Permanently thinking . . .

Nikon D80 Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D @ f/2 ISO 800 1/100th

As myself, I do not often go over to other people's houses, being somewhat of a recluse.  However, as a photographer I find myself in places I would otherwise never venture.  One such place was a downtown St. Petersburg condo with as good of a view as you can get in this area.  I was there to photograph a wedding (photos).  The owner of the condo was obviously well off and appreciated the arts for the condo had assorted sculptures and paintings throughout it.  

The sculpture above at first startled me with its realness.  It was creepy.  I did not want to look at it, but one does not see such a piece of art in a domestic setting that often.  The start of the wedding was delayed so I had a few spare moments to try and best photograph this most unusual severed hands, abruptly scalped sculpture.  The figure appeared to be staring into the room.  Boring her eyes into something.  I did not want to photograph that gaze directly so opted for this profile shot, allowing me to include a bit of bokeh from the hanging lights in the dining room.  

What do you think has her so perplexed?

Historic Roser Park Art Festival 2009

Historic Roser Park - a surprisingly nice area for an art festival.

I thought there were no hills south of Brookesville.  So it took me a minute to realize what exactly was different about the Historic Roser Park area of Saint Petersburg.  My eyes were focused on the stream at first, until a sign told me I was in a ravine.  I looked up and saw houses on hills, like San Francisco or somewhere like that.  This was enough for the art festival to be a win in my book.

Booths stretched down along a small stream and actually contained many unique items beyond the usual festival fare.

The festival was not crowded so we could amble in and out of booths at our ease.  There were several photographers with booths there.  I always like to check out the competition.  As always I thought, if I just had my own booth...but if there were any money to be made from having a booth then surely the best photographers in the area would have booths as well?

 These were ingenious crafts that can transform from a vase into a pretty women's hat! For $15 I was tempted to buy one.

Beyond the fine art on display were a good variety of crafts.  I always find myself very interested in crafts, but never quite buying any.  There were sculptured wooden bowls that could flatten by lowering their handles.  I was impressed with the craftsmanship.  

I first saw a living statue artist on a fell day in Zurich, Switzerland many years ago.

Not to spoil the secret, but under the heavy makeup is actually a friendly woman.  Aya gave her a dollar tip and got a handshake from her, as well as two lollipops and for me this photo chance.  She was good.  I could not see her ribs moving at all.  I would like to know what she thinks about to maintain her concentration?  Maybe nothing?  I should have tried to ask her.

HISTORIC ROSER PARK MAP

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