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| Cactus Sunrise Pastel Painting by Cindy Morawski |
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Hey, Pardner! Time for Rodeo Limericks & Art Work
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| Frontier Freedom, the Life of the Cowboy by Cindy Morawski Leapin' Limericks on the Range ~~Cindy Morawski There once was a man from St. Paul . . . Oops! No, I'm not going to share that limerick. When's the last time you read or heard a limerick? It might have been bawdy, silly, or just plain fun. I remember reading Edward Lear's limericks in the past and laughing out-loud. I liked his work for several reasons, but one was because he paired each one with a humorous illustration or painting. Art and poetry can be an entertaining duo. Limericks were once named after the town of Limerick, Ireland. They possess a strong rhyme and beat. They can also be paired with music because of that. The standard rhyme scheme is AABBA~~5 lines with the lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyming, and lines 3 and 4 rhyming. Limericks popularity often stem from the fact that they can be witty, humorous, or full of nonsense. With the month of February comes the Annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. (Feb. 9th - 26th) http://www.sarodeo.com/ Keeping that theme in mind, I'd like to pair my rodeo-inspired painting from above with some limericks of my own. A little fiddle music please . . . here we go! Horse with a Question There once was a wild horse on the range Who considered himself a bit strange. Although he was shy, He always asked, "Why-- Did I mix with the mare who had mange?" Rodeo Joe There once was a shy cowboy named Joe Who found fame in a Rodeo Show. An old horse did he ride And both took it in stride, Till the tired horse stopped short and said, "NO!"  Freedom on the Frontier There once was a boy with a rage. He cried, "I need freedom~~no cage . . . " He ran from his girl Whose name was ol' Pearl. "No marriage with you will I wage!" Cowboy with a Question There once was a cowboy with a question. He inquired, "Do I have indigestion?" The cook with the stew Said, "No guess," for he knew~~ More pork and beans would cure his affliction. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Last time I blogged, I included some haiku with my paintings. I also asked you to send me some of your own. Well, here's one from my friend and neighbor Betsy Kropp. A trip to Paris inspired her so she sent me a photograph and a haiku. Thanks, Betsy!  Photo & Haiku ~~ Paris Metro by Betsy Kropp Haiku Opening its mouth Hoping to snag tired tourists "Yum," says the Metro. If you want to send me limericks, I'll be glad to include them in my next blog. We'll start a Poetry Revolution! Please feel free to include a photo and/or artwork too. Thanks! Wishing you laughter and fun! ~~Cindy The End! |
Monday, January 9, 2012
Art and Haiku for the New Year
New Artwork and Verse for the New Year
Images from the Natural and Spirtual World
by Cindy Morawski
Last Thursday, I attended a special art exhibit at the McNay called the Orient Expressed, Japan's Influence on Western Art, 1854 - 1918. www.McNayArt.org I noticed while I was walking around and taking in the show's artwork, which continues through January 15th, that they had invited the viewers to "Tweet" a haiku for their favorite work of art. There was an on-going competion for the Best Twittered Verse. Besides the lovely woodcuts, watercolors, and oil paintings, some poems expressed well the subject- matter- at- hand in the drawing or painting. It was double the pleasure. Art and Poetry. What a marriage!
After returning home, I felt inspired to do the same with my recent paintings. I wrote a haiku to match each work of art. However, before I rush into showing you the results, let me tell you a little something about what a haiku includes.
Haiku or Japanese verse come usually in lines of three. They don't have
to rhyme, but they should be in the following syllable count within the
lines of the poem-- 5,7,5. Often they are about nature and include imagery
and figurative language.
Come Together
How does it feel to
Be distanced from everyone?
Red bird on a wire.
Grackle Cackle
I heard your cackle
No text, email, or twitter
One loud grackle's cry
Sunset Song on the Wires
Gathering in song
Sun's descent into crimson
A high flock of lullabies
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Blessed Assurance Blessed assurance Seeking a spiritual home Simple, sacred place  Return to Garner Silhouetted trees Cypress lines of gracefulness 'Gainst a brilliant shore Have you ever written a haiku before? If not, this might make for a happy discovery. Write about a pet, your job, a movie, anything at all . . . Please send it to me, and I'll post it on my next blog. (with your permission, of course) Also, it can be accompanied with a photo or artwork if you'd like. I'll include that as well with your permission. (Email: cski02@sbcglobal.net) Wishing You New Beginnings! Cindy Mockingbird Studio San Antonio, Texas |
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Brave New World of 2012
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| Dance of the Northern Lights ~~painting by Cindy Morawski Brave New World Hope and Resolve, Thinking about the New Year by Cindy Morawski When looking at a brand new year, I have a choice. I can see with or without my glasses. I'm choosing to use my glasses. I like the idea of looking under the hood before I buy a car. I need to read the labels of the cans in the grocery store. I just have to re-check the almost hidden price tag on the department store shelf. I am a woman who wants to know. I feel compelled to question, to discuss, to understand. Another journey into time. 2012. Time does seem to go faster as I get older, but one of my resolutions this year is to slow down and be present. To appreciate what's around me. Moments come and go. I hope to capture some of those moments and frame them in my mind. Maybe, just maybe, they will rewire my brain into something that will enlighten me. Improve me. Hope and resolve can be like that. I wish you HOPE for the New Year. I wish you the motivation and desire to make your world a better one. I resolve to change my world. One word, one painting, one smile, one hug, one step at a time. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! ~~Cindy Cindy Morawski |
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Discovering Comfort~~Mata Ortiz Pottery and More
Discovering COMFORT~~ A Photo Essay
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| On the Road to Comfort |
Comfort Crockery~~Fine & Useful Original Arts,
402 Seventh St., Comfort, Texas
Gallery Hours in December 2011~~Tues. -- Sat. 10 to 5, Sun.-- 1 to 5
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Welcome from Owner~~Roci Brawner  Landscape Paintings by Cindy Morawski at the Crockery |
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| Beautiful Display on Exhibit now at the Comfort Crockery |
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| Mata Ortiz Pottery from the collecion of Mary Frances December 7 - 23, 2011   "Their imagery evokes Op Art, M.C. Escher and computer chips in combination with plumed serpents and macaws." ~~William GilbertThe village of Juan Mata Ortiz is located in the northern part of Chihuahua, Mexico, less than 100 miles from the Mexico-U.S. border. In this small village of approximately 2000 people, a truly remarkable artistic tradition has developed in the last 30 years. The potters of Mata Ortiz combine both intellectual and aesthetic elements. They have re-created their ancestral symbols as well as shown a refined creation of original and creative contemporary art. The Mata Ortiz Collection of Mary Frances presently on display at the Comfort Crockery shows an impressive number of pieces. There are 10 in the front of the store and 67 pieces of pottery in a special exhibit in the back of the gallery. They are not only on view for the public, but they can be purchased as well. If you'd like more information, call 830.995.5299 or e-mail Roci at info@comfortCrockery.com. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2012 ART CALENDARS FOR SALE!
**The price of each calendar is $15.00, which includes tax. Please email or call me if you're interested. They make original gifts for the Holidays! ~~Email: cski02@sbcglobal.net ~~ Studio Phone: 210.522.0706 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! ~~Cindy |
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Wilkome to a Glimpse into the Past~~Photos and Narrative of Castroville, Texas
Medina River from the Bridge in Castroville
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| Glenn Nuyttens, Landmark Inn's Tour Guide, explaining about the Founding of Castroville |
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| Allie, the Rickshaw Man, setting a World Record and stopping for a Chat |
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| The Steinbach House, Museum at 100 Karm Street |
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| DayTrippers, group photo at the Landmark Inn~~Say~~Alsatian! |
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| Feline Wilkome, along with assistant Maria, to the Albro's Garden Shop on Fiorella Street |
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| Medina River's December Reflections along Hwy 90 |
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| Historic Moye Center and Retreat |
Picket Fence Leading to an Historic Home
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| Facing Houston Square, a Glimpse into the Past |
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| Cheri Hoog, Castroville Resident, embracing Alsatian History |
Travels to Castroville, Past and Present
by Cindy Morawski
Where can you find Texas History, natural beauty, fine dining, and more? Hint: It's only a day away by horse and wagon or by car it's only about a half an hour from San Antonio. The historic town of Castroville, founded in 1844 by Frenchman Henri Castro, is a worthwhile stop for travelers and visitors alike.
Traveling by present-day car, I joined my BSW DayTripper friends and headed to Castroville on December 1, 2011. Our first stop landed us at the Landmark Inn, a state Historic Site, where we learned about the commercial side of this once-bustling city from tour guide Glenn Nuyttens. Castroville's growing influence in early Texas started with having roots in mills of various types~~a cotton gin, a lumber mill, and a grist mill, all located on the Medina River. Attracting commerce and colonists, this made it one of the largest towns in Texas in the 1800's.
Surprises galore! While making discoveries about Castroville's past, we presently came upon an ex-Marine named Allie and his loyal dog Roxy. Allie's Rickshaw Trek, starting in California, will set a new Guiness World Record. He's bound for Miami and then onto Washington, DC, to be met by the president. He has a dream, and he's proving that America is still a great country. He told us that he has met gracious and generous people along the way in his travels. We had the pleasure of hearing some of his stories along the Medina River last Thursday. If you want to learn more about his adventures, check out his website: www.rickshawroadtrip.com. Best of Luck to you, Allie and Roxy!
While continuing our walking tour with Castroville resident, Cheri Hoog, we enjoyed more colorful stops along the way. Across the bridge from the Landmark Inn, we found the Steinbach House. This present-day museum was originally built in Wahlbach, France, between 1618 and 1648. It was relocated to Castroville in 1998. Now it's open for tours Monday through Friday from 9 to 5.
Another noteworthy stop included the St. Louis Catholic Church, at 610 Madrid Street. Built between 1868 and 1870 under the organization of Father Peter Richard, it looks out on Houston Square. Its chapel near the Moye Retreat Center has even an earlier building date of 1844. If you get a chance to go inside the St. Louis Church, you won't be disappointed. Beautiful stained glass windows and statues await you!
Moving along to some of the shops of the city, our touring group came upon Albro's House and Garden on Fiorella Street. Owned by Ward and Tot Albro, it originally was an old saloon, relocated to its present-day site. From 1920 until 1994, it had been a blacksmith shop. The outhouse in the back, surrounded by lavendar, also has an historic note. It was built by the WPA in 1930. Look for Manchita, Spanish for Little Patches, the calico cat in the shop. Maria and Tot will also be glad to help you find what you're looking for.
All that walking gave us an appetite. We were happy to dine at the Castroville Cafe at high noon. This 1884 Victorian house is located on September Square which is the original location of the Henri Castro Homestead. Serving delicious sandwiches, soups, salads, and more, you can enjoy your meal while surrounded by fine art in this lovely restaurant. It's open from 11 to 2, and it's located at 309 Lafayette with both an outdoor porch and an inviting garden patio for lunch seating as well.
All in all, a day out in Castroville, gave me a chance to connect to both past and present. What a beautiful place to visit! And, only a short drive from San Antonio . . . hope you'll make your own discoveries!
~~Cindy
PS: If you're looking for a unique gift this Christmas, consider a calendar. I have two to choose from: Seasons~~ 2012 Art Calendar, New Landscape Paintings, and Photography of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico, another Art Calendar for 2012. Just email or call me for more details. I can mail it, deliver it in person, or you can come by my studio to pick it up. cski02@sbcglobal.net or studio: 210.522.0706.
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