Tiny Travels
Tiny Travels is a collection that was developed while being quarantined. With ample time on my hands, I spent a lot of hours dreaming about our adventures and looking through old travel photos. The resulting paintings are snippets from some of my favorite travel memories.
Since this is an ongoing project, paintings in this collection be released daily and will appear as they become available.
Temple Crane
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
As an artist one of my favorite things to do while traveling is view others art, especially that of the local culture. And by art, I do not necessarily mean going to a museum. Certain countries and cultures live more artfully than others and Japan is one of those countries. They are thoughtful in design right down to their breath mint dispensers. They live with art all around them as they have for centuries. This painting of a crane was inspired by a screen I saw at a home temple in Kyoto. In Japan, the crane is often called the bird of happiness and symbolizes love, longevity and good fortune. And these days, who couldn’t use a little more of all those things.
Nike Leg Door Knocker
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
Being in Greece is like being in a whitewashed dream with splashes of pastel colors and raw stone to dance on. I had the pleasure of doing a little island hopping while there, visiting Kos, Symi, Rhodes and Patmos. This painting of the leg of Nike is an actual door knocker we saw on Patmos, said to be the island where St. John wrote the Book of Revelations from inside a cave while in exile. As you walk through the village, directly below the island's most extensive monastery, you will see colorfully painted doors with ornate door knockers along with black and white stone inlays in the path. These little touches of artistic expression caught my eye and made visiting Greece even more dreamy. Do you have an intriguing door knocker for your home?
La Boca Door
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
La Boca is a vibrant, historically Italian neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The rainbow colored ramshackle buildings located in the old port are a result of the ingenuity of the town's former dock workers. Most were so poor they were unable to afford building supplies, so they used scrap wood, metal and paint to construct and cover their homes. Often the leftover paint was not enough to cover an entire front, which resulted in fun patchwork designs. When the neighborhood fell into disrepair, artists (of course ;)) moved in and elaborated on these already fascinating hues, adding staging, facades and trompe l'oeil paintings. Today you can still see most of these uniquely colored buildings while navigating crowds of tourists, hear the tango music float through the air and be surprised by the smell of pizza. It is a unique experience and assault to the senses.
Cueva de las Manos
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
As I stood in the valley of Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) in Argentina and viewed these amazing pictographs three things struck me. One, they are in impeccable condition. 9,000 years old and they look as if they could have been painted yesterday. Two, to the people who created them, their hands were their most important tool and this is how they conveyed that message. Everything was created or caught with their hands and their bodies. And three, what the heck, that’s not a hand!?! Indeed it is not. Within a wall spanning 49 ft wide and almost 7 ft tall, there are innumerable left hands depicted (suggesting a lot of righties), a few right hands, less than 10 hands with 6 fingers and exactly three rhea feet (or hoofs or claws?). A rhea is similar to an ostrich or emu, but smaller and predominantly found in South America. Rhea made a great meal when eaten for their meat, with the additional bonus of having bones that could be hollowed out and used as straws to blow pigment out of to create these images of their hands. You have to think though, if only 3 made it on the wall, it must have been a wild time the night the emu foot got put up there. Wonder what they were drinking...
Watch for Guanacos!
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
Keep your eyes peeled for Guanacos! These signs can be seen every few miles while traveling along Route 20 in the Patagonia region of Argentina, alerting you to the prevalence of guanacos, or wanaku. This area of Argentina is the most southern region for these llama like creatures, which can live up to 13,000 feet above sea level. However, we often saw them roaming in herds on the vast, flat plains. On those long drives it can feel like it’s just you and the guanacos out there. They are funny looking creatures that can be very curious, which is why you need to take extra care when driving. I’ve also shared a few extra images that I thought you might enjoy and helped inspire this painting.
Positano Umbrella & Chairs
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
In a salute to summer and for the first painting to be released from my Tiny Travels Collection, I give you this tranquil scene from Positano, Italy. These yellowy-orange, red umbrellas & chairs are quintessentially Positano. With its iconic location on the Amalfi coast everything there feels heavenly. From almost everywhere in this sweet terraced town, you can see the shades of crimson colors pop out against the brilliant blue of the Mediterranean, all underneath a black stone beach. I can remember sitting in these chairs, umbrellas closed after a beautiful beach day, and hearing Louis Prima’s “Buona Sera” drift through the air. Which was perfect as we were in town for a wedding. It all felt like a dream…Buona sera, signorina kiss me goodnight!
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Limoncello Views
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
The scent of luscious lemons lingers on the air in Positano, Italy. Lemon gelato, limoncello, lemon drops, lemon scented lotion, and lemons on pots. Driving around the winding road that weaves along the coast you can see all the groves of lemon trees that inspire the above delights. While we saw many in groves, there were also trees throughout the town that would have a lemon or two nestled in their branches. This particular one we saw on a terrace looking out to the Tyrrhenian Sea. The crisp yellow was such a beautiful contrast to the deep blue of the water. Now whenever I see this color blue and yellow together my mind drifts to those lemon scented days in Positano.
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Philosopher's Path
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
There is a well worn path in Kyoto, Japan known as the Philosopher’s Path. It is said that Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most famous philosophers in the early 1900s, used this path to practice meditation while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. The stream and stone path also connects two stunning and historic temples, Ginkakuji (or Silver Pavillion) and Nanzenji. But it is during the springtime when this path truly shines. The 1.2 mile path is lined with cherry blossom trees that extend the entire path from end to end, dusting it with a carpet of blossoms. This past spring when we travelled to Kyoto, it was right as the pandemic was beginning to affect tourism and a once popular tourist attraction was wonderfully quiet. We walked and biked the path on two different occasions where we would take breaks for lunch. Across the way from one of our stops, we could see the glow of a nearby vending machine, which are everywhere in Japan. And I mean everywhere. You are never wanting for a drink of anything in that country, hot or cold. However it is such a strange thing to be somewhere so naturally beautiful and feel the hum of commerce just across the way, distracting you from what is important. I wonder if Nishida had that issue when he walked the path?
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Recoleta Cross
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
Is it strange that I love visiting cemeteries? Perhaps it’s the New Orleanian in me. La Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires was the closest I’ve ever seen to a New Orleans cemetery, with its elaborate stone crypts, ornate tombs, beautiful sculptures and detailed mausoleums. However, this city of the dead was actually even more opulent than any I’ve ever seen. Covering 14 acres, it holds some of Argentina’s most famous, notable and wealthy people, one you may recognize is Eva Peron. The painting was inspired by a family crypt which was built out of beautiful marble, with multiple panels of stained glass on all sides. By the entrance door, two crosses were carved out of the marble to reveal the stunning colors of the stained glass shining through. I noticed amongst the many iconic religious images, this one of the Argentina and Brazil flag joined together. Thoughts ran through my brain of pride of country & culture, a possible football rivalry and just the levity and warmth of being with family. And even though this place is filled with spirits of the dead, it is their celebration of life that I am so attracted to.
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Mozambican Dhow
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
Ah, summertime! On the coast of Mozambique in Africa it always feels like summertime because it is so hot. And for that reason, most of our time there was spent on the water either diving, snorkeling, or sailing. They have a very unique style of boat there called a Dhow, which is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of sailing vessels in Eastern Africa. Usually with either one or two masts, this traditional Arabian style sailboat is perfect for withstanding monsoon winds and the fast shifting weather of Mozambique. They are often used by local fishermen because of its simple hull design and easy maintenance of the patchwork, canvas sail. It was also the only type of boat we sailed in while there. When you look out and see the boats below the bold clouds and on glass like water, you realize just how small we really are in this world.
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Like a Geisha
acrylic on paper
2"x5", 2020
“Look, it’s a Geisha! And another one and another!” Then I hear, “Yeah, those are not Geisha”. When I heard those words, I was completely let down. I had thought I was seeing Geisha all over Kyoto. I cannot exactly pinpoint why it thrilled me so much to see Geisha. Perhaps it is the mysterious way they seem to simultaneously exist in the present and the past. And now I was learning that many Japanese (and foriegn) tourists enjoy dressing up in traditional kimono and walking the streets as their ancestors might have done years ago. And what do you think the favorite activity of the youth is while dressed up in these beautiful garments? Take selfies for social media, of course! Such a firm departure from the traditions of the actual Geisha. But these “fake geisha” are beautiful nonetheless, so I continued to photograph them. This particular young lady was at the “insta-famous” Kiyomizu dera temple, where worshippers write their wishes on a colourful ball called “kukurizaru” and hang them at the site. Kukurizaru is the round, ball shaped talisman made of cloth, representing the good faith monkeys. It is believed that if you give up one of your greeds, one of your wishes may come true. Surrounded by beauty on many different levels, it is hard to remember which realm to focus on so I just sit and take it all in. I could have sat there for hours watching and wishing.
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Ronnies Sex Shop
acrylic on paper
5"x2", 2020
“You wanna go where?” In the middle of the arid region of South Africa called the Little Karoo, on a dusty road called Route 62, much like Route 66 in the US but more rural, you will pass an all white building with a big red hand painted sign saying “Ronnie’s Sex Shop”. While researching our route through South Africa, we knew that Route 62 was a must see. When we travel we often put together a hit list of things we don’t want to miss. I had read about an awesome shake joint while my husband sought out Ronnie’s. I was not too sure about this spot and when he said that our next stop would be the sex shop, I was surprised. We were in the middle of a desert. But hey, strange and wild things happen in the desert right, so why not. Well, I quickly found out what Ryan already knew, that it is actually a restaurant bar and not a sex shop. I was pranked as Ronnie had been. The story goes that Ronnie had intended to open a farm stand in this building to provide fresh produce to those passing through. However his friends had another idea in mind, so they played a prank on him and added the word “Sex” next to his business name: “Ronnie’s Shop”. The next morning when Ronnie showed up, he had a good laugh with his buds and decided to change his farm stand into a small restaurant and bar. It has turned into a true dive bar, 5 star roadside attraction and attracts many travelers. Especially those wanting to take their picture under it’s fun sign.
Grecian Views
acrylic on paper
5"x2", 2020
If you’ve ever even thought about traveling to Greece, it can be overwhelming because there are numerous amazing spots to visit. So many different islands to see, all having their own unique vibe. One I found very interesting was Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands. It holds a unique history full of legend and lore that I can only begin to touch on in this post. The most mythical is that it used to be home to the Colossus of Rhodes, a 108ft tall bronze statue of the sun god Helios, which stood in the entrance of the harbor. Said to have been the tallest statue in the ancient world. The most historical, which still stands today, is the fort built in 1309 AD by the Knights of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, creating and enclosing a medieval city. Today, you can still enter the city through its gigantic wooden gates and feel transported in time. The entire “city” is a UNESCO World Heritage site and maintains an authentic medieval feel, with its narrow cobbled streets, stone walls, gates, churches and the listing of the Order of Knights above the doorways. But this portal window view feels much like what I would think someone would have seen in 1309 AD. It feels romantic to think that you could be looking out the same window to an identical man made scene that so many others have viewed over thousands of years. Only the audacity of man could have created something so bold and grandiose in such a serene landscape.
Japanese Koi
acrylic on paper
5"x2", 2020
Having traveled through Japan on three different occasions, there is something about that country that continually intrigues me. Maybe it’s their deep sense of culture or beautiful customs? I think what strikes me most of all, is how artfully they live. Everything is thoughtfully and elegantly created and used. The Japanese aesthetic is extremely strong and highly noticeable. One example that you will see throughout the country and probably won’t think twice about is the Koi fish, known as Nishikigoi, meaning “swimming or living jewel”. Essentially just a carp, the Koi fish was cultivated by the Japanese for their unique and beautiful colors. I have seen many of these fish in my travels, but two instances stand out the most. One was at an extremely traditional bath house in Kyoto which had a small fish tank set into the wall that was used to separate the men's side from the women's side. The whole experience was so out of my personal comfort zone, and very different from onsens that I have been to and enjoyed before. If you know anything about Japanese bath houses, or Sentos, you might understand. If not, definitely look it up. But being the only westerner in this smallish, traditional, primarily Japanese speaking sento, I felt like this fish. Trapped and on display for all to see. Let’s just say my presence did not go unnoticed. Another instance occurred when seeing a drawing of a Koi at the home of a Buddhist nun in Kyoto. The delicate ink drawing of the koi was beautifully placed within a large screen that I looked at for what felt like hours as I listened to the rain fall in the adjacent moss garden. To see the kio swimming freely in this huge white space felt wholly different from my sento kio experience. And yet in both instances my eyes could not break away from the beauty and aura of the kio.
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Positano Church & Bougainvillea
acrylic on paper
5"x2", 2020
Can you hear the bells? Every hour on the hour bells would ring out from the 3 or 4 local churches through the town of Positano. And one of the grandest churches they came from was the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It is the most iconic of all the churches in the town, with its colorful majolica tiled dome in patterns of yellow, green and blue shining against the sky, the sea and the pop of pink from the blooming bougainvillea. A nice marriage between geometric and organic, man made and heavenly created. I remember sitting on this terrace entranced by the sounds of the bells and smells of the flowers, thinking, I could be happy living anywhere the bougainvillea grows…
Penguin Crossing
acrylic on paper
5"x2", 2020
As you drive into False Bay in South Africa, not only will you notice a stunning seaside village, but also some pretty peculiar signage - Penguin Crossing. That is because here at Boulders Beach you will find something extra special – a colony of African Penguins in all their waddling glory. In fact, it’s the only place in the world where you can get close to African Penguins. So close in fact, you could nestle right down in the same sand, swim in the same water and watch them cross the street. And don’t forget to check for them under your car!?! They are literally all over the seaside. And as amazing as it was to snorkel with them (in, honestly, some of the coldest water I’ve ever snorkeled in), the thing I loved seeing
just as much, was this sign.
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