I am working on some paintings with combined figurative and landscape elements. In search of reference photos depicting figures in certain positions, I came across a 1912 publication titled "Swimming Scientifically Taught". I got several great laughs out of some of the photos, which removed from their original time and context are quite humerous. You can view the entire book published online by The Project Gutenberg at this link.

I find great joy in old things, people and things that hold a strong connection to their history, and things that reveal the rawness of life. I am drawn to their depth in knowing that they hold so much history. For instance, you can often find me at the Lafayette Flea Market looking for simple treasures amidst a lot of junk. The other week I was in one of my favorite stalls, the vendors finds all of his/her things from estate sales on farms in the mid-west. I found antique door knobs, beaten up, scratched, chiped and worn. They are perfect! These door knobs make me think of all the hands that have touched them and the souls they represent. Where were they going? what were they doing? did they walk through that door with hope? anger? fear? I like old things.