A Rough Patch

On By ResaIn Faces, Graffiti Alley

Funny how art can hit one.

When I saw these 2 faces, I felt something I know but couldn’t put into words.

It’s got something to with that they are attractive faces,

but the wall is rough.

We all go through rough patches, now and again.

Perhaps that’s whyI love Graffiti Alley art so much.

It’s one big rough patch, but there’s good stuff in it.

Pics taken by Resa – October 5, 2023

Toronto, Canada

The Artists?

111 thoughts on “A Rough Patch”

  2. I love the angular building , I lived on a street like that in Germany, there was a bar below though😊. I love the second face down so fragile snd delicate. Lovely art Resa Meece ❤️

    1. I feel safe in the daytime.
      I don’t venture out there at night.
      Thing is, I live a 20 minute walk from here. My hood is just the same.
      In some ways it’s worse, as I live near the mental health hospital, many of the city’s halfway houses, a massive homeless shelter with tent city and a “Safe Consumption Site”.
      Yes, it’s urban scary where I live, so I might as well enjoy the art!
      If I go out at night, I’m always with someone.

      Thank you for caring, Eunice. xo

      1. I remember Toronto from the 80’s and saw some seedy things but knew like every other place they get worse 😦 Stay really safe and even if with someone carry mace or bear spray, we had a couple killed on a hiking trail in NH a very tiny state and town where it happened people are truly unhinged these days xo

        1. Funny you mention that, Eunice. I was thinking today, – what could I carry for defensive protection in Toronto?
          Are you ready?
          “bear spray and pepper sprays cannot be used against another person in self defense because they are labelled as prohibited weapons” –

          I can legally buy & carry aggressive dog & coyote spray in the city.
          I can legally buy Bear Mace, but am not supposed to carry it outside of the wilderness.

    1. Thanks Tim!
      Yes! I alway find some art I love in this alley network.
      The alleys in Toronto are a wonderful experience. I always feel better walking in them. xo

    1. There is, and I will find more!
      Getting back into the swing with some big housecleaning, back to drawing and a massive art walk next week. TY! x

    2. Trent!
      I just commented on your blog, and it’s not there.
      I’m probably in your Spam. I was in Sorryless’s Spam.
      I’m out of there now!
      Could you fish me out before Askimet spreads it to other blogs.
      Thank you!!!!

  8. Once again eye-catching artwork. I have to say the face on the left painted by Moi reminds me of the singer/songwriter Billie Eilish for some reason (the second does too but not as strongly).

  10. ‘ One big rough patch’ But goodness within it.. Just like the phases of the world… Mostly Goodness.. its those rough patches however that make us be grateful for the good ones..
    Lovely finds in these faces of art Resa.. Enjoy your weekend. ❤ xx

    1. I agree Sue.
      There are many on the planet going through patches so rough, I can’t honestly imagine. I hear and see, but without experiencing imagination runs second.
      I hope all get to see beauty in their patch.
      You have a great weekend, too, Sue!
      Thank you for your insightful comment!

      1. I feel right now Resa.. We will all have to bare witness to more rough as the shadows are being exposed to the light.. Only then will they be transmuted when people really SEE the evil for what it is.. ❤
        Much love right back ❤

  12. I agree wholeheartedly, Resa. Art is a powerful tool for navigating difficult times. Creative expression provides solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection. In my experience, I find that art helps me process my emotions, especially during uncertain and chaotic times. Art reminds me that I am not alone, that the human spirit is resilient.

    I love walking with you!!!!

    1. I thought I answered this comment, my walking friend.

      Lol, maybe someone else got your reply. I will look! I’m a bit off, as I had to have one of my pussy cats put to sleep, 2 days ago..
      Crazy how a little animal can burrow so deeply into a human’s psyche.

      Funny sort of, I was drawing, being creative to ease my pain. No matter what I started to draw, it turned into a cat fur sort of gown thing.

      Onward! I have a BIG walk coming up on Wednesday, and I know you’ll come along. I have found lots of art since fall began and the weather became walk friendly. It was a great summer for the artists.

      I’m excited about what I have found, and what I will find.

      I am so happy you are here! HUGS!

      1. I am so very very sorry about your loss, Resa. I still remember my dear pussy cat that I had when I was in my early 20’s. Such a brave, warm, and loyal friend. You are in my thoughts. Sending many hugs your way.

    1. Dear Shey,
      I love this art.

      Yeah, it seemed things were getting better in the city, but since Covid, it’s worse again.
      I think more desperate, as the cost of living has punished all.
      Even the homeless beggars aren’t getting as much spare change & handouts.
      I live just blocks away from 2 food banks. The lines are longer and there are now limits. 2 bags per person.

      Thank goodness for the arts.. books, painting, music, poetry, sculpture, quilting, film …. all creativity.
      Sending hugs! xxxxxxxxx

      1. Oh my lovely friend. I’m so sorry. These are the things we hold onto because these are things we lose and find oursleves in. This peice of art spoke to me of broken things but brave faces, actually. The world is a terrible mess. ANd that is before we get to conflcits. On a basic level we all seem to be fighting the battle of living. We are very lucky where we live, it is a wonderful area. We say that every day. But on a personal level everyone here is being hammered by the cost of living. I’m just glad –cos we still ahve amortgage and it has doubled in the last year– that I’m not bad at making meals out of nothing, always lived frugally re that , wasting nothing. And when it comes to the home we can’t afford to heat, and even if we could we would not give these greedy (please insert a swear word here) we are all being held hostage by cos the gov shut down all the gas storage facilities…nothing to do with the war anywhere—while we all lived on the –another swear word — farce that is wind power, we have a log fire and scavenge on the beach and get piles of wood also from our son in law who has his own joinery biz. Our little weekend -occasional- trips are all budge ones. But it is shocking how people are struggling. And you are right re the homeless and the poor. The food bank trolley at Aldis has been empty for weeks, Keep the faith my darling, I know you do.

  14. I love this and your definition is perfect…beauty in spite of the roughness of life. The art is wonderful, the faces stunning. This is a terrific post. Hugs and xxxooo

    1. I agree with you Marc.
      I’m quite smitten by these faces in this place.
      I’m so excited by all the great art I’m finding in the alleys. It was a fab art summer. Time to collect for my blog!
      MUAH!

        1. Dahling!

          I tried to comment on your 2 latest posts. One just says test.
          It’s not there.

          Not sure what’s happening, but can you check your SPAM and make sure I’m not in there?
          Please!
          MUAH!

  16. Thank you for seeing and sharing what you see. My shelter home I suppose, that I’ve none of this near me. But it is a real art form & place, tied together. Glad too reading your comments about being safe. Yea, definitely want you sticking around for a long while. You are a gift to us.

    Me too, love the face on the left. Why? Don’t know. Don’t matter either.

    1. Thank you, Neil, for this lovely comment!
      Street art is a passion for me.
      Some of the best works are found in the older parts of big cities.
      I feel lucky to live in such a place, and I will be careful.
      There’s a lot more art I want to collect, and a lot more Art Gowns I want to make.

      Don’t matter. If you like it, you like it!

    1. Agree! These are quite great for being painted on a wall.
      It’s also the area I found them in. It creates a poignant juxtaposition.
      xx

    1. Agree, The juxtaposition works dynamically!
      Thank you about my pics, dahling!
      Hey, my baby Johnny cat is gone over the rainbow bridge. I’m broken hearted. Maybe Hera could send extra slobberies this week?
      xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

      1. Oh, nooooooooooooooo, dahling!
        I’m so sorry to hear that!
        How, when…. why?!!!!!!!!!!
        Just slobberies?!
        You’ve got extra hugs from all of us and love and our thoughts.
        Oh… sweet Johnny…

        1. 3 days ago.
          He had a brain tumour and had a massive seizure. I just couldn’t wait for him to have another.
          The vet said it was a matter of when, not if.
          He was the most adorable fluffiest loving little thing.
          Jeep keeps looking for him. She wouldn’t eat, but did have a nibble over the night.
          Thank you, dahling Marina!
          xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

          1. We’re sending you and Jeep the warmest of hugs. I know there really are no words. Maybe he’ll meet Loretta and play with her… joyfully.
            xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

  20. Beautiful, Resa. They look like survivors. The one on the left looks like she is ready to speak (or sing). I agree with others’ comments about the rough patches like scars. Thank you for sharing!

    Sending you many hugs. 💙💙💙

  21. In their faces, they possess an inner beauty. Carl Jung once said that when the path you are walking on is smooth and delicate, you are on someone else’s path! 😉🥰💖

  22. You couldn’t have said it better! For me, I often find myself thinking how some chaos is inevitable, as are sadness and such – so I try to express them through creating art (instead of just their usual outlets).

  23. Oh yes, Sorceress. Their faces speak so much – both of them. And that chink in the wall is so perfectly placed, isn’t it? These faces are so full of life – the good, the bad, the beauty, the sad… Wonderful discovery.

    1. That chink is …like … a gift for the artist.
      I can hardly wait to go back to that alley.
      I was thinking Wednesday, as I’ll be close and walking. Still, there’s the potential for new art in every direction from that point.
      I’ll just see which way the wind blows! ⚡️💥 xoxo

    1. YES!
      Speaking of scars – I just finished reading your book.
      I’m beyond impressed.
      I need to finish reading the notes, and sources.
      I’m just coming out of the fog of putting my Johnny pussy cat to sleep.
      I have several posts planned, and need to think about how I want to present my review of this book.
      I have questions for you, and still have your email. So, you will get questions from me here and there. (if that is okay?)
      Congratulations on writing a fabulous book!

      1. Hi Resa, I am very pleased you enjoyed the book. It is very encouraging. I have been feeling a bit dispirited about writing for adults so you have no idea how uplifting your message is. I am more than happy to answer any questions you have about the book or the history relating to it. It was my goal to share about SA history to the extent I could find historical support. It is very hard to lose a pet – I try not to think about that at all. Our cats are only six years old so its not a problem for now.

        1. You are a talented writer, as well as talented in other artistic areas.
          I actually feel and think, in terms of what you wrote about the Boer War, …it’s a mini masterpiece!
          Anyway, it will take me a month or so, but I will get my review out there.

          Our pets are like children….in a way.

          Okay, sending you the start of a mail thread for my review.!

          1. Hi Resa, thank you, thank you! I want so much to share a bit about South Africa’s rich history. Interestingly enough, I’ve had a few encouraging approaches about my historical writing in the past month. I think its a sign for me to don my writing cap over my December holiday and finish my WIP. It’s about the radium girls in the USA.

            1. Sounds good!
              You should get a lot of terrific feedback from “A Ghost ad His Gold”.
              I think it’s about people who love history being the primary focus of the reader.
              On the other hand I think a lot more people enjoy the paranormal part primarily.
              I think the mixing of the 2 was a good choice, as it draws one into the other.
              Nonetheless, your research and how you wove the historical part of the story is absolutely brilliant.

              I’m only one in billions, but I think your historical fiction writing is award worthy.

              What’s WIP?

              1. A WIP is a Work in Progress. It is about a young couple in Orange, New Jersey during WW1. The woman becomes a ‘radium girl’ and the man goes to war in France. I am very delighted you enjoyed the history. Some readers thought I should have written two stories, the paranormal separate from the history, but the idea was to share the history in a more entertaining way.

              2. The book has generally received good feedback. There was one negative review which I read, but the reader didn’t really understand the story or my intentions. You can’t win them all and that is fine by me. It is lovely when people to enjoy it so your comments are very valuable to me.

  26. I love your description of these lovely faces, Resa, and the corner location. I think I told you before, but whenever I see art like these, I think of you. So much talent in the artists, but also in you for having such a good eye in finding these amazing pieces of work. I’ve never seen an artist at work. Isn’t that funny? But then all of a sudden these works of art appear. ❤️🤗❤️

    1. Lauren!

      You’re back.
      This is a fab work. I’m excited for Wednesday, as I will be going for an art walk. Will I find any? Who knows, but I love trying and walking is healthy.
      I’m working on a big deal Hallowe’en post, and think I will do the dog post right after that.
      I’m way behind blogging. One of my pussycats had to go to the rainbow bridge.
      I’m getting my energy back more everyday.
      Big Hugs! xo

      1. Hi Resa, and yes, I’m back! 🙂 I know you’ll find some art on your walk, and I’ll watch for the dog post. I’m so sorry to hear about your cat crossing over the rainbow bridge. Our pets become such a big part of our family, so it’s hard to say goodbye. Sending comforting hugs your way. xoxoxo

  29. The faces are wonderful as they are not perfect ~ Perfect does not exist! They are real, rough, vivid. You are right to include rough in your convo here.

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