BOUQUETS TO ART

Last March I had another wonderful opportunity to further develop my photography skills. I attended my first “Bouquets to Art” event at the de Young Museum in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. This annual floral exhibition has been a springtime tradition for the last 30 years. It gives floral designers a chance to interpret the permanent works of the museum through their floral arrangements, which are displayed in juxtaposition with the works that inspired them.

That day as I passed through de Young’s Wilsey Court on my way into the exhibit, I was blown away by the magnificent flower chandelier. I found out later that this centerpiece was a creation of Natasha Lisitsa of Waterlily Pond Studio. It was simply stunning.

These pictures are just a sampling of the beautiful and imaginative displays I saw that day. Floral arranging is an art form in itself — this exhibition took it to the next level. It was a pleasure to wander through the museum and discover just how creative these designers could be. I applaud the men and women who brought these captivating interpretations to the de Young. Bravo!

GRACED WITH LIGHT

Last February I was fortunate enough to see the “Graced With Light” art installation at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood, before it was taken down. I had recently purchased a DSLR camera and was looking for a subject/place to practice using all of the buttons and settings that I didn’t have a clue about. I also had just started taking photography classes and was learning about “ISO/Shutter Speed/Aperture” and this thing they called “White Balance”…it was all Greek to me.

“Graced With Light” was a music-inspired installation that featured nearly 20 miles (1,100 strands in total) of multicolored ribbons which cascaded from the church’s vaulted ceiling arches. It was designed by Anne Patterson, a New York installation artist and director, and was the cathedral’s 2013 artist in residence.

The exhibit was definitely breathtaking to see in person. Believe me, these pictures do not do it justice. I also discovered other treasures about the church that day. Grace Cathedral’s main doors are a replica of Lorenzo Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise.” There is also a Keith Haring altarpiece, two labyrinths (one inside and the other outside of the church) and a statue of St. Francis of Assisi by the late San Franciscan sculptor Beniamino Bufano.

It was a day well spent in the city I call home. Sometimes I can’t believe how lucky I am to live here.