“Protect those who protect you.” — Evangelos Venizelos Despite her diminutive Yorkie size, Willie or “The Wil” is tasked with a substantial duty. Living up to the weight of her formal Wilhelmina name, derived from the German Wilhelm, meaning “desire” and “willing to protect,” The Wil appears to grasp the seriousness of such an important … More Protector
“When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there’s always the garden.” — William Affleck “Within you there is a stillness and a sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time.” — Herman Hesse * * * Florence Griswold Museum Garden — Once described as a ‘veritable tangle of fragrant beauty,” Miss … More Sanctuary
“Satisfaction of one’s curiosity is one of the greatest sources of happiness in life.” — Linus Pauling Curious cows become serious art critics as they gather round artist sketching during 2010 Lyme Art Association Tiffany Farms benefit paint-out. * * * Curious critics — Watercolor painting by Mary O’Connor © 2018
“We carry our homes within us, which enables us to fly.” — John Cage Hermit crabs make perfect pets. They carry their own homes, painted with their own artwork, traveling in their own spaces, leaving trails of smiles. * * * Aniela’s and Nataly’s Hermit crab friends — Photos by Mary O’Connor © 2018 … More Painted pets
“If you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else.” — Georgia O’Keeffe Commissioned by Dole (then Hawaiian Pineapple Company) to paint a pineapple while visiting Hawaii, Georgia O’Keeffe fell in love with Hawaii’s lush plant life … More Visions of Hawai’i
“Almost all creativity requires purposeful play.” – Abraham Maslow Creative kids culminate their week of art exploration at the Florence Griswold Museum Art Colony camp by displaying their work for family, friends and Museum visitors to enjoy. Walls of the Museum’s Education Center are transformed into a gallery of artistic creations by 4th-6th graders that … More Purposeful play
“In a simple and a peaceful cottage with a beautiful view, you will not be dreaming about the palaces or the heaven, because you already have a perfect thing!” — Mehmet Murat ildan The old weather-beaten red-shingled cottage on Kelsey Island holds fond memories as a destination for childhood picnics and lazy summers by the … More Memories
“The contemplation of beauty causes the soul to grow wings.” — Plato * * * Pelican at rest — Watercolor painting by Mary O’Connor © 2018 Click here to see more of Mary’s wildlife paintings and pet portraits.
“You have right to experiment with your life. You will make mistakes. And they are right too.” — Anaïs Nin Frank Stella: Experiment and Change exhibition at NSU Art Museum, Ft Lauderdale, Florida, offers insight into the artist’s experimentation from minimalism (e.g. the geometry of simple black paintings) to maximalism (e.g. the spatially complex sculptures … More Experiment
“You can look in the mirror and find a million things wrong with yourself. Or you can look in the mirror and think, ‘I feel good, I have my health, and I’m so blessed.’ That’s the way I choose to look at it.” — Isla Fisher * * * Perception of beauty — Iguana … More Acceptance
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 