This winter I made a couple of trips out to the desert. As a photographer, it is always so inspiring to change your scenery now and then for a boost of inspiration. The desert definitely delivered!! I love the otherworldly landscapes, shapes, textured and color palettes. Joshua Tree was the first stop which was expansive and amazing. I enjoyed the cholla cactus garden and winding roads through the variety of landscapes. It was a quick trip but it motivated me to plan to come again and explore more in depth with some hiking and camping next time.
Tag Archives: live authentic
First Friday Exhibit Opening- “Bloom”
Every year when the winter rains come I get excited about spring. It is my favorite time of year when the hillsides turn green and then burst with color. Mostly I notice the bright colored mustard flowers that brighten up my drive along the 101 freeway. This year they were especially abundant where there had been a fire in December. Such a bright reminder of the renewal that comes in spring. The hill had been charred to black and now was something of exquisite beauty.
I also love to spend many days in search of other wildflowers like poppies and lupines. It is a beautiful time of year!! Come by the gallery this month to see images from our new collection-“Bloom” Friday, May 6th is First Friday in Downtown Ventura, which means there will be lots of new exhibits at all the galleries and everyone will be staying open a little later and enjoying the festivities- be sure to get a map and check everything out:
http://firstfridaysventura.com/
Latitudes Fine Art Gallery
401 E. Main ST
Ventura, CA 93001
805-642-5257
“Bloom” Opening Reception
6pm-9pm May 6, 2016
Our Earth Day – Little Things Make a Difference
We think about the earth every day around here! Sharing it’s wonder and beauty is what we are all about. I recently went to Santa Barbara’s Natural History Museum and saw a little acrylic box with jellyfish swimming around. On closer inspection I realized it was a display showing how plastic shopping bags look in the ocean. I was truly shocked at how bad of a problem this is for our sea life and for us.
Did You Know?
- Each year plastic kills more than a million sea birds and 100,000 mammals and sea turtles who mistake it for food, such as jellyfish.
- 52% of sea turtles and 60% of sea birds have ingested some form of plastic.
- Plastic toxins end up in fish, which end up on our plates, which end up inside our bodies.
The simple box of water with bags in it at the museum, really made me realize that even my occasional plastic shopping bag can end up in the ocean and harm our sea life. So when it was time to re-order plastic bags for the gallery, I set out on a quest to find something better. We are thrilled with our new reusable cloth bags and by the response so far, our Latitudes Family is too.
Tasha Cleaveland is Latitudes Fine Art Gallery’s Manager and Design Consultant. She has been working with Stephanie and Steve since 2014 and is always excited to help Latitudes customers find the perfect piece to transform their space.
Learn more at http://www.seeturtles.org/ocean-plastic/ and https://www.norwexmovement.com/the-trashy-12/
Super Bloom in Death Valley
I have lived in California for almost 30 years and somehow never made my way out to Death Valley. So this year, with all the buzz about the Super Bloom and the Centennial Celebration for our beloved National Parks, I thought it was the perfect time to go. I only had one day which was definitely not enough…it is a very very big place! Being early March, the temperature was manageable but got a little toasty by mid day. We brought our golden doodle, Cali, but if I were to go back I would have to leave her at home, the trails and hikes are definitely not dog friendly. We saw quite a bit of the main sights, though I would love to come back and spend a few sunrises and sunsets…and the stars at night have got to be insane! We checked out Mesquite Dunes, Zabriske Point, Artists Drive, Badwater Basin, Devil’s Cornfield and lots more along the drive. It was beautiful to see the fields of golden flowers among all rugged terrain. We were in awe of all its majesty and beauty. We will definitely be back.
Unlock Your Heart
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. For some, that strikes fear in their hearts, instead of inspiring love. I propose we change this tradition. Remove the mandatory roses, chocolate and impersonal card, and instead, unlock your heart. It is that simple. So often we put expectations on our loved ones, like they can read our minds. Surprise! They can’t, and it sets us all up for failure. Why not set yourself up for success this year? Tell those you love, exactly what you need to feel loved and ask them to do the same. The answers might surprise you.
For me, words of kindness and simple gestures that remind me I was thought of, tells me that I am loved. For my husband of 15 years, it’s acts of service and small surprises. He isn’t one for extravagant gifts, but little love notes sprinkled throughout his day and going to his tool box to find it organized- that is what tells him that he is loved. This year I have given him a “14 days of love” banner. Each day is an envelope with a note, a small gift, an act of service, a date night, or a pre-arranged outing with his friends.
How do your loved ones know they are loved? Maybe it is about time you asked. We hope Latitudes Fine Art Gallery is part of the key to unlocking your hearts.
If you need help thinking of big and small surprises, stop by the gallery. We love making our “Latitudes Family” happy.
Tasha Cleaveland is Latitudes Fine Art Gallery’s Manager and Design Consultant. She has been working with Stephanie and Steve since 2014 and is always excited to help Latitudes customers find the perfect piece to transform their space.