Photophobia

Man, am I ticked ! Today is Georgia O’Keeffe day. For those of you who don’t know her, she is a famous American artist. Well known for her series on flowers, skulls, and landscapes. She spent her later years in this area – northwest of Santa Fe. A great choice on her part. She loved the landscapes in the area. Two places were important to her – her home in Abiquiu, and where she stayed on the Ghost Ranch – a beautiful area several miles away from her house.

Stained glass depicting Georgia's trademark cow skull.




We started the day at a little roadside office, where a bus picked us up to visit Georgia’s house. The "Rule lady" went through a list of things we couldn't do, including bringing anything but water bottles. Not cell phones, nor purses, nor cameras. “What ! – no cameras?” She replied, “Certainly not!” Why not? (Get this) “For security reasons”. I thought “Damn, I’m going to have to leave my backpack bomb in the car, too”. Then I asked if I could take a picture of a poster of Georgia in the office, “Nope – no pictures in here either” Jeeez!!!!

OK, here’s my thinking. We pay $30 each for a one hour tour of an old adobe house, and can’t take pictures. From now on, when I am getting my wallet drilled by these tourist traps, I’m going to ask, “Are pictures allowed?” If not, it’s “Hasta La Vista, lady”. “No pics, no John”. What do you think?

Since I’m not one to hold a grudge, we proceeded on the tour, which was very informative. Georgia O’Keeffe is somewhat of an icon to older women. She represents liberation in a time when there was little of that. Below you will see a series of non-pictures of Georgia O’Keeffe’s house:



Non Picture of the front of the house


Non Picture of her living room

Non Picture of her studio


And finally, a Non Picture of Georgia O’Keeffe


Georgia would be turning over in her grave, since she was such a visually-oriented person!

Our next site was the Ghost Ranch. Now owned by a church group, and used as a retreat, these folks are much more liberal about photos.




This is a photo of the casita she stayed . Notice the skull hanging in the corner – one of her trademarks, and possibly used in her works.

Nice view from the front patio!

This painted horse in the front of the registration represents some of the creativity seen in New Mexico. There generally seems to be a stronger appreciation of art than other places.

The other side - the painted scene reflects whats in the background.

Interesting perspective of the Gathering Center of the ranch. Do you think I rang the bell?

You bet!

Typical view around ranch area.

Remnants of the oldest Spanish structure in area - a church.