To get the most out of this blog, please click on many of the images, underlined words, etc. for links to more information, interviews, music, etc.

No one gets it better than Roz Chast—from one Jewish mother to another….courtesy Roz Chast and the New Yorker Magazine

three things we love

Joyce J. Scott

The Sneak, depicts six figures either engaged in, or witnessing, domestic violence Beads, thread, dimensions — *The Sneak*, depicts six figures either engaged in, or witnessing, domestic violence Beads, thread, dimensions

Joyce J. Scott surrounded by her art and that of the African Yoruba Tribe

The beadwork of the Yoruba Tribe in Nigeria serves as inspiration for Scott’s work.

I was initially drawn to Joyce J. Jones' jewelry after randomly coming across one of her necklaces as I was browsing on pinterest but soon found out that this was just the tip of the iceberg for this amazing artist. I was happy to discover that Joyce is the recipient of the presigious MacArthur Genius Award (she won in 2016) and is best known for her depictions of racially and politically charged subjects in her work. Her necklaces are meant to be conversation pieces, provocative and engaging--you have to be gutsy to wear her work. Aside from the craft of jewelry and her intricate use of the peyote stitch in beading, she is truly a woman of all trades--a printmaker, sculptor, weaver, performance artist and singer as well. Listen to her talk about her own work here. PBS did a segment on her as part of their Craft in America Series and for a more academic approach, Susan Cummins of the former Susan Cummins Gallery in Mill Valley, California gave a slide show and talk on Joyce which is also well worth the listen. And if you haven't seen enough of her work yet, check out this site as well.

Anita Moorjani

Anita Moorjani’s story is indeed a remarkable one and if you believe her (and I have no reason not to), it might just change your outlook on life (and death) forever. You see, Anita Moorjani died and came back--and lived to write about it. Her body, riddled with cancer, had zero chance of survival after a four year fight with the disease. She was down to 80 some odd pounds and in a coma with literally hours to live. What happened next is surprising, baffling, and inexplicable to her doctors and all of us in our current way of thinking. She "died" and miraculously came back to life, and within weeks, had not a trace of cancer remaining in her body. Listen to her mind stretching Ted Talk here. Anita has written a book entitled Dying to be Me which tells her tale in extensive detail, and I highly recommend it. I know, sounds crazy, right!? But hey, you never know...well worth the read and always good to keep an open mind...

Jo Resnick Rosen

Photo of Gert and me by Jo Resnick Rosen

No family event, party, or wedding should go without Jo Resnick Rosen, people photographer par excellence, who is able to capture the essence of her subjects through her camera lens. I know JoJo since I was a little kid—-she grew up in Usonia, the same Frank Lloyd Wright cooperative community I grew up in outside of New York City. She was always creative but photography is her passion (she also has a law degree!). If you are having a special event, want to memorialize time with family photos, or just need a headshot, please check out her website and consider hiring her—-she loves to travel for her work too so don't hesitate--so many of my favorite photos of family and friends are taken by her…P.S. She is a wonderful person too and great to have around.

painting of the week

Pam Smilow Mignon Means Cute in French mixed media on canvas 40” x 60” $4500

Commission a Portrait

Donate to Help Families in Afghanistan

Another Self Portrait going grey in the time of Covid…

About The Author

New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow created the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.