January

January has stayed true to its reputation of being a gloomy month. We had the week of grey weather accompanied by the young son and his flu. Then the week of bitter cold and biting wind, the air so dry it felt like an arctic desert. Finally we had a little snow, just a dusting really, but it brought warmer air. I tried taking photographs, but the results were a bit sad. This week the weather is swinging wildly from spring back to winter, with wind and rain.

When there has been sun, the light has been flat. I thought it would look nice shining down on the new Brooklyn Bridge park. It almost feels wild, but with bits of the city in the background.

The landscaper of the park must have considered how the colors would play together in the winter. It is a bit like plant sculpture.

I do not know what this branch is. It was covered with a velvety layer and reminded me of antlers. That's the Brooklyn/Queens expressway in the distance. Its constant rumbling also prevents one from getting too overwhelmed by nature. I think there are plans to build hotels and condos on the edge of the park. I wonder how they will deal with the noise.

There was still a little ice in spite of the 50 degree temperature. The last time I was here, it was the summer solstice.

Light Sketches

The January light is back flashing in low and bright, showing up in unexpected places.

I have been easing back into my artwork, making light sketches on the good days.

I became embroiled in some epic organization in my work space. It felt good to sort out the piles of disarray.

Clouds have returned obscuring the pretty light.

Yesterday it rained. I can't help but feel that if it weren't for global warning we would have had a light dusting of snow instead of cold nasty rain.

Delayed Solstice, New Year

I was really enjoying the weeks leading to solstice this year. It was surprisingly stress-free, mostly because I left too many Christmas chores to the last minute.

Solstice morning was rainy, but a break in the clouds brought a flash of sunlight through the raindrops. The storm soon passed, I had plans to burn an offering of evergreen boughs in honor of the shortest day. However, after an overly enthusiastic holiday celebration, I decided it was best not to play with fire. Then things were hectic for a few days.

The light changes so quickly around the winter solstice. The days leading up to it seem darker than a few days after. The sun comes from a different angle. Here is the morning light of the young sun in my kitchen. I could celebrate the returning light as well.

Then the weather got weird; promised snow turning into cold nasty rain, gale force winds the next day.

Finally on New Year's Eve, things dried out, the winds calmed down and we got to the burning. The branches went quickly. Solstice went to the new year hopefully bringing joy and good things.