Testimonials

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

The acrobatic waiter who is not a street artist

Okay … okay … a day taking pictures as usual on Las Ramblas when right before my very eyes I see motion of an unusual kind.


Showing off and "Y" not
Las Ramblas, Barcelona, 2006

I turn to my right and I see this fella being wild and crazy. Aha! I say to myself. A street artist entertains on Llano de la Boqueria, a sort of street just a wee bit off Las Ramblas, and I am here ready and available.


Satisfaction
Las Ramblas, Barcelona, 2006

I am full of wonder and excitement that this wonderful subject is performing for my viewing and picture taking pleasure.

He is Jose, a waiter, (hmmm … I’ve been meeting a lot of Jose’s in Barcelona lately) and he does acrobatics to unwind from a day with those pesky tourists.

He may be a great inspiration and you might wish to try what Jose does so easily. Good luck!

But, as for me, I think I might not try, at least for now.

Oh waiter!!!

While Jose is not a street performer, he deserves the honor to be in the same photoset as one of Barcelona's own street artist. He does them proud.
 Barcelona’s Street Artists View the acrobatic waiter in barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Minimal Acoustic Band_Reprinted

Originally a Sept 6 2006 post. Movie has been recompressed and more pictures added.

In my travels through cities, I think the best part is its street artists.

Downtown Barcelona is where we found Minimal Acoustic Band that drew quite a crowd.

Plaça de Catalunya

Minimal Acoustic Band, Barcelona, 2006

Click HERE to view in Quicktime.

I had a dickens of a time trying to get close to this group and was lucky enough to get a video and shoot some photos.

Later I had a chance to speak with Artur, a Catalan, who was kind enough to give me their web site address.

I was sort of disappointed that their site didn’t have more information on the musicians. Hopefully they will update their page with more stuff.

For anyone interested here it is:

http://mab.com.es/

Sometimes, the crowd is more entertaining than the entertainer.

Plaça de Catalunya

Minimal Acoustic Band, Barcelona, 2006

What do you think?

Enjoy!!

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View the Minimal Acoustic Band in barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Monday, October 23, 2006

Barcelona's Own Ragtime Band

Bandastic!!

A few weeks ago walking towards la Plaça de Catalunya wonderful, melodious, soulful sounds I heard that made me feel like I was back on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.

My feet were tapping, my head bobbing, my fingers snapping. I was drawn to sounds like a child led by the Pied Piper.

I followed the scent of the notes and found myself right in front of the HardRock café.

There, lo and behold, were four people who blended like a chorus of one.



They were playing New Orleans Jazz, Russian, British and España style.

This group rocks, moves and shakes making it difficult for me to get the shots I like. I took photo after photo. In fact, in the past 2 weeks, I returned on two other occasions, shot more photos, for a total of 1 giga, the most I’ve ever taken of any one person, any one place, or any one thing. And even now, I feel that I didn’t do them justice. The way they move is only equaled to the way they sound.

YES! I really, REALLY like them!!

They are Barcelona’s very own New Orleans Ragamuffins with Pepe (Spain, the trumpet player), the two Mikhas, (Russia), banjo/piano and Sophie (Great Britain, clarinet). I was experiencing a wonderful mixture of sound and style.

To hear Pepe speak beautifully and ME, stumble in that embarrassing way I have, click HERE. I’m trying!!


Pepe, Blowing His Horn
Barcelona, 2006

For your viewing pleasure, click HERE and get a Barcelona taste of the New Orleans Ragamuffins on a QuickTime movie.

Oh! YEAH! I even BOUGHT their CD! In fact, I am listening to them as I write this.



Okay … okay. I’ve written enough and now you Enjoy!!

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View the New Orleans Ragamuffins in barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Saturday, October 21, 2006

Isn’t she lovely?


Stringently Restricted Development
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

For the poor guys who’ve sunk their faces deep into the breast-ocean of “the lady in red,” here’s an important bulletin:

If you’ve been agonizing over whether “she’s” a guy or a gal, the news is – she’s a SHE for sure!


She's a SHE for sure
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

Today, Claudia was “out of action,” or, as you could say, “On the bench.” Reason: she fell and bashed-up her shoulder and arm. Ouch!

Nevertheless, although the show isn’t going on, momentarily, Claudia is still smiling JUST FOR YOU!

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Enjoy!!

Friday, October 20, 2006

Open and Natural

Are you shy and withdrawn?

Are you out of touch with fashion?

Are you one of those people who just never have anything to wear?


Admiring Woman
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

Let this La Rambla street artist be YOUR inspiration.


Open and Natural
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

He exhibits no inhibitions, showing all but his bare necessities.

So the next time you feel timid and unsure of yourself think of this guy. Admire him for his lack of timidity and reservedness.

But, PLEASE! Forgo his makeup techniques.


What I Might Want to be When I Grow Up
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

And don't let YOUR children be inspired!

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Enjoy!!

Thursday, October 19, 2006

Dog working like a man; man working like a dog.

You’ll see all kinds of creativity on Las Ramblas in Barcelona.

Today, I chose an unknown street artist who doesn’t sing, dance or dress in an outrageously funny and/or strange way.

He’s a quiet one with crowd appeal.

He’s got a kind, wonderful, soft and sweet face that makes you need to smile.

He is also inhuman you might say, and canine, you have to say because, to tell the truth, he’s a dog.

What kind? Just a plain mutt in a fetal position, working non-stop to keep the number of pesky flies pestering him down to a mere 20,000.

His master, meanwhile, is working like a dog, transmogrifying art out of aluminum cans.



Frankly, I’m fascinated with the process: one minute, there’s a bunch of junky aluminum cans on the ground, and half an hour later, they’re works of art!


When I saw first the man you see here in my photo, I thought back to a past post of mine called Fabricating Aluminum Ashtrays, where I pointed out the differences in personalities. (Click on the link to read the post and view the QuickTme video.)

Like this fabricator/creator/transmogrifier, the couple in the Fabricating post were serious and a somewhat distant and Isabel cheery and bubbly.

To this day, I wonder and muse about Isabel; I hope she is well and happy.

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Enjoy!!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

His Eyes Make Me Whys

Continuing series dedicated to the street artists of Barcelona and this one is no exception.

Over the few years, I have seen some of La Rambla’s street artists come and go.

I’ve liked many for their fun, artistry, creativity and good humor. And others? Oh well, you fill in the blanks.

On this particular day, after passing the popular artists, I came across this hombre.
j
He was sitting there, rather regal, alone, and reading a black, wordless book.



He was not pleased that we were taking pictures of him at first but our attentiveness, kindness and politeness won him over.

His name is Claudio and the character he portrays is Miguel de Unamuno.

He told us conspiracy stories like when the Lliceu theatre burned down and the how’s and why’s to the fire.

He reminisced of this famous street’s changes and how new rules and regulations in the near future will continue to transform this famous street.

Anyway, as he spoke, I was able to take many, MANY pictures but the more I photographed him the more curioser and CURIOUSER I became of what was behind those dark, mysterious glasses.

So I asked him if he would be so kind to show me his eyes. He did.


His Eyes Make Me Whys
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

POW!! His eyes made me wonder and ask myself about the “what”, “when”, where”, “how” and “whys” of his life, and what I could learn.

A few days later I went back to La Rambla to ask him more questions and much to my disappointment, he was not there.

Oh, well, another day.

As I look back to that day and write this noticia, I felt for just a brief moment, that when our eyes met, I held his soul.

P.S. I would like to say that I rarely do touch ups of my photos. Heaven knows I probably should, but I do crop, lighten and burn when necessary and for me, these photos are a novice photographer’s dream. The pictures are the camera’s reality taken through my eyes.

I invite you to click the link below for additional photos on Miguel and other artists on FLICKR.

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Her Bags are Packed

And for all you guys, and maybe girls, the curvaceous, flamboyant Lady in Red is ready to go!


Grateful Victim
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

Her name is Claudia and she’s been a street performer on La Rambla for about 6 to 8 years, as different characters.

She has a crowd every moment and constant thunderous laughter is heard everywhere.

She’s exuberant, stylish, loud and funny.


Buoyant Lady in Red
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

Look her up and be tickled with delight.

Be sure to view the QuickTime movie.

I invite you to click the link below for additional photos on the Lady in Red and other street artists on FLICKR.

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Enjoy!

Monday, October 16, 2006

Tramp_ing ...

down La Rambla

To have a good time in Barcelona, YOU have to walk down La Rambla.

Street Artists are everywhere as they have been for years, entertaining you with their sometimes ingenious creativity, good spirit and questionable fun.

Some are good, some are very VERY good, and some are just plain plain.

Here is one of my special favorites.

His name is Jose and he is


A Happy Tramp
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

Charlie Chaplin’s alter ego, The Tramp!

Jose transmits the sadness, humble, gentlemanly like qualities that were characteristic of the Tramp in a way that is better than the original.

A Flabbergasted Tramp
La Rambla, Barcelona, 2006

Charlie Chaplin would be proud.

I love the REAL person behind this character and I know you will too.

So, when you are on Las Ramblas, I urge you to look for Barcelona’s Tramp AND

While you're at it, why don’t you LIGTHEN your pocket and fill HIS.

I invite you to click the link below for additional photos on FLICKR.

 Barcelona’s Street Artists View barcalunacy's Barcelona’s Street Artists FLCKR photoset.


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Friday, October 13, 2006

The SIGHN of time

In August of 2006, I wrote a Notice of a Rebirth, and showed a photo of a flyer posted on doorways announcing what future work would be done in and around Plaça Gal-la Placidia, in the barrio Gràcia.

The park and the street will temporarily house the businesses from the Llibertat market as the market undergoes reconstruction.

I remember just a few weeks ago when the park was quiet, peaceful and pretty.

Where people came to meet one another and,



Exchange greetings.

Where little groups came together and



Maybe talked about events of the day.

Where you might've cuddled up



With your honey.

Or just ordinary, everyday folks, having plain fun,



Enjoying a day with their children.

Oh, yes! I mustn't forget,



God's little creatures.

The day has come and preparations have begun in the plaça.



Workers busy.



Erecting a big, Big sign.

The street next to the park that once hosted lively festivities,



Is now separated from the park with



Green netting that surrounds the plaça.

It is now barren and lifeless.



Much like this.

And so,

For me and for others, I sigh ...


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Thursday, October 12, 2006

A Holiday with a Twist

Today's Columbus Day in the United States, celebrating Christopher Columbus’ arrival to the Americas.

It is also a holiday in España.

This morning I took my daily walk in the barrio (neighborhood) where everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - is closed, with the exception, of course, of cafés and restaurants.

I stopped by the local kiosk to ask what holiday we were celebrating and if there were any festas in the plaças so that I might take pictures.

Xavi, the kiosquero, explained that today Spain also celebrates Columbus’ arrival to the Americas and that no festivities are scheduled as this is a Spanish holiday.

Hmm, I thought. Businesses closed, schools closed, banks closed and no celebration. I couldn’t figure it out!

So I asked again, just to be sure, and he repeated: “No celebration here. This is a Spanish holiday.”

As I walked away, perplexed, a rush of embarrassment overcame me.

So, I began thinking. Columbus’ voyage to the New World was financed by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, Spain’s royals at that time.

Hmm. Catalunya has a strong wish, burning desire and a great want to be independent of Spain.

Catalonians have written, demonstrated and voted their aspiration to be autonomous. They are first and foremost, Catalans and not Spanish.



Oh my! I should have known better: Spain is different.


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