Launch of Women at Work exhibit at Toronto’s Urban Gallery

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The ScotiaBank CONTACT Photography Festival in Toronto is underway and so too my exhibit, Barn Mavens, at the Urban Gallery, 400 Queen Street East.

Visit FordhamPR for a review of the opening reception and a glimpse of the works of all four fine artists (including me!!) represented at the Urban Gallery’s showcase Women At Work.

The Sprinkler Marked

“The Sprinkler” … from the series Barn Mavens presented at the Urban Gallery in Toronto, May 2018

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … All Rights Reserved 2018 … Aimwell CreativeWorks

Shadow Walking

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Beneath Your Feet

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Shadow Walking

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One day I took my horse, Bear, into the indoor arena for a play, and while we were thus engaged I noticed how, as we walked together, our shadows fell across the freshly-harrowed sand footing. I had my cellphone handy so decided to capture a few images to see how they’d turn out.

This one of Bear shows a lovely elongation of light and shadow.

Looks almost prehistoric ~ like a cave painting ~ don’t you think?

Thanks for stopping by …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … 2015

Statuesque in Firenze

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Statuesque

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Today we head back to Firenze for my Monochrome Madness 2-14 contribution. Back to the Piazza Della Signoria and Giambologna’s equestrian statue (1595) of Grand Duke Cosimo I ~ the man who, according to my DK Eyewitness Travel guide “subjugated all Tuscany under his military rule.”

Have you ever noticed how great leaders are also depicted as great horsemen?

Because I’m such a horse person my eye is drawn to the magnificent equestrian statues and sculptures of the great cities I visit in Europe. Also, as an artist myself, I know that accurately capturing the majesty, power and vulnerability of the horse is no mean feat. So, when I see equestrian artwork that resonates these characteristics I appreciate the artistry and vision required to effectively produce such a masterpiece.

Amazing!

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015

Solitude at Santa Croce

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Cloister

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As travel companions go I’m pretty easy going. As long as I have comfortable lodgings and the food is good I’m game for some adventure.

During our visit to Italy last summer I was still recovering from adrenal fatigue, so adventure for me was pretty much contained to being creative with my photography.

My husband is used to me falling behind while we’re exploring. Something ~ a colour, an object, an idea, a vision, you name it ~ will have caught my imagination and I need to play it out.

One thing I love to create are moments like this ~ a mood of solitude and mystery in a place of great beauty. Fortunately my husband is a willing subject and, as you can imagine, Italy offered a wealth of beautiful locations. This image captured in the atmospheric cloisters of Santa Croce in Firenze.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015

Cutting Edge

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Intricate

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Intricate

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As a detail-oriented person myself, I appreciate intricacy.

This is a display unit for a shop in Barcelona that sells … well … you get the picture. 😉

So beautifully intricate and functional. An appropriate artistic rendering in a city steeped in art.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015

More Than Skin Deep

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Weekly Photo Challenge: Wall

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layers

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For some reason I can relate to the ancient places. Wandering around Firenze late last spring fed my old soul in deep and, even, healing ways.

Everywhere I looked there was something profoundly beautiful to see.

At one point we were walking along a narrow cobbled lane, just following it to who knows where, when my attention was drawn to an adjacent wall.

Brick, mortar, plaster, and what is that? Alabaster or marble inlay? I don’t know. I’m no art expert. But it spoke to me and I hovered there for a moment to soak it all in.

Weathered by time and the elements, it seemed to me that this wall characterized the unique qualities of this ancient city, and the art and craftsmanship that make it what it is.

While locals and tourists filed by, this beautiful remnant of another time not even on their radar, I stood there mesmerized for a moment. Breathtaking it seemed, in all its vulnerable glory.

As I revisit it now it reminds me of the many layers of life. The solid foundation of the soul overlain by masks and veneers that, over time, gradually chip away to reveal the true essence of who we are and whatever we’ve cultivated that to be.

Outer beauty fades over time. It’s what’s underneath that counts.

I’m not what I was in the bloom of my youth. Life has knocked me around and the wear and tear of the years is showing up in all kinds of weird and wonderful ways. Still, I like to feel that what lies beneath this aging exterior is a solid foundation that will see me through.

As this wall clearly demonstrates beauty is, after all, more than skin deep.

Thanks for visiting …

Dorothy

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©Dorothy Chiotti … Aimwell CreativeWorks 2015

Portrait of a Tulip … Happy Easter!

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Tulip b&w

This week’s Weekly Photo Challenge looks like a lark, but I’m not participating … at least not today. Maybe I’ll do it some other time when I’m feeling up to it.

Having spent yet another day down and out with an adrenal meltdown, (the second in two weeks) I feel the need to conserve my reserves of energy for something less demanding of my time and creativity.

So, I turn to a portrait of a tulip — spring’s quintessential bloom — for some inspiration.

Tulips are my favourite spring flower and while I wait for them to festoon the garden I buy bunches at the local supermarket and display them in the living room. I always feel cheered as I walk by and notice how they’ve changed since the last time I saw them. From buds to full blooms of amazing colour combinations.

They also remind me of our trip to Holland a couple of years ago, and wandering the vast grounds and gorgeous floral displays of the Keukenhof.

So, with this small token, which you can imagine to be any colour you like, I wish you a happy Easter weekend, whatever that might mean to you.

Be well and thanks for visiting …

Dorothy 🙂

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Copyright Aimwell CreativeWorks 2013