Welcome to post 1 for YBOR city in Tampa, FL. Some of my cousins live in Tampa and it is always fun to visit them. On this trip, cousin G brought us to YBOR city.
Here is the lady who works at one of the most famous cigar shops in YBOR. It was pretty smoke hazed in there and she said it did not bother her at all. My cousin found a table on the outside patio to smoke his cigar, and while he and my momma chatted and drank cuban coffee – I took a walk (to get away from the second-hand smoke on the patio) and started taking some street shots.
cigar wrappersAuthor note: this photo was updated thanks to Feedback from restless Jo. Linked to P’s TS HERE
PART 2:
This photo was updated (thank u CP4) – and if you want to contact the artist Jose M., please visit his Facebook page at Jose M. Tampa Artist 🙂
Jose told me that he made three of these “accordion man photo-paintings“- I have a picture of the second one (below) and the first one already sold. This one called to me. The loose fingers in the clean, soft, open hand at the base of the accordion adds some finesse – gives us a relaxed feel. The fingers on the keys, with warm skin tone, suggests some culture rich song might be playing. The musician’s outfit adds much as well: the fedora is a nice touch – the cream color of the hat coordinates well with the cream in the framed doorway. The fedora also has a fun feel with the camo-pants and high-tops. Then… a bright blue shirt- and blue of the accordion -brings our eye back to the blue in the pathway, which Jose made into chunky blocks of gray, black, and rich blue. The doors to the back—– well, for those of us who love doors—- this weathered beauty has been enriched with Jose’s photo paint to whisper of a laid back, older neighborhood that maybe sits right outside of YBOR city. Maybe this is a place where people sit and get lost in their music playing – where people chill on small doorsteps surrounded by rich wood with enough space to feel alive in the soul. Oh, and the line of the hat has some harmony with the grid in the foreground path and line in the step tiles – along with the abstract lines and shapes in the wood and pants – ti all works for me. I could go on, but I will wrap it up with a big gracias to Jose.This is 1 of the 3 accordion player art pieces Jose M. created. Notcie the pathway is different- and the farm to the door is different) – He framed with IKEA frames and priced these gems to sell!
Happy Friday everyone – and have you bought any art form a local artist lately? If you have not, I would like to encourage you to keep your eyes out for nicely priced pieces that can enrich your life while they support the artist…
Awesome post, Lady Blue-Ski. Thank you for taking the time to put it all together. I never did get why peep’s smoke cigars. OH heavens! They STINK! OINK! (((HUGS))) Lady Rose-Ski
Hi thanks for the comment my lady! I agree they stink – yuck! however, while I do not find enjoyment in smoking anything (partly because my body is sensitive to stuff like that) but you know, I can see why it is enjoyable to some – and actually, I think that sometimes things like this – can be a gift to a person and maybe becomes a pleasant part of life to be enjoyed – maybe the way I would enjoy a glass of Port after a meal – not all the time, but as a treat.
Oh – and if you have time for a short story – check out “the open boat” by Stephen Crane
HERE: http://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/crane/open.htm
in this well written story, Crane gives us a scene where the guys think they are being recused and they celebrate by lighting cigars:
Their back-bones had become thoroughly used to balancing in the boat and they now rode this wild colt of a dingey like circus men. The correspondent thought that he had been drenched to the skin, but happening to feel in the top pocket of his coat, he found therein eight cigars. Four of them were soaked with sea-water; four were perfectly scatheless. After a search, somebody produced three dry matches, and thereupon the four waifs rode in their little boat, and with an assurance of an impending rescue shining in their eyes, puffed at the big cigars and judged well and ill of all men. Everybody took a drink of water.
…
“COOK,” remarked the captain, “there don’t seem to be any signs of life about your house of refuge.”
The cigar shops…that´s where I´m going when I get to Florida. Big old fat Cuban one.
Look at you, yes you, all giggle giggle with Jose the painter. By the way I realised in one picture where it gives his phone number as well as his email account, well the email account is named joder6@yahoo.com,
you know what joder means in Spanish? It means the F word followed by three more words and the last one ends up K. Great painter this man.
well first off – thanks for noting that about the F word -I read your comment on my phone and we all got a good laugh because had no idea – and thanks again for your feedback because I cleaned it up the picture a bit – I originally left his email there so that folks could reach him, but his fb info is more than enough…. and not sure what you mean by giggle-gigle – but it was kept professional because that’s how I roll sir spaniard – and by the way, I still have that “spaniard” street shot from Ybor to share – coming soon…. thx again – and thanks for abbreviating the F word when you referenced it ❤
I should have said, jiggly jiggly….as in flirty flirtatious… 😉
Yes mam, I did stop purposely from using the F word, I know you don´t like it.
By the way you said it in plural when you said that you read my comment on the phone and “we all got a good laugh because had no idea” Am I entertaining the whole family now?…. Keep a little space in the garage, that´s all I need when I get there, or I can also clean and then sleep in the dogs house. As long as I´m in the U.S, things will get better later on and I can move into suburbia U.S.A, white wooden house, green immaculate lawn, and the white picked fence, that one has to be, plus a golden retriever also. Just like in the movies.
well you are the one with the disorder (what did you call it – OFD) – ha!
But I think you know that I keep it professional and I think people can sense that I exude a genuine care, which more amiable as opposed to flirting in a way that would dis the hubs.
~~~
and forget the garage – you can sleep in my son’s old room – or on this foam cot in the treadmill room (everyone loves this foam pad for comfort) and so NO garage for the spaniard!
and si, it was a group of us – my husband’s Spanish is way better than mine (French is my strongest lang – but rusty) so I wanted to see if he knew the jador word – he did not – and two teens that were there have a new vocabulary word.
… the thing about the “F” word is that it is a power word that often gets watered down with misused or overused to the point where it loses effectiveness –
I know many folks who want the most wholesome speech possible – and I aim for that too – even though sometimes words slip out and well – I am what I am and it is what it is – so what the heck! jk – but that was sweet of you amigo.
and now to bust your bubble with the stereotype of living in the States – well you can still go for that image –
but for another idea – portent living and condo arrangements have perks too..
and with a house – let’s change the small picket fence to white vinyl panels – last longer – and the immaculate green lawns are often being replaced with “local” plants that fit the terrain of the city you live in – and so the water needs, plant/root systems, and amount of grass – type of grass – and how green you get it – well can sometimes be determined by the geo area and pref.
and retriever? nah…. – nothing against the breed – but a lab, terrier, or even a mutt rescue can be go so “American” too – ❤
even though we knew one guy who had 4 rescues, which were they the ugliest dogs we have ever seen. One was missing a leg – another had a major scar across the non-working left eye form a past injury – and their hair – well it was just funny to see this motley crew – but they were sweethearts too…
I spent a weekend in Ybor once. I had a friend who had friends there and we all 8 or 10 of us stayed cooped up in an apartment for New Years. A very fun weekend. Thanks for bringing back memories 🙂
Love your story here. How you really get to know people everywhere you go.
Thanks Jennifer – I bet that was a fun holiday – and thanks for noting that because I found out that this is quite the part town and maybe has a NOLA french quarter feel – not identical – but similar with the doorways, verandas, old brick, etc.
We definitely support local artists and artisans both at home and when traveling. We love knowing about how they made the piece and what it meant to them. Can’t say I am much for showing off tobacco but your cigar photos are very attractive. 🙂
well thanks sue – and whew – you and Dave do more than just support local artists – you promo businesses, ideas, adventures, and then pause to share the real names of folks you encounter – so I am not sure what I would call what you do – but truly a supportive heart you both have in the way you post and share ❤
Thanks so much G – and that just came to when I was writing the post – even though I loved it from minute one. After he greeted me at the art reception, I think he thought I was really into Izzy’s work because I started videoing her section (where the people were looking so intently) but then we meandered to his section – and I asked him what his favorite work was – out of his own – and he thought about it and then said these two little accordion players were the current pieces he liked and had fun making – and well, I keep seeing things I like – for example, in the version I have, I also noticed a concentric feel (?) with the way he did the bottom two lines in the path grid – and that rounded line in the brown wall to the right…
but not to over assess the piece or anything – ha!
That’s a great shot for Paula’s challenge, Yvette. As I looked at it I’m trying to guess who takes a shot like that (I went with Ese- wrong again! 😦 ) but I should have known. 🙂 And I love your painting, and the description of what it says to you. I just love the vibrance of those blue tiles against the door, and that guy, wrapped up in his own world. Hus, Yvette! Have a happy weekend.
the lighting inside the store was dark and I was buying a "nice" cigar for my cousin – so as I shopped, I clicked a few – but most did not come out…. and also, I value your feedback so much and after Charly's comment I decided to modify this post with two small things….
anyhow – good weekend to you 🙂
oh yeah, and I also know what you mean about that initial cigar photo being “Ese-like” – and well – I fixed the photo to be more of a collage and less phallic – also, have you ever heard about the guy who claims he is the gift for discerning phallic symbols? He was on the Colbert Report back in 2011 and it is pretty funny – (story here) yet the only you tube vid I could find was the one CNN did – but it still shows the humor here:
Wow, that accordion player painting is really stunning. One can almost hear the music. 🙂 You really immersed yourself in the art and culture of Ybor City. Loved seeing all your photos. xx
Thanks so much S – ♪♪♪♪♪
and I must admit I am getting a little burned out with posting on Florida – not too bad, but I am going to try and wrap up this project with one more Ybor post and one more regular Florida post and then close the folder…
Wonderful photography Yvette! My favorites were the 1st shot (love neon and the reflections of the light on the sidewalk), the hand rolled cigars on a rainy night (such an interesting contrast), the collage you created for Thursday’s Special Multitude, and the one of Izzy with her beautiful hair. I too am drawn to that lovely painting of the Accordion Man. What a wonderful piece.
Hi Lisa – and I actually changed the multitude photo because the first one was a bit phallic suggestive – haha!
Oh – and later on I will have to come back and share a photo of a painting I bought in Flroida many years ago – it is sailboat painting and well, right up your alley, I mean causeway – ha
The accordion man sticks out like a sore thumb. Loved it. And I always enjoy Los Lonely Boys. I once saw them perform a song in San Fran, Cali. Also, I enjoyed my stay in Tampa before. This brings back memries.
(EN)So rich and varied post Y 🙂 Love the most pieces of art and comments below( people and art). A thousand and one topics, great!…and funny 🙂 Thanks
(IT) Cosí ricco e vario post Y 🙂 Amo di più le opere d’arte e i commenti sotto( persone e arte) Mille e un argomento,bello!…e divertente 🙂 Grazie
(EN) 🙂 Varied “thanks”, wow!(thanks,gracias,grazie) .Have a nice day “varia” Y 😉
(IT)Svariati “grazie”, wow!(thanks,gracias,grazie) Buona giornata “varia” Y 😉
Ahaaa what a great trip you had Y !! Thanks for sharing such great pieces of art and the artists with us. Did you buy any of the pieces or any that you wanted to buy? which was your favorite? 🙂
Hi Zee – ❤ – thanks for the nice comment – and si, my sunday is going nice in spite of it being a bit cold for this time of year….
and yes ma'am – I did buy some art on this trip – and the "accordion man" is now sitting on a table in our piano room – and it is my fav of this month ❤ –
but before I stumbled on this gem in Tampa, Fl- I was planning on going back to buy one of the paintings:
(maybe the one on the right) from a local artist in Cocoa Beach, FL – but maybe on my next trip….
xxoo
Same here Y, April is almost here which is suppose to be relatively hot month but nup. not this time around, Winter is not leaving us! Which I don’t mind by the way ! Hehe, Love winters! 😀
And wow so you’ve got a great collection of paintings back at your house, huh! Would love to see your personal collection some day too ^.^ 🙂
Hi z – well I do not have that much of a collection – try and keep it manageable – and of course make sure I like the piece so it does not become collecting to just “accumulate” – 🙂
and here is looking to a warmer April ☀☀☀☀
How nice to have the chance to see the wonderful night shot of the Ybor Centre in the city of cigars!
Gorgeous the texture of the hand rolled cigars and most remarkable the Art works in the galleries!Thank you so much Yvette Dear for dropping by and leaving your rich comment on my Spring post!Hope you have a splendid and creative oncoming week:) ,Doda ❤
Fun post, Yvette. I don’t believe I could go to a cigar shop because I don’t react well to smoke! That’s a lovely piece of art. Love your description of it. Hugs! 🙂 ❤
First of all, who is the ‘sweetheart of a guy’? Hehehe 🙂
Second, so let me get this straight. Jose takes pictures and then paints into them? I love photos of different kinds of doors. I was in Rio de Janeiro for a few days with my mom, and then in Buenos Aires for almost a week. We saw some some amazing doors and photo opportunities. I took a ton of photos with her iPhone, but she has yet to send them to me. I’m going to use a bunch of them on my blog.
As for the question about buying local art… no, I haven’t. I did, however but a really nice water-colour of couple doing the tango when I was in Buenos Aires. I also bought a mug with a ‘La Boca’ scene on it. Both were done by local artists, and am glad I got them.
🙂
Hi Stac – that watercolor sounds beautiful! and looking forward to seeing your photos – (esp. of the doors -) and speaking of RIO – – Linda shared this video last week:
and that sweetheart man – I have no idea who he was, but he just seemed so pleasant as I was coming and going
– but I think he is Kojak’s cousin (just kidding – do you know who kojak is – he was a detective on a 1970’s show – and the actor who played kojak, Telly Savalas, looked like that guy! (I guess Telly Savalas died in 1994 – and so maybe this was his younger cousin ha)
anyhow, yes, Jose said even his larger works were jumbo prints of his own photos, which he then used photo paint to design and enrich. He has such a raw, innate artistic sense – which I like better than some artists who are more duplicators – if that makes sense.
@more duplicators – if that makes sense.
–Yes, it does make sense. Originality is what separates the the artistic and creative mind from the ‘I have talent’ mind. I would love to be one of those ‘artistic and creative’ minds. I find myself loving others’ work right now though and wanting to do something similar. Hmmmmm… Maybe one day.
I have heard of Kojak, but never saw him (or the show).
I’ll have to check out Linda’s post. Thanks for letting me know.
🙂
Hi – and well the fun thing there is so much to experiment with – so yes, some day! and the materials available these days make “doing art” even more fun – like photo pens and photo paint – how nice.
and regarding duplicators….
I was at an art reception for this talented artist – who made these large scale paintings of buildings from Italy – but they were void of something – he explained that he used a projector to trace the image on the canvas and then his skills with oil paint was obvious – but to me – this work lacked an artist’s flair.
Thanks a million times over for unspamming my comment Yvette Dear! If you knew how hard I tried and retried to write it,but it disappeared into thin air … Enjoy your day 🙂 ,Doda xxx
thanks – and I thought about splitting it up into two or three – but I only had time for a single post that week… and voila – a megapost unfolded… ❤ – thanks for dropping by….
Great post on a little town that I have a little soft spot in my heart for. I started my major art shows in Ybor. They used to have 4 art shows a year. I appreciate your encouraging the purchase of art from artists. It’d difficult for people to understand the life of an artist. The paitning you selected is perfect for you. It spoke to you. It’s what makes an art purchase the one for you. Thanks for posting about a little traiditonal town in Florida. 😎
Oh Isadora – I had no idea of your connection to Ybor – it sure is an artsy place – and I have to check out more of your art and blog- thanks for the comment
Sure wish I could visit that cigar lounge! But if it was a smoked haze inside, their ventilator system needs to be improved. 🙂 The gent smoking curbside – oooo, how I wish I could be him! Interesting stuff, Yvette, and Izzy sure has a lovely profile. 😉
Hey Koji = I was actually coming to see you this weekend to share some of the cigar pictures (and to check up on your blog) but thanks for dropping by – and you know I thought of you with some of the cigar shops. That is interesting to hear about the ventilator system – and it was hazy, but not too bad overall. And I wish I could have seen some folks hand rolling some cigars, but all of that was done for the day… have a good day 🙂
P: I love your description of the “accordion man” painting. You read paintings well as I remember reading something from an earlier post. I was completely mesmerized by the colors surrounding the man who himself is a figure of hues. The colors give the picture its life but they also (seem to) downplay some hidden tragedies. I can’t see the man’s face, for one.
I wrote to you about Bloodline on Netflix. The story is based in Florida Keys.
thanks so much Mahesh – and did you say the Keys? I will reply in a little bit (and thanks for that)
also – thanks for the feedback on the art description, and I know what you mean about his face not being seen – which could be taken in a few ways – more anonymity to allow his experience to be more universal and shared – like the “we are one” as my brother and I are so alike… well – many ways to read it – that is for sure…. TTYS
Hello All. this is Jose M. The Tampa artist. I am so sorry if I offended anyone with my email address. To me the “j” word is someone who is too playful or bothersome. My new email address is Josemtampaartist@gmail.com.
I want to thank you all for the beautiful messages and comments regarding my work. It is most appreciated. I am very humbled. Regards. Jose M
Oh thanks for dropping by Jose – and no worries at all on the email – but your new one is more professional and so that is awesome. I really love your work and so having your contact info here is nice just in case someone wants to contact you – you have that raw artistic side that comes from within – anyhow, thanks for leaving a comment and for the new email amigo! 🙂
“Ruffled feathers and endless squawking over a minor difficulty is typical of a crow’s life. I lean back on the counter and realize that could be my line….”
priorhouse blog 
It’s hard to stop looking at the accordion man painting, So lifelike and I could imagine the music 🙂
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thanks andy – and I do wonder what this man would be playing…. 🎶🎶
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I do wonder! will you write him a song? 😉
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actually you should be the one to do that mr. wanderin’ poet
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Me? but I am no good at songs lol
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well aren’t most songs poems put to music? I know they get changed up and other elements added – but some of your material feels lyrical –
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Thank you! 😀
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de nada – ❤
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Awesome post, Lady Blue-Ski. Thank you for taking the time to put it all together. I never did get why peep’s smoke cigars. OH heavens! They STINK! OINK! (((HUGS))) Lady Rose-Ski
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Hi thanks for the comment my lady! I agree they stink – yuck! however, while I do not find enjoyment in smoking anything (partly because my body is sensitive to stuff like that) but you know, I can see why it is enjoyable to some – and actually, I think that sometimes things like this – can be a gift to a person and maybe becomes a pleasant part of life to be enjoyed – maybe the way I would enjoy a glass of Port after a meal – not all the time, but as a treat.
Oh – and if you have time for a short story – check out “the open boat” by Stephen Crane
HERE:
http://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/crane/open.htm
in this well written story, Crane gives us a scene where the guys think they are being recused and they celebrate by lighting cigars:
Their back-bones had become thoroughly used to balancing in the boat and they now rode this wild colt of a dingey like circus men. The correspondent thought that he had been drenched to the skin, but happening to feel in the top pocket of his coat, he found therein eight cigars. Four of them were soaked with sea-water; four were perfectly scatheless. After a search, somebody produced three dry matches, and thereupon the four waifs rode in their little boat, and with an assurance of an impending rescue shining in their eyes, puffed at the big cigars and judged well and ill of all men. Everybody took a drink of water.
…
“COOK,” remarked the captain, “there don’t seem to be any signs of life about your house of refuge.”
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The cigar shops…that´s where I´m going when I get to Florida. Big old fat Cuban one.
Look at you, yes you, all giggle giggle with Jose the painter. By the way I realised in one picture where it gives his phone number as well as his email account, well the email account is named joder6@yahoo.com,
you know what joder means in Spanish? It means the F word followed by three more words and the last one ends up K. Great painter this man.
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well first off – thanks for noting that about the F word -I read your comment on my phone and we all got a good laugh because had no idea – and thanks again for your feedback because I cleaned it up the picture a bit – I originally left his email there so that folks could reach him, but his fb info is more than enough…. and not sure what you mean by giggle-gigle – but it was kept professional because that’s how I roll sir spaniard – and by the way, I still have that “spaniard” street shot from Ybor to share – coming soon…. thx again – and thanks for abbreviating the F word when you referenced it ❤
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I should have said, jiggly jiggly….as in flirty flirtatious… 😉
Yes mam, I did stop purposely from using the F word, I know you don´t like it.
By the way you said it in plural when you said that you read my comment on the phone and “we all got a good laugh because had no idea” Am I entertaining the whole family now?…. Keep a little space in the garage, that´s all I need when I get there, or I can also clean and then sleep in the dogs house. As long as I´m in the U.S, things will get better later on and I can move into suburbia U.S.A, white wooden house, green immaculate lawn, and the white picked fence, that one has to be, plus a golden retriever also. Just like in the movies.
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well you are the one with the disorder (what did you call it – OFD) – ha!
But I think you know that I keep it professional and I think people can sense that I exude a genuine care, which more amiable as opposed to flirting in a way that would dis the hubs.
~~~
and forget the garage – you can sleep in my son’s old room – or on this foam cot in the treadmill room (everyone loves this foam pad for comfort) and so NO garage for the spaniard!
and si, it was a group of us – my husband’s Spanish is way better than mine (French is my strongest lang – but rusty) so I wanted to see if he knew the jador word – he did not – and two teens that were there have a new vocabulary word.
… the thing about the “F” word is that it is a power word that often gets watered down with misused or overused to the point where it loses effectiveness –
I know many folks who want the most wholesome speech possible – and I aim for that too – even though sometimes words slip out and well – I am what I am and it is what it is – so what the heck! jk – but that was sweet of you amigo.
and now to bust your bubble with the stereotype of living in the States – well you can still go for that image –
but for another idea – portent living and condo arrangements have perks too..
and with a house – let’s change the small picket fence to white vinyl panels – last longer – and the immaculate green lawns are often being replaced with “local” plants that fit the terrain of the city you live in – and so the water needs, plant/root systems, and amount of grass – type of grass – and how green you get it – well can sometimes be determined by the geo area and pref.
and retriever? nah…. – nothing against the breed – but a lab, terrier, or even a mutt rescue can be go so “American” too – ❤
even though we knew one guy who had 4 rescues, which were they the ugliest dogs we have ever seen. One was missing a leg – another had a major scar across the non-working left eye form a past injury – and their hair – well it was just funny to see this motley crew – but they were sweethearts too…
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Cheers Yvette 🙂 I quit smoking but I will gladly take your bunch 😉
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Obrigado ❤ ❤
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I spent a weekend in Ybor once. I had a friend who had friends there and we all 8 or 10 of us stayed cooped up in an apartment for New Years. A very fun weekend. Thanks for bringing back memories 🙂
Love your story here. How you really get to know people everywhere you go.
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Thanks Jennifer – I bet that was a fun holiday – and thanks for noting that because I found out that this is quite the part town and maybe has a NOLA french quarter feel – not identical – but similar with the doorways, verandas, old brick, etc.
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Oh that sounds wonderful. I’ll have to return sometime to see that.
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We definitely support local artists and artisans both at home and when traveling. We love knowing about how they made the piece and what it meant to them. Can’t say I am much for showing off tobacco but your cigar photos are very attractive. 🙂
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well thanks sue – and whew – you and Dave do more than just support local artists – you promo businesses, ideas, adventures, and then pause to share the real names of folks you encounter – so I am not sure what I would call what you do – but truly a supportive heart you both have in the way you post and share ❤
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interesting piece of art. Liked sharing this little outing with you!
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thanks for tagging along ❤ ❤
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I love the painting. I bought two beautiful journals at the Suislaw River Coffee House while we were in Oregon. Paper gets me every time. =)
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Journals can be such nice treasure! – and paper can be so varied – I bet this journals are nice
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I love your narration of Jose’s Camo Accordion Man. It makes an already fabulous piece of art even more fabulous.
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Thanks so much G – and that just came to when I was writing the post – even though I loved it from minute one. After he greeted me at the art reception, I think he thought I was really into Izzy’s work because I started videoing her section (where the people were looking so intently) but then we meandered to his section – and I asked him what his favorite work was – out of his own – and he thought about it and then said these two little accordion players were the current pieces he liked and had fun making – and well, I keep seeing things I like – for example, in the version I have, I also noticed a concentric feel (?) with the way he did the bottom two lines in the path grid – and that rounded line in the brown wall to the right…
but not to over assess the piece or anything – ha!
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That’s a great shot for Paula’s challenge, Yvette. As I looked at it I’m trying to guess who takes a shot like that (I went with Ese- wrong again! 😦 ) but I should have known. 🙂 And I love your painting, and the description of what it says to you. I just love the vibrance of those blue tiles against the door, and that guy, wrapped up in his own world. Hus, Yvette! Have a happy weekend.
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thanks so much Restless Jo – ❤ ❤
the lighting inside the store was dark and I was buying a "nice" cigar for my cousin – so as I shopped, I clicked a few – but most did not come out…. and also, I value your feedback so much and after Charly's comment I decided to modify this post with two small things….
anyhow – good weekend to you 🙂
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oh yeah, and I also know what you mean about that initial cigar photo being “Ese-like” – and well – I fixed the photo to be more of a collage and less phallic – also, have you ever heard about the guy who claims he is the gift for discerning phallic symbols? He was on the Colbert Report back in 2011 and it is pretty funny – (story here) yet the only you tube vid I could find was the one CNN did – but it still shows the humor here:
The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,The Colbert Report on Facebook,Video Archive
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Thanks for the update, Yvette. Live and learn (especially how to spell ‘hugs’) 🙂
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Wow, that accordion player painting is really stunning. One can almost hear the music. 🙂 You really immersed yourself in the art and culture of Ybor City. Loved seeing all your photos. xx
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Thanks so much S – ♪♪♪♪♪
and I must admit I am getting a little burned out with posting on Florida – not too bad, but I am going to try and wrap up this project with one more Ybor post and one more regular Florida post and then close the folder…
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🙂
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Wonderful photography Yvette! My favorites were the 1st shot (love neon and the reflections of the light on the sidewalk), the hand rolled cigars on a rainy night (such an interesting contrast), the collage you created for Thursday’s Special Multitude, and the one of Izzy with her beautiful hair. I too am drawn to that lovely painting of the Accordion Man. What a wonderful piece.
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Hi Lisa – and I actually changed the multitude photo because the first one was a bit phallic suggestive – haha!
Oh – and later on I will have to come back and share a photo of a painting I bought in Flroida many years ago – it is sailboat painting and well, right up your alley, I mean causeway – ha
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The accordion man sticks out like a sore thumb. Loved it. And I always enjoy Los Lonely Boys. I once saw them perform a song in San Fran, Cali. Also, I enjoyed my stay in Tampa before. This brings back memries.
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glad I could bring some memories for ya – and I was wondering what Happened to the Los Lonely Boys – hm – hope you have a great rest of your month
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(EN)So rich and varied post Y 🙂 Love the most pieces of art and comments below( people and art). A thousand and one topics, great!…and funny 🙂 Thanks
(IT) Cosí ricco e vario post Y 🙂 Amo di più le opere d’arte e i commenti sotto( persone e arte) Mille e un argomento,bello!…e divertente 🙂 Grazie
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Hello there sweet forthemo – and now I know another Italian word – “vario” – so mucho gracias for that – ha! jk – I mean grazie, grazie…
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(EN) 🙂 Varied “thanks”, wow!(thanks,gracias,grazie) .Have a nice day “varia” Y 😉
(IT)Svariati “grazie”, wow!(thanks,gracias,grazie) Buona giornata “varia” Y 😉
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Ahaaa what a great trip you had Y !! Thanks for sharing such great pieces of art and the artists with us. Did you buy any of the pieces or any that you wanted to buy? which was your favorite? 🙂
Hope your Sunday is going Fantastic !! ❤
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Hi Zee – ❤ – thanks for the nice comment – and si, my sunday is going nice in spite of it being a bit cold for this time of year….
and yes ma'am – I did buy some art on this trip – and the "accordion man" is now sitting on a table in our piano room – and it is my fav of this month ❤ –
but before I stumbled on this gem in Tampa, Fl- I was planning on going back to buy one of the paintings:
(maybe the one on the right) from a local artist in Cocoa Beach, FL – but maybe on my next trip….
xxoo
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Same here Y, April is almost here which is suppose to be relatively hot month but nup. not this time around, Winter is not leaving us! Which I don’t mind by the way ! Hehe, Love winters! 😀
And wow so you’ve got a great collection of paintings back at your house, huh! Would love to see your personal collection some day too ^.^ 🙂
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Hi z – well I do not have that much of a collection – try and keep it manageable – and of course make sure I like the piece so it does not become collecting to just “accumulate” – 🙂
and here is looking to a warmer April ☀☀☀☀
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How nice to have the chance to see the wonderful night shot of the Ybor Centre in the city of cigars!
Gorgeous the texture of the hand rolled cigars and most remarkable the Art works in the galleries!Thank you so much Yvette Dear for dropping by and leaving your rich comment on my Spring post!Hope you have a splendid and creative oncoming week:) ,Doda ❤
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Fascinating accordion man photo paintings Yvette!
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Fun post, Yvette. I don’t believe I could go to a cigar shop because I don’t react well to smoke! That’s a lovely piece of art. Love your description of it. Hugs! 🙂 ❤
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Just found your blog. All very cool shots, very well done!!
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thanks so much – 🙂
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I just love that painting of the man with the accordion. Great captures Yvette. I can see you had lots of fun. 😀
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thanks sonel – and part 2 is coming shortly – 🙂 have a nice day
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Thanks hon. You too. 😀 ♥
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🙂 ❤
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The accordion man photo-painting looks super awesome! I wish I could do painting as well 😀 Yvette, loving your photos story of Ybor City!
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thx so much Indah
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First of all, who is the ‘sweetheart of a guy’? Hehehe 🙂
Second, so let me get this straight. Jose takes pictures and then paints into them? I love photos of different kinds of doors. I was in Rio de Janeiro for a few days with my mom, and then in Buenos Aires for almost a week. We saw some some amazing doors and photo opportunities. I took a ton of photos with her iPhone, but she has yet to send them to me. I’m going to use a bunch of them on my blog.
As for the question about buying local art… no, I haven’t. I did, however but a really nice water-colour of couple doing the tango when I was in Buenos Aires. I also bought a mug with a ‘La Boca’ scene on it. Both were done by local artists, and am glad I got them.
🙂
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Hi Stac – that watercolor sounds beautiful! and looking forward to seeing your photos – (esp. of the doors -) and speaking of RIO – – Linda shared this video last week:
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/VxlKZereog0?rel=0
and that sweetheart man – I have no idea who he was, but he just seemed so pleasant as I was coming and going
– but I think he is Kojak’s cousin (just kidding – do you know who kojak is – he was a detective on a 1970’s show – and the actor who played kojak, Telly Savalas, looked like that guy! (I guess Telly Savalas died in 1994 – and so maybe this was his younger cousin ha)
anyhow, yes, Jose said even his larger works were jumbo prints of his own photos, which he then used photo paint to design and enrich. He has such a raw, innate artistic sense – which I like better than some artists who are more duplicators – if that makes sense.
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@more duplicators – if that makes sense.
–Yes, it does make sense. Originality is what separates the the artistic and creative mind from the ‘I have talent’ mind. I would love to be one of those ‘artistic and creative’ minds. I find myself loving others’ work right now though and wanting to do something similar. Hmmmmm… Maybe one day.
I have heard of Kojak, but never saw him (or the show).
I’ll have to check out Linda’s post. Thanks for letting me know.
🙂
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Hi – and well the fun thing there is so much to experiment with – so yes, some day! and the materials available these days make “doing art” even more fun – like photo pens and photo paint – how nice.
and regarding duplicators….
I was at an art reception for this talented artist – who made these large scale paintings of buildings from Italy – but they were void of something – he explained that he used a projector to trace the image on the canvas and then his skills with oil paint was obvious – but to me – this work lacked an artist’s flair.
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Oh yes, I hear you there. That does sound like it would lack the ‘artist’s flair’
🙂
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VERY interesting post. Love the art. I would not want to work in a cigar store! I wonder how many people know who the Cisco Kid was???
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well this is the only one I know of – the 50’s show????
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YUP…that’s the one I’m aware of. But I know some young people who don’t know who the Beatles are, so….
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same here about the Beatles – and with Cynthia just passing away (at 75) well the band name did come up and my, my my how fame can wane…
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Heard this on BBC a while ago: Elvis Presley is making more money now than he did when he was alive!!!
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not surprised – and is it the same with Michael Jackson?
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I should of been a rock star.
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but then there must be the older cisco kid – the one that….
drank whiskey…
while poncho drank the wine…” lol
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Love the pics, Y!! Enjoying the song, too – Willie & Los Lonely Boys 🙂
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thanks so much Sadie = ❤ – and this is one of my favorite songs from willie's outlaws and angels concert – the one with Carole King
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Thanks a million times over for unspamming my comment Yvette Dear! If you knew how hard I tried and retried to write it,but it disappeared into thin air … Enjoy your day 🙂 ,Doda xxx
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that is so funny how some of these comments disappear – and I am glad you check in with me to see – very glad – have a great day 🙂
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A wonderful megapost!
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thanks – and I thought about splitting it up into two or three – but I only had time for a single post that week… and voila – a megapost unfolded… ❤ – thanks for dropping by….
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Adore ‘Accordian Man’ here Y…you have such a knack for pulling together posts packed full with such interesting and unique features. I love it 🙂 ❤
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thank you 🙂 💕
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❤
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Great post on a little town that I have a little soft spot in my heart for. I started my major art shows in Ybor. They used to have 4 art shows a year. I appreciate your encouraging the purchase of art from artists. It’d difficult for people to understand the life of an artist. The paitning you selected is perfect for you. It spoke to you. It’s what makes an art purchase the one for you. Thanks for posting about a little traiditonal town in Florida. 😎
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Oh Isadora – I had no idea of your connection to Ybor – it sure is an artsy place – and I have to check out more of your art and blog- thanks for the comment
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Sure wish I could visit that cigar lounge! But if it was a smoked haze inside, their ventilator system needs to be improved. 🙂 The gent smoking curbside – oooo, how I wish I could be him! Interesting stuff, Yvette, and Izzy sure has a lovely profile. 😉
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Hey Koji = I was actually coming to see you this weekend to share some of the cigar pictures (and to check up on your blog) but thanks for dropping by – and you know I thought of you with some of the cigar shops. That is interesting to hear about the ventilator system – and it was hazy, but not too bad overall. And I wish I could have seen some folks hand rolling some cigars, but all of that was done for the day… have a good day 🙂
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P: I love your description of the “accordion man” painting. You read paintings well as I remember reading something from an earlier post. I was completely mesmerized by the colors surrounding the man who himself is a figure of hues. The colors give the picture its life but they also (seem to) downplay some hidden tragedies. I can’t see the man’s face, for one.
I wrote to you about Bloodline on Netflix. The story is based in Florida Keys.
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thanks so much Mahesh – and did you say the Keys? I will reply in a little bit (and thanks for that)
also – thanks for the feedback on the art description, and I know what you mean about his face not being seen – which could be taken in a few ways – more anonymity to allow his experience to be more universal and shared – like the “we are one” as my brother and I are so alike… well – many ways to read it – that is for sure…. TTYS
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I agree with this “more anonymity to allow his experience to be more universal…” Optimistic.
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🙂 –
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Thank you for visiting
See you soon Sheldon
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Hello All. this is Jose M. The Tampa artist. I am so sorry if I offended anyone with my email address. To me the “j” word is someone who is too playful or bothersome. My new email address is Josemtampaartist@gmail.com.
I want to thank you all for the beautiful messages and comments regarding my work. It is most appreciated. I am very humbled. Regards. Jose M
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Oh thanks for dropping by Jose – and no worries at all on the email – but your new one is more professional and so that is awesome. I really love your work and so having your contact info here is nice just in case someone wants to contact you – you have that raw artistic side that comes from within – anyhow, thanks for leaving a comment and for the new email amigo! 🙂
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