Art inspiration

Took a couple hours on a grey afternoon to roam around the AGO. It was the day before my membership was to expire, so being the last minute type, I felt the urge to take advantage and perhaps find some inspiration! Caught the Outsiders show which is the featured exhibit of American photography and film from the 50's to 80's. So many fascinating images that tell so many stories. Leisurely took my time to examine them. 

Here are some other highlights! Above is 'Man Changing into Thunderbird' by Norval Morriseau.

On every visit to the gallery, I make sure to pass through the rooms housing the Group of Seven to see my favourite pieces -- these two small works depicting the 'Northern Lights' by Tom Thomson. I have never seen the northern lights in real life and it has been on my to do list. I don't want to use the term bucket list. I once looked at these and had a magical dream from the night before flood back and was seemingly whisked away into another world. Love looking at the brush strokes and handling of these. Stood here for several minutes in quiet contemplation.

'Shaman Muscox' by Manasie Akpaliapik charmed me. These carvings discuss the vulnerabilities and social ills of the communities of the artist's Arctic homeland.

Aimlessly wandered through Song Dong's 'Communal Courtyard' at the same time as a sweet little toddler excitedly getting lost with her mom. Love the curiosity and innocence of the very young!

Snuff bottles in the most lovely colours.

A quiet moment with 'York Factory (Sketch) VI' by Frank Stella.

Left feeling inspired and relaxed. A perfect brief retreat in the heart of the city!

Hong Kong, part II

It's been a busy Summer and now as I browse these pictures, my memories of these experiences have already dimmed!  Glad I took so many photos!  Sorry for the delay in posting these.  Here are the photos from the second part of my Hong Kong travels.

Landing in HK after our Maldives break!

Pastel colours of Wan Chai.

Lovely little speciality shops. Stationery...

china...

Entry way into the old days!

Interesting architecture.

A visit to Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens on a steamy hot and humid day.
Not the best idea.

Eyeballing the high end shops in Central.  This was the Fendi window.

Picking up souvenirs for the people back home!

You can find anything on the streets of HK.

Tutus, leis, and a giant yellow t-shirt with with Winnie the Pooh's face!?

The Peninsula Hotel, the oldest hotel in Hong Kong.  A reminder of the 1920's...

with a modern bar with padded walls at the top of it!

Favourite meal.  A simple and delicious bowl of lai fun with char siu (noodle soup with barbecue pork) at Tsui Hang Village.  Yum yum yum... could eat this now.

Love seeing the remnants of days gone by peeking thru all the modernity of the city.

Pretty floral soup pot turned plant container.

Alleyway juice spot. I favour these spots over the fancy trendy juice bars!

A taxi ride via winding roads.

Waterfront at Stanley.

Building and pier both painstakingly moved from Central to Stanley.
Above is Murray House and below is Blake Pier.

Stanley Market.

Lovey dovey speech bubbles, a version of love locks at the viewing deck of the shopping centre at Stanley.

Hot pot with my cousin and her family.  So good and so fun!

Korean grub at U-Hang on High Street.  Loved the decor.

At the horse races making picks based on jerseys!

A gai si, or wet market.

Tea shopping and tasting with Mom.

Dense green foliage amidst tall apartment buildings.

A three week trip was over before I knew it.  I didn't have any jet lag upon my return to Toronto, but it took me weeks to recover from the over eating and intense family time!  Now as I write this a couple months after the trip, I have witnessed a few more friends lose some very close loved ones. Reminds me how lucky I am to have two healthy parents that love to sidekick with me!  I am so  grateful to have been able to spend some quality time with fam especially in such exotic places!