A Geisha Born in the Street

Hi everyone, sorry it's been such a long time.  I've been off island for several weeks, but I'll be posting more regularly now, especially since I've accumulated a bunch of new shots that at least some of you may like.  Well, as you know, I'm kind of into street art.  I know it's pretty trendy right now, and I'm just like everyone else when the only artist I can name is Banksy (even though I saw Exit Through the Gift Shop which examines numerous artists).  I like street art because it adds another dimension to the built environment.  It's often temporary and part of the art is its transience and the lifecycle from site selection, creation, public discovery, intervention by the authorities (sometimes), and painting over the work.  I like to think about the street art that no has noticed, and maybe never will.  Thankfully, as street art becomes more appreciated, it is staying up longer and even being commissioned -- as much art often is.

Well, it's not often that you get to see a work being made in realtime.  I had the lucky chance while wandering around in east London a few weeks ago.  When I first walked by, the mysterious geisha lacked facial features.  When I backtracked later, her eyes, nose, and lips were in place--her story was slowly being revealed to the street, and to those who would listen.

 

The African Blue-flycatcher

 (read in Planet Earth David Attenborough voice) Here we have Elminia longicauda, more commonly known as The African Blue-flycatcher.  This perky little fellow was peacefully minding his own business chirping happily, but then suddenly noticed my presence and flew off into the canopy.  According to my Birds of East Africa book (by Stevenson and Fanshawe), its voice can be described as "long and complex warble of sweet and harsh, and sometimes very metallic chits and tinks and canary-like flourishes.  A metallic chink is also used as a contact and alarm call."  (observed in Kakamega Rain Forest, February 2012)

We Like To Play in Cars

 The neighbor kids love to play in the car that sits in our backyard.  It provides hours of entertainment for us all, in fact.  Some folks play with cars, and others play in cars!  Sometimes we have photoshoots, and they always love to look at the pictures on the camera screen, giggling and coming up with new poses... one of these days I'll print out a bunch for them to keep.  The day was ending when I took these, so they're a bit dark, but they should give you a little taste of the fun we have out back.  The Tiriki Embassy (our new home) can been seen in the background of the shot below, which is one of my favorite shots.

Island Graffiti, Part 1

 This begins the first of a small series of graffiti and miscellaneous street paint photos.  Actually, that's probably a constant theme here on Miles Island, but these will specifically be from San Juan, Puerto Rico, where there seems to be a wealth of colors, surfaces, textures, and both intentional and unintentional street art.  (Apologies to the original tagger/artist if I have the photo orientation wrong!)  Enjoy!

A Street I Used to Live On

 Recently got to take a walk around some favorite places of mine, including the street I used to live on.  Things looked the same.  Sure I'm sentimental.  I had a wicked Peugeot 10-speed, but this ain't bad.

 Jabberwocky

 Punting, or messing about in boats

 Jogging in the deer park

The Rad 

The Wooden Bike

 This fantastic creation basically speaks for itself, but I should add that cow dung keeps everything nicely greased.  Who needs brakes?  On the shores of Lake Bunyonyi, Uganda.

On the Street, San Juan .... That Orange!

Hola amigos, happy new year!  I know it's been awhile--I took of a bit of a hiatus over the holidays, but know that the island is alive and well.  Thought I'd start the year off on the right foot by posting a street style shot of a fashionable lady I saw in San Juan, P.R. a few weeks ago.  Especially loved her gold Sperrys and shades of orange...