrait Gallery.  However, a display in the lobby from the book cover of Zerbanoo Gifford’s new book, Confessions to a Serial Womaniser made me slow down for a moment.  Her wall-like display of womens’ faces made me think of my wall-like display of food options (my upcoming Florence Biennale exhibit, Buon Appetito!)

And talking of food, Food for Thought, an old vegetarian haunt of mine (close to Covent Garden)  looked exactly the same (from the outside).  Too early to go in, they were stocking up…

Neal’s Yard, a well-known health food establishment is also still there.  But, it has evolved—looks (and tastes) a little less "natural" (according to my memories).

Covent Garden seems to be changing all over, but not Floral Street, where The Sanctuary (a pioneering spa) looks like it’s still going strong—with Agnes B, Campers, Radley, and more, all at close proximity.

The Covent Garden Market area, itself, has been spruced up.  Arriving before opening hours, I got to see the merchants setting out their wares.  It’s quite a job unpacking and repacking every day!

Wandering from the main area, I felt the cobblestones beneath my feet.  What history they hold!  Who has walked over them before?  Who is walking over them now?  How long can they stay as they are?

In London, history and modernity dance before our eyes, as do traditions, habits, and brand development.  Other coffee shops, chains and one-of-a-kind (Café Nero, The Brew Café, Cafe Life, Espresso Capucino) give Starbucks a lot of competition.

Long "tea breaks" still seem to be popular with workmen, throughout the day.

And, after work, it’s the pub. Beer drinkers spill out onto the street to enjoy a balmy September evening (after a rotten-weather summer):

Then there’s all the theaters, large and small.  What fun to be able to go and see something light! Boeing Boeing was at the Comedy Theater on Panton Street—a charming setting for an evening’s entertainment.    

By the way, though Bloomsbury and its adjacent neighborhoods may be a little off the well-beaten tourist path (except for the landmark British Museum), it’s worth a meander.  Check out all the eating options on and around Charlotte Street…as well as the picturesque side-lanes. Then there’s Dr. Marie Stopes’ first birth control clinic.

You never realize the contrasts you’ll notice when you keep your eyes open—things that have always been there, but might not have attracted attention or mention, previously (like this "lady of the night").

 

Virgin trains are infamous among Brits for their delays and diversions.  I can now confirm this from personal experience.  My Liverpool - London train, last week, got diverted to Coventry, clipping the time I got to spend in London.  That’s the bad news!  Then, though I’d booked a regular ticket for the return to Liverpool, I somehow ended up in a First Class carriage (not that there was anything wrong with Second Class—every seat has its own electrical outlet).  That’s the good news!

What a treat first class was—or would have been, had I known in advance, and not slipped into Marks and Spencer to buy refreshments. (M and S has become so user-friendly, with mini-stores at train and gas stations, throughout Britain, you know you can pick up a decent snack from them almost anywhere anytime.) 

First Class Virgin passengers are served unlimited meals and drinks (including wine and alcohol), and are offered an array of complimentary reading materials and other resources.  The tableware and accessories aren’t paper or plastic, the seats comfortable, and crew very friendly.  The journey back passed so fast, I wasn’t ready to get off the train!  There’s also First Class Lounges at key stations.  Had I known…! 

In the little red book placed on every table on the train, there’s a note on the front page, with an e-mail address. If you’ve been "particularly impressed" with the service received by staff on the train, they want to know at feelgood@virgintrains.co.uk.  

I think about my Amtrak experiences on the Boston - New York route, when living in Boston.  Performance, or lack of it (as well as train station food and other compensations) don’t compare!

 

 

 

 

 

Last week, I celebrated my parents’ golden wedding anniversary in Liverpool—a real privilege.  This is a personal milestone, I’m aware, sadly, I will never be able to enjoy, not being married (yet).  I also marvel over my parents’ wonderful circle of lifelong friends and old-world values—neighbors who’ve known each other and remained in close contact, acting as extended family for generations.  Regrettably, few of my parents’ contemporaries’ children are still in town.  Like me, some have traveled abroad.  Others are based in London.  A couple of parents have been able to follow their children…  

Hometown roots are always important, especially to Liverpudlians.  These days, my home town is very proud of its heritage and accomplishments.  2007 - 2008 are banner years for Liverpool.  Not only does it have its 800th anniversary, it was also named as European Capital of Culture.

The weekend of Sept 15 -16, 07,  saw the city hosting many amazing events, including:
• The Big History Show at St. George’s Hall (photo below)
• The Hope Street Festival
• The Clipper Yacht Launch at the Albert Dock

 

 

 

 

 

It was impossible for me to do and see everything, but the few activities I had the chance to experience were exciting.  For the history event, I was happy to be able to hear my elderly father, Professor Rex Makin, give his Saturday presentation.  He is a free man of the city, and spoke to a sell-out audience.  At the clipper yacht launch, I was surprised to meet Sir Robin Knox Johnston. Standing right next to him, I was able to watch him seeing off the fleet with personal attention to detail and delight.

 

 

 

 

 

Liverpool is changing fast, as the cranes in front of the landmark Liver Buildings/Three Graces show.

 

Seasons of change happen externally and environmentally, as well as internally and spiritually.  My trip to Liverpool also coincided with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).  On the days in between, I thought of what was and what could be, who I am and who I am not, where we are in the world and how I can help make it a better place.  Am I doing the best job I can?  What are my intentions and actions? Will they harm or help others? How can I live a more fulfilling, altruistic, and satisfying life? 

Values, morals, ethics, and acting mindfully and carefully were prominent in my thoughts.  A time for introspection and reflection is also a time for sharing and caring—"doing the right thing" and nurturing a healthy mindset.  Alas, not all of us succeed as often as we hope to, and some make more mistakes than others.  Intentions matter as does self-knowledge and sensitivity to and consideration for others and our planet.

When we’re able to overcome petty differences, we’re more inclined to take the bigger picture into account—not just act in our own best interests.  Life is short and every day has the potential for positive happenings.  Those who have the health, means, and family with which to enjoy what’s possible are blessed—should take nothing and no one fore granted.

A "Shana Tova" (Good Year!) to everyone!

Many artistic Canadians gain fame, fortune, inspiration, and support from foreign sources.  If they’ve paid for their own specialized training abroad, and want to be successful after graduating, they’re given little incentive to return to Canada.  Canada doesn’t seem to provide sufficient enticement (governmental or otherwise) to those who wish to return home.  In fact, if you’ve been out of the country for a while, and don’t have adequate fresh "Canadian experience," or networking connections, it’s unlikely you’ll be eligible for grant money or endorsement. For those who graduate in the US, there’s a grace period to stay on there if you find suitable employment/sponsorship.  Canada is a wonderful place to live.  However, if you’re an artist trying to launch a career, it’s usually easier to develop employment/recognition prospects elsewhere.

Liverpool’s a great city! It’s my home town—and that of a number of (other) celebrities. What’s more, it’s having a comeback—winner of the European Capital of Culture for 2008 with a big dig going on so that the city can be as accessible as it is interesting. For now, however, it’s often paralyzed by traffic confusion. Nevertheless, its 2006 Biennial is receiving substantial attention, as is the 24th John Moores exhibit at the unparalleled Walker Art Gallery. Then there’s the John Lennon Airport that’s become a real hub. Very soon, you’ll be able to fly there directly from New York, Toronto, and elsewhere. Then, after the Liverpudlian experience, Ryan Air, Easy Jet and other low-cost airlines can whisk you off to an amazing number of better and lesser known European destinations.