LadyKflo

Computers provide the paint brush for Duken Delpe art; as they do in everyday life. He knows their workings well. So, Duken uses each piece in his work with insight. The deeper you look into his art, the more intricate and outstanding it becomes. His work provides an entry to the world in a computer. It also invites you into Delpe’s brilliant mind.

That’s like Duken himself. The more I talked to him, the more fascinating he was. A teacher, a chemical engineer, a doting father of four, and a practicing nurse. He’s all these things. Still, Duken creates these meticulous pieces in his Boston studio. A master of mixed media, he uses such ingenuity, his work never ceases to surprise.

Learn more with a click to LadyKflo's piece on Duken at:

https://www.ladykflo.com/duken-delpe/

Los Angeles painter, Randi Matushevitz reminds us badass babes are ageless. Her Ugly Portraits thrill me in a world buried behind cuteness filters. She creates these glorious messes with charcoal, pastel and spray paint. I adore her work. It’s exciting, cool, and relevant. But Randi’s also a kickass lady. Her bright energy’s infectious. This shines through her artwork. It invigorates ideas within the imagery. Take the hero image of this piece. It’s a crop of Matushevitiz’s Ugly Portrait entitled Rough Night. We’ve all felt like a clown after a bruising night on the town. This portrait captures that feeling with a refreshing frankness. Yes, in fact, you did wake up looking like this. Randi Matushevitz proves that simple can indeed subvert. That’s especially true now. Pretty paintings are taking over the world. Even the darkest artists smooth all their edges with polish. That same fear we have of death lies within our fear of ugliness. Sure. Sure. It’s real. It’s true – inevitable even…. Just don’t let it happen to me. Click through to experience more Rand https://www.ladykflo.com/randi-matushevitz-painter/

I didn't know Sister Wendy was my hero until she died last year. Beckett, a brilliant scholar, turned down an invitation to study at the foot of J.R.R. Tolkien. A religious nun, and fellow art-obsessed fangirl, she was one of my favorite people. I knew I loved her. But it wasn't until she left this mortal coil that I found out how much. After forty years of ardent devotion to art, Sister Wendy died December 28, 2018.

Learn more about it and watch a bit from her incredible interview with Bill Moyers at LadyKflo.com with a click below:

https://www.ladykflo.com/sister-wendy-beckett/ 

The Henrick I. Lott House makes the long trek into Deep South Brooklyn well worthwhile. This 1719 home itself makes history. Not only because its secret closet served as sanctuary on the Underground Railroad. A history-making archeological find also puts this place on the map. This house isn’t a museum quite yet. The outside’s exquisite – see above. But its interior needs loving care with peeling paint and worn wallpaper. So, Lott House isn’t usually open to the public. Special events a few times a year open its doors. Otherwise, visitors must book an exclusive appointment – not an easy task. Still, its former beauty remains unmistakable. In fact, the foyer’s sky-high ceiling and welcoming arch are breathtaking. This place feels like a forgotten gem. That’s because, until recently, the Lott House story wasn’t much told. Luckily, tales of history’s unknown hero are on the upswing. Textbooks tend to focus on the big picture – events, battles, and plagues. But smaller scale acts of bravery make history too. These are my favorite stories. After all, a true hero isn’t courageous for glory. They act with bravery because it’s the right thing to do at the time. Lott House sets a seminal example of this. Learn more with a click below: https://www.ladykflo.com/the-lott-house/

Mario Gonzales paints monsters and men. There’s little difference between them in his edgy, intriguing work. Famous for his tagline When it Reigns, I’m Poor, Mario makes art that speaks to the city. He creates spectacles of energetic emotion from fury to despair. Mario does this with color blasts and quirky shapes. His work shows city life while also reflecting internal states. From social issues to wells of despair, Mario’s paintings cut deep. He makes art from found objects, like canvases and boards. Some might describe his paintings as Street Art. Check out Mario’s Instagram to see funky examples. He’s always taking pictures of his artwork with apt spontaneity. For instance, Mario paints on street trash while waiting for a bus. He brightens the world with art, even as he’s passing through. Learn more at: https://www.ladykflo.com/mario-gonzales/

Lewis Latimer made history many times. First, Alexander Graham Bell won the telephone race thanks to Latimer’s crucial help. A hero of invention and ingenuity, Lewis went on to make light bulbs better. He invented their crucial carbon filament. In fact, before Latimer’s filament patent, bulbs only lasted about 14 hours. Thanks to his carbon filament invention, their illumination endures much longer.

Later in his career, Thomas Edison honored Latimer as a founding member of the Edison Pioneers. He was the only black man among the 28 inducted. An extraordinary genius, Lewis Latimer did all this with no formal education. The child of famous fugitive slaves, his youth was no picnic. In truth, he made history even before birth.

To learn more and see associated pictures and videos visit the article here:

https://www.ladykflo.com/lewis-latimer-house/

Watercolors are often lighthearted romps. After all, the medium demands soft brushstrokes. Colors only darken with layering or mixing mediums. WaterColor by Antonio works both ways. Realistic detail and heavy paint often add weight to figurative pieces. But Antonio González García lifts and lightens bodies with his work. There’s profound depth as well. That’s because strong lines and archetypal themes ground the work. Antonio’s paintings are intense thanks to his process too. Check out his Instagram to see this in action. In fact, that’s what drew me to WaterColor by Antonio in the first place. García shares process vids along the way while he creates and shares with admirable openness. It’s a wonder to see how it all comes together. WaterColor’s transparent quality always makes me curious about the painting process especially. There’s no room for mistakes. Every stroke of the brush shows up clear and true, like a declaration. Thus, the artistic process takes extra care in WaterColor’s case. That’s what makes it so cool for Antonio to share it with us. All the while he brushes tender truth and profound themes onto paper. Learn more about this profound artist and his work at: https://www.ladykflo.com/watercolor-by-antonio/

A focused figurative artist, Crixtover Edwin paints magical portraits. They bridge the fantasy reality gap. For instance, Edwin delights with a delicate touch and bright details. The work shares creative visions of black women and men. These portraits feel natural thanks to their earthy beauty. But Crixtover elevates them to icons. They do this with afrocentric elements.

https://www.ladykflo.com/crixtover-edwin/

New Yorkers know the name Dyckman. But many aren’t aware that this notoriety began with a tract of land and simple farmhouse. Luckily, it still endures as a vital, engaging museum in Upper Manhattan. This brings its complicated history into the present day. In fact, The Dyckman Farmhouse Museum bursts with relevant surprises. Resident Artist work illuminates the site’s history with insight and keen detail. This includes refreshing honesty about slavery in Dyckman history.

To learn more about Dyckman Family Farmhouse visit LadyKflo.com here:

https://www.ladykflo.com/category/history/

We can all use some serenity. Here’s a place where you’re certain to find it. Visit The Met Cloisters for a peaceful, easy feeling right here in NYC.

This glorious getaway combines medieval art with dreamy gothic spaces. It transports visitors to French cathedrals and Roman catacombs. There’s no place like it in the world.

Learn more about it with a click to the LadyKflo website below:

https://www.ladykflo.com/the-cloisters-nyc/