Feeling Good

On By ResaIn Paste-Ups

This looks like a paste-up.

It’s in a parking area blocked by cars and lots of wires, making it difficult to get a good full on shot.

These first 3 were taken with zoom-out.

The rustiest (good thing I just had a tetanus shot), narrowest and steepest fire escape I ever climbed was my vantage point here.

Zoomed in, but there was no getting above the wires. I was at the top, dizzy and tipsy but grabbed the shots in the slideshow below.

While up there, the sun came out and effected the colours.

Compare the cloudy and sunny colour difference

In the sideshow below find 3 close ups of the body art and 2 shots depicting why you should wash your car before parking by art!

My thoughts went to the amazing Nina Simone.

Couldn’t make up my mind. The vid below is under 2 mins. & WOW!!!

Pics taken by Resa – March 14, 2025

Toronto, Ontario

The artist:

Daniel Mazzone

158 thoughts on “Feeling Good”

    1. Thank you!
      Yes, division is a plague on society, on countries.
      I don’t know where its all going, but the arts are helping me stay sane…. and feeling good; at least when I am immersed in them.
      Coming up for air, that’s the hard part.

    1. TOF,
      When I’m in an alley and I find some art, I am alone with something that makes sense and I feel good.
      Nina is special. Thanks bunches for visiting!

  3. That collage type feel of this mural is fabulous. Is that what you mean by paste up? It’s so interesting how different the color looks in sunshine and clouds.

    Nina Simone is amazing. I liked the first video especially with the art, that mother with her child.

    1. Sort of both.
      A collage is bits pasted together.
      A paste-up is an image that has been pasted to a wall.
      The alleys are full of small paper ones that disintegrate quickly in the weather’s elements.

      This one is a collage (manually pasted together, or even digitally put together on a computer) photographed, then printed out. (perhaps in sections on a large scale printer)

      Then it is pasted to a wall and coated with a sort of weather proof substance.

      The hair? I’m 50/50 on whether the hair has been panted or pasted. I just can’t get close enough.

      Love Simone’s music, and yes, the Feeling Good video is very appealing.
      Thanks Merril!
      (Book is finished! Trying to wrap my head around how to present my thoughts on it!)

  4. Wow! that is an impressive piece. Is it a collage? Or is it painted to look like one. I really like the closeup shot with the wires cutting across the face- brilliant shots all. Thank you for your keen efforts on getting these so we could enjoy.

    1. Thanks Violet!
      I love finding, shooting street and sharing street art!
      It’s a collage that was printed out and pasted to the wall, then coated.

      Not sure if the hair is painted or not.
      Whatever it is, it’s outdoors and it’s art. I love it.

  5. A fantastic combo, this gorgeous lady art and Nina singing at her very best.
    I think could listen to that version over and over. You got some great shots at great peril from the looks of it. Love this!
    xoxoxoxo

    1. Peril… Yes, as a person from the prairies I get dizzy at heights. I also get a suffocating feeling in elevators.

      Of course the jagged rusty metal was of most concern. Fortunately, as Misha had gouged my hand, which turned into a hand balloon, the doc took one look and gave me a tetanus shot.

      Nina is soooo amazing. “I put a Spell on You”.. yes, I have listened to it at least 10 times in the last 2 days. Time to listen again!
      xoxoxoxo

        1. Okay… I’ll be careful, but art can be a siren luring me onto rocks, or rusty fire escapes (now that I am tetanus protected), or over fences, or through locked gates with wriggle room.
          I actually went to an “Open House”, for a house up for sale, so I could get onto the 3rd floor back deck, and get shots of some art on a roof top I couldn’t find access to. 😂🤭

          I had to pretend I was in the market for a new home. What a riot!

          Adore you!
          xoxoxoxo

    1. Thanks Liz!
      Yes..now that you mention it, it is definitely reminiscent of Angela Davis.
      I love the BIG afro. I wonder why we don’t see it around much anymore?

  8. Very interesting piece of art, one worth risking life and limb on an old fire escape to photograph 🙂

    I didn’t really think Nina Simone, though she does look a lot like the dancer in the first video. OK, it is the hair as much as anything.

    Yeah, Nina Simone was great. A fantastic pianist and a unique voice that was used to stand up against the racism she faced daily. I enjoyed both songs you posted.

    1. Thanks Trent!
      I do get dizzy at heights. I’m from the prairies, so I think that’s why. Still, I had to have this art recorded.

      I love the BIG afro. I wonder why more people don’t wear that style anymore?

      Love that dancer. Glad you liked the songs!
      Nina is special for sure.
      It’s so great that that 1965 performance was taped.

      I guess the dogs are happy you’re back!

      1. “Natural hair” is a thing right now, which the video with the dancer was expressing – there is a message about it at the end. The problem is that a lot of white people are ultra-racist against non-white hairstyles. A lot of businesses don’t allow natural hair, or at least didn’t – not sure how much that has changed. It doesn’t have to be big, but I think natural hair looks great and don’t understand why black ladies have to flatten their hair. I mean, if they want to, that is fine, but they should be free to chose.
        lol, yep, on my soapbox…
        I have a couple of CDs of Nina Simone’s music, so, yeah, I like it a lot 🙂
        And the dogs are happy – Fiyero is demanding constant walks – as soon as we get back, he wants another!

        1. Thank. you,Trent!
          You are most observant. I did see the end print go by, but assumed it was credits.
          I watched again.

          I see that some people are racist, but I don’t get it. It doesn’t make sense.

          I agree with everything you are saying on your soapbox!

          Lol… I use Dove soap and shampoo. They don’t use animal products or test on animals.
          AND it works great. Love the scent.

          Fiyero is funny. All that walking… with you!

          Okay, there’s a guy coming to install a mailbox on Tuesday. I have one, but the other one that is in a travelling road show, is better for 8×10 envelopes and magazines.

          At this point, “A” – any – mailbox is going up!!!

          1. I grew up in a very racist country and the problem is that most people don’t understand or believe that they are racist. The first step in healing is admitting there is a problem.
            My wife buys locally made artisanal soaps but I should look into Dove shampoo.
            Yeah, just get something up so you can get mail! What a mess, but hopefully it will be over soon.

            1. I knew there were issues, but it became clear how deep they were when I became one of Showtime’s costume designers in Toronto.

              They did movies for Black History month, and I had some important lessons about America.

              I also love the Dove deodorant. They have a men’s line. Norm uses it!

                1. Agree! Honest feelings, indignations and closeted anger is outing.
                  The indigenous populations are next.
                  We are dealing with the above in Canada, but many issues & prejudices exist.

                  1. I used to think Canada did a better job with your indigenous population than the US, but then all of the reports came out, as well as the missing women. Of course, with our orange curse in office, I expect it will get worse for the ones in the US instead of better…

                    1. Uch… the fresh water thing in some places up north is still a disaster.

                      To our credit, We gave them back (in a way)a huge area up north. It’s a massive territory – Nunavit. Its capital is Iqaluit.

                      Carney, our new PM, and I think will still be after our election, is building new roads up north, and military bases, with an expensive Early Warning System Built by Australia) (to protect us from the US, China & Russia).

                      As well, we are building northern ports, in Nunavit, that will be essential for shipping more resources to Europe.
                      This will bring a lot of prosperity to the region.
                      As well, the whole rare minerals thing up there will be partly in the hands of the aboriginals.

                      Also, Manitoba elected a First Nations person for Premier. (like a governor) and there is a noticeable number of First nations in all levels of government.

                      The First Nation’s people are becoming more accepted and important in our main stream Canadiana.

                      Their art is a front and centre pride of ours.

                      Still, the shame from the past hangs like a dark shroud over us. The school thing is a disgrace.

                      At least Trudeau was making headway with reconciliation.
                      And the missing Indigenous women issue is horrifying and quite unsolved.

                      So, the past is a poison pen, and I don’t know why “they” can’t make any headway with the missing women.

                      I do feel like Canada is moving into the future with full inclusivity. The past and parts of now remains shameful.

                    3. Yes…
                      If the Conservatives (Maga Maples)get in, then all of that will grind to slow pace.
                      The person I’m voting for will speed that up.

      2. I just watched the video again. It is at the very end, just for a second – “Let’s end race based hair discrimination” and “Sign the petition dove.com/CROWN”

        1. I’ll go check out the petition!
          Unbelievable that there is such a thing as “hair based race discrimination”.

          There are some small, nasty minds out there!

          1. It is unbelievable, isn’t it? Well, looking at the things that the rotted pumpkin in the White House has been saying, I guess I can believe anything. Yep, very small, very nasty minds.

    1. It’s terrific art, thanks Dave!
      Sometimes I think it’s those perilous art capturing incidents that make me feel extra alive. 🤭

  10. “Feeling Good, ” along with Nina’s song and hairstyle, perfectly captures this beautiful image. Thank you, my dear Resa.

    👌👍❤️🌹
    PS: It seems we can’t get rid of those wires!!🙃🤪

    1. You are welcome, Aladin.

      Yes, Nina is special. I’m happy I found some art to go with her music.

      AH, the wires! 🥴😂

      If it’s not the wires, it’s: Garbage bins, telephone poles, Sign poles with signs, cars, trees, bolted on signs, grill work and other weird stuff leaning onto the wall, bicycles, new pipe installations, etc.

      Gotta love it! I do!

      xo🤗🌟🌺☀️🎼💜

    1. Yes! I was trying to place the afro’s moment in fashion/pop culture.
      “Electric Ladyland” is a terrific example.
      Michael Jackson and his brothers had some cool afros for awhile.

  13. What a beautiful stained glass effect it gives off. You met the challenge and then you went and made a masterpiece of it! As always, you rock the casbah.

    1. Ahh, yes, a stained glass effect. I like that!

      You know, when I find art I like, I often don’t know why. Sometimes I don’t like it, but then later upon review, I like it.

      I liked this one right off. I wasn’t sure why, but I liked the hair for starters.

      I rock the casbah? COOL! You rock the rock that rocks the casbah!
      MUAH!

    1. Hello Robbie!

      It is unusual for street art.

      It’s a modern style for indoor art, but very unique outdoors.

      I didn’t get to touch it, but I believe it’s a paste-up. The art is printed on a tough paper or a plastic, adhered to the wall then coated with a protectant.

      The hair may very well be painted. I’m 50/50 on that.

      I was thrilled to find it!❦🌟

  15. Fabulous mural and photos Resa. and what dedication to climb a rusty fire escape. Her face is so interesting and the colors really pop in the sunshine, contrasted with her black hair! 😍

    1. Thanks Brad! it really is a cool piece of art…and in an alley!

      I love it. I had to climb that rusty tower of stairs to try to get the best shots I could. In the heat of the moment, I had to climb!

      Thanks for checking out the art, and your fab comment!

  17. Wow, how interesting! I love the interplay of words and are here, how they bounce off one another to create an overall image. Such a stunning mural! Big fan of Nina Simone, too. You did well to take these photographs, despite the perilous conditions, Resa!– amazing dedication. Thanks for sharing 😊💜🎨

    1. Thanks Ada!

      Yes, a lack lustre day became an exciting day when I found this fab mural.

      I do admit that I am passionate and dedicated especially to street art, and then all art(s).

      Best, is when it’s outdoors, it’s for everyone. It’s free.

      It’s a joy to share the art. I am thankful you come ti check it out, and leave your wonderful comments>❦🌟🌹

    1. Thank you dear Gi!

      It was such a thrill to find this art. I do get somewhat fearless when I find art.

      That fearlessness will come in handy when I join the underground resistance. oxoxo

    1. Lol…
      Hello Klausbernd! 🤗
      Well, the wires are here to stay, so in a sense they are a part of the art.
      I love sharing the art.
      Big Hello to the other Fab Three!
      🤗🤗🤗

    1. Thanks John!
      You are always supportive of my photography. I do admit, I can be quite fussy, especially with my drawings.
      There seems no end to getting better at what I do!
      🎨𝒳

  22. that’s an absolute outrage!!!! surely there must at least be some local byelaws banning such egregious behaviour?! I feel your pain. Dirty vehicles. Parked next to artwork. honestly. as if having to contend with the wire obstructions wasn’t enough…

    great job nevertheless resa. in fact…

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    ⬻𓂀☆♡ ‌ ‌ 🎀 ‌ 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑣𝑦 ‌ 🎀 ‌ ‌ ♡☆𓂀⤖

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    1. Yes, an outrage!
      No, no dirty cars by art laws.
      Oh well, can’t stop me from capturing art bestI can!
      ⬻𓂀☆♡ ‌ ‌ 🎀 ‌ 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑣𝑦 ‌ 🎀 ‌ ‌ ♡☆𓂀⤖
      Back at ya!

    1. Lol, the mural wanna be superhero, but I do try. Thanks, Teagan!
      Actually, I get crazy excited when I find art in the alleys.
      Nina is special. Wow!
      Hugs!

      1. My favorite of hers is Sinnerman. Granted, Tom Ellis’ cover is sexy and I love him best, but Nina Simone’s is like something raw and believable. 🙂
        Oh, I noticed your comment at Off Center about Misha. I’m so glad she’s coming along so well. But I hear you. My cats have always slept with me, but neither of the Scoobies do. Female cats and men… that’s just the way it is. The Fed Ex man came to the door for me to sign for a package. I saw him looking over my shoulder in fascination. Daphne was rolling all over the floor, flirting with him. LOL. 🐱

        1. Ohh, I like “Sinnerman”, but I don’t know Nina’s version. Thanks for the tip! I’ll look for it.

          Yes, Misha is my love who loves Norman. Still, it’s early on and I hope she will eventually cuddle with me a bit.

          The Fed-Ex man? Sigh!!!! 😻

  26. Total respect, awe and admiration you got these shots–risking life and limb. AND they are amazing shots. What is a street mural without you there to capture it for us.? Oh and I love Simone. xxx

    1. Aww, thanks Shey!
      I must get the shots!!!
      Simone is special, for sure.

      So now I added black and red ink to the 1880’s AGM drawings. They’re all done. I just need a sunny day to take pics.
      Then I can make a post!
      xxxx

    1. Yes, it is reminiscent of Angela Davis. I do know a bit about her work. A rebel in her own right.
      I’m kind of new to Nina’s music. Blows me away. Wow!
      Thanks Jan!

  28. This is gorgeous!! Wow, you had to climb the narrowest and steepest fire escape to get those shots; I’m glad you were being careful. Resa, I wouldn’t want you to fall down, girl!

    I immediately thought of Diana Ross when I saw this, and there’s a pic of her in one of the 3 close-ups of the body art, I believe. LOVE the choice of Nina Simone songs!! That Feelin’ Good one is iconic for sure. Thanks, Resa, hope you had a fabulous weekend (it was snowing ❄️ here this afternoon, yikes!)

    1. Well, I did get dizzy, but hung onto that rusty rail. That’s why I only got a few shots from up there. It is quite vertigo inducing.

      Yes, Diana Ross went through a big afro phase.
      Nina is amazing! I’m newish to her music, and am in love with it.
      Lucky you, snow,. We had an ice storm all weekend. Uch!
      xxoo

      1. I’m not good with heights either, so it’s amazing you managed to take such great pictures while perched up there!

        An ice storm??! Yikes! Hope it’s gone by now, just like the snow we had on the ground is gone overnight, ahah.

    1. Thank you for the visit and your fab comment! I’m mad about street art and Nina is special.

      Taking pics outdoors and keeping the lighting equal on days with sun and moving clouds is tricky.
      ❦🌹

  32. Resa, what an amazing find. First, I had no idea that people did this kind of work and then put it up on a wall. I find this to be even more amazing, and it seems like it would be more work than painting, but I am not a painter. I am so glad you shared this with us because I learned so much. I can’t imagine going to so much work and then not protecting it with something that makes it weather-resistant. I think your captures were all amazing. I also thought the ones in the car, except for the very last one, were clear and brought interesting perspectives. I loved how the artist included statements within the artwork as well as images, within images.

    The music, well I remember, “I Can’t Get a Spell on You,” who could forget it but the first one with Nina Simone dancing was extraordinary. I must admit I felt like crying watching her sad face while singing a song about disappointment when it comes to love. Everything about her beautiful spirit was shining in that first video and then to watch her at that piano, well let’s just say you could feel it was personal.

    Thank you again for a provocative adventure with you taking great risks to capture images for others, please be careful. What a talent. Much appreciated this Monday morning. Big hugs and lots of love, Joni ❤ ❤ ❤

    1. Hello dear Joni!

      It was a thrill finding this. When I find art, it turns a regular day into a special day.

      Artists are so important to our human culture. I feel it’s my joy and honour to roam the streets and alleys to find art that is free and then to share it with a broader audience.

      Street art is ephemeral, so documenting what I find is also important.

      Nina is new to me. She is a such a moving singer/vocalist. She brings a very personal emotion into the songs.

      I’m so happy you come to visit, enjoy the art and leave such wonderful comments!

      I appreciate you!

      (PS. Holly has the Joni drawing and is working on a presentation!)

      ❦🌟🌹🌺☀️

      1. Oh gosh I can’t wait to see it and you have an amazing collaborator. Yes, you are right about the importance of documentation. You do such an amazing job. I have never seen anyone photograph reflections on their cars and you do a brilliant job. Yes, I know her from hearing that heart stopping sad song. Watching the first one made me want to dance. What an amazing post. Again, what a find and art is indeed amazing. Thank you my friend for sharing your talents. Great big hugs. 🤗

    2. Dear Joni,

      I want to add that I was just on your blog.

      I guess comments are closed, but I want to tell you how moving your special poem is. xoxoxo

      1. Oh thank you for this kindness. I was out of town three days so there were no comments. Thank you for reading and your lovely comment. Much respect and hugs 🥰

  33. Beautiful, Resa. Be careful getting those shots – no falling! The color difference between cloudy and sunny was fascinating. What a difference. Thanks for risking life and limb for the lovely mural.

    1. Thanks Diana! I won’t fall. I don’t have time to. 🤭

      It’s crazy what the sun does. Sometimes I’ll wait 15-20 mins. for a cloud to cover the sun before I can shoot. Shadows ruin the art, often.

      It is a lovely mural. It’s from last year. I had to travel to another area of the city to find it.

      The artists should be out painting in my area soon. I look forward to a new art season. There’s a lot of young new artists.

  34. Wow, love this this piece. Looks like collage. I love the colour variation in the different lighting. Looks like a represent from the 70s with all the same issues of today. And the perfect music. 🙂 Hugs ❤ xxx

    1. I feel you are right, Debby.
      The 70s with all the same issues of today.
      Good thing we have books, music and all of the arts!
      Hugs! 💐❦❦

  36. Beautiful art, Resa, and I agree with Debby, it looks like a collage. I also love the contrast between cloudy and sunny, and Nina is a perfect music choice. Now I feel like getting my car washed. 🙂 Wonderful post! 💖🤗😘

    1. Haha!You was that car! (Then park by art)
      I’m new to Nina. I love her vocalizations, and almost scat thing she does!
      Thank you, Lauren! ❤ xxx❤ xxx

  37. Resa, your photos and the fabulous story about how you captured this piece of art are fabulous! You went to a lot of work to make this post happen. I was amazed at the different colors. It’s impressive when someone takes the time to enjoy the art that took so long to create, and may not be on the wall very long. Well done, my friend. 🙂 xxx

        1. Thank you! I just checked out the link. I might send in a post.
          There’s no subscribe button at the bottom, and I seem to be having issues wth comments going into Spam, or just not working.
          The thing that seems to be a constant, is that if there’s a green subscribed button , the comment sticks.
          Honestly, sometimes I’m on a blog I’ve followed for years, and there’s no button at all.
          Those comments don’t go through.

          Hopefully this is a temporary WP glitch!

  38. Well done again, Resa dear. I was thinking Angela Davis maybe? (Though Simone is always fantastic)

    There should be a law against parking and obstructing Art.

    Freedom for Art! Now!

    Be good.

    1. Yes, Angela is a thought, but she didn’t sing. Lol!
      Yes, Freedom for art!
      People can’t seem to get it, maybe art can!
      I’ll be good! xx

        1. It sure helps me. Norm is have a jam session tonight. I can hear the musicians warming up. Soon, I’ll be alive my own personal music box.

          Can’t put a tax on that! 😁x

  39. Amazing art and imagination on how those features on her face were created…
    Late here and a long way down to the comment box lol 🙂 But the weather has been good and gardens have been calling…
    I agree about Nina Simone
    Sending love and hugs… Enjoy your weekend Resa xx ❤

    1. Thank you,Sue!
      “gardens have been calling”… how enchanting!
      Yesterday it was a blizzard with sideways sleet, then a couple inches of snow.
      Today was 19C.. and sunny.
      No end to the excitement. LOL
      Have a great weekend Sue!
      Love and peace!
      xo🌹💜🍒

      1. Sounds as if you have all Seasons in One 🙂 One good thing, we are on the right side of Winter….
        Keep warm, dry, and don’t get sunburnt LOL in that 19 C…. That is near our top temps for a good day in Summer LOL …
        Sending HUGS and much love xx ❤

    1. I understand. The wires are annoying. Such is the fate of art in the streets, but I’m happy it’s there. Thank you for visiting and commenting!

  43. camilla wells paynter's avatar camilla wells paynter

    Good work on the fire escape!! I’m still only periodically getting notified of these. . . Grrrrr. . . what UP, WP?!

    1. Please! WP!!!
      I keep ending up in people’s Spam.
      Camilla, you might get a plea from me one day to set me free. It’s like a second job staying out of Spams.
      Thank you for visiting and you lovely comments!

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