Feet, Belur, India

This photo holds a lot of meaning for me personally. This was taken when my husband and I were on our honeymoon in 2007. We had just had our second wedding in Bangalore and were traveling the countryside near by with his cousins.

After a day or two in Bandipur to see the nature preserve, we headed back to Bangalore, stopping in Belur to see the temple. My hands and feet were covered with mehendi, which was a source of amusement to not only me, but most of the Indians as well.

While I was at the temple, walking around barefoot, I stopped to take some pictures of my own feet. I have a penchant for doing this on vacation. While doing so, I noticed one woman trying to catch a glance of what I was doing, a knowing smile on her face. We smiled at each other, and I carried on.

When I came across this image, doused in tumeric and decorated with offerings of flowers, I couldn’t help but think of my own decorated feed, and the role they played in our Indian ceremony (the husband helps the bride take steps with a rock under her foot). A friend purchased this as a wedding present and I couldn’t think of anything more befitting. Every time I look at this, it reminds me of my own wedding, my own vows, my own decorated feet. I hope the lucky newlyweds gathered the gist of that feeling.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Honeymooning, Memories from the Wedding Celebrations, My Art, Wedding by Courtney

Carmel-by-the-Sea might be one of my favorite places on earth. Come on, the name alone sounds enchanting. Add quirks like no addresses, and this place is like something from a fairy tale.

I’ve spent a bit of time in front of the fireplaces that dot the courtyard of Hog’s Breath Inn’s pub, drinking Guinness and sipping pinot noir. One day, while partaking in drink, these two purple flowers fell from overhead. The lines of the table reminded me of ancient writing, some poetry, perhaps, or maybe sheet music. The two flowers circled, like two dancers waiting to embrace. Mother Nature rang in on this one too, providing the overcast sky that gave this picture a nice white light, lending to the ethereal feel.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, california, My Art by Courtney

Street Lamp, Rome

Street Lamp, Rome is a reminder that sometimes you just need to look up. Even on an overcast day, with a chilly breeze, there’s loveliness to be found.

That’s it. A short story suits a minimal photograph quite well, me thinks.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art, Rome by Courtney

When In Rome

I had originally called this image Tchotchke View of St. Peter’s, but I think I should change the title to When In Rome. This tongue-in-cheek phrase (pun intended) seems to fit the mood of the photo a little better.

A lot of my feelings around this photo are captured in a previous post, “Holy Tchotchke!”. It’s funny how foreign yet how similar a place can be all at once. (more…)

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art, Rome, Silliness by Courtney

Door, Vatican City

This seems to be a favorite photo of many who admire my work. Vatican City is such a small space, nestled within Rome. Most pictures you see are of the Pope, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s, and all of the other reasons you actually go visit this walled city-state.

We entered through the metal detectors and marveled at the sheer size of St. Peter’s Square. After viewing some of the church below, marveling at its size as well, we began our ascent to get a better look at the dome. After getting to the top of the first set of stairs, we were at the base of the dome, and had a beautiful view of the city.

As I wondered around, I stumbled upon this door. Peachy, creamy colors, and a weather worn door. The only thing that made this picture more perfect is that warm glow that seems to permeate all of Rome. Click! I had captured that instance. I enjoyed viewing a lot of beautiful art that day, but this simple, rustic door was one of the more beautiful moments I captured.

Filed under:
365 days of stories, Italy, My Art by Courtney