BEAUTY IN GLASS
Each year, Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota highlights the work of a notable artist as inspiration for special art throughout the gardens. Other years have built on the interplay of art and nature in the works of Andy Warhol, Marc Chagall, and Monet. This year’s focus is on the stained glass art of Louis Comfort Tiffany. There are pieces both in the conservatory and throughout the landscape.
I think it is one of the most successful exhibits in this series. Tiffany: The Pursuit of Beauty in Nature is on display through June 25th. It’s well worth visiting!
RECENT READING
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
As has been noted, Kingsolver’s latest novel, Demon Copperhead, is a modern variation on Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield. Demon, birth name Damon, is the child of a teenage addict and an absent father. When his mother dies, he becomes the responsibility of a sorry welfare system and endures a series of mostly terrible foster homes. Overworked, mistreated, and bullied, he is nonetheless a survivor.
Lacking in self-esteem, his early shining moments are starring on the football field and being elected homecoming king. He has artistic talent which he occasionally values, but he lacks the confidence in his abilities to seriously pursue it. A badly injured knee damages him both physically and mentally, and he descends into a drug-fueled existence. He functions, but not fully.
The novel is all in Demon’s voice. The sentences are delivered in a breathless almost hasty tone with occasional staccato-like bursts. There is humor and coarse language wrapped in a surprisingly engaging character.
The writing is terrific, but the book is just too long! I got bogged down with all the teenage boys’ antics and shenanigans about two-thirds in and set the book aside for a week. Then I returned to it, determined to finish, and felt rewarded by my efforts in the last several chapters. For me, the ending was a satisfying one. Overall, recommended with reservations. (~JWFarrington)
OUTSTANDING SERIES
Astrid, season 1 (PBS)
I mentioned Astrid in an earlier blog post and have now watched the entire first series. It is excellent on several levels. Astrid works in criminal records and is blessed with an encyclopedic memory and keen observation skills. She is also autistic and at the beginning of the series quite timid in her dealings with other people and the world in general. Paired with detective Raphaelle Coste, Astrid provides insights and knowledge of previous murders instrumental in solving the latest crime. She even manages to win over the somewhat crusty pathologist Fournier.
The cases are intriguing and usually hinge on some connection to an earlier crime. What was most engaging for me was the growing friendship between Astrid and Raphaelle and watching Astrid gain in confidence, able to practice basic social niceties. I also enjoyed the interactions between the members of Astrid’s autism support group and the wise guidance provided by William, the group leader. The series is in French with subtitles. Highly recommended!
Note: All photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.) Header photo is of a screen at Selby Botanical Gardens, Sarasota.
