The Print Show

The whole culture is telling you to hurry,

while the art tells you to take your time.

Always listen to the art.

~Junot Diaz~

Today after volunteering at the hospital,

I walked across the street to The Hub, a gallery space with ever changing exhibitions.

Today's exhibit was printmaking done by the students of Kuwait University's Interior Architecture Department.

It was interesting to read their artist statements and to hear about the techniques they used in their printmaking.

The diversity of work and talent on display was inspiring to see.

Art enables us to find ourselves

and lose ourselves at the same time.

~Thomas Merton~

Happy Thursday!

Art Day Out

Today I met my friends, Aruna and Emina, first to see an exhibition of quill work at Art Cafe.

I can't imagine the time and patience it takes to create these works of art.

Afterwards, we walked over to Naser's Cafe for brunch and to create some art of our own.

The art of being happy lies in the power
of extracting happiness from common things.

Henry Ward Beecher

Happy Wednesday,

A Walk and a Recipe

Despite temperatures being between 110-120 during the day, I do still try to get out for short walks.  One can only stay indoors for so long before the need for nature takes over.

Beautiful bougainvillea thrive in this weather.

There's a mall just a few minutes from my house where I do my grocery shopping; a park and walking path were part of the refurbishment of the area.  All the trees and plants and water features really provide much needed green space, shade and shelter for people and animals.

Believe it or not, I was not the only one out there walking.  There were even a couple of guys just hanging out, sitting on benches at noontime.

I was very surprised to see so many bees out today.

They are really attracted to these golden gazania.

And to the basil blooms.

 A dangling pomegranate and cheerful sunflower rounded out my walk before I got on with the grocery shopping.

And now for that recipe.

Vegan Cinnamon Swirl Cake by Vegan Richa.

I have made this several times and everyone who tries it loves it.

My tweaks to the recipe are to add a little bit more turmeric and almond flavoring than what's called for and I also substitute mashed pumpkin for the oil.

Have a marvelous Monday!

Art Washes Away the Dust

At least once a week, I try to get together with my friend, Aruna, for some artsy endeavors.

June 27th started out slightly dusty when we met and by the time we left a couple of hours later, it was a full blown sand storm.

In fact, the month of June was filled with many of these storms.  It seemed like we were having them every few days.

That's when the quote:

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.

― Pablo Picasso ― 

becomes very literal.

On this day, we were joined by Emina who introduced us to lettering.

We molded some air drying clay.

And, of course, did some sketching.

This past Wednesday, Aruna and I met at a new coffee shop in a new complex that I had not been to yet called Argan Square.

Love how the wooden trellis makes such a gorgeous geometric pattern over the walkway. 

The interior of the coffee shop is all about wood so feels very warm and inviting.

 

 This time we played with mixed media and watercolors.

 Inspiration can come from anywhere.

It's especially nice to have artsy friends who encourage us to stretch our wings.

Sunday blessings,