Quote

"I would rather die of Passion than of Boredom" —Van Gogh

… although I'd like to keep my ears ;)

It's a true blessing to do what you love to do, and for me, starting with the morning walk, that includes any wildlife, is inspiring, and then being able to translate my experiences into drawings and paintings fills me with joy and gratitude.

A "Lyrical" Theme

"Caribbean Sun" © Beatrice Bork

This upcoming February Artists' Gallery group show, has the theme of "Lyrical" which pairs musical lyrics (or poems) with art. One of the paintings I'm planning on exhibiting at this show is "Caribbean Sun" along with the lyrics from the song "Yellow Bird" which I'm familiar with via a Trinidadian Steel Drum version, and a cover by Chris Isaac (it has been covered by many singers/ musicians).  While I was searching for the lyrics to the song, I found out that it is actually a Haitian Folk song, written by Oswald Duraund with music by Michel Mauleart Monton, 1893.

"Yellow Bird"
Yellow bird, up high in banana tree.
Yellow bird, you sit all alone like me.

Did you lady friend leave the nest again?
That is very sad, makes me feel so bad.
You can fly away, in the sky away.
You're more lucky than me.

I also had a pretty girl, she's not with me today.
They're all the same those pretty girls.
Take tenderness, then they fly away.
Yellow Bird, yellow bird.

Did you lady friend leave the nest again?
That is very sad, makes me feel so bad.
You can fly away, in the sky away.
You're more lucky than me.

Wish that I were a yellow bird, I'd fly away with you.
But I am not a yellow bird, So here I sit.
Nothing I can do.
Yellow bird, yellow bird.

What's next?

The current Artists' Gallery exhibit is winding down ("AG 18/18/18" ends Feb 2), and I'm getting ready for the next group exhibit, "Lyrical". This will be the second time we're going with this theme, it pairs up art with a song or poem.

"Lyrical"
2nd Annual Exhibit
18 Bridge St.
Lambertville, NJ 08822

January 25, is the last day of the Philadelphia Sketch Club exhibit where "Through the Shoals" is on exhibit. I was one of three jurors for this show, and there are some excellent pieces represented there.

Happy New Year!

"Twist" watercolor © Beatrice Bork

On this very, very cold day, my mind drifts to warmer climates, and one of my favorite locations is Trinidad, specifically at Asa Wright Nature Center. "Twist" was inspired by the Monkey Ladder Vine and those wonderful little birds white-bearded manakins. This bird is great fun to watch and listen for, it keeps a clean floor, and does a fascinating dance to get a female's attention. (what's not to like about that!) "Twist" is one of the paintings currently on display at Artists' Gallery in Lambertville, NJ.