Automotive Candy and Fun for the Eyeballs

My official vacation road-trip ended Friday night around 10 pm in time to catch the Houston news.  From the news I learned that the Art Car Parade/Show would be Saturday at 1 pm.  Last year’s parade was great, so I opted to forgo getting some rest and headed to the show around 11 the next morning.  This year ended up being more enjoyable than the last due to learning from things that could have made my previous experience even better, such as:  arriving early enough to get good parking (having an SUV made this much easier), instead of driving past the field using it as a parking lot, sitting on the opposite side of the street to get a better view, and arriving early, getting there early, coming early.  Check, check, check, and check.

Characters of all sorts come to see the cars, actually build the cars, or are hoping to sell something.  This guy was pitching love and hugs.  I was a little too freaked out to buy what he was selling, but he did pique my interest and a smile.

[Read more...]

A what in a box?

Last night I was invited to meet up with a friend at the Museum of Fine Art in Houston to take part in the perks of free admission on Thursday.  After some initial confusion as to which museum we were supposed to meet at, I assumed science while she assumed art, we finally made it to the right spot.  Our time was split mostly between two exhibits, Color Into Light: Selections from the MFAH Collection and Indonesian Gold Gallery.  Both exhibits were enjoyable, but Color Into Light held pieces and installations that still have me amazed today.

Bill Viola’s Ascension is particularly noteworthy for the spectrum of feelings his work creates using a 10-minute video and dark room.  From a few yards away I noticed an small room containing a bench and a video of bubbles playing on a deep blue screen.  This immediately intrigued me due to my affinity for the ocean and water in general.  I walked into the room, sat on the bench, and imagined myself breathing in the deepest, bluest depths.  The ambient noise of bubbles and water slowly faded and soon the screen was a very dark blue.  It was hard to resist the relaxation, so I remained on the bench with my friend eventually taking a seat beside me.  We sat quietly chatting as I explained how the bubbles drew me into the room.  Suddenly, a man plunges into the water on the screen causing me to jump.

From Bill Viola's "Ascension"

From Bill Viola's Ascension

[Read more...]