arc de triomf

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt
Musings in Barcelona…. At first I was surprised at how much of a city it
is here, overwhelmed and a bit lost I pondered the idea of going home. I
tried to sleep, soak it in and explore a little every day. I have to say I
am feeling much better now as I can pretty much find my way around. I have
met a few good people, am taking a yoga class and now avidly searching for a
job (any tips are welcome!). I am painting a little too but once I settle in
I know that I will feel more inspired. A few things I have loved so far: the
olives (yummy), not having a car and biking or walking everywhere, having
the ocean a few blocks away, the twisting small cobblestone streets, and
amigas.

Besos

the view

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt

barceloneta

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt

bar andu

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt
Barcelona October 2007
It’s been a week since my arrival to Barcelona and I feel like I’ve seen a small portion of what this city will show me. My senses are alert and like a sponge I soak it all in:

Hear:
Glass breaking
People conversing
Carts being pulled on cobblestone
Doors slamming
Hollers
The breeze
Motorcycle engines
Horns
Bangs
Smell:
Salt
Pizza burning
Smog
Stone
Piss
Sun
Rain
Sea
Maps
See:
Ancient buildings crammed together
Kohl lined eyes
Stencil street art
Modern gypsy style
People from everywhere and allover
Maps
Metro
Menus in Catalan
Very narrow streets
Street signs on buildings
Taste:
Olives
Sweet port
Machango cheese
Exhaust
Baguette
Figs in chocolate
Feel:
Damp
Rough
Oily
Milky
Leathery
Clean
Dirty
Dark

yep eating snails

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt

plaza jaume

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt

can serrat art colony

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt

Road trip to CA

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt
CA spring 2007

As I drive across the country the landscape slowly evolves. Suddenly, there are mountains where a few miles back the plains were dancing in the air. These mountains are bold and majestic. I crave them just like I crave chocolate. I want to take one big swooping bite out of them. Then relax on the clouds. Surround me in 360-degree view of sky; the bulky and billowy mass evoking memories of cotton candy. No wonder junk food is so good on road trips! Color notes: sumac red, straw yellow, sage, crystal blue, dust.

Untitled

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt
NY summer 2006

The last day in NY was my favorite. Breakfast at the local Café in Brooklyn Heights, conversations about life, a new haircut and wondering the streets arm in arm. We stumbled upon a hole in the wall that reminded us so much of Mexico…then the live music, the singer was an amazing de Argentina and we danced and danced. Conversed with the Australians and slept with a nostalgic smile upon our faces.

Ofrenda Oaxaca

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt
Oaxaca, Mexico winter 2004

Here in Oaxaca finally! I never want to leave, it is the best!!! Awesome weather, food, people, and art: Dia de los muertos was amazing, the cemeteries in Xoxcotlan were beautiful and the festivities like nothing else. I have run into two friends from Minnesota already and that was a strange, path cross. So I am safe and sharing a great apartment, I am going to search out painting classes at the taller Tamayo…back to Spanish classes the bell just rang! I’ll be in touch. I love you all, come see me!!

Oaxaca coast

Originally uploaded by EspiralArt
Mexico winter 2004
On Monday I was invited to Zipolite, a small beach off the Oaxacan coast, by two friends visiting my roommate from el DF. Off we drove through the mountains and many topes. Stopped for a nice lunch and hot chocolate and then continued while the sun set with a fire red color behind the pines and mountains. We got stuck on the road behind an accident and waited an hour or two until the police came to take pictures etc….no worries or rush…then off again while listening to prince, mano chao, peret el rey de la rumba and los artecepelados. We finally started to feel the moist salt water on our faces and the clothing on the kids in the street changed from mountain sweaters to just shorts, the women in white dresses holding many white balloons, all in a procession del virgin. We drove around the 1-klm dirt road of Zipolite and found a place to stay 150 pesos a night (5 buck each!). We ate some yummy fish and were approached by a few borrachos wanted to practice English with the gringos. Later, with full bellies we slept to the sound of the surf. Today we ran into the waves to wake up….ate some desayuno on the beach and lounged…..this is living. La vida simple…I wish this for you all, while I get ready for a night of sleep in the hammock this evening, under the stars.
Hugs and sunlight.