Rhythm Stream

IMAGE OF THE WEEK

© Durga Yael Bernhard

Rhythm Stream is a gouache and ink painting that I did while traveling.  The year was 2000, and I was in the south of France, en route home from Guinea, West Africa.  I had just spent nearly a month in Guinea studying the traditional dance and rhythm of the region.  Every day was spent dancing and drumming in the intense heat and dust, color and smells of the capitol city, Conakry.  My body and mind were suffused with the rich polyrhythms and intricate movements of Guinea’s most sophisticated art form.  I loved every minute.

When I arrived in Europe, I spent a week in the gentler environment of the Mediterranean coast, where I visited a friend, rode a bicycle down winding country lanes, practiced the rhythms I had learned, and painted my impressions of West Africa.  Africa, which had enveloped me in her pulsing stream of life energy.  Africa, with her ancient traditions, bold patterns, porous red earth, and smiling people.  I could only grope toward expressing what I felt in words . . . images come easier.  Many paintings resulted from this trip; this small piece, just 12″ wide, was among them.

Order Rhythm Stream as a POSTER this week, and get a free greeting card (of the same image)!   $10 for the poster and card, shipping included.  Order your poster here.  Your can also order a six-pack of cards for $15.  Order greeting cards by filling in the title here.

A good week to all,