Hidden Gems: Public Art in Silver Spring

Hi Readers! This is my new Independent Video Project on what it is like to live in Silver Spring.  It combines two of the main things I love about Silver Spring, Maryland: the murals and multicultural diversity.  I highlighted my favorite pieces of public art displays in the downtown area.  I hope the British kids coming to visit CAP enjoy it, as well as Blair Students.  We often take for granted a simple piece of sculpture or painting as we pass by, but taking a closer look helped me to TRULY to appreciate the hidden layer of intense history and stories!  I hope you guys enjoy this tour through Downtown as much as I did!
(This was shot using an iPad 2)

The Fire of Flamenco.....and then some

Flamenco.  Not a lot of people know exactly what it is, more or less, have an interest in it.  To me, its an art form, a form of expressing ones feeling, in either dance, music, or any form of movement.  It can be broad or narrow, and interpreted in so many ways.

A traditional dance and music style originating from Andalusia, Spain, Flamenco is a tantalizing melting pot of arab, gypsy, and spanish art.  The tocaor (guitar player) accompanies the bailaor (dancer) and cantaor (singer).  To me the mixture of these three artists, along with a clapping rhythm allow for the most simple yet versatile mode of expression. Anger, love, jealousy, glee, and despair are just some of the multitude of feelings expressed in this art form.

Of my favorite beats/rhythms of flamenco is the traditional buleria.  This slow, and passionate style is very raspy and mystic sounding to me (a facet I love).  Here is one of my favorite examples, featuring the renowned Estrella Morente and one of the three flamenco dynasties: Los Habichuelas.

Flamenco can be a single art form, or a musical festivity enjoyed by many.  One of the three flamenco dynasties is called La Ketama. Here is one of their popular DVD albums.  I love how its so improvisational and family-oriented.

Finally, flamenco is slowly evolving with tastes from other nations and Spain's youth.  Here are two examples.  One is a collaboration with more modern artists: Nina Pastori and Raul Rojas.  The other is a flamenco rendition of a famous Turkish folk song.

This post was almost like poetry for me.  It helped me put out my true feelings for this art form, and I enjoyed sharing some of my favorites with you:)