Tag Archives: museums

A Rick Steves Tour of London, England

The train arrived on time at the Underground Terminal of Westminster Station.  Most everyone departed making their way onto the platform, riding escalators and taking stairs to the busy world above.  I had not yet reached the Thames River, but my heart was pounding in anticipation as I exited the tunnel and the view opened up providing me a glimpse of London’s South Bank.

With its spectacular museums, lavish gardens, notorious theaters and exuberant history, London’s cosmopolitan style and attitude attracts over 27 million visitors each year and is home to over 8 million.

Under the suggestion of Rick Steves, I began my exploration of London at Westminster following the Westminster Walk from his Best European City Walks & Museums guide.  Next, I will visit a couple of museums, take the bus tour around the city and if I have time, cruise down the river Thames.  Earlier that morning, I walked to the Gloucester Road Station to purchase my pass.  The front desk attendant suggested that I stop by The Shard for a spectacular view of the city, which I hoped to fit into my schedule later in the day.

I had plenty of British Pounds to purchase a full day pass which allowed me unlimited rides on the Tube for zones 1 & 2.  I fed the machine and confirmed that I was heading westbound for the Westminster stop.

The “Underground” was not as busy as I had expected at 6:30 AM.  The train approached, opened its sliding doors and reminded passengers to “Mind the Gap” before taking their seats.  I found a spot next to a young mother with her little boy in a stroller, who was eating his morning breakfast.  It was a busy work day with full compartment of business suits and backpacks.  I counted the five stops before hopping off the train and was feeling a sense of excitement to explore London having just read the book, War of the Roses.

The exit led me up to a set of stairs where I found the statue of Boadicea to my right.  She was queen of the Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in the first century AD.  An unobstructed view of the Parliament buildings as well as Elizabeth Tower stood to the north.  Soaking in my surroundings from the Westminster Bridge, I admired the London Eye, the Thames River and the London Bridge in the distance.

Elizabeth Tower (lovingly named after the current Queen of England) stood shining in the morning sunlight and I waited in anticipation to hear Big Ben toll at the hour.  The structure stands 320 feet high and is connected to the Parliament Buildings, the central meeting places for the British Government.  For years, since the 11th century, when King Canute built a palace here, the Royal Family lived at Parliament until they relocated to Buckingham Palace.

Along the banks of the Thames is the London Eye, built in 2000 and standing 443 feet tall.  There are 32 capsules which hold 26 visitors in each car.  On a clear day, the views from this attraction can reach as far as 26 miles.  The ride from start to finish takes approximately thirty minutes.

I felt a bitter cold wind off of the Thames gently pushing me towards Parliament Square, located across the street from Westminster Abbey.  This quiet park, without a bird to be seen, was lined with statues of both famous Brits like Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George as well as notable world leaders, such as Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.  I followed the stone corridor of this lovely park where I found the gorgeous rosette stained glass window of the infamous Westminster Abbey ahead of me.

One of London’s most precious jewels, not only because of its spectacular architecture but its glorious history, is Westminster Abbey.  Edward the Confessor founded the abbey and it is London’s oldest and most important church.  For over ten centuries, the cathedral has been the location for a host of coronations, royal weddings and funerals.  In 1997, Princess Diana’s funeral was held at Westminster Abbey where it was estimated over 3 million were in attendance for the funeral procession, while Will and Kate were married here on April 29th 2011.

Following my map to find Whitehall Street, I realized I had come full circle when I noticed the Westminster public subway stop.  My current route led me to many of London’s government buildings such as the Royal Navy Headquarters and the Ministry of Finance.  Colorful pubs occupied corner spaces along the route and the crowds were starting to grow.

In the distance, I noticed a collection of three monuments, one positioned in the middle of Whitehall.   On the towering white memorial made of marble, is a cenotaph honoring the brave men and women who died during the two Great Wars.   Each year, in November, the Royal Family attends the Remembrance Day service which takes place around this “Glorious Dead” monument.

The large, white, Greek-style structure that occupies a block along Whitehall was once a part of the palatial estate of Henry VIII and the location of King Charles’ execution.  Henry VIII moved out of his Palace of Westminster residence (Parliament) and built this grandiose building which, at one time, extended from Trafalgar Square to Elizabeth’s Tower.  The 1698 fire destroyed most of Henry’s opulent structure, but what remained is the Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace.

Continuing my walk towards Trafalgar Square, I noticed that the Horse Guard station was empty, and within minutes I stood in front of the 170 foot column supporting the statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson.  Credited for his leadership during World War II and the defeat at Waterloo, he died a heroic death in battle.

The square was alive with tourists and commuters passing through to reach their destination.  A line formed at the entrance of the National Museum which had not yet opened.  Attempting to climb one of the four bronze lions, a group of teenagers disregarded the warning signs and placards, capturing photos with their cellular devices.   A light mist of spray clings to my coat and kisses my face as I pass a fountain eager to find the ticket office for the Hop On/Hop Off bus.  A perfect mode of transportation for the day, the double-decker is a quick option for touring of London.  Bringing me back to Trafalgar Square, I will have time to indulge in more attractions, sites and pubs which are waiting to be explored.

Have you had the opportunity to visit London?  Which guidebooks and resources did you reference?  Let me know about your visit by providing a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my walking tour of Westminster in London and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Where to Stay:

The Ambassadors Hotel
16 Collingham Road
Kensington, SW5 0LX
London, United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 20 7373 1075
Photo Credit:  Ambassadors Hotel London

 

Where to Eat:

Earl’s Court Tavern
Taylor Walker
187 Earl’s Court Road
London, SW5 9RL
United Kingdom
Telephone:  +44 20 7370 2760

Walking Tour Resources: 

Best European City Walks & Museums guide, by Rick Steves

London Telephone Booth

A Walking Tour of the Victoria and Albert Harbor

Filled with adrenaline from having swam with the Great Whites at Gansbaai, I was excited to explore the scenic coast of Cape Town before hopping a plane for Johannesburg.  With a couple of days ahead of me, I planned to explore the coast, sample the local wines and study the fascinating life of Nelson Mandela.

Grabbing my backpack, I exited the Protea Hotel in Sea Point and began my forty-five minute trek towards the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.  Known as the oldest working harbor in the Southern Hemisphere, this lively neighborhood is where I will be catching the jetty over to Robben Island in the afternoon.

Navigating through one of the most affluent suburbs of Cape Town, I quickly reached the coast.  I had arrived in August, the start of South Africa’s winter, greeted with mild temperatures and overcast skies.  The colorful high rises were a welcome site against the gray backdrop and foggy start of my day.

Mounds of seaweed covered the manicured beaches as small whitecaps made their way towards the water’s edge.  The sun was rising and casting a glow on the concrete landscape where locals slowly filled the promenade.  The briny smell of the sea continued to grow stronger as warmer temperatures began to rise.  My walk continued northeast away from Sea Point  towards indigenous gardens, passing the Green Point Lighthouse with a glimpse of the Cape Town Stadium.

Gazing toward the barren mountains in the distance, the palm tree-lined avenue brought me closer to the V&A Waterfront.  Posted signs served as a reminder of Cape Town’s water shortage which was at its peak during my visit.

Within minutes, the landscape grew more beautiful with gardens of purple salvia and elegantly laid brick stretching for miles.  Tall, clusters of palm trees rose from the rocky cliffs sloping down towards the bay. The V&A Waterfront, a part of  Cape Town’s Big 6, includes the Table Mountain Cableway, Kirstensbosch Gardens, Robben Island, Cape Point and Constantia Vineyards.

In the midst of the spectacular countryside was built a beautiful tribute to Queen Victoria and her son Prince Alfred, known by locals as the V&A Waterfront. The venue has become one of South Africa’s most visited historical and cultural destinations.

From the second story of the waterfront’s shopping plaza I noticed the boats moored in South Africa’s oldest working harbor, over 450 shops and restaurants lining the streets and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Signal Hill.  I had purchased a ticket to visit Robben Island and would return to the dock after lunch to board the Robben Island jetty.

Too early for lunch, I strolled the harbor where boats were tied up alongside the dock bringing in the catch of the day and taking out passengers for tours of the coast. Many of the stores and restaurants would soon open, so I strolled the quiet site and found The Harbor House where I decided to dine for lunch.

Starting out with a local Chenin Blanc from Beaumont Wines, I scanned over the menu in hopes of finding a local seafood dish or a platter of sushi for lunch.  The wine was crisp with the flavors of tart apples and melon, chilled perfectly.  Sitting on the second level of the restaurant, the sun was struggling to push its way past the cloudy sky, but its warmth was pressing in.

With each sip, I weighed my options and finally  decided on the Tuna Rainbow Roll and Ultimate Rainbow Roll.  Decadent and full of flavor, I slowly enjoyed each bite as I finished my glass of wine. The weight staff were exceptional and the restaurant views, spectacular.

As I strolled the waterfront with its colorful monuments and museums, I heard the bark of a Cape Fur Seal. Following the sound, I came upon this beautiful mammal tucked in a concrete corner finding a place to rest near the first stop on my self-guided tour, Cape Town’s Clock Tower.

Built in 1882, the Victorian-Gothic Clock Tower was once the office of the Port Captain, who managed the schedule of ships coming in and out of the docks.  The clock tower, originally painted yellow, is the oldest building along the waterfront.  One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, the red-and-gray tower was refurbished in 1997 and is the home to several Cape Fur Seals.

Located at the base of the Swing Bridge, the African Trading Port is a shop focused on selling local African Art to include sculptures, ceramics, pottery and artifacts.  Drawing works from all over the country, this workshop first opened in Zimbabwe in 1978 with additional shops such as the one in Cape Town, opening in 2001.

Looking out across the port, the location where I am standing is Alfred Basin, where the original docks were built at the port of Cape Town.  In the distance are the picturesque Signal Hill and Table Mountain.

One of my favorite experiences was finding the beautifully painted rhinos placed along the waterfront, part of a program to bring awareness to these endangered species.  Poachers have been hunting the rhinoceros for their tusks, bringing about their near extinction since the 1950s.  TRAC, which stands for “The Rhinos are Coming” is  raising money to stop this practice throughout Africa.  From February 1st to March 31st of 2017, one hundred decorated rhinos were strategically placed throughout Cape Town as an outdoor art exhibit, which remained on display.

The V&A Market is now home to the former Pumphouse.  A vibrant marketplace with over forty vendors offering fresh food and produce as well as gourmet meals and local beer and wine.  I couldn’t resist stopping by The Knysna Oyster Company for a half a dozen oysters on the half shell.

A few steps from the market is Nobel Square, another impressive artistic installation, which opened in December of 2005.   The four statues represent Albert Lutuli, Desmond Tutu, F. W. de Klerk and Nelson Mandela, four of the country’s Nobel Peace Prize winners.

Checking my watch, I realized the ferry would soon be leaving for Robben Island.  Eager to explore the history of this island prison, I was also curious to learn more about Nelson Mandela’s experience here as a political prisoner.

Have you visited the Victoria and Albert’s Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa?  What was your favorite part of your visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below. Many thanks for reading about my visit to Cape Town and wishing you many Happy Travels.

What to See and What to Do:

Where to Stay;

Where to Eat:

What to Eat:

What to Read:

Photo Guide to Capetown:

Eden Park in Mt. Adams is the Perfect Weekend Escape from Cincinnati’s Rush Hour

1-dsc_0023

After a long day of work in downtown Cincinnati, Eden Park was always one of my favorite places to escape the five o’clock traffic.  From here, I could watch the barges float down the Ohio River and count the number of cars passing over the freeway into Kentucky.

2-dsc_0017

The yellow Big Mac Bridge (Daniel Carter Beard Bridge) stands out with its bright color and my favorite bridge, the historic, blue John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was once the longest suspension bridge in the world.   The views from here are breathtaking, serene and the perfect spot for winding down from my work day.   I reveled in the sites, watching the traffic thin out while the number of boats increased on the Ohio River.

3-dsc_0021

Many times I would bring a book to read and find a seat on one of the benches surrounded by a rainbow of colorful flowers.  To hear the low humming of the bee’s buzz and smell the blooms were moments of therapy and meditation.   Occasionally, I would be visited by a friendly puppy out for his afternoon walk, or distracted by a jogger passing by on his afternoon run, but most of the time I found the overlook soothing and quiet.

4-dsc_0043

Wondering what it would be like to visit on a weekend, I packed up a picnic lunch and set off for the park on a Sunday afternoon.  Families enjoyed each other’s company as they barbequed near the parking lot at Twin Lakes .  Children played on the lawn as their parents caught up with friends and family.

On Saturdays, when the park was less busy, I would stop by for a visit after enjoying some time at either the Cincinnati Art Museum or Krohn’s Conservatory.   I loved driving through the grand entrance of  the two small towers where eagle sculptures guarded the Melan Arch Bridge.  Built in 1894, this regal gateway was the first concrete arch bridge in the state of Ohio.

5-dsc_0047

The area, known as Twin Lakes, was once an old quarry.  Updated to include walking paths and gardens, a footbridge was built to connect the two bodies of water. Several sculptures dedicated to the Queen City stand  along the pathway where ducks enjoy floating about in the ponds as children launch their motorized boats in the water.

6-dsc_0052

One of my favorite sculptures in the park is quite unique and stands out among the rest.   Unlike the other statues is the Japanese man with a cormorant bird, a gift from Cincinnati’s sister city, Gifu, Japan.

According to the Japanese tradition of ukai, the fisherman would first tie a leash around the bird which would then dive for a fish, catching it in its throat.  Unable to swallow the fish because of the tie around its neck, the fisherman would release the fish from the bird’s mouth for his own.

7-dsc_0060

Another beautiful art piece in the park was a gift from Rome, Italy, a replica statue of the Capitoline Wolf.  The city of Cincinnati was named after Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, a Roman statesman and aristocrat, so it only seems fitting that Cincinnati would receive this sculpture from it’s sister city, Rome.   The Capitoline wolf was the legendary mother of the ancient city’s founders, Romulus and Remus.

8-dsc_0074

Within walking distance of the Twin Lakes is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.   From the park, I took a set of stairs to the Melan Arch Bridge where I stopped for a moment to admire the eagle statues.  Nearby was a pathway leading to the monument which stood in memory of those who served in the Vietnam war.

9-dsc_0079

Leaving the park’s center, I approached the ruins of the Eden Park Reservoir.  Built between the years 1866 and 1878, designed by Samuel Hannaford, this architectural wonder once took up the space of 12 acres and held 96 million gallons of water.  Only a small section remains of the jagged rock ruins that could have easily been mistaken as an ancient Roman relic.

11-dsc_0096

Turning around to retrace my steps, I noticed a large red tower standing over me.  Water was once pumped into this stand pipe from the Ohio River.  Once designed to hold water for local residents, it is another reminder of Cincinnati’s architectural past and industrial advancements.

12-dsc_0119

From the reservoir ruins, I walked the open field of grass which once contained water for local residents.  At the end of the park is Mirror Lake and its tall fountain which surges 40 feet high.   A paved walking path surrounds the perimeter of the lake with spectacular views of the city.   A popular location for runners, joggers and pet walkers on a sunny day, I have come to enjoy its tranquil atmosphere watching the ducks bathe and and feeling the sun’s warm rays on my face.

13-dsc_0144

Nearby Spring House Gazebo is perfect for shade against the sun or unexpected rain.  It is the oldest structure in the park, standing here since the early 1900s.

The history of Eden Park is interesting in the fact that this land was once owned by Nicholas Longworth, “Father of the American wine Industry”.  Grape vines once covered this landscape where Longworth developed the Catawba grape and produced America’s first champagne.

Today aver 186 acres of Longworth’s property has been converted into an urban park, home to some of Cincinnati’s most influential artistic institutions.  Here you can find the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Krohn Conservatory and Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park.  Open all year around, this park is the perfect place to visit regardless of the season,  and don’t forget to check out nearby Mt. Adams.

What is your favorite spot in Eden Park?  Do you like visiting during the busy season or do you find it a wonderful place of solitude?  I would love to hear your thoughts about Eden Park if you will kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Maybe you have another Cincinnati Park that I should visit, let me know and I would love to explore it as well!  Many thanks for taking this journey with me to Eden Park!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Eden Park
950 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 352 4080

  • Admission Fee:   There is no admission fee to visit Eden Park.
  • Hours:  Open daily from 6AM to 10PM
  • Amenities:  A gazebo, walking paths, Memorial Lake and Bettman Fountain at Hinkle Magnolia Garden; Twin Lakes  with a footbridge, walking paths, scenic views of the Ohio River, a number of sculptures, a picnic area, amphitheater and a playground for children.
  • Scenic View:  Spectacular views of the Ohio River and the state of Kentucky cross the river.
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Sundays afternoons can be crowded at the Twin Lakes. This is also a popular place on the weekends for brides to be posing for wedding photos.

Where to Stay:

Springhill Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Midtown
610 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 381 8300

Where to Eat:

Terrace Cafe
953 Eden Park Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 639 2986

I enjoyed an afternoon lunch at the Terrace Cafe located inside of the Cincinnati Art Museum.  Visiting several times, my favorite menu items are the Pear Salad, with winter pears, craisin, feta cheese, candied walnuts and raspberry vinaigrette and the Chicken Salad Sandwich of diced chicken, carrots, chives, celery, lemon aioli, aged white cheddar, lettuce, and tomato on a toasted croissant.  Enjoy!

What to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Where to Drink:

AC Hotel Rooftop Bar
135 Joe Nuxhall Way
Cincinnati, OH  45202
Telephone:  513 744 9900

What to Read:

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide to Cincinnati:

  • City Hall – Inside and Out
  • Smale Riverfront Park
  • Union Terminal
  • Roebling Suspension Bridge
  • Washington Park
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • American Sign Museum

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

100-dsc_0016

Elsinore Arch built in 1883

102-dsc_0026

Beautiful Flowers at Eden Park

103-dsc_0048

Twin Lakes at Eden Park

104-dsc_0050

Ducks Enjoying Twin Lakes

105-dsc_0068

Stairs Leading to Melan Arch Bridge

106-dsc_0111

Another view of the reservoir structure located at Eden Park

107-dsc_0081

Welcome to Eden Park

108-dsc_0094

Views of Mt. Adams from the reservoir ruins at Eden Park

109-dsc_0101

The view of the Eden Park fountain from the ruins of the reservoir

110-dsc_0100

A lock that was added to the fencing that once surrounded Eden Park’s reservoir

10-dsc_0085

 

My Interview with Artist Jimi Jones, Leader of the NeoAncestral Movement

img_5710

Interviewing Jimi Jones was, for me, the opportunity of a lifetime.  I admired his latest collection at The Springfield Museum of Art in Ohio where he was the headline exhibitor at this Smithsonian-affiliated institution.

Arriving at Jimi’s studio in downtown Cincinnati, I was a bit jittery with excitement as this was not only my first interview, but a chance meeting with an artist I admired.  Having recently written my amateur, artistic review of his work, I was more than elated when he contacted me through my website and suggested I meet him in person to weigh in on my thoughts.  I had so many questions to ask him and looked forward to this opportunity.

img_5707

Jimi Jones has mastered the ability to tell a story through his paintings.  His artistry evokes thought-provoking debates and cleverly captivates the mind of his audience.  The masterpieces that have been majestically displayed at numerous museums represent all aspects of human culture to include history, politics, philosophy and religion.

1-ss-turner-1996

Providing his audience with a glimpse of history, Jones’ first painting on display at his Faces & Places exhibit was the “SS Turner”.  Artist JMW Turner, with the ambition of making a political statement, painted his macabre work of art based on the horrific fate of the slave ship, Zong.  It was his hope that it would encourage Britain to change its current pro-slavery beliefs.   Taking inspiration from Turner’s historical art work titled “The Slave Ship”, Jones has also shown his passion for modern day public opinion, political issues and ethical concerns.

Jimi Jones’ ethereal “SS Turner” is also an anti-slavery piece, yet centered around the Civil War Era. Jones admired Turner’s powerful approach in exhibiting his view on the current politics of the day.  It is through his paintings that Jones has found his calling in displaying his position in a subtle way that invokes both contemplation and conversation.  It is his hope that he can create a masterpiece that “will make a difference [in one’s life] or even change a country’s thoughts.”

I felt privileged that Jimi would grant me the insight into the thought process of his artistic prowess.  His art is thoroughly planned and deliberate long before he takes his first stroke upon the canvas. Studying “The Slave Ship”, he explained how selecting the color red for the soldier’s jacket represented bloodshed and that the ghostly blue was perfect for symbolizing death.  I felt the intensity of pain through the graphic, diagonal lines as the slave ship lingered in the distance, while the innocence of the slave woman in the background tugged at my heartstrings.  It was because of this painting, I wanted to learn more.

4-why-these-cultures-2008

One of the most fascinating pieces of Jimi Jones’ exhibit was titled “Why These Cultures”. At first glance, I desperately wanted to understand the connection between the young African girl to the left of the painting and the Geisha girl towards the right.  “Why These Cultures” perfectly exemplifies the societal differences between the Eastern and Western cultures, but how can they relate to one another?

As I studied the layers of complexity to this painting, I found myself more and more drawn to the intricate detail that only establishes Jones as one of the greatest artists of our time.  His defined use of sepia and pression blue are hypnotizing, but the colorful elements of the costumed horses and the facial expressions of their riders are astonishing.  I am afraid that if I stare too long or too closely, the characters will convince me to make their acquaintance.  A quick jump into the painting and my life would be forever changed as my destiny would be decided between the cultures of the East or the traditions of the West.

6-thom-phelps-2014

Jimi Jones is a self-proclaimed Renaissance man and one of his favorite, artistic legends is Rembrandt.  While many artists included their likenesses in their paintings or commission their own portraits, I found it interesting that Jones would paint a collection of friends and acquaintances to establish his own portraiture.  It is a fascinating thought as he explains that “We are a reflection of the people we knew and the people that supported us.”  We take on their habits, are influenced or challenged by their beliefs and model their behavior to make us who we are today.

One of Jones’ supporters and fellow artist is Thom Phelps.  They came together to collaborate on an ideal that led them to the philosophy of “Neo Ancestralism”.  Other influencers in his life include Carl Solway, Owen Findson, Aiden Sims, Catherine Marie Klenke, Courtney Hellebuyck who were honored in his 2016 Faces & Stories Exhibit.  What a beautiful homage to the people that Jimi holds in high regard and credits for making the artist, storyteller, political influencer, historian and man he is today.

img_5704

There are so many layers to Jimi Jones and the depth of his thoughts and processes make him bottomless, profound and all the more interesting.  While his artwork is the result of years and years of painting, it is also a manifestation of his life experiences.  A successful career in graphic design that provided him the ability to travel the world and an early passion for art, have laid the groundwork for Jones’ success and the foundation for continued greatness in the future.  I anxiously await his next collection and anticipate the opportunity to be inspired, moved and encouraged to discover more.

Have you had the opportunity to see the artwork of Jimi Jones?  Check out this link for samples of his exhibition pieces: http://jimijonesart.com/exhibitions/martyrs.html.  I would love to hear about your thoughts and artistic opinions if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below!  Many thanks for reading about my experience learning more about Jimi Jones and his fabulous artwork,

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Jimi Jones for sitting down with me to discuss his amazing artwork!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

img_5705

 

img_5708

 

img_2340