The Buccas
Last weekend, I went to the wedding of one of my oldest friends, Paula. She and I met when we were fifteen. We had both signed up for a week-long river-rafting camping trip organized by OMSI, and we became instant friends. Throughout my teenage years, Paula’s name might as well have been spelled F-U-N: she made my adolescence better than okay.
photo by David
Everything about the celebration was lovely.
photo by David
Nice people…
...perfect setting…
photo by David
...delicious food and cake…
photo by David
...and dancing, the likes of which I have never seen at a wedding!
photo by David
I’m tempted to blame Paula for that last bit especially. She’s the one getting down in the fushia dress.
photo by David
And I think it’s safe to say that her wife Andrea, in blue, only adds to the FUN that is Paula!
photo by David
Besides bringing adventure into my life, Paula has always been one of my favorite people to have in my studio—and that started long before I ever thought I’d have a studio. In high school, she was already important to my work. Both of us loved to draw and paint and create, and Paula was never short on praise for whatever I came up with.
photo by David
As we got older, Paula always made sure she got a look at what was going on in my studio whenever she came over. It’s not that she’d force her way into my workspace—nor that she would have to since I’m so open about my process. It’s that she made me feel like what I was doing was so completely fascinating that she couldn’t wait to see what I had come up with since the last time she had come around.
photo by David
More than that, Paula is always ready with questions and with an ear bent on listening to every little thing I say about my work. She nurtures me as an artist.
In 2005, Paula caught on to the fact that I was looking for more movement and dynamism in my work before I even knew I was verbalizing about it. She singlehandedly inspired me to push my tentative explorations in that direction further. She also lent herself to my brush twice that year, first in a moment full of energy and then in a more reflective frame of mind.
When Paula told me that she and Andrea were engaged, I knew immediately that I wanted to paint their portraits for the celebration.
Andrea and Paula with The Buccas
And because it was my dearest Paula that I was painting, I wanted to do something I don’t normally do: I created a double portrait of her and Andrea!
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CATEGORIES: - Philosophy - On photography - Events -
(3) Comments / Commentaires: The Buccas
I was there & met you. I do like your work. It is wonderfull that you are friends with my daughter. I truly appreciate your comments about Paula & your friendship & her impact on your work.
Thanks
Thank you, Paul! Paula is a whole lot of goodness!
c. Bergin...
I love everything about this post..what a beautiful wedding and thanks for sharing it with us. Your friends are so filled with love ...and you captured that (exquisitely) in the double portrait.
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