My daughter has lived in various parts of Spain for over 15 years and I have been able to visit there numerous times. Ofter we are able to travel around the country to enjoy the rich architectural history. I love texture and the building sides are covered with the most unusual textural designs from stone encrustation to elaborate carvings in concrete. To me the architecture was the most fun to recreate in fabric. When you have grown up in America, it is always surprising to find buildings, in other parts of the world, that were built hundreds of years ago and are still being used and updated. They were built to last and even though they may have plumbing and electrical wiring snaking up the exterior, they are still a testiment to what was possible to build before we started thinking of buildings as temporary structures.
Inside Gaudi 24"x22" This is my tribute to the Spanish architect named Antonio Gaudi who was a major contributor to the city of Barcelona in the early 1900's. Many of his buildings incorporated his use of custom made tiles that he often shattered and then reassembled into mosaic walls. These images are from the Palau Guill, representing elements from the entry structure.
Leave at Dawn 62"x50". These giant leaves faced the east and I found the sunlight of dawn glowing through them.
Light on Water 17"x22" Fountains are a wonderful way to feel the cooling affects of water in the hot sunlight of afternoon. The Moors brought the art of cooling flowing water and live greenery as a part of everyday life. They are such simple elements that add so much to the quality of life. I love fountains
Preserving the Past 20"x24". In much of Spain many of the old buildings had been neglected for centuries. Now there is an attempt to preserve as many as possible. In some instances they are beyond restoration and have been encased in another structure to protect them from the weather. This one is in a glass enclosure so that the building can still be seen but is protected.
Separate Lives 39"x36" While walking on a beach in Valencia I started photographing people. This piece in composed in 3 panels to illustrate how, even though there are many people crowded on a beach, the people are not relating to each other but simply enjoying the moment in the sun and water.
Spanish Moments 28"x22" Snapshots on vacation. The Guggenheim museum in Bilbao; a bell tower, an ancient arch on an aquaduct, the view of the entrance to the castle over the moat and a neglected window.
Sunset on the Mediterranean 19"x36" again on the beach in Valencia. The draw of the sea and the sun far exceeds the desire to only go there if you have a perfect body. The late day sun bathes everyone in the gold and orange sun of the Mediterranean.
The Re'al Alcazar 52"x73" The palace of the Moors in Sevilla was built over a very long time and every view has a different style of architecture. One prinicple that seemed to carry over throughout was the use of water (moving or reflective) and plants in abundance. These elements helped to give a cooling feel in an otherwise hot climate.
Waiting in Jerez 40"x57" My mother, daughter and I had finished our mid-day meal and, having no where to go to rest, we sat while we waited for all the busnesses to reopen. We'd seen the Andalucian horses practice and now sat in a doorway waiting for the rest of the day to happen
Daydream Believer 20"x20". Some people take life very casually and find space wherever they want it. This man and his dog were laying against the pillar in the Plaza Major in Madrid just sleeping the afternoon away. What a space they made in a crowd of people rushing all around them.
Bus Stop 50"x24" Yes it can get cold and rainy in Madrid in the winter and this was just such a night. Everyone is waiting for the bus to come and take them home for the night.
