3.23.2009
the nature of {glass}
During a recent trip to Phoenix, I visited the Desert Botanical Garden's traveling exhibit, The Nature of Glass by glass-man himself, Dale Chihuly. Even though I have studied his work in art classes and admired many art gallery installations, this exhibit was beyond my expectations.
It was amazing to see the bright colorful glass pieces integrated with the desert landscape and mimic the surrounding shapes. Bright sunshine added another interesting element as it illuminated the vibrant pieces of glass, and created even more shapes and texture in the reflection. Interestingly enough, this exhibit can also be viewed at night, as several of the pieces are lit from within. How awesome is that!?
Here are just a FEW of my favorite shots from a beautiful sunny afternoon at the garden exhibit. {s.j}
Labels: art
2.03.2009
o-h-i-o
Over the holidays, my boyfriend John and I flew to Ohio to visit his family -- with my camera in tow, of course! His parents have a goldendoodle, Izzy -- the coolest dog I've ever seen! Here are just a few of my favorite photos of her and their bird Elvis.
We also had the opportunity to visit their county courthouse, where the interiors have been recently restored. Look how beautiful it is!
{s.j}
11.13.2008
farewell fall, see you next year!
Since I'm a few weeks behind on my blog posts, right now I'm looking out the window at bare trees, grey skies and snow. So, I post these photos in memory of the beautiful vivid fall colored leaves, blue skies and crisp 60-70 degree days. Their stay is never long enough, and gone just when we realize what is inevitably coming next. *dunhh dunhh dunhh* SNOW! {s.j}
Labels: art
10.14.2008
fall harvest
I recently made a trip back to Iowa to visit my parents and do a big family photo shoot (blog coming soon!) It's been awhile since I've made a trip back to the farm in the thick of harvest season. I forgot just how beautiful it can be.
Symmetry!
I tagged along with my dad for a few rounds in the combine. I just love this shot of him watching the beans move from the combine to the wagon. "Another good crop," he smiled and said after I snapped this.
I have to admit there was a small bit of strategic placement to get this shot. I wanted to capture the sun setting just behind the combine, so I rode out in the middle of the field with Dad and asked him to stop so I could run ahead in the bean rows and capture this amazing scene. The coolest thing is not only the clouds and sunset, but the way the bean rows are lit up from behind and our family's farm-skyline, as you could call it, in the background.
I like to call this one "The Farmer's View" -- from inside the combine. Love that Iowa landscape!
Here is a bean plant about to meet its 'doom'....
My parents' yellow labs, Jack and Gracie, love running alongside the combine. The follow my dad EVERYWHERE! Its so cute. This was taken from inside the combine!
My parents' yellow labs, Jack and Gracie, love running alongside the combine. The follow my dad EVERYWHERE! Its so cute. This was taken from inside the combine! 
Harvest season just amazes me. After meticulously planning, planting and watching over their crops all summer, the farmers get to reap the harvest and complete the process for one more year. It's all based on the grace of God -- whether or not it rains too much or freezes too early. The magic of planting a seed, watching it grow and harvesting the crop is just another amazing part in the circle of life! Sometimes we just don't take the time to sit back and think about how incredible it really is.
{sj}
{sj}
Labels: art