For over 20 years, an inherited first edition (1957) sat upon a shelf in the den. I now share the gorgeous illustrations by Vera Bock, and a bit about her.
When my love swears she is made of truth, I do believe her, though I know she lies ...
- The Passionate Pilgrim
Vera’s illustrations follow the passage of the Sonnet or Poem that inspired her.
If he be dead, - O no, it cannot be ...
- Venus and Adonis
Born in St. Petersburg, Vera Bock (1902 – 2006) fled the Russian Empire with her family. “Vera and her family caught the last train out of Russia before the Revolution started;” Via Siberia to China, then Japan, they arrived in San Francisco in 1917.
And nothing 'gainst Time's sycthe can make defence Save breed, to brave him when he takes thee hence.
- Sonnet XII
Vera’s mother was a Russian concert pianist, her father an American banker.
Not Marble, nor the gilded monuments Of princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme ...
- Sonnet LV
Living in London and Paris from 1919 to 1921, Vera trained in woodcutting, manuscript illumination, printing and photogravure. This added to her training in painting and drawing. From 1922 through 1923 she appears to have trained in Switzerland.
Tired with all these, from these I would be gone, Save that, to die, I leave my love alone.
- Sonnet LXVI
Vera’s 1924 passport application and the 1925 New York State Census stated her occupation was artist, no longer student.
Love's not time's fool, though rosy lips and cheeks Within his bending sickle's compass come ...
- Sonnet CXVI
From the early 1930’s, when she illustrated Depression Era posters, into the 1960’s when she illustrated for many magazines, newspapers and books, Vera was in demand and very busy. In the 1970’s and on, she continued on a slower pace, illustrating books.
Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty, Youth's a stuff will nor endure.
- Twelfth Night
Circa 1973 (perhaps later) Vera married her late sister’s husband, George H. Kaestlin, who died in 1981. Surviving him by 25 years, she passed away at 104 years of age.
But, ah, who ever shunn'd by precedent The destined ill she must herself assay?
In 2016 The last surviving member of the Bock family, Alice Tischler (niece), donated a large collection of Vera’s original book illustrations, and more, to the Farnsworth Art Museum.
According to Bob Forrest Vera loved cats, big time. She dedicated the pictures in the children’s book below.
“To My Cat Serka, who, with all the dignity of his eighteen and one half years, so graciously, sometimes, consented to pose for them – the pictures in this book are respectfully dedicated.”
“It is signed “V.B.” and has a paw–print below it.”
Found this installation art in an outdoor parking lot. The images & “words” are from a rare book. Only 58 copies were ever made. They reside in private collections and rare book libraries.
“toronto (canada) is a place like no other place, for all i know”
Chinkok Tan’s drawings of streetscapes and buildings are visual love letters, from his early years. He arrived in Toronto from Malaysia on December 4, 1967, with $129.00.
"first, i felt the cold the cold i had never felt before
the wind icy cold wind biting, penetrating, - going through me like i was nothing."
Tan had come to Toronto to attend the Ontario College of Art (OCA – now OCAD).
"the y.m.c.a. i was told is cheap. it cost four bucks a night my room was small, cell like,
* it was my fortune on the second day to meet the cleaning lady,
* out of loneliness i spoke to her, my problem became hers, she understood."
Tan found a job as a bus-boy in a restaurant on Bay Street. For 2 years he worked nights, part time.
* "time old buildings expressing nostalgic past, residential streets within the city, people actually make their home in downtown toronto - the city is for the people!"
He turned these drawings into a book in 1973. It is now a time capsule of Toronto in transition.
"recently, the city has changed because of the fantastic building boom that will soon turn toronto into a city none of us know."
Pics taken by Resa – August 13, 2026
Baldwin Street – near the Ontario College of Art & Design
Toronto, Canada
❦ As this post was ready to go, and I am swamped with “to do’s”; I decided to post it now. The Underpass “Scattered Order III” will resume after a brief intermission. ❦
The artist EGR has been painting faces around town since before I discovered street art.
So, it is befitting that her art begins the underpass gallery. The cement wall starts out about 2′ high, then grows to better than 6′.
At the skateboarder, it’s about 4′ high. For this mural she mentored several students from the Bishop Morrocco secondary school arts program.
The skateboarder segues into a gorgeous tropical scene, that is about 5′ high.
This piece is not signed. However, as it is a city project, the credits should appear on the website, eventually.
I would think the 2 artist(s) first seen in the pic below, standing at a blank wall are beginning to paint this mural. Notice the cans of oranges and pinks on the stand.
The artist in the cap at the next wall (face unseen) is painting the image below. It is titled –
ningodwaaswi(niizh) : 6(2)
Note the bird circled on the left. The angled shape circled on the right are the beginnings of the bird.
The artist, Bradley J. Reinhardt’s (bjr_artist) mother was Ojibwe. His father was white. A quote from his instagram page.
"This painting reflects the impact of the Indian Act, specifically the Second Generation Cut-Off. I am registered under section 6(2), meaning I cannot pass status to my children unless their other parent has status. In the painting, the bear represents me and the 2 cubs represent my sons. The river symbolizes the Indian Act, a system that divides families and determines legal identity. The Orange and blue areas represent the loss of language, culture, and identity caused by colonization and residential schools. Although my sons cannot receive status under the law, they will grow up learning Ojibwe values, culture and teachings. My hope is that one day the Indian Act will change so families like mine are no longer divided by legislation."
A few over …
… is this kool kid by Blackburn; chillin’ under the clouds catching all the art action.
Even further along, as you come out of dark areas of the underpass, is this 4-faced beauty. I love it.
As we enter one of the dark areas, (note the light that helps keep it safe) are 2 beguiling pieces; something for everyone.
Below is Opola Karim painting her wonderful image of Toronto.
TADA!
Back into the light of day!
I met Getso a few years back when he was part of a painting party in the alley behind me. Part of that alley painting party was Nick Sweetman. Nick is one of my faves and has a category link on my sidebar.
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