JUNE - BOOK CLUB THURSDAY: THE DEADLIEST HURRICANE IN HISTORY

The 2018 hurricane season officially began on June 1st, so, of course, our book for June had to be Isaac’s Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by one of my favorite authors, Erik Larson.

I am a Gulf Coast gal, so reading about the hurricane I grew-up hearing stories about, seeing the few buildings that withstood the destruction while the building next to it was destroyed … well, I was all in as the saying goes. And, I had no doubt that Larson would reward us with a well researched, and detailed story.

Book ClubSuZan AlexanderJune 28, 2018Books, Galveston, Erik Larson, ReadingComment

MAY - BOOK CLUB THURSDAY: RICHARD AVEDON

Our Artist Spotlight for May is American photographer, Richard Avedon. I have shared a few blog posts about Avedon this month (Featured below), but now it is time to bring it full circle with our book for the month. I searched for biographies and books that somehow related to Avedon and/or his work. I finally settled on Avedon at Work by Laura Wilson. While this book is not our typical “read”, I think it is an important glimpse behind the scenes that, in many ways, makes it more important than reading a 400-page biography.

Book ClubSuZan AlexanderMay 31, 2018SuZan Alexander Fine Art PhotographyRichard Avedon, Reading, BooksComment

Book Club Thursday 2018 Reading Kickoff

I am a confessed bibliophile. I love to read and I love to share books, and suggested reads, with fellow readers. After relocating to Central Texas a few years ago, well... I miss being a member of an active book club that discusses books. This is where you come into the picture. If you enjoy reading, have I got an idea for us.

As a way to encourage each other to read more books in 2018, let's meet here on the last Thursday of each month to discuss books we've read and books we are reading. I will put together a list of books to read to get us started but feel free to make some suggestions. Most of all, add your comments and join the conversation.

Book ClubSuZan AlexanderJanuary 25, 2018Books, ReadingComment

Happy Birthday John Singer Sargent!

American artist, John Singer Sargent, was born 162 years ago today (January 12, 1856). John Singer Sargent was apparently THE portrait artists back in the day. The photograph captures the artist in his studio. However, if you look closely at the painting behind him, you will get a glimpse at the portrait that probably brought him the most notoriety. Why this portrait? Well, the subject of the portrait was Virginie Gautreau. Madame Gautreau happened to be the "it girl" of Paris in the late 1800s. But the subject herself was not the reason the painting was famous.

Book ClubSuZan AlexanderJanuary 12, 2018Art, Art History, Artist, Books, John Singer Sargent, painter, ReadingComment

Happy Birthday to An American Photographer: Edward Curtis

Happy Birthday to the American photographer, Edward Sheriff Curtis (February 16, 1868 - October 19, 1952)! Chances are pretty good that you have seen Curtis's photographs and probably not given it much attention. I hope you will read a little about him and enjoy some of his work; maybe even seek out some of his images to enjoy and appreciate.

Inspiration and Influences, Book ClubSuZan AlexanderFebruary 16, 2017Artist, Photo, Photography, Pictures, Reading, Edward CurtisComment

Summer Reading: Travel Through Reading

My birthday is in the latter part of May. Years ago, I was asked by my boss, very cautiously I might add, if my approaching birthday ended in a five or a zero. That has always stayed with me for some reason. He almost seemed frightened yet obligated in some way to ask. I tell you this story because, this year's birthday did end in a five. I don't usually let it bother me. It is just another day after all. But for some reason(s), this year has me waxing philosophical and I decided to immerse myself in reading John Steinbeck's novel, Travels with Charley, because,

Book ClubSuZan AlexanderJune 25, 2016Books, John Steinbeck, Reading, TravelComment

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