Last sea day before Dakar

Yesterday (2nd sea day from Brazil) we watched the art auction. This is the second or maybe third art auction day, another will be today. It is very educational to attend as the auctioneer is very knowledgeable about the artists represented and has many stories to tell. This is good practice because soon you feel you know the artist and want to buy something from them. He also discusses art styles and terms. The prices are very reasonable as well and you can snag a very nice serio-lithograph (sp) or limited edition print for good prices.

We were inspired to pull out the small amount of art supplies we brought, just a few brushes, small water color tablets with 140 lb paper, watercolor pencils, and a few felt tip pens. Dennis sketched and painted a scene from Dominica and one from Venice, while I was inspired (because of the auction) to paint a weird colorful abstract bird, and then a much calmer wc of "Three Waves." ah well, perhaps more today.

Later we attended the Captains Circle Reception with free drinks and canapes.
They gave away three bottles of champagne by random drawing, and recognized the three "most cruises" people. They went from 51 to 55 to 105 cruises! The lady who won the most had already won my admiration since I had talked to her some days ago. She walks for an hour a day and when home bicycles for an hour, regardless of the weather--she lives in Ohio!! Snow does not stop her. Did I mention that she is 87 years old? You would never guess it with her straight back, firm skin, all decked out in a gold lame suit with three inch red heels. Wow, I have a new heroine! She goes on three cruises a year. This was the third "formal" night. One more to go.

This morning we attended the art lecture on Pop Art. As I listened, I was thinking that it is not a big step from folk art. This movement began first in England in the 1950's and U.S. in 1960's. It was a rebellion against the abstract impressionism which was prevalent at the time. It is characterized by themes and techniques, and celebrated post-war consumerism and "democratic" subjects like Coca-Cola which was the same to the poorest and richest. It took the "highbrow" out of art. Notable artists of this style are Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jasper Johns. The similarities to folk art are:
1. they used very familiar subjects
2. they made no apology for mass production
3. they took the "highbrow" out of art and made it "art for everybody"

One of the definitions of folk art is that it is art of the common people for the common people, representing their daily lives.

The photos attached in the batch yesterday are all from Dominica. We pronounce this "Do-min-a-ca" but natives pronounce it "Dom-a-neek-a."

The photos today are of Brazil. I was slow remembering how to upload the photos. I will be more current with future postings.

Today we painted a bit more, and watched the art auction again in the afternoon. Our dinner friends each scored some of the art; we just watched and took notes. The weather today was very different, cool and no humidity. We are near the African continent now.

We have practically NO news here, and it seems quite strange that the news channels seem to be out of range but we can still get ESPN. What's up with that???? I checked a news website and found that Hillary won the Pennsylvania election, so the drama for the Dem. candidate goes on. We really don't really have any further info, so if someone wants to report it would be nice....
XOXOXO
Vicki

Comments

Unknown said…
Hey you two - I can ALMOST give some info on the primary runs as Ben INSISTS on watching American news on cable here in Oz! They leave on Saturday morning (today is Thursday arvo). Anyway Obama and Hilary are going at it a bit argey bargey about the others tactics.
I agree - how can people LOVE cruise food???? Didn't you take your Birki's to walk in and Dennis are you still painting Venice? No Brazilian Jungles???
The art sounds interesting.
Love CAzzie