Chinese New Year - Year of the Pig 2019 in Photographs

The 12th sign of the Chinese zodiac - people are born in the years: 

1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031, 2043

In the Chinese zodiac, pigs (or wild boars) are the metaphor and symbol of wealth. Their chubby faces, belly, and big ears are signs of fortune and the result of good fortune. Pigs might not stand out in a crowd, but are very realistic. Though frugal and not wasteful, they will let themselves enjoy life. They love entertainment, and will occasionally splurge or allow themselves a treat. They may be a bit materialistic,  but this is motivation for them to work hard. Being able to hold tangible objects in their hands gives them security. They are energetic and are always enthusiastic, even for the most mundane tasks. If the opportunity arises, they will take positions of power and status. They believe that only those with power and status have the right to speak, and that’s their core objective.

Pig photos from over the years- (top) a fashion slant featured at Bergdorf Goodman's famous windows;

 (left to right) Carousel outside of Rouen, France; downtown Manhattan - The Spotted Pig

... and of course, some lions too.

Happy Lunar/ Chinese New Year!

Love Stamps

As part of my new marketing idea to create background vignettes for my own greeting cards, I started buying lots of props, photography backgrounds, and postage stamps that might relate to the featured image of those all-occasion cards. Some of my favorites are the colorful "love" stamp bundles. As an artist, I appreciate their graphic genius- anything from ribbon-like words, floral text, those colorful heart-shaped candies that we all know, or the iconic Robert Indiana sculpture from Philadelphia. 

They make great backdrops, and the message isn't so bad either! Happy Valentine's Day! 🖤

Collecting (and Reminiscing) - Silver Snowflakes

Every Christmas, as a little girl, I used to receive sterling collectible snowflakes from Reed and Barton as gifts from an aunt on my dad's side. With Lawrence Welk on television in the background, the family would be gathered around my grandparents' living room before Christmas Eve dinner, and we would exchange gifts. As the only child on this entire side of the family, everyone watched me with delight as I opened my presents.

After a few years, I learned to recognize the small decorated package, and groaned with expectant boredom at what the predictable frosty configuration might look like this year. Then, I would quickly offer thanks, put it aside, and go back to tearing colorful wrapping paper hoping that something pink and Barbie-related would appear.

Year after year, the silver designs were hung on hooks on the underside of a shelf in my bedroom. Over time, they have developed a nice patina rather than the shiny, polished look of the perfect mirror-like silver. They now resemble the colorful oil bursts found on asphalt after a rainstorm.

By the 1980s, my protests must have been heard, because there was never another small box among the gifts. Since then, I have become intrigued by their varied beautiful designs. As I look at them now with wistful nostalgia, they remind me of past holiday seasons, and an era that occurred seemingly a lifetime ago in the front room of a rowhouse in Philadelphia.

(-written 12.31.2015)

NYC Christmas Windows 2018

Recently, I took a trip back to New York to view the famous Bergdorf Goodman Christmas windows. The theme for this year was candy and sweets.

You can see the peppermint swirls, cotton candy (not pictured) pistachio-colored old fashioned candy shop, licorice, and gingergbread. As always, they do the best job of conveying the holiday spirit with brightly displayed detailed window canvases.

Have a Merry Christmas! 🎄