i have a framed print of a hockney painting that i picked up years ago at a thrift shop, "Mount Fuji and Flowers." but it wasn't until i saw the Portraits exhibit at the National Portrait Gallery that i came to fully appreciate his work - and understand his sensibility. his drawings in pen and ink were a surprise and so, too, was his use of photographs in art. i can imagine how, as a briton, it must've been a revelation to discover that california light that seems to draw out his sense of color, and that lifestyle of beauty, style, ease and friendship he captures on canvas and so clearly enjoys (like this portrait of ossie clark, celia birtwell and their cat, percy).

di & todd brought me polaroid film and a holga camera, so i have been looking for a project. today i found my inspiration. we'll see what i come up with.