fauvism

My pulse quickens whenever I see a David Schab painting. I’m enamored of the strong interplay between light and shadow, the patterns, the passion and, of course, his rich, gorgeous colors, which are at the heart of his work.

Though Schab also paints landscapes and portraits, his still lifes are my favorite. I’m fascinated by the selection and arrangement of objects, each of which has a story of its own. Unlike reading a linear narrative, where a plot unfolds gradually and characters are revealed in turn, when you look at a picture you see everything all at once. As your eyes travel from object to object, you consider juxtapositions, make connections, or even begin to create your own story, moment by moment.

Continue reading →

Ever have this daydream?

You decide to take a break after writing all morning. When you step outside, instead of your ho-hum suburban neighborhood, you find yourself in one of the most beautiful villages in southern France.

Breathe that bracing air! What a gorgeous, deep blue cloudless sky! Love the quaint cobblestone streets, ivy climbing up ancient brick walls, morning glories spilling out of flower boxes. And crusty baguettes in bicycle baskets!

Mmmmm — what’s that heavenly aroma? Following your nose, you spy a charming boulangerie just around the corner. Your prayers have been answered! Give us this day our daily bread — and we would not object in the least if you’d like to throw in a few French pastries. Mais, oui!

Thanks to the inimitable Barbara Crooker, we can visit the boulangerie of our dreams at this very moment. You have to love a country where food is an art form and bakers are revered, where the universal language of deliciousness brings people closer together. There is no finer way to feed the soul than to savor each bite with passion and gratitude.

Continue reading →