On Friday I visited the de Young Museum here in San Francisco with my friend Amy, and was delighted by their annual "Bouquets to Art" exhibit, which ended today (http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/bouquets-to-art). This is a tribute to the creative synergy that arises when talented floral designers respond to works of art in their collection, and there were many such juxtapositions seen throughout the museum. The flower design seen in the picture to the left was done by Im and Tom Chan of Im Chan Designs in Milpitas.  They are responding to Robert Motherwell's painting from 1950 titled "At Five in the Afternoon". This is a fine painting, and a lovely and unusual arrangement. The graceful tropical fronds, the erect but spindly calla lilies, the white hydrangeas laid in the simple black tray, and the inspired ceramic vase are a strong complement to the poetry of Motherwell's painting. This is a thoughtful and well attended event, which belies the artificial distinctions made between art and applied design. I am looking forward to visiting next year!

My latest carved painting is called Spring Blossoms, Spring Buds. It celebrates the arrival of Spring in San Francisco, and the profusion of cherry blossoms on the trees here. I chose to use a much higher key of pink/magenta than is found in the actual blossoms, but I feel that this represents the visual intensity and deep renewal of this lovely season.  Below is a picture of Union Square taken today in downtown San Francisco at my outdoor art show. The cherry trees seen here are of the same variety featured in my carving. It is truly a lovely season!