Wow Factor Art

Red Wolf Art

I wish I could tell you I found Red Wolf. I did not. My husband did. We were at the San Jose Tapestry and Talent festival circa 2005. I became entralled with some artist's work, which meant I took up resident at the booth trying to select 'my' art. He instantly became fatigued with the process (as he always does) and motored on to admire other works of passion.

It was then that his feet landed in the extra large, open air Red Wolf booth. He was gone so long that I actually completed my art acquisition unharassed and started my trek to find him. I ran upon him several yards into the beginning of my trail. I will never forget how positively animated he was about finding Red Wolf. "You must see Red Wolf. He is incredible," he asserted.

On the way to Wolf's booth, I learned that the majority of my husband's absence was spent at that booth. Also, he spent 20 minutes talking to Red Wolf and his wife, Gazelle. My husband is NOT a social mixer. Now, I was thoroughly intrigued. This man stayed in one place and talked to somone he didn't know for over 20 minutes. Yes, I needed to see this art.

Side story note: My husband has an attention span of a gnat. Readily making this point, he only went to a 3-4 booths before he saw Red Wolf but forgot where Red Wolf's was. Therefore, we walked the entire festival in search of Red Wolf. The entire walk I only heard him discuss how outrageous and extraordinary Red Wolf's art is and was pestered into speedily leaving booths that didn't measure up. Translation - I wasn't allowed to stop at any booths until he found Red Wolf's again. With every passing step, the enthusiastic words flowed. He soon through down the gauntlet. "I'm going to get me a Red Wolf painting," he said. My legs posted into the ground like a streetlight I exclaimed the only word one could say in such a situation, "What?!"

Back on track: When we arrived at Wolf's booth, I was sufficiently overcome with awe. My husband and I struck a deal that Red Wolf was definitely an artist to buy. His work made our short list. I had to set aside a piece of art I wanted. It took us a few years to save up for his art, but we did it. We are proud owners of his work. Every person that comes through our house says "WOW" when they see Red's art in our living room.

One day I may write about "The day we bought Red Wolf art." It's worth a post.

None of these pics do his work justice. Yet, you need to see something other than my chatter.

Beyond

Silverfish Tear

Circle of Light

Circle of Life

Obelisk

For Star Trek: The Next Generation

The Obelisk was requested by Star Trek: The Next Generation television show. This piece was a window view of galatic space.

Bamboo Forest

Abstract 10

Opinion and Summary

In my humble estimation, Red Wolf is the finest unknown American contemporary artist. He deserves to eclipse artists like mega-machine "painter of light" Thomas Kinkade and exalted newcomer Michael Flohr.

I am not a snobby, uptight, and arrogant art critic, buyer, or curator. I, admittedly, am a salt of the earth Jane Doe geek that has an extraordinary eye for design and a love affair with art. I have been in it and around it for over 20 years.

There is no artist doing what Red Wolf does. He paints on metal. This is an oversimplification of his art. His art is anything but simple. Wolf somehow achieves a 3-D effect. Yes, 3-D!

Red Wolf was finally accepted to participate at the crème de la crème American art festival, Sausalito Art Festival, in 2008 and 2009. Artists all over the world attempt to jury into this festival. Few are chosen.

Wolf had been rejected for many years until the chairman of the Sausalito Art Festival saw him at another festival. That's the thing with Red Wolf's art. Pictures do not do it justice. You must see it.

If you know anything about festivals, you know most of them are free. Sausalito charges a $20 per person entry fee. So, that tells you something about this venue. This show is for the serious art purveyor and connoisseur.

If you want to see or learn more, visit Red Wolf's site here.

NASA Beauties 1

Spectaculars from NASA

Sombrero Galaxy

Andromeda Galaxy

A Weeping Heart

Another star forms. Another life begins in a new dimension. This is majesty – to transform. A soulful being starts anew, moves beyond physical confines.

Then, why am I extraordinarily sad?

Daddy died yesterday. He had a painful journey becoming a shell of a human being, but that mattered not to me. Why? He was still here.

He never complained about that horrid journey either. I guess I got that trait from him.

I prayed for many months that he would be restored to his rambunctious and quippish self. It never happened. Only the decline continued unabashedly and unabatedly. It was not until a couple of weeks ago that I came to terms with the eventuality of Daddy's transformation.

My prayers transformed into requests for a peaceful and loving homecoming. One where each of his siblings, totaling 9 now, are there to welcome him and shower him with Love. I prayed that his parents, extended family, and friends in this realm pay tribute, respect, and envelope him in affection.

It was a long, slow journey to the end. Daddy had a massive stroke about a year ago. The stroke attacked the right side of his brain and paralyzed the left side of his body. The doctor’s told my mother and I that he would never be the same. Yet, after that stroke, he was very alert, could speak, and reason.

We did not accept this. We knew Daddy. He was as stubborn as an ox. He had strokes before and recovered nearly whole. Why would this one be so different? One stroke in particular rendered him unconscious for weeks, and he gradually bounced back. It took him awhile, and there was a lot of rehabilitation. Yet, he came back.

Though, I think deep down inside I knew. I knew this one was "the" one. I will never forget when I first saw him after this last powerful stroke. I hugged him and he raised his only moving arm, found my hand, and clasped it solid. My heart was in my throat. We never exchanged words. We just held each other's hand.

The sustained trauma of this stroke crystalized the reality. Month after agonizing month, the truth revealed. He will never recover. Yet, my hope and prayers flowed fervently.

It’s odd how Mom and I came to the same place at the same time. We never uttered a word about letting go until we were both standing at the precipice.

Of late, I questioned ardently why we live if only to die. I used to think, "I know this answer," but I find myself with a complete loss of reason. I know what the Good Book and Sunday School taught us. Yet, when it comes right down to it, it simply does not make sense. Well, at least, not right now.

I’m certain I will get an answer. I always do for a ponder, wonder, and wander.

Yesterday, I said I was going to transform my blog into an image inspiration notebook.

The need to write about my Dad was bigger than me.

I will conclude my feelings with a quasi streaming consciousness poem.

Daddy,

You lived and loved.

And you picked the right beloved.

You supported and praised.

You believed in family even with their unfriendly ways.

You taught me dedication and stamina to boot.

You found things to laugh at and were a real hoot.

You loved learning and had a passion for singing.

On the latter, I will forgive.

The mere thought of those crazy notes you hit send my ears a ringing.

Ting a ling, a ling, ling.

You gave back to the whole family no matter the cost.

I will miss you, mourn you, and know our loss.

At last, you feel no more pain.

‘Cause you have moved to a higher plane.

May you walk among the stars forever.

For that is your rightful place.

We take peace in knowing your spirit dawns a new face.

May the wings of Love keep you above the clouds and catapult you beyond the skies of low.

A new journey begins…

Let us in the now remember you as the man you were

and the soul that graced us to know.

Daddy, I Love You Always.

Kaja

Fireplace Redesign = Hot, Hot, Hot

A Traditional Rethought

Fire Orb

New Direction For Kaja Loves...

It is hard to believe how much time soared by since my last post. I have researched much, come across amazing products, and have seen very cool designs. I thought of putting posts up about them. Yet, when you are focused full speed on something, you don't stop to write a mini-dissertation about it. Unless, it's a career choice, or you're POd, or you just have nothing else to do, or ... I will stop now because I am writing myself into a corner.

The bottom line is I have been busy. Busy working on other creative projects and busy working on business issues for my parents. Writing the "p" word at all should indicate the very nature of this time sucking vortex.

If your Mom is anything like my Mom, the average phone call is 1 hour and 20 minutes. Yes, I started tracking them. It's very easy with cell phones. Every time I get off the phone with her, I have to charge it.

I Love my mother, but let's be real here.

Here are the "Mom call" events.

1. Phone rings. I see incoming number is "Mom."
2. I look at the charge on my phone. It's typically around 80%.
3. I answer the phone, "Hi, Mom."
4. And she ALWAYS says this. "Hi, baby. You have a minute. I have something quick to share with you."
5. I find a chair if I'm not already sitting.
6. We talk. Have several false positive conclusions.
7. Call ends.
8. Phone goes on the charger.

Like clockwork every time.

There are events 9 and 10. These are the 2 types of Action Items - "Preferred" and "Assigned." Need I say more?

I digress and lapse into serious blogging.

My new way to blog is - "The Cool of the Day."

When I see an exciting design, product, art, or hear amazing music, I will post it. And post it with sparce commentary.

Let the daily inspiration begin.