Florida is many things. Boring is not one of them. Our recent trip on the eve of Spring break, drove that point home. Do you recognize any of the wanton Phalaenopsis orchids in the photo, thriving on the tree trunks? ( I’ve killed several attempting to raise them a dry New England home). They’re at home in Florida.
One thing that jumped out in Miami was how intensely nature informs art. I’ve never been to the south of Florida before. As with many temperate places, warmth creates an enduring sense of wellbeing in the out-of-doors. As a plant lover, I totally appreciated being surrounded by hardy flowers that thrive 12 months of the year. As an artist, I was struck by the intensity of color found in Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables. Fairchild boasts the largest collection of palm tree varieties in the world growing on acres of tropical vegetation and orchids growing on every surface you can imagine.
The day before we flew home (just ahead of COVID 19), we were joined by a good friend who took us on a long walk through a ginormous street installation in downtown Miami called Wynwood Walls. Wynwood represents a neighborhood revitalization begun in 2011 that tapped local and international artists who created enduring artwork in a depressed area of the city. The effect is wonderfully diverse. You can see a video of Wynwood here. I’m not sure I remember seeing many of the images- it’s that huge!
Shinyribs is an American country-soul, swamp-funk band from Austin, Texas- front man, Kevin Russell is doing solo concerts Saturday nights on Facebook. Like him and watch for the next show online this Saturday. It’s fun and relaxing. In the meantime..Who built the Moon?
Mother’s Day is incoming. With fairs cancelling, we have scarves ready to ship. Who needs a scarf for Mother’s Day? You do!
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