Wednesday, July 7, 2010

HOT Stuff


YES it's hot!! Just like the northern Eastern States, Ontario is blanketed by a torrid heat wave. We are in our fourth day of extreme heat and humidity. Currently the temp is 90F (32C), however with the humidity it feels like 106F (41C). The nights have not been cooling down like they should be either.



We had an overnight guest - this 5" long dragonfly decided to rest on our front door screen for over 24 hours. Opening and shutting the door and actually stroking his back would not budge him. I have a feeling that heat exhaustion must have got to him LOL.





It is so hot that you don't want to even sit and soak up the sun (especially if you are dressed in a wool bathingsuit!)





A dip in the local pool might refresh - but then again, leave the wool bathing suit at home! (Is there anything worse than wet wool against hot skin?!)





We have air conditioning and I am relatively comfortable if I stay inside however my little studio room is very warm and not conducive to working, soooooo I have been spending some time discovering new (to me) artists and blogs. The blogs I will share in another post, but because I thought the work of this artist was very 'cool', thought I would post about her now.


Kate MacDowell, hand builds her sculpts in porcelain. From her statement on her site:


These pieces are in part responses to environmental stressors including climate change, toxic pollution, and gm crops.








To see more of her intricately beautiful creations and learn about this very talented artist, please visit her website.


Yesterday was Frida Kahlo's birthday, and one of my favorite quotes by her is......



"Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?"






A happy belated birthday wish to a beautiful icon of the art world, and with the above quote in mind, I would like to share this inspiring video of a young Texas gal that has not let adversity cripple her in any way.




Lizzie is a 21 year old university student who weighs only 61 lbs - she eats constantly (up to 5,000 calories a day) but can not gain weight. She is also blind in one eye and she does not 'look like everyone else'. I think she is amazing.


Stay cool and enjoy the day!






9 comments:

yoborobo said...

Wow, an amazing girl and amazing art! Thank you for sharing those finds. :) Stay cool! It is a chilly 105 here today - OMG. :) xox! Pam

Anonymous said...

Now that is HOT Sue!!! We hit 80 today and that feels warm for us Northwestern folk...

Not only wool bathing suits but how about those BOOTS and stockings! Those were the days...

WOw I love Kate MacDowell's work... It sent shivers up my spine...

Frida's work is timeless... I love the quote you added from her...

And that young woman, Lizzie made me cry with hope, and made me realize once again how grateful I am. What an inspiration! And quit bellyaching about what I have to go through~

Stay as cool as you can dear friend~
Hugs ~ Pattee

Anonymous said...

Oh Sue thank you so so much for your sweet comment on my blog...

What was really in that one big bag... was a light fixture we purchased and they were holding it for us. I guess they wanted us to know it was all in ONE big bag LOL!!!

Hugs ~P

julie said...

Hi,
I never think of you up there in the North getting hit by a heatwave...miserable things, aren't they. We will be getting hit here in Central California in the next day or two...100+...I'm thankful I have the ability to get inside and out of it...always a blessing..
enjoy...hug, hug

Nun of a Kind! said...

I think that you are going to be getting out of the heat wave soon....the winds are blowing and it is cooling down here....at long last...between the A/C, the pool, and the lake, we are managing to survive, but how awful for people who have to work outside!
Wonderful art that you shared. Always nice to see a new talent!
Take care..glad that you are feeling better!
Linda

Colleen - the AmAzINg Mrs. B said...

Oh my goodness! I watched the video with my co-workers and we are all better for it! That was such a great gift to share with us..thank YOU!

Roxanne said...

When will this heat ever end?!?!....soon I hope! Seeing those bathing suits made me more hotter .....and itchy. Those sculptures are really amazing and so is Lizzie. Thank you for sharing everything Sue. :)
Stay cool!
Hugs,
Roxanne

Pearl said...

I can't believe the shoes the sun bathers had to wear? It's hot here too today is 100 degrees and more in sight, ugh I'm staying in the house. The video of the young lady was so inspiring and the art out of porcelain is awesome. Great post, keep cool -Pearl

Kerin said...

Loved all you shared here! Great pic of Frida and the porcelain pieces are fantastic. I've seen her work before but it is always cool to see all the details in white only sculpture.

The story of that sweet lady really touched me. It's amazing what she is doing with her life.