Everyday sights

Finished with 2/4 classes, I'm trying to stay positive, while soaking up the last days with my Argentine friends, who have become my family while I've been here. This weekend we're going to Iguazú Falls for our last hoorah.

Here are some things I've been seeing in the city lately:

A one-legged pigeon. He was walking really well though, you go bird!

This sign is translated "Give your tit to your baby." A breast-feeding advertisement? They're lining Avenida Santa Fe.

My final art project! Its a statue in the Botanical Garden close by. I got an A- in the class!

This week I'll be correcting my paper, starting the next one, and celebrating Niall's birthday!

Homework Session

Niall and I went to the park by the famous cemetery (2 blocks away from my house) to do homework. Here is the view of the park:

Here is the Hotel Alvear (1 block away from my house) that has a store called ARITA. So silly that I have a Rita too!

Dad-is this the same type of tree as the one at Holy Family? I think it is because those little mini red mushroom looking thingys fall from it. There are tons of these huge amazing trees in the park--and I love that no one grooms them, they are left to grow freely!

This is the type of homework I get excited for. While Niall read the book we have to read for our mandatory Spanish class, I drew his hand.

Unfortunately the drawing below isn't mine, but I bought a post card of it. This artist (a local selling her goods at the weekly art fair) gave me a little deal (cause I bought 3) and a kiss goodbye! Her art was so beautiful and her pencil work very soft and delicate. I loved what she did with the watercolor in the back and the addition of some color to the traditional black and white drawings! Don't worry Mom and Dad--I'll give you one to add to the Wall of Fame in the kitchen.

Still picking my classes. I'm hesitant to pick hard ones because they're in Spanish! Oh well, that's what I'm here for...to challenge myself! We'll see how it goes...

Street Sights

This is the interior of the Línea A Subte. Word on the street is that this was the oldest line built in 1913, and the interior is still authentic. No matter if this is true or not, they definitely are older than the others, and the wooden cars make me think I'm going to Hogwarts with lots of Argentines every time I ride them.

This is a view (above) of Puerto Madero the barrio where the Catholic university (UCA) is. Its really pretty and the big white diagonal structure next to the yacht is a bridge that is supposed to synthesize the motion of a couple dancing the tango. I don't really see it, but I like the idea.

Beautiful Plaza de Mayo! This is the center of the Argentine government. The presidenta, Cristina Kirchner, works in the Casa Rosada (below) and there are lots of other important buildings surrounding. (If I take an appropriate tour one day, I'll let you know what they are.)

I finally went to the historic location of Evita's most famous speech, commemorated in the musical & movie which I love so much. (Madonna used the real balcony!) I hate to admit it, but it would be a lie if I didn't, this movie was a factor in my decision to come to Argentina. Even though it portrays B.A. in a somewhat idealized and stereotypical way, I love it. My love for musicals influences me sometimes subconsciously!

Here's one of the figures I drew in my Anatonomía class! I'm so glad I moved up to the 2nd year level because I already feel like I have learned a lot-- just by going to one session! This assignment was to draw a huge curvy, continuous line all over the page, and then use the curves to inspire the movement of the figure. It was so hard because I'm used to drawing with human models, but in class we were forced to explore fine arts improv. Mom- We're just doing gestures, so don't comment on the lack of shading all over the body.

Random discovery: apparently a more German way of spelling Fortner is Pförtner. Also, the Pförtner's of Argentina own a chain of optometry stores.

"The Rita Influence"

Last week was the first week that any of the classes I was interested in started. I went to Plásitca y Visión, Taller de Relizaciones II, Arte y Diseño, y Historía Escenografica. Three out of those four are at "USAL" or the Universidad del Salvador, and Arte y Diseño is offered at "UCA" or Universidad Catolica de Argentina.

Out of all four, the only one I am set of taking is Plástica y Visión--its an art class in three parts: painting, pencil drawing and figure drawing. No matter what I do to prevent it, "The Rita Influence" has no cure.

My whole life art lessons/drawing/painting was something I was exposed to and taught. Being a "recovering" perfectionist, I never thought I was artistically talented because I couldn't make mine look like my mom's.

Recently, I started going to the figure drawing sessions at Columbia and found out that I really liked it, and that I maybe did have some talent. Over winter break my mom, my brother, my mom's student Kara and I all participated in a 26 hour figure drawing marathon. Guess some of that practice paid off because last Monday at the figure drawing class, the teacher said that I'm too advanced to be in level I, so he's moving me up to level II!

I'm really glad I've been channelling the Rita in me, because I've been able to find my love of art in my own way, and I've been outgoing and confident enough to make such awesome friends here. I've accepted that I can't shake the influence of Rita, and I'm glad.

I'll tell you about the classes I check out next week at "UBA" (Universidad de Buenos Aires!)

Home, GAGA and Christmas Prep!

I've been home for 1.5 days and been so insanely busy. Rachel the Amazing helped me pack all of my New York junk up, and I finally turned in my last final paper yesterday after I got home!

Above is the goblin from Labyrinth that I drew for Rachel. Merry Christmas! Love, The Goblins!

Making tamales with my Grandma and Aunt Mary! Some got a little burnt this year, but they're still as good as always. Grandma's house is so different now, and it was a bit surreal to be there after so long!

The Lady Gaga Concert was completely stunning. Her costumes, performance, music, sets, dancers, relationship with her audience, etc. were all unbelievable. Me, Melissa, Michelle and Maureen are all "Little Monsters" now! I love her because she is making fun of the idea of Fame, while conquering it at the same time. She also continuously shows how women are treated as objects, the best examples are in her Bad Romance video! Her biggest message is that people can be a little weird and still be awesome and accepted! She is revolutionizing popular culture, whether you like it or not! I can't wait to see her continue to shock the world and reinvent her image! See the video of Dance in the Dark below with her amazing costume of lights!

Christmas Eve morning! We are watching the Muppet's Christmas Carol and decorating cookies. My mother is always the famous holiday cookie decorator!

This movie is classic! I can't wait for tonight at my Nina's house, tomorrow and my Grandmas and then tomorrow night with my Dad's family. I'm feeling a little sick and tired, so hopefully i make it through all the festivities! Merry Christmas!