What Artist Would You Choose to Paint Your Portrait Part II

In this post, What Artist Would You Choose to Paint Your Portrait, I asked my readers and blog pals to give me the names of artists (living or dead) whom they would choose to paint their portrait.

Since then, I've received responses from more folks.  Flor Larios, an artist herself and proprietor of the Etsy shop Flor Larios Art, comes a request for a portrait by either her inspiration Frida Khalo or by Gaugin. You'll love Flor's beautiful Mexican inspired paintings, prints, boxes and other artworks. I've purchased a couple of prints as gifts and some beautiful note cards for Christmas.

While it's true that Frida mostly painted self-portraits, I'm particular fond of this portrait of her sister Cristina Khalo:

My Sister Cristina Khalo

1928

My Sister Cristina Khalo

Detail

And also for Flor, a favorite Gaugin of mine. With her long, dark hair, she would make a perfect subject in a Gaugin painting.

Three Tahitians
1899 

Steve of the blog Color Sweet Tooth, also a fine artist, said that if Friedensreich Hundertwasser painted portraits, he would be his choice. This is the closest I came to anything resembling a portrait. Thanks, Steve, as I'd never heard of him. Incredibly good stuff to sink my head into in the very near future.

Steve also thought of Klimt. I thought of Klimt too. What woman wouldn't think of Klimt to paint her portrait.  But finding any portrait of a man by Klimt proved to be difficult. Here is one I found:

Joseph Pembauer
Pembauer was a pianist and piano teacher of the times in Vienna. The frame is also A Klimt design. I believe this is a glicee print.

And because Klimt's portraits of women are so extraordinary, I leave it to your imagination how he may have painted a male portrait in the same vein in this one, without the woman. Just a thought.

Libhom chose Man Ray, who is also a huge favorite of mine. Here is a sample:

Cloudia of wasn't fussy about who should paint her portrait as long as she was painted as a nymph. What exactly is a nymph, you ask? There are many. Read up on them here. Depicted here, however, is a particular kind of nymph called a Haliai.

Haliai

Quite simply, sea nymphs. They show up under this name in a random play by Sophocles and in Callimachus' Hymn to Artemis (read it!), but doesn't seem to be as commonly used as the more general "nymph" or the more specific "Nereid" or "Oceanid". Haliai comes from the word for "sea" and also means "salt". Oh, for a moment of amusement,  glance to the right at the poll results. I'm really curious about who has had their portrait painted and by whom. Come on! Fess up!  ;-) I was the only one who voted that I would have to think about it.  I had such a hard time choosing just one portrait. There were so many, for the various stages of my life; finally settling on Mona Lisa. I can't give Mona up...   I hope you're having a good Saturday. Peace, love and all groovy things, Pagan Sphinx

Creative Blogger Awards & Other Froms of Bloggy Love

This thank you and acknowledgement is long overdue. A few weeks back, my blog friend and fellow Peace Tree blogger, Betmo nominated The Pagan Sphinx as a recipient of this lovely award. Betmo also has two blogs I follow: Life's Journey and Betmo's Corner. She is a tireless news hound - I find myself turning to Life's Journey if I really want to know what's going on from a real-life Leftist American Feminist Woman and all-around very cool and lovely person! And Betmo's Corner is like a little santuary in the frenzied blog world. I don't know if Betmo ever received this award herself but just in case, I'm re-giving it to her for fantastic haiku in the Little Sanctuary.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity, Bet!

I would in turn like to give the Creative Blogger Award to the following six people. All creative, intense, fascinating, beautiful people. Please give yourself a break from the pressures of life and blogging by visiting their sites to view their beautiful work.

Thorne from California, Carmi from London, Ontario (through The Pagan's Eye) and Soulbrush (also via The Pagan's Eye) from London, England, are new friends whose blogs I've been really enjoying a connection with. Keep up all your wonderfully create efforts, everyone!

Love,
Pagan Sphinx

Linda at Vulture Peak Muse (painting and photography)
Susan and co-blogger Crow at Phantsy That (painting, jewelry and fabric art and writing)
Steve at Color Sweet Tooth (painting other creative forces)
Thorne at Thorne's World (writing, photography, tatoo art)
Soul at Soulbrush (painting)
Carmi at Written, Inc. (photography and writing)
Betmo at Betmo's Corner (poetry)

Fabulous Blog Award

I've recently ventured out farther into the blogosphere and have discovered some very fine blogs. Gobs of blogs. Largely, the new blogs I've been reading have been introduced to me by people who like to take pictures and post them to various theme memes such as Ruby Tuesday and Shadow Shot Sunday, to name my two favorites.

Honestly, I don't know how I ended up at Thorne's World but as I did, she had just moved out of blogger and into her new space on Word Press. First of all, I immediately admired her courage in doing this, as Word Press is exactly where I should be renting. But I'm scared to lose all of my blog possessions. And when I went to Thorne's World and was immediately treated to a laugh in just the first sentence of the first post I read, I knew that I would want to have Thorne as one of my bloggy friends.

So, friends of the Pagan Sphinx, please meet Thorne from California, whom I am only just getting to know but already think highly of. I'm honored to have been recognized by you with this award.

And today when I read my comments I was invited to Thorne's World to pick this up:



I love the yellow dress. I could never pull off yellow, not even when my hair was deep brown. Maybe because my skin is light but an olive undertone. And the heels are something my size 91/2 feet could never tolerate. Though I do have a thing for nice shoes, especially strappy sandals. I don't care for hats and I only wear one when I absolutely have to in scortching heat or heavy rain or bittere below zero temps. Oh and the dog. I always think I'd like to have a sassy little dog one day - isn't that some sort of little terrier she's walking? They're cute and jaunty and everything but my experienes with them have not been good: too barky and annoying and nippy. I have never been that skinny, either. Especially at this stage of my life.

I would not have written so much about the blog award picture if it didn't love it, which I do. It's very 60's Paris. And I loved getting from Thorne, my new blog bud, who, as it turns out is a blog bud of Betmo, who also recieved this award because she is awesomelly well-informed and tells it like it is. Bet (whom I have taken to called Betty in my head) is also a really nice person and dedicated blog bud.

Now. For the rules:

I'm supposed to name five addictions:

1) blogging
2) taking pictures
3) carbonated spring water
4) collecting home renovation ideas (but rarely following through)
5) that first sip of coffee in the morning

Now I'm supposed to give the Fabulous Blogger Award of the lady with the little dog to five other bloggers who are not only deserving but will also play the 5 addictions game. It's really a win-win situation, if I think you're deserving you don't have to play the game to get the award. See? I'll still like you even if you don't play the game, in other words.

Steve at Color Sweet Tooth: a consumate artist, Steve is also a highly thoughtful commentator and kind and generous soul. You should check out his paintings. I actually own one and if I ever get around to affording the mat and frame for it, I will post a photo of it hanging on my wall. Meanwhile, you can view it here. It is even more beautiful in person, I assure you. If you like that, also please have a look at this one. It was inspired by my daughter and daughter-in-law's wedding at San Francisco City Hall. I still get chocked up when I think about how much this painting means to me and how grateful I am to know someone who was able to capture so beautifully the love between two young people just embarking on their future together. Thank you, Steve for your art and your friendship.

Hey, Harriet deserves this award. Tracey from Brisbane has treasures gallore about life and art in her city and she's a very fine photographer so her readers are treated to spectacular and creative photos of her environment. Tracey also hosts Shadown Shot Sunday, which can easily boast about the talent and dedication of a good number of participants weekly; all of whom are very intelligent, articualte and friendly. I highly recommend you visit, except that you will be swept off your feet by the beauty of Brisbane and then you won't stop chewing your partner's ear off about how you have to go there some day. Like me. ;-) And tracey, I'm thrilled that you've been coming by the Pagan Sphinx as well as "the eye". I enjoy your comments very much. Oh, and I love the "random surrel generator" thingie you have on your blog. I look forward to it. :-)

Bobbie at Almost There. She tells lots of stories about her Norman Rockwell past and her children and grandchildren but she's not stuck in the past and that's obvious by the posts she writes on the state of our nation and the world and her caring and concern for the earth and its people. I admire this lady a whole lot and I can't go a day without at least checking in quickly to see what she has to say. Bobbie also takes great photographs which she posts to various memes like Ruby Tuesday and Sky Watch Friday. In fact, it was through Bobbie's blog that I first discovered Sky Watch. And also how I met this wonderful blogger:

Dianne at Forks Off The Moment. What can I say? I adore her. She's sweet and very funny; down to earth and also creative and political and oh, so very cool. And she's a native of the greatest freakin' city on earth -New York. Dianne has an exceptional knack for writing posts that draw people like moths to a flame. And her photos are really good too. Check them out on Do You See What I See.

Susan and co-blogger Crow of Phantsythat. Susan is another amazing, imaginative, whimsical, creative, loving soul. The artwork she shares is so special and dear and lovingly rendered, that I'm always touched by what I see there and so grateful that I am fortunate enough to view her wonderful paintings and hand-painted silk scarves and purses and jewelry. Oh and did I mention how she can write, too? The kind Susan is well-traveled and shares many vignettes, adventures and pursuits through her other blogs: Adventures Ink and Baby Days a little illustrated story that I fell in love with on first read. Do have a look. Don't miss a thing.

The Tree of Happiness Award

From the warm-hearted and talented Linda at Vulture Peek Muse

&
The the equally talented and warm-hearted Steve of Color Sweet Tooth

(how luck am I, to know these wonderful people, huh??)

Thank you so much for this award. I will cherish it and keep it always on the blog mantel.

This award has attached a requisite of stating six things that make me happy.
Because anyone who reads TPS knows that my family and my dear WP are who make me most happy, I will concentrate on other things; perhaps even food or something equally inane. I guess I'm not feeling all poetic about happiness today. ;-) We'll see what happens.

Food It is:

1) bread of the world
2) black olives
3) cherries
4) raw oysters
5) artichokes
6) asparagus

Steve's request is that his recipients of the Tree of Happiness Award list att least three of the six things be ones that readers don't yet know about.

1) Once in a while falling asleep to the low tone of the TV set when WP is watching. I don't know what about this makes me happy but it makes me feel safe and contented.

2) Watching the birds and squirrels at the feeders

3) African music

4) Blogging

5) Children

6) Chocolate (dark truffles but the less exotic Raisinettes and Reeses miniatures will do in a pinch) ;-)
I want to give the award to six people whom I depend upon daily for emotional, spiritual and intellectual sustenance. In other words, food for thought. It sort goes with the food list. ;-)

1) Linda, who is not supposed to be listed because she gave me the award, because she got from someone else, but I insist on including her. She is rich in love and spirituality and shares herself and her wonderful art generously.

2) Bobbie at Almost There. For being there, not almost, but always.

3) Dianne at Forks Off The Moment because everything she stands for makes me happy and proud to know her.

4) Steve at Color Sweet Tooth for his art, friendship and all the learning I do from his comments.

5) Betmo at Life's Journey and Betmo's Corner for her unwavering stand on so many important leftist issues and for her friendship and support. Oh, and the haiku!

6) Sherry at After the Bridge for her poetry, interesting tid-bits and images and her sweetness and friendship

If you haven't done so already, check out their blogs and stay awhile. Treasures abound there!

Love,
Pagan

Heart Mandala Award

This is such a beautiful award; both visually and symbolically. I'm very, very honored to have received it from my friend Liberality, whom I grow to admire and respect more with every post of hers I read. And that it was created with love by Susan, the subject of this art post, makes it all that much more special.

So many talented, creative, loving people deserve this award so it's hard to choose from among them. It's also hard for me to recall who likes awards and who does not, so if I pass this one to you and you're not an awards person, please feel no obligation.

For their heartfelt kindness and support:

1.) Steve at Color Sweet Tooth
2) Dianne at Forks Off The Moment
3) Betmo of Life's Journey

(My apologies to all for the delay in posting about my high regard for this award. I've been ill since Monday; struggling with an earache and congestion as well as a whole host of other related and unrelated ailments. Today, in the wee hours, I developed a massive headache that I've been fighting off all day. This is the first time today I have been able to be up and about. )

Meaningless Meme

Ed tagged me for the Meaningless Meme and I, being unable to say no to such easy frivolity, am playing along.



1. Five names you go by:
* Gina
* Mommy
* Baby (at least it's not "Babe". which always reminds me of the pig)
* Mrs. P (which is not accurate but people always assume we're married)
* Pagan Sphinx (you know, in the blog world)

2. Three things you are wearing right now:
* earrings (always)
* an Indian print scarf
* purple tights

3. Two things you want very badly at the moment:

* a vacation
* a new work environment

4. Three people who will probably fill this out:

* Sherry
* Steve (because I'm curious as to what movie clip he'll choose)
* You!

5. Two things you did last night:

* Watched the movie Zodiac with WP
* Ordered a pizza

6. Two things you ate today:

* toast with butter
* black coffee

7. Two people you last talked to on the phone:

* SG2
* one known as a "busybody" - don't ask :-/

8. Two things you are going to do tomorrow:

* go to work
* pay bills

9. Two longest car rides:

* Paris to Lisbon (as a wee lass)
* Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

10. Two of your favorite beverages:

* wine
* sparkling spring water


And finally, my favorite part: a clip from a favorite movie, Breaking the Waves with the incomparable Emily Watson as Bess McNeil, and a stellar soundtrack.

A Blog Award and A Survey

I am the recipient of this one Marie Antoinette Award because, according to Diva Jood, who bestowed it upon me, I tell the truth and she adores me. Or something like that. I guess I manage well enough with the truth by obviously leaving a lot of things out of my posts. I'm glad you like me anyway. ;-) And thank you.

Here are my picks for The Marie Antoinette Award:

DCup: Truth serum runs through her veins and I always want to give her one of these blog awards but someone always beats me to it. Probably as I type this, someone already has. But such is the nature of these things, I guess.

Linda at Vulture Peak Muse: You cannot come across as sincerely as Linda if you're not telling the truth. It's as simple as that.

Kelly at American As Seen By Kelly: She doesn't lie and she gives great gifts (see the post below).

Steve at Color Sweet Tooth: Even if Steve didn't tell the truth, his little frog and co-blogger, Grenouille would set the record straight for him.

Sylvia: I love her posts and her photos and if she is ever accused of treason, I will defend her to the end!

Kenju: She's no B/S and tells it like it is!

Now for the survey. It sort of fits with the theme of this post as I want you to tell me the truth about this. Those of you who visit here often have seen that little Hipcast Jukebox on some of posts. Well, it actually plays music when you click on it. What I want to know is, do you ever actually listen to the music? The reason I want to know is because it costs money and if no one listens to it, then I will cancel the subscription and go with the more visual (for better or worse) You Tube.

Brilliante Award!

From a blogger who's quite brilliante herself, that coolest of cool women DivaJood.

I now bestow the dazzling award to some of the most effervescent boys in the neighborhood. Each appreciated by me for their unique talents.

Singing Bear - Gifted musicologist, music critic, poet and good friend

The Cunning Runt - Brilliante nature photographer and part of my family; as like...in the real world sphere.

The Poetryman Poet extraordinaire, lives for peace and peacefully lives; always

Ed of Enriched Geranium Musician and fine blog commenter on my esoteric music posts (thank you for indulging me)

and

Steve of Color Sweet Tooth - Savor the artist's colors; he is a luscious painter and incredible art commenter on my blog. Lucky me!

The Pagan Bookshelves

Steve at Color Sweet Tooth photographed his bookshelves for a recent post and invited others to do the same. DCup has since followed suit and I, a bit late as usual, have a sampling of my shelves.

When I go to someone's home for the first time and the situation calls for it, I love to browse through their bookshelves, don't you? So here are mine for your perusal. And as Steve stated in his bookshelves post: I challenge readers to show your bookshelves.

(click on photos to enlarge)

Art Bookshelf
(above)
Please meet Cesar le Lizard but please don't ask me to translate!

Random Bookshelf
some rock music biographies, a cookbook that I haven's looked at twice and some novels
Stones From the River by Ursula Hegi is one of the best books I've read in the last ten years

Mostly novels and some Yeats
I Spy Books shoved on top
I love this series for children and I don't like to leave my personal copies in the classroom
I'm a Yeats fan...

He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven

Had I the heavens' embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half-light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

William Butler Yeates

from the collection Crossways (1889)
The Collected Poems of W.B. Yeats

A stack of mostly novels, a couple of which I've yet to read, and behind it, some parenting books I've kept in anticipation of grand kids one day.

Poetry and novels

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb and The Diaries of Jane Somers by Doris Lesing are two other favorite novels.

The little dish with ashes is where I burn incense and the little you can see of the cloth doll in the corner is Amelia Earhart - a flea market find of many years ago and one of those things I just can't get rid of.

There at least four more bookcases in my house that are not represented here. While I've diligently gotten rid of a lot of excess junk (mine and that of other family members), I admit to having a hard time getting rid of books. A couple of years ago, after filling four boxes full of books and taking them to a used book store, I felt as if I was dropping off a litter of kittens. But it had to be done.

I rarely buy new books anymore unless it's something I know I will refer to often. I find the cost of books exorbitant, so I use the library and buy used books. I am much more at home in a good used book store or a locally owned one than in a Borders or Barnes & Noble. We're lucky in the Happy Valley and the north in Brattleboro, Vermont to have so many independent book stores to choose from; some with unique personalities such as Beyond Words, which boasts a great collection of books on mysticism, religion and spirituality and Food for Thought, which is a workers collective bookstore, carries an incredible selection of books on political themes and issues; including books by local authors with limited exposure and books printed by small, independent book makers.

I admit that I don't read nearly as much as I once did. In this phase of my life, it appears I need long stretches of uninterrupted reading time in order to stay focused. The vacation in Nova Scotia proved to be just what I needed to rapidly devour several books; five, in fact. More on that in another post, I hope.