Travelog Day 8, Feb. 8

Gosh! Who turned the sun off today. It’s warmer outside than in, so we have the trailer door open. Good day to visit a museum.

So I got to go to the Univ of Texas art museum while Al went off in the car with the dogs. Got somewhat bogged down in the plaster reproductions of ancient Greek works that were apparently available in the early 1900's via catalogue, compliments of James Mitchener. This was the only way art students had of seeing… Apparently these reproductions went out of fashion in the 1970's with most collections being destroyed. UT put their's in storage and then revived them. When I finally reached the contemporary & modern stuff, I knew this is where I should have been all along. My time literally zipped by and then I had to ask for the time (I forgot to bring a watch), it was 5 min short of when I was to meet Al. I quickly backtracked to record a few names. A ‘docent’ approached and very kindly explained that pens were not permitted. He immediately offered the use of a pencil which I gratefully accepted. This, combined with the infrequent reminders ‘Please resist the urge to touch’, made me feel very welcome compared to some of our Canadian museums. Upon leaving I stopped at the desk and commented that one thing I particularly liked – I had taken advantage of the ‘recorded’ tour – was the lovely commentary provided by some of the docents, which were talking to me, not AT me as sometimes happens when I listen to ‘experts’.

Three artists I did take the time to make notes about:
Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese lady who came to the US in the 1950’s and has since returned to Tokyo. Her displayed work is in pastel and acqueous tempera on paper. The pieces brought to mind the infamous ‘ink blot’ images, but in colour. I was sure that one of them could have been a picture of DNA. (see my previous comments about a radio interview re: DNA artwork)

Bill Viola’s ‘Anima’ (2000) invited 3 actors (I think) to be video-taped showing 4 emotional states. Each state was filmed for 1 minute, then the whole was slowed to 82 minutes. Fascinating!

Isabel Del Rio set herself the task of making as many one-inch plaster tiles each day as she had free time. In the end she completed 2244 tiles, each stamped and dated. The presentation is rather ‘boring’ to my mind; it’s her statement about what we do with … I do her an injustice with this explanation.

By now we were hungry. We stopped at one of three Casa Garcia restaurants for some more Mexican food. We were delighted with the tasty food and me also with the various plates and pottery pieces on display. (Last night’s offerings, about a 10 mile drive, were ‘pitoyable’ (pronounced in the French fashion, Al’s word and I agree). From there we dropped in at the French Legation Museum, an 1840’s restoration. After touring the grounds (not extensive) Al decided that he didn’t wish to take the $$ tour of the various buildings. I did not disagree. The property has a unique view of downtown Austin, being on the edge of hillside overlooking the city, in addition to many original antiques inside the various buildings. The property itself is carefully manicured (the grass was very green and healthy). As in many of these ‘rescues’ a named benefactor made the purchase of the land and restoration possible. Lots of construction is in progress along this hillside, offering luxury apartments, lofts etc for sale. I wondered about the several houses that still exist in this area: are they resisting a buyout or …? The backside of this area had the appearance of ill-kempt and little cared-for houses. Sounds like an up-and-coming area in which to invest.

We returned to our campsite mid-afternoon. It was then that I realized that Al had finally bought his much-wanted TV. I left him unpacking it and took the dogs for a walk to the fenced area after inviting my neighbour, Dave, to bring Bosley, a spaniel to come and play. And play these dogs did. Gypsy escaped through the unlatched gate. I spent 5 minutes encouraging her back from the Oak Forest which is next to the park. Upon returning, Al proceeded to ‘get the mail’, computer in hand since mail is now email and requires the laptop and wireless to complete the ‘transaction’.

Leila entered the trailer after a short stint in her X-pen along with Gypsy, gulped copious quantities of water, walked a bit further into the trailer and then - spewed the contents of her stomach. Grrrrrrooooss! I was on my hands and knees after grabbing the nearest towel to staunch the flow, close enough to the 'bowl' as I came close to upchucking myself since the whole affair put me into a coughing fit.

I'm better now; Al has gone to take a shower while the washing machine takes care of the towel. I'm relaxing with a glass of very cheap red wine that comes in gallon jugs; same type as available in Canada, only 1/4 of the price.

What more can I say?? This too has been a great day! Well almost.