I could blame the Toronto traffic.
ARRROOOOO
OR – a lot of other stuff.
Still, when I found this wolf, I felt a happy thrill.
Nothing makes me feel better than art, all art, all of the arts.
Even in a nasty alley, I feel great!
Pics taken by Resa – March 25, 2024
Toronto, Canada
The Artist:
Ecila looked up at the hot summer’s sun.
She was on her way to Teagan’s Christmas in July blog party, in a beautiful new gown. Blinded by the light, she accidentally turned left into a mural. Ecila looked around at the black and white world, and saw no way out.
Suddenly there was a black and white cat looming before her. “Who are you?” she asked.
“Why I’m Tac Tac the Water Cat,” he replied, “and you can’t get out the way you came in. You’ll have to go through the Purple Pink Rabbits’ door, in the pink alley.”
“Take this!” said Tac Tac, and he handed Ecila a gold rabbit coin. “Use it wisely. It’s your one chance to get out of here.”
Ecila wandered black and white curves until she saw a pink alley. In the alley was a Purple Pink Rabbit. “Hello! What’s your name, and can you please show me the door out of here?”
“I’m Tibbar,” the rabbit replied, “and yes, the door is at the top of the stairs.”
Ecila looked up some stairs guarded by three Purple Pink Rabbits. The door was there!
“But first you’ll have to get past Bugsy, Mugsy and Thugsy. Bugsy and Mugsy charge 5 gold rabbit coins each. Thugsy gets seven.”
“But I have only one gold rabbit coin,” Ecila said looking up at Bugsy.
“Not my problem,” replied Bugsy.
“There’s only one way to make gold rabbit coins here,” offered Mugsy. “You’ll have to play poker with the dogs! The game’s around the corner on an old red wood sliding door.”
Ecila found the dog’s game, draped her tail up to look like a gambler’s cape and threw her gold rabbit coin on the table.
“Chips please!” she demanded cooly.
The dogs howled. They figured she was just a human, and they would relieve her of her gold rabbit coin faster than the first day of winter. A chick in a bolero hat put a small stack of chips on the table for her.
Ecila thought of the wise words from her non uncle Kenny.
After many hours of holding, folding and not counting her chips, Ecila cashed in for 17 gold rabbit coins. She left the extra chips on the table, let down her tail and walked away.
Once out of sight of the dogs, she began running to the Purple Pink Rabbits’ door.
Ecila ran up the stairs tossing gold coins to the rabbits.
She threw the last 7 coins to Thugsy, and fled out the door. Elica ran all the way toTeagan’s blog hop party, where she made a grand entrance in her new Winter Solstice gown.
“Sorry I’m late everyone! My hair is mess and well, I can’t even begin to tell you what I’ve been through,” Ecila lightly panted. “Let me just say some cats are water cats, there’s such a thing as Purple Pink Rabbits and the the dog days of summer really are dog days.”
Teagan is holding a Christmas in Summer blog hop party. It doesn’t have to be Christmas, just a winter celebration around that time. Click on her badge above, and read the guidelines!
Winter Solstice gown created © by Resa – July, 2024
Pics of gown and street art © Resa McConaghy- June & July 2024
Story © Resa McConaghy – July 2024
Street Artists:
&
When Math Meets Art 2023 by Sasha Q
A Rock Star in the world of Rooftops, he single pawedly mutilated a humane mouse trap for the dime sized bit of peanut butter inside of it.
Chillio is known to screech a mean Rap in your yard during mating season, organize climb by garden raids and gain weight.
Works as a chimney supervisor, advertising attics. It’s a stressful career, which leads to overconsumption of peanut butter cocktails before wiping out on a branch office.
Mr. Draper is wildly adept at chewing electric wires, gnawing at support beams and building nests out of insulation.
A gourmet raccoon chef, Julia Childe is first cousin, several times removed by evolution, to Julia Child. The garbage can lid has not been invented that can keep this whiz with a whisk out.
Famous for scraping up a meal from the leftover peanut butter on the insides of a tossed jar in minutes flat, she is a must to cater any raccoon repast.
Pics taken by Resa – July 21 & September 23, 2023
Toronto, Canada
Garage door Artist:
This is a post about Peace, Love, Smiles & a song Trent wrote & recorded..
It began with the John Lennon post I recently did. Trent had selected a Lennon song for the event.
Then it grew into a song and video written and produced by Trent.
The lyrics are poetic, and hold a message inspired by John.
V1
I thought I saw Lennon’s face
From a trolley rocketing by
It disappeared without a trace
Did the vision also die?
His words come tumbling back
From a far off distant land
A great message on each track
A utopian dream so grand
V2
I read the news today (oh boys)
Children-human shields were killed
Drones and bombs made some noise
More innocent blood was spilled
Why is making war so appealing?
Why is love considered quaint?
I think our attitude is revealing
Our devotion to guns a taint
Chorus
So let’s all join in
Sing of peace and love again
For we all belong
In a Lennon written song
It can’t be wrong
So sing along
Let us all join in
All join in
Bridge
Such an imagination!
He made us dream
The world stood as one
Our actions could redeem
Can we remember
Perhaps even enhance
And once again
Give peace a chance?
V3
Today people gave power to the rich
A billionaire grabbed more
We’re told advancing is a cinch
Just give the billionaires more
John trusted the People’s voice
Today that seems absurd
I think that we have no choice
But to make our voices heard
(Chorus)
V4
I found the face in a doorway
Faded into nostalgic hues
The simple picture’s seen better days
Reflecting Lennon’s views
Although the decades whizzed past
Never believe that it is too late
John’s message will always last
Hold my hand, let’s temp fate
(Chorus)
(Chorus)
(Chorus)
Once a week there is usually a Weekly Smile post on Trent’s Blog, He tells about something that made him smile. He asks what made you smile.
This week I’m smiling because a street art post of mine, inspired a beautiful song about “give peace a chance” to be written & video to be made.
I’ve always believed in peace and love.
Several years ago I thought I saw John Lennon’s face painted in a doorway, as the streetcar I rode trundled by at full throttle.
Making a mental note of the area, I vowed to return and find it. Since, I have been in the area quite a few times, but could never find it.
One day last week was the last time I would search for it, having come to believe I dreamt it. Suddenly it was there, obvious for all to see and almost exactly where I thought it would be. Why hadn’t I seen it all those other times?
Thrilled to the point of growing an extra toe, I blathered the whole experience in the first comment I made when back on WP. The victim was Trent from Trent’s World, and I asked him to pick a song.
Trent’s reply the next day:
“Hmm, my first thought was Instant Karma, but I just went back and listened to a few and I think it has to be Mind Games”.
“Even when it was released, it was deemed nostalgic, a feeling that comes across even stronger now. And it has all of the classic Lennon philosophies about peace, love and being positive – “YES is the answer” with that it’s up to the individual to change the world philosophy. “
“Part of the nostalgia is that it has an almost Beatles feel to it while being 100% a Lennon solo work – almost like those two songs from The Beatles Anthology in the 1990s that were Lennon demos finished by the other three, only this is 100 times better. “
“It is also odd (to me) that it is a super simple song musically – the music is just the road John’s ideas ride on to get to their destination. Anyway, “Mind Games” is my pick “
Pics taken by Resa – June 3, 2024
Toronto, Canada
The Artist: Unknown at this time
Thinking about it today, the song is amazingly perfect. After all, the painting had been playing mind games with me for years. I actually came to believe I’d dreamt it. Maybe John is laughing?
🌟 THANK YOU TRENT 🌟
Welcome to the “Making Her Mark” Self Portraits Series! How better can we get to know some of the amazing female artists, from 1400 – 1800, than to introduce them through their own visions of self.
I have invited Rebecca Budd, curator of the online gallery – Chasing Art – to join me in unearthing more of the history of these artists.
Resa: Welcome Rebecca!
Rebecca: – Resa, I was thrilled to receive your invitation to participate in the Self Portraits segments of your “Making Her Mark” virtual event. What better way to begin this journey of discovery than with the artist, Sarah Biffin. I confess this was the first time I heard her name, which can be spelled either Sarah Biffin or Sarah Biffen.
Resa: So Rebecca, now that you’ve heard her name, I’m excited to hear what you have discovered.
Born with a disability, Sarah Biffin’s remarkable journey from sideshow attraction to an artist patronized by royalty remained little known until recent years. Despite her initial challenges, her early talent blossomed into outstanding artistic ability, leading to recognition and patronage by the aristocracy. Her story serves as a true testament to the transformative power of opportunity and mentorship, showcasing the incredible potential that lies within each individual.
Born on October 25, 1784 in East Quantoxhead, Somerset, Sarah was the third of five children born to Henry Biffin, a farm labourer who later became a shoemaker, and Sarah Perkins. The baptism register noted that Sarah was born with a rare condition known as phocomelia, rendering her without arms or legs. At the age of 25, she was reported to be approximately 3 feet tall.
When she was 20, Sarah was exhibited as an attraction by a travelling showman at fairs throughout England. Even without formal training, crowds were impressed by how she used her mouth to sew, write and paint watercolours and portrait miniatures.
Sarah Biffin’s life was undeniably impacted by a twist of fate. It was at the St Bartholomew’s Fair of 1808 that George Douglas, 16th Earl of Morton (1761-1827) noticed her. This serendipitous encounter changed the trajectory of Sarah’s life in a profound and inspiring manner.
His sponsorship of Sarah Biffin, an artist born with a rare disability, enabled her to receive art lessons from renowned painter William Craig of the Royal Academy of Arts. Notably, George Douglas is remembered for his patronage of the arts and his support of individuals with exceptional talent.
As a result of the Earl of Morton’s support, Sarah’s artistic skills developed considerably. By the time she reached her 30s and 40s, she had become an extraordinarily talented artist, often considered to be as good as the best portrait miniaturists of her time. This period marked a significant ascent in her artistic prowess, solidifying her legacy as a remarkable and influential artist.
Sarah’s exceptional artistic talent earned her prestigious commissions, including from the Royal Family, leading to her widespread popularity and acclaim. This royal patronage elevated her status and contributed to her flourishing career as an artist.
On September 6, 1824, Sarah entered into marriage with Stephen Wright in Kilton, Somerset. Despite the eventual end of the marriage, Sarah continued to exhibit under her married name in the years that followed.
Sarah’s influence extended beyond the realm of art, as she was prominently featured in the works of renowned author Charles Dickens. Dickens referenced her in several literary works, including “Nicholas Nickleby,” “Martin Chuzzlewit,” “Little Dorrit,” and “A Plated Article,” underscoring her cultural significance and enduring legacy.
Resa – Rebecca, what an honour it is to have seen this portrait in real life. I took one close up within the glass free board frame, and one how it was on the wall. It’s a real treat to not have to look through glass. I hope my photography does it justice.
Rebecca – Your photos allowed me to step through the screen and join you virtually at the AGO. It was as if I were viewing the paintings in person.
Resa – Rebecca, I am so happy you are here! Thank you for joining me!
Rebecca – Thank you, Resa, for the invitation to join you on this profound “art” journey. I am thrilled to be sharing “Making Her Mark” with you. Thank you for your extraordinary vision of creativity within our complex, evolving world. You have redefined the art world through your unparalleled leadership, emphasizing compassion and hope as guiding principles. Your profound understanding of art’s transformative power has inspired me and countless individuals, fostering a deeper appreciation for the inherent beauty and significance of artistic expression.
Resa – Thank you, Rebecca! Graciously and humbly.
I hope you all enjoyed this close up feature on Sarah Biffen. A million thank you’s to Rebecca Budd for joining me, with her fabulous research, in this Self Portraits series. Rebecca and I will be back with further instalments highlighting other women who made her mark with art.
Click on the banner above to view some of the site links Rebecca found and used for her research. The Artnet link reveals many of Sarah’s works. Unfortunately none are for sale
Visit Rebecca at CHASING ART! Here you will also find links to her other blogs and Podcast Tea, Toast and Trivia
Photos of Sarah Biffen’s self portrait taken by Resa – May 14, 2024
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Canada
Lest we forget, Mahsa -22 years old –
…..was arrested in Iran for not wearing her hijab according to law.
She died in rehabilitation/detention, setting off protests unlike the country had seen before.
This post is dedicated to Aladin – Lamp Magician, who left Iran many years ago.
From time to time, he posts about Mahsa, and the plight of Iranian women.
I never know what I’ll find in an alley.
Woman. Life. Freedom
Pics taken by Resa – May 29, 2024
Toronto, Canada
The Arists:
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
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