My Room With A View

Recently I saw Rooms with a View:The  Open Window in the 19th Century, the Metropolitan Museum’s special exhibit of oils, watercolor and drawings of open window views created from 1810-1820.  I was impressed with the beauty and somewhat surprised to learn that occasionally artists replaced a dull view with a magnificent scene.

In 1996, I was part of a trip to Denmark sponsored by a local Rotary Club chapter.  For five weeks, I traveled north on the largest island, Zealand.  I saw incredible sights from medieval castles and Viking ships to the canals of Copenhagen. The best of all these sights were the views from the windows of the many private homes where I stayed.

While looking at the Danish paintings at the Met, I began to think about the most wonderful view I saw from my window.  It was in Jyllinge, a small town located on the eastern bank of Roskilde Fjord.  During the fall and winter, because of Denmark’s northern location, the sunsets would last a couple of hours, typically from 8 until 10. From my window, which overlooked the fjord, I was always thrilled with the view at any time of the day.  I hope you enjoy the ones below as much as I continue to enjoy them.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Out like a Lamb

March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.

– English proverb

March is ending and I haven’t been thinking about lambs.  Instead, my Uncle Bruno and cows have been on my mind.  A few weeks ago, at the age of 95, he said goodbye. I will miss him dearly. He shared many stories of his childhood and growing up in Newark, New Jersey.  My daughter, Chloe Yelena Miller, wrote the following poem based on his remembrances.

Noisier than the Milk

Newark, N.J.

The empty bottles chimed

with the horse’s half-moon step.

Two AM, the milkman found

screen door knobs in that unlocked dark.

The neighborhood children remember

those sounds like a map.

Fifteen cows up on Third Avenue

slept with hushed bells.

First published in SpiralBridge (2004)

© melabee m miller

And I think of him when I see this photograph of a lone cow in Doolin, Ireland.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

More Sparkle!

Remember what warmth feels like?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Melabee’s Images on Posters!

I’ve been using my fine art expertise and drawing on my photographs.  It has been quite enjoyable to work directly on paper, scan the image and later add to it using PhotoShop.  I am proud to announce that three of my newest artwork have been selected to be produced as posters.  Today they are available for sale online.

The image below is one of two posters showing  a coastal scene with Adirondack chairs.  This original photo was taken on Block Island, RI.   Click on this image to find out more.

© melabee m miller Coastal Scene

A series showing wagon wheels (original photo taken in Denmark)  is also available. Click on the image to see all four versions.  Each can be custom framed.

© melabee m miller Wagon Wheels

Be sure to order your own today from any of the sites below or try a Google search using “melabee posters” to find online availability.

AllPosters.com

Poster Hero

PosterCheckOut

Remembering Earth Day 1970

On the first Earth Day I was working at a design office on 22nd Street in New York City near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway.  Watching from my 5th floor studio window,  I saw the first parade participants marching downtown.  I picked up my camera and ran outside.  Here are a few things that I saw.

Fifth Avenue, Earth Day 1970 © melabee m miller

Earth Day 1970 © melabee m miller

Union Square, Earth Day 1970 © melabee m miller

I usually don’t shoot people but Earth Day was such important event,  I had to be part of it and that paid off.  My photo was published on the cover of the Italian design magazine, domus.

Cover of the July 1970 issue of domus magazine

And, yes, the photo was printed upside down-on purpose.

February 2010 View from a Window

Looking out the windows of the Naples hotel as seen in last month’s blog, I realized that every time I visit a new place or revisit a familiar one I am curious about what I can see through the windows-anywhere and everywhere-in private homes, museums, even restaurant restrooms.  It keeps me oriented especially if I am returning to take photos, well, maybe not the restrooms.  Peeking out shutters or drapes I might discover some interesting things and occasionally I’ll see a few gems like the three images below.

© melabee m miller Roof tiles, Duomo, Florence Italy

© melabee m miller Through the window at Island 3, Ellis Island

© melabee m miller Over rooftops in Sala Consilina, Italy

“If a window of opportunity appears, don’t pull down the shade” says American writer, Tom Peters.

And, I couldn’t pass up this quote by comedian, Steven Wright…….. “Every so often, I like to go to the window, look up, and smile for a satellite picture.”