Mary Vaux Walcott

Art Appreciation

Mary Morris Vaux was born on July 31, 1860, in Philadelphia into a wealthy Quaker family. Her early years were shaped by both privilege and curiosity—traits that allowed her to travel frequently with her family to the Canadian Rockies. She received a watercolor paint set at age eight and took lessons for four years, developing her artistic skill. 

Following the death of her mother, she assumed caregiving responsibilities for her younger brothers but continued pursuing her passions for nature, art, and geology. Encouraged by her father, she developed a keen interest in sketching alpine flora during their mountain excursions, a hobby that eventually defined her life's work.

Walcott became known as a field artist whose scientific precision and artistic talent blended seamlessly. In 1914, she married Charles Doolittle Walcott, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, which further immersed her in scientific circles. Her contributions became particularly significant when the Smithsonian published a five-volume work titled North American Wild Flowers between 1925 and 1929, featuring over 400 of her watercolor illustrations. She traveled extensively to document flowers in their natural habitat, always prioritizing accuracy in form, color, and detail—qualities that made her work valuable not only to artists but also to botanists.

Her artistic style was meticulous and restrained, focusing on realistic depictions rather than abstract interpretations. Using watercolor, graphite, and occasionally gouache, Walcott captured the subtle beauty of native flora with a clarity that rivaled botanical photography. Walcott’s artwork is praised for its scientific precision and lifelike detail: she painted wildflowers in the field—sometimes for up to 17 hours—to capture exact hues and forms in situ, then completed refined versions at camp. 

Among her better-known works are Cypripedium montanum (Mountain Lady's Slipper) and Aquilegia coerulea (Rocky Mountain Columbine), which remain celebrated for their lifelike detail and gentle coloration. Today, Walcott’s legacy lives on through her published works and collections housed at the Smithsonian, where her dedication to both art and science continues to inspire.

Mountain Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium montanum), 1923

American Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis), 1925

Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula), 1925

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mary-Morris-Vaux-Walcott

https://lithub.com/the-trailblazing-illustrator-and-mountaineer-who-explored-the-wild-north/

https://americanart.si.edu/artist/mary-vaux-walcott-5197

https://paconservationheritage.org/stories/mary-vaux-walcott/

https://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/education-opportunities/classic-outreach-resources/frank-morton-jones/jones-author-bios/mary-vaux-walcott/

https://siarchives.si.edu/blog/mary-vaux-walcott%E2%80%99s-wild-flowers

https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/mountain-lady-s-slipper-cypripedium-montanum-mary-vaux-walcott-born-philadelphia-pa-1860-died-st-andrews-new-brunswick-canada-1940/1wGiqtbYdoHccw?hl=en

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Every Single Imperial Rank Explained!

via Red Five 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Christoph Niemann - "The Bridge"

Source:

https://www.instagram.com/p/DLSHphIMf0h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Marli Buccola

Modeling Appreciation

Marli Buccola, born July 29, 1997, in San Diego, California, is an American model and social media influencer. She stands approximately 5′7″ with striking blue eyes and long blonde hair, a combination that has helped define her sun‑soaked, Southern California aesthetic.

Marli’s online presence began in 2015, when she launched her Instagram during her studies at San Diego State University. That same year, she earned a feature as Total Frat Move’s “Babe of the Day,” a moment she credits with launching her into influencer status. 

As a content creator, Marli has collaborated with brands such as Fashion Nova and REVOLVE, expanding her reach in lifestyle, swimwear, and bikini modeling. Her grid mixes sunny travel shots, casual-chic OOTDs (Outfit of the Day), and beachside fashion posts. 

Beyond modeling, she’s cultivated a friendly rapport with followers, balancing aspirational visuals with candid captions. Whether showcasing her blue-eyed, blonde‑haired charm or sharing behind‑the‑scenes moments from shoots, she consistently maintains an authentic, engaging presence.

Sources:

https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/marli-buccola.html

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Marli_Buccola

https://anideacame.com/marli-buccola/

https://superlink.io/marli_alexa

https://www.instagram.com/marli_alexa

https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Marli_Buccola

https://www.boobpedia.com/boobs/Marli_Alexa

https://hotnessrater.com/infinite-scroll/121601/marli-alexa

 https://x.com/marli_alexa_

https://youtu.be/awKywiI7f5k

Body Art: Riina Laine - "Our vow"

via Body painting artist Riina Laine

DANCE: NYC Ballet's Lauren Lovette on Alexei Ratmansky's VOICES

Dancer: Lauren Lovette

via nycballet 

Cosplay is an Art: Dokomi Cosplay Showcase 2025

via Mortiz Kuhn 

Trump, Team Names, and the Art of the Deflection

Pardon the Interruption

A few days ago, I came across an article about President Trump calling for the Washington NFL team and Cleveland’s MLB team to revert to their former names. Classic Trump playbook: when the heat rises—this time with the Epstein files—toss a shiny distraction into the public arena.

Lately, I’ve been sorting through my old sports trading cards, which has naturally stirred up some nostalgia and a few internal debates. Is changing a team name just political correctness run amok—or is it long overdue acknowledgment of deeper issues? 

History shows teams have rebranded for all kinds of reasons. The Washington Bullets became the Wizards in 1997 to move away from a name tied to D.C.'s crime wave. The Tennessee Oilers became the Titans after moving from Houston. Tampa Bay dropped “Devil” to become simply the Rays in 2008. And more recently, under pressure from activists and sponsors, the Redskins became the Commanders in 2020, and the Indians became the Guardians in 2021.

As a kid raised by die-hard Cowboys fans, I was practically programmed to loathe the Redskins. I remember watching games on TV or hearing them on the radio, cheering (or yelling) alongside my parents. The Cleveland Indians? For me, they’ll always be tied to Major League and Charlie Sheen’s unforgettable Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn.

These teams are stitched into the fabric of my childhood. But I also understand that for others, those same names carry a very different meaning—one tied to a history of stereotypes and exclusion. 

While I doubt malice was the original intent, context changes with time. As for Trump, if he really cared, this would’ve been on his radar back in 2020. Right now? It feels more like a headline grab with a faint whiff of sincerity.

Joe Heller (@joehellercartoons)

Tegan and Sara - Back In Your Head

Music Appreciation

Tegan and Sara Quin, identical twin sisters from Calgary, Alberta, formed their indie pop duo in 1998. Initially performing under the name "Plunk," they gained early recognition after winning Calgary’s Garage Warz competition. 

Their 2007 album The Con marked a pivotal moment, propelling them into broader recognition. Known for their introspective songwriting and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Tegan and Sara have built a dedicated fanbase over the years. ​

"Back in Your Head," released on July 24, 2007, as the lead single from The Con, was written by Sara Quin. The song explores themes of emotional distance and the longing for deeper connection within a relationship. 

Its composition features a blend of indie pop and new wave elements, characterized by a repetitive piano riff and layered harmonies. The production, handled by Chris Walla of Death Cab for Cutie, complements the song's introspective lyrics. ​

The music video for "Back in Your Head," directed by Jamie Travis, presents a surreal and symbolic narrative. It features Tegan and Sara performing in front of an audience dressed in white, with intermittent appearances of figures in black, creating a stark visual contrast. This imagery symbolizes the internal conflict and emotional duality expressed in the song's lyrics. The video's minimalist aesthetic and use of color serve to underscore the themes of isolation and the desire for emotional reconnection. ​

 

Sources:

Wikipedia

teganandsara.fandom.com

https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/10476-the-con/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

bbno$ & Rich Brian - Edamame

Music Appreciation

A year into the pandemic, I found myself enjoying TikTok videos featuring animal run effects. One such video showed bbno$ catching his sleepy girlfriend as she ran to escape a computer-generated stampede (link). Out of curiosity, I clicked on his profile and stumbled upon "Edamame."

"Edamame," released on July 23, 2021, is a collaboration between Canadian rapper bbno$ (Alexander Leon Gumuchian) and Indonesian rapper Rich Brian (Brian Imanuel). The track serves as the second single from bbno$’s sixth studio album, Eat Ya Veggies.

The collaboration began when bbno$ and producer Diamond Pistols developed the initial version of the song. bbno$ then reached out to Rich Brian, who promptly contributed his verse. Together, they completed the track in the studio.

Lyrically, "Edamame" is defined by its playful and boastful tone, with both artists rapping about wealth, luxury, and rising fame. The song features an energetic beat by Diamond Pistols that matches the humorous, confident lyrics. Its catchy hook and lively rhythm helped the song go viral on TikTok, where it appeared in over 10 million videos and garnered more than two billion views.

The music video for "Edamame," directed by Reggie., adds a visual layer of humor and absurdity. In the video, bbno$ and Rich Brian wear medieval armor and perform over-the-top antics around a lavish Los Angeles mansion, blending historical cosplay with contemporary settings.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.nme.com/news/music/rich-brian-joins-bbno-for-armour-clad-antics-in-edamame-music-video-3000783

https://blog.lyricallemonade.com/p/edamame-bbno-ft-rich-brian/

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x83ugbq

https://www.discogs.com/release/22883822-bbno-Eat-Ya-Veggies?srsltid=AfmBOoprvJx0AmGmNhT8XMms51EgTNXQlJibSR67jB7gAEpeMFHfYf4e

https://www.rapreviews.com/2021/10/bbno-eat-ya-veggies

https://www.facebook.com/diplo/videos/bbno-edamame-feat-rich-brian-diplo-remix/307818197889758/

https://www.reddit.com/r/bbnomula/comments/1jfutpx/edamame_without_rich_brian_lyrics/

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Annielights_ as Esdeath (Akame ga Kill!)

Model: Annie

Photographer: Adrian (@turbopotion)

Source: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DHmYi_gROQR/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 

Edward Hopper

Art Appreciation

Edward Hopper was born on July 22, 1882 in Nyack, New York. His parents encouraged his early interest in art, providing him with materials and instruction books. By age ten, Hopper was signing and dating his drawings, which often explored light and shadow—elements that would become central to his mature work. His childhood home, now the Edward Hopper House Museum, preserves his early sketches and offers insight into the formative years of this influential American artist. 

After graduating from Nyack High School in 1899, Hopper pursued art studies at the Correspondence School of Illustrating in New York City. He later enrolled at the New York School of Art, studying under prominent artists like William Merritt Chase and Robert Henri. In 1905, Hopper began working part-time at an advertising agency, creating cover designs for trade magazines. Though he found illustration work unfulfilling, he continued in the field for nearly two decades due to financial necessity. 

Hopper's artistic breakthrough came in the 1920s when he gained recognition for his etchings and watercolors. His first major success was the sale of his painting "Sailing" at the 1913 Armory Show. Throughout his career, Hopper focused on depicting modern American life, often portraying urban and rural scenes imbued with themes of solitude and introspection. His work resonated with audiences, and he became one of America's most renowned realist painters. 

Hopper's technique was meticulous; he often created numerous preparatory sketches before executing a painting. His compositions are characterized by precise geometry, dramatic use of light and shadow, and a subdued color palette. He frequently depicted commonplace settings—gas stations, theaters, diners—imbued with a sense of stillness and isolation. Hopper's wife, Josephine Nivison Hopper, played a significant role in his work, often serving as his model and managing the business aspects of his career. 

Among Hopper's most famous paintings is "Nighthawks" (1942), which portrays individuals in a brightly lit diner at night, encapsulating themes of urban isolation. Another notable work, "Gas" (1940), depicts a solitary gas station attendant at dusk, highlighting the intersection of nature and modernity. These paintings exemplify Hopper's ability to capture the quiet, often melancholic aspects of American life. 

Nighthawks, 1942

Gas, 1940

Sailing, 1911

Automat, 1927

Haskell's House, 1925

New York Movie, 1939

A Woman in the Sun, 1961

Sources:

Wikipedia 

https://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/edward-hopper-biography-and-career-timeline/30443/

https://nyacknewsandviews.com/blog/2024/07/step-into-hoppers-world-walk-sketch-paint-on-july-13-14/

https://blog.artsper.com/en/a-closer-look/edward-hopper-paintings/

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edward-Hopper

https://artisticjunkie.com/edward-hopper-paintings/

https://whitney.org/artists/621

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/edward-hopper-carnegie-museum-of-art

https://fountainhousegallery.org/post/6279-chasing-art---the-loneliness-of-edward-hopper

https://www.wikiart.org/en/edward-hopper/sailing-1911

Body Art: Mathieu Degrotte - A3 By Aurore Ilone

Models: Jaimie Moon, Elodie Villa, Oceane Baptiste

via Mathieu Degrotte 

Dance: ROSALÍA - Si Tú Supieras Compañero

Choreography: Ivana Borsje

 via Ivana Borsje

Romee Strijd

Modeling Appreciation

Romee Strijd was born on July 19, 1995, in Zoetermeer, South Holland. She was first spotted by a modeling scout in Amsterdam when she was just 13, an opportunity she declined at the time. Two years later, at 15, she embraced modeling, signing with DNA Model Agency in 2011. Although she paused her education to pursue modeling, she recognized its importance and, at 17, returned to the Netherlands to finish school. Upon graduation, she relocated to New York City to launch her career, bringing her striking features—5'11" stature, long legs, blue eyes, and long blonde hair—to the international fashion stage.

Romee’s early career gained momentum as she walked for numerous high-profile brands and graced the pages of leading fashion magazines. Her distinctive look and elegant frame attracted attention from designers and photographers, further solidifying her position in the industry. Her presence on the runway became notable for her confident stride and statuesque figure.

In 2014, Romee achieved a significant milestone when she was selected to join the Victoria’s Secret roster—a coveted recognition in modeling. Since then, she has appeared in their annual fashion shows and catalogues, becoming a familiar face among fans. Beyond Victoria’s Secret, Romee has continued to work with top-tier brands, collaborate on creative campaigns, and cultivate a powerful social media presence that enhances her career trajectory.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.instagram.com/romeestrijd

https://www.youtube.com/@romeestrijd

https://www.babepedia.com/babe/Romee_Strijd

https://babesrater.com/infinite-scroll/29561/romee-strijd

https://hotnessrater.com/picture/1275260/romee-strijd

MODELING: Silvia Baggetto

Model: Silvia Baggetto (@baggetto_silvia)

via JMC Audiovisual 

Inside the Hyatt Regency Skywalk Collapse

The Hyatt Regency walkway collapse in Kansas City, Missouri, remains one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history. On July 17, 1981, two suspended walkways inside the hotel’s atrium gave way during a crowded dance event, killing 114 people and injuring over 200. 

The disaster was traced to a flawed design change during construction that doubled the load on a critical connection point, which was never properly reviewed or tested. 

The collapse not only led to widespread legal and professional consequences but also reshaped structural engineering standards, underscoring the importance of oversight and accountability in construction. 

via Stewart Hicks

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Comedy Central Drunk History - Coca-Cola Was Invented Using Cocaine

Featuring Bill Hader & Jenny Slate

via Comedy Central

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: What if Wes Anderson Directed X-Men?

via Patrick (H) Willems 

Right Said Fred - I’m Too Sexy

Music Appreciation

In July 1991, British pop band Right Said Fred released their debut single, "I'm Too Sexy," which became an international sensation. The track topped charts in multiple countries, including the United States, where it held the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks in February 1992. 

The song's lyrics playfully satirize the fashion industry's vanity, with lead singer Richard Fairbrass humorously proclaiming he's "too sexy" for various items and activities. The inspiration struck when the Fairbrass brothers were running a gym in London, observing the narcissistic behavior of some patrons. 

Richard jokingly sang, "I'm too sexy for my shirt" in front of a mirror, sparking the idea. Initially conceived as a rock track, it was transformed into a dance anthem after several record companies suggested a more club-friendly sound. 

The music video, directed by James Lebon, features the band humorously posing as models on a runway, interspersed with clips of actual fashion shows. Filmed in London, the video showcases the band's playful take on the modeling world, with Richard Fairbrass's charismatic performance at its core. The combination of catchy lyrics and a memorable video propelled "I'm Too Sexy" into pop culture history. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.songwritingmagazine.co.uk/interviews/im-too-sexy-right-said-fred?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Duran Duran - Girls on Film

Music Appreciation

In the summer of 1981, Duran Duran released their third single, "Girls on Film," on July 13. The track, written by band members Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, Andy Taylor, and Nick Rhodes, offers a sharp critique of the modeling industry's glitzy facade and the exploitation lurking beneath. Despite its serious undertones, the song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus made it a dance-floor favorite, propelling it to number five on the UK Singles Chart.

Musically, "Girls on Film" is a vibrant blend of new wave and synth-pop, characterized by its infectious hooks and dynamic instrumentation. The track opens with the distinctive sound of a camera shutter—a playful nod to its theme—before launching into a rhythmic groove driven by John Taylor's pulsating bass-line and Roger Taylor's crisp drumming. Andy Taylor's sharp guitar riffs intertwine seamlessly with Nick Rhodes's atmospheric keyboards, creating a soundscape that's both edgy and danceable. Simon Le Bon's charismatic vocals add the finishing touch, delivering the provocative lyrics with a wink and a smile.

The accompanying music video, directed by the creative duo Godley & Creme, was filmed at Shepperton Studios in August 1981. The video features a series of stylized vignettes with models engaging in playful, and at times risqué, scenarios, reflecting the song's commentary on the fashion industry's objectification of women. While the video was intended to be provocative, it sparked controversy due to its explicit content, leading to a heavily edited version for mainstream channels like MTV. 

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://duranduran.com/2021/duran-durans-banned-girls-on-film-video-still-shocks-40-years-later-i-dont-honestly-think-it-would-get-made-today-says-director/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://louderthanwar.com/40-years-ago-this-month-duran-duran-released-girls-on-film-the-song-and-its-appearance-on-mtv-was-a-pop-culture-game-changer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Cosplay is an Art: MCM London Comic Con 2025

via Justin Cosplay 

MODELING: Denice Andree - Bikinis and Dresses

Model: Denice Andree (@deniceandree_)

via Denice Andree

Dua Lipa - Hallucinate

Music Appreciation

“Hallucinate” is a disco-house track from Dua Lipa’s second album Future Nostalgia, released on July 10, 2020, as the album’s fourth single. The song was co-written by Dua Lipa along with Frances (Sophie Frances Cooke) and SG Lewis. SG Lewis initially crafted the instrumental—originally intended for his own project—and later collaborated with Frances to shape its structure. After hearing it, Lipa joined them in the studio to finalize the track, with additional production by Stuart Price.

Musically, “Hallucinate” is anchored in disco-house, blending dance-pop, electro-swing, psychedelic, and synth-pop elements, clocking in at around 122 BPM in B♭ minor. The production features looped bass lines, crisp hi-hats, retro drum beats, and lush string embellishments, creating a playful yet energetic soundscape. Lyrics describe an overwhelming, almost delirious romantic attraction—likening intense passion to a euphoric high or “hallucination." Lipa herself referred to the track as her “festival song,” channeling the exhilaration of connection and physical chemistry. 

The accompanying animated video—directed by Lisha Tan and produced by The Mill, with additional animation by Titmouse—was created entirely during the COVID‑19 lockdown, debuting alongside the single on July 10, 2020. Inspired by the Studio 54 disco era and vintage animations, it follows a hallucinatory journey: Lipa’s animated self sniffs a flower, spirals through dreamscape sequences with goats, clowns, dancing vegetables, dolphins, skeletons, colorful cartoon characters, and even a giant disco ball.

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.themill.com/the-mill-plus/talent/directors/lisha-tan/dua-lipa-hallucinate/

https://hypebae.com/2020/7/dua-lipa-hallucinate-music-video-song-single-track-future-nostalgia-album-release-watch

https://www.stashmedia.tv/dua-lipa-hallucinate-music-video-lisha-tan/

https://ew.com/music/dua-lipa-hallucinate-video/

https://reel360.com/article/dua-lipa-gets-trippy-in-hallucinate-from-the-mill/

https://lbbonline.com/news/dua-lipa-gets-trippy-in-animated-feel-good-music-video-for-new-single-hallucinate

https://www.creativeboom.com/inspiration/dua-lipas-hallucinatory-new-music-video-by-the-mill/

https://www.animationmagazine.net/2020/07/dua-lipa-goes-fully-animated-in-hallucinate-mv-from-the-mill-titmouse/

https://dualipa.fandom.com/wiki/Hallucinate_(song)

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: female orgasm

via Dandelion Medical Animation

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Modern Nukes: Unimaginable, City-ending Destruction

via Science Time 

The Police - Wrapped Around Your Finger

Music Appreciation

I'll start with the music video because I recall being mesmerized by "Wrapped Around Your Finger," particularly the captivating candles and the man with blonde hair prancing around the maze. Directed by Kevin Godley and Lol Creme, the video features Sting navigating a labyrinth of towering candle-filled candelabras, creating a striking visual representation of the song's themes of manipulation and power.

Written by Sting, "Wrapped Around Your Finger" is from The Police's fifth and final studio album, Synchronicity, released on July 8, 1983, in the UK. Sting described it as "a spiteful song about turning the tables on someone who had been in charge." He added, "This song is vaguely alchemical and probably about a friend of mine, a professional psychic and my tutor in tarot, with bits of Doctor Faustus and The Sorcerer's Apprentice thrown into the pot for good measure."

via The Police

Sources:

Wikipedia

Devon Cole - W.I.T.C.H.

Music Appreciation

While scrolling through TikTok in the summer of 2022, I stumbled upon a video of a young girl in a blue jean jacket and studio headphones, smiling as she sang "W.I.T.C.H." into a recording microphone.

The song, written by Canadian alt-pop singer Devon Cole along with songwriters John Mark Nelson and Alexandra Soumalias, was released through Arista Records on July 7, 2022. In 2023, Cole was nominated for Breakthrough Artist of the Year by the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

In an interview with The Hidden Hits reporter Alissa Arunarsirakul, Devon explained the song's significance: "To me, ‘W.I.T.C.H.’ is a song that reclaims the witch as a symbol of women’s resistance. It celebrates women’s strength, autonomy, and rebellion – traits that contradict the patriarchal idea of what a woman should be and how she should behave.”

The music video, directed by Martin Klapperbien and choreographed by Michelle Hanitijo, features Devon and six other girls in prairie dresses and Mary Janes dancing along a dirt road and open field, playing with a Ouija board, and prancing around a bonfire.

via Devon Cole

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://thehiddenhits.com/2022/07/08/devon-cole-witch/

https://www.thesoundcafe.com/post/toronto-based-devon-cole-signs-with-arista-and-releases-earworm-w-i-t-c-h

https://weconnect.lgbt/devon-cole-releases-empowering-single-w-i-t-c-h/

Dance: Polesque Show 2023 - Margo

Choreographer: Margo

via i. POLEBOTE

Cosplay is an Art: Dream Con 2025 in Houston, Texas

via mineralblu 

Fashion is DEFINITELY Art: Rick Owens' Mens "Temple of Love" Spring/Summer 2026

Fashion Designer: Rick Owens

 

Happy Fourth of July!

 

Patrick Puckett

Art Appreciation

I'm excited to blog about an artist my wife and I both admire—Patrick Puckett. We've attended several of his shows at the Wally Workman Gallery in Austin, and we always make a point to see his latest work whenever we visit the gallery for other exhibitions.

Born in 1979 in Jackson, Mississippi, Patrick Puckett earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2002, studying under Professor James Meade. He moved to Austin in 2005, a shift that marked a turning point in his artistic journey. After a six-year break from painting, he returned to his practice with renewed focus and has painted almost daily ever since.

Puckett's art draws heavily from his Southern upbringing. His bold, expressive works often feature anonymous figures that feel both familiar and archetypal. Using thick brushstrokes and rich colors, he explores light, shadow, and emotion with a style that's been compared to Wayne Thiebaud, though his voice remains uniquely his own. Works like The Garden, The Vase, and The Butterfly exemplify his expressive approach. His "Western Civ." series and other exhibitions at Wally Workman Gallery highlight his ongoing exploration of identity and culture in the American South.

Western Civ., 2024

The Butterfly, 2023

The Vase, 2023

An Experiment in Love, 2021

Sources:

https://www.patrickpuckett.com/

https://www.instagram.com/patrickpuckett/?hl=en

https://www.thecommercegallery.com/posters

https://www.wallyworkmangallery.com/patrick-puckett.html

https://moutoniere.com/collections/patrick-puckett-collection?srsltid=AfmBOor-lGyPP53CfFmCFGU3lblinQaRwwR-g1jehOTUhaLQCdneibJh 

https://tribeza.com/uncategorized/patrick-puckett-austin-artist/

https://www.austinarttalk.com/4

https://www.penick.net/digging/?p=94338

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O-v2KP610w

https://glasstire.com/2013/07/19/patrick-puckett-at-wally-workman/

https://www.fischergalleries.com/artists/patrick-puckett

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: Megan Brotherton - Why You Can't Use The Bathroom In A Romper

via Megan Brotherton 

RANDOM WEDNESDAY: "On Parade" by David Plunkert for The New Yorker

https://www.instagram.com/p/DK2PQDVMv8e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

Planning a Family Cruise… and Navigating U.S. Customs?

Last year, my wife and I surprised our family with an Eastern Caribbean cruise—something we’ve been looking forward to for a while. Now that our kids are adults, it felt like the right time to come together, relax, and make some new memories.

But as our departure date approaches, excitement has been tempered by concern.

A few months ago, we started reading reports about travelers facing unexpected trouble when re-entering the U.S., especially under tightened border policies during the Trump administration. Reputable outlets even recommended extreme measures for foreign travelers—like leaving your smartphone at home and bringing a cheap “burner” phone instead. Why? Because Customs and Border Protection agents may demand access to your device without a warrant, and if you refuse, you could face delays or worse. And here’s the kicker: this advice wasn’t just for foreign nationals—it increasingly applies to U.S. citizens too.

It turns out that the moment you land and get in line for re-entry, you’re not technically “back” in the U.S. yet. That Customs area is a sort of legal limbo, where constitutional protections don’t fully apply. The agent you meet there has considerable power to determine how smoothly—or not—you get back home.

That’s a strange feeling. We’re planning a dream vacation, but we’re also preparing for the possibility that re-entry might not be as simple as handing over a passport and saying “welcome back.”

Travel should be about joy and discovery. But in today’s climate, even coming home requires a little extra caution.