Jordan
and I had the opportunity to go to San Francisco for an art study a couple
weeks ago and had amazing, inspiring experiences. Seeing as I took about 500
hundred photos, I could probably go on for days about our time in this
beautiful city, but I’ll do my best to share the highlights.
DAY 1
We left early Wednesday morning and traveled all day to Reno, Nevada to stay the night. That evening we went to a few antique stores. We discovered some interesting things and after awhile I felt like I was in a hoarder’s house. Later we had dinner in a casino at a buffet. The food was great and there were some amazing desserts.
DAY 2
The next day we headed out early and made our way to San Francisco. We traveled in two, twelve passenger vans and had four different art faculty members supervise. It was a lot of fun to talk with them and learn more about their experience and journey with art. On the drive to San Francisco, we stopped in Sacramento and went to or first museum the Crocker. It was so exciting to go to a well established and popular museum. There were many beautiful paintings and I especially enjoyed the frames that held them, which were so intricate and elegant. Jordan really loved the older section of the museum with some baroque inspired paintings he’d been learning about in art history. There’s nothing like having a husband who loves art, appreciates all styles, and recognizes the aesthetic value in each piece. It was a dream come true to be there with him.
After our visit at the museum we stopped for lunch and continued our drive to San Francisco. It was so exhilarating crossing the Bay Bridge into San Francisco. The city was so magnificent and beautiful and I was feeling a wonderful adventure about to begin. We got settled into our hotel, called Motel Capri which was just a couple of blocks away from the bay, and headed to China Town!
Our group was especially lucky this trip because we had a married couple with us who were Chinese and Min Yang had served her mission in Oakland and had visited China Town a lot. Jordan and I stuck with them so we could hear the translations of the store owners. It was such a neat experience. I felt like I was really in China. The overall smell in the air wasn't the greatest but there were a lot of little stores and shops that had some cheap, fun things. Our spoils at the end of the night consisted of some authentic sweet and sour sauce, a San Francisco magnet, a cute purse (that counts as my Christmas present), a couple packets of hi-chews (an Asian candy that is super yummy!), a pretty blue and grey infinity scarf, and some dried mango. After a couple hours of shopping, our group met up at a Chinese restaurant for dinner. We had sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, and a few other Chinese cuisines that I don’t quite know the names of.
After dinner we got in the vans to take a drive around the city at night. I can’t even begin to describe how crazy the roads are. Each one is at a different, extreme angle and it feels like you are on a never ending roller coaster! After quite a few ups and downs we went down the famous Lombard Street, which was pretty intense in our twelve passenger van. When we arrived at the hotel, a few of us went to a little cupcake shop. In the shop was a little photo booth which Jordan and took advantage of and got some cute pictures. It was a great way to end of our first day in San Francisco. We headed back to Motel Capri to rest up for our next big day!
DAY 3
The next morning Jordan and I woke up and walked a block up the street to a little blue, French bakery. There we got an amazing fruit Danish. As we walked back to the hotel, I was in pure bliss watching the sun hit the beautiful Victorian house rooftops. Every moment I spent in San Francisco was a moment I was falling more in love with this city. It was so inspiring and beautiful and so different from what I was used to. After breakfast our group met up to begin the day’s activities. We visited the Palace of Fine arts a few blocks away which was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in order to exhibit works of art presented there. It is one of only a few surviving structures from the Exposition today.
Next we all headed to the Japanese gardens and then to the De Young museum. In the museum, quite a few stories high were a breathtaking view of the city. After visiting there we toured the museum and saw more great and inspiring works of art.
I think one of my favorite parts of was as Jordan and I were sitting down for a bit, one of our teachers, Brother Geddes walked by. Jordan and I had just been having a conversation of how one establishes aesthetic meaning into a piece of art, and how can we achieve that meaning into our own pieces. We asked Brother Geddes this question and he kindly sat down and enlightened us. Here are some of the things we learned from him. He said that time is the ultimate critic. All those famous artists in history are where they stand today because their art stood the test of time. He also taught us that liking something and appreciating something are different things. He used the analogy that he can really appreciate baroque art (which is an ancient art style that exaggerated emotion and depicted drama) but he would never decorate his bedroom in that particular style. Brother Geddes also taught us that opinions aren't of equal value. Ultimately he told us that there is no full answer to our question, but to keep experimenting and continuing to create art. Our discussion with him really encouraged Jordan and I and lifted our spirits as artists. It can be very intimidating at times to be confident in this major, but we have made it a goal to always find joy in what we do and will continue finding ways to take our talents and bless the lives of others.
When our time was up at the museum, our teachers dropped us off at Fisherman’s wharf and the day was ours until we were to meet up at Pompeii’s Grotto for dinner. This is what Jordan and I had been waiting for! We headed off down the piers and found a gathering of seals at pier 39! It was so funny and entertaining to watch them bicker over who was on top of who. We enjoyed the street performers and little art galleries along the sidewalks. Later in the afternoon, Jordan and I boarded a little fisherman’s boat to take a sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. Our little fisherman captain was so nice and charismatic. He gave us quite the monologue as we passed the sights. It was the most romantic little ride with my sweet hubby. We had an absolute blast!
To end our free time and warm up from the cool ocean breeze we visited the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory for a salted caramel hot chocolate which was the most amazing concoction I have ever had! Jordan and I kept walking in and out of the doors so we could get a free chocolate square, which was there seasonal special pumpkin spice.We finally met up for dinner and I heard about all the other fun travels our fellow classmates had. I had delicious Italian lasagna for dinner and Jordan had cod. It was another great ending to a beautiful day in San Francisco. Jordan and I were exhausted and fell asleep quickly that night, excited for another fun day in this city of color.
DAY 4
We arose early and headed to farmer’s market at Embarcadero near all the piers. There were so many cool things to look at. A lot of local artists were selling their art and others sold fresh fruits and veggies of all kinds. It was so colorful and beautiful; my camera could not even capture the brightness of the displays. Jordan and I came away with a delicious Bartlett pear and some homemade hot sauce.
After our adventures at the farmers market, we went to the Legion of Honor museum filled with more, breathtaking art. I only wish we had more time to take in every inch of the museum. Our time was wrapping up in San Francisco and we headed out across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir woods, a beautiful national park full of baby redwood trees. It was so serene and peaceful there. Jordan and I really enjoyed our quiet walk along the path.
That was our last stop in San Francisco and it was time to head back home.That evening we drove back to Nevada, and spent the next day finishing the drive home. I can’t express what a wonderful, inspiring, beautiful, fun and exciting trip it was to take with my adorable husband. It was the first time we had spent five full days together since our honeymoon. It was refreshing and a treasured experience I will never forget. We miss San Francisco, but we left uplifted and inspired (have I said that word enough yet?) and have recommitted to more fully pursue our dreams as artists.
DAY 1
We left early Wednesday morning and traveled all day to Reno, Nevada to stay the night. That evening we went to a few antique stores. We discovered some interesting things and after awhile I felt like I was in a hoarder’s house. Later we had dinner in a casino at a buffet. The food was great and there were some amazing desserts.
DAY 2
The next day we headed out early and made our way to San Francisco. We traveled in two, twelve passenger vans and had four different art faculty members supervise. It was a lot of fun to talk with them and learn more about their experience and journey with art. On the drive to San Francisco, we stopped in Sacramento and went to or first museum the Crocker. It was so exciting to go to a well established and popular museum. There were many beautiful paintings and I especially enjoyed the frames that held them, which were so intricate and elegant. Jordan really loved the older section of the museum with some baroque inspired paintings he’d been learning about in art history. There’s nothing like having a husband who loves art, appreciates all styles, and recognizes the aesthetic value in each piece. It was a dream come true to be there with him.
After our visit at the museum we stopped for lunch and continued our drive to San Francisco. It was so exhilarating crossing the Bay Bridge into San Francisco. The city was so magnificent and beautiful and I was feeling a wonderful adventure about to begin. We got settled into our hotel, called Motel Capri which was just a couple of blocks away from the bay, and headed to China Town!
Our group was especially lucky this trip because we had a married couple with us who were Chinese and Min Yang had served her mission in Oakland and had visited China Town a lot. Jordan and I stuck with them so we could hear the translations of the store owners. It was such a neat experience. I felt like I was really in China. The overall smell in the air wasn't the greatest but there were a lot of little stores and shops that had some cheap, fun things. Our spoils at the end of the night consisted of some authentic sweet and sour sauce, a San Francisco magnet, a cute purse (that counts as my Christmas present), a couple packets of hi-chews (an Asian candy that is super yummy!), a pretty blue and grey infinity scarf, and some dried mango. After a couple hours of shopping, our group met up at a Chinese restaurant for dinner. We had sweet and sour chicken, fried rice, and a few other Chinese cuisines that I don’t quite know the names of.
After dinner we got in the vans to take a drive around the city at night. I can’t even begin to describe how crazy the roads are. Each one is at a different, extreme angle and it feels like you are on a never ending roller coaster! After quite a few ups and downs we went down the famous Lombard Street, which was pretty intense in our twelve passenger van. When we arrived at the hotel, a few of us went to a little cupcake shop. In the shop was a little photo booth which Jordan and took advantage of and got some cute pictures. It was a great way to end of our first day in San Francisco. We headed back to Motel Capri to rest up for our next big day!
DAY 3
The next morning Jordan and I woke up and walked a block up the street to a little blue, French bakery. There we got an amazing fruit Danish. As we walked back to the hotel, I was in pure bliss watching the sun hit the beautiful Victorian house rooftops. Every moment I spent in San Francisco was a moment I was falling more in love with this city. It was so inspiring and beautiful and so different from what I was used to. After breakfast our group met up to begin the day’s activities. We visited the Palace of Fine arts a few blocks away which was constructed for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition in order to exhibit works of art presented there. It is one of only a few surviving structures from the Exposition today.
Next we all headed to the Japanese gardens and then to the De Young museum. In the museum, quite a few stories high were a breathtaking view of the city. After visiting there we toured the museum and saw more great and inspiring works of art.
I think one of my favorite parts of was as Jordan and I were sitting down for a bit, one of our teachers, Brother Geddes walked by. Jordan and I had just been having a conversation of how one establishes aesthetic meaning into a piece of art, and how can we achieve that meaning into our own pieces. We asked Brother Geddes this question and he kindly sat down and enlightened us. Here are some of the things we learned from him. He said that time is the ultimate critic. All those famous artists in history are where they stand today because their art stood the test of time. He also taught us that liking something and appreciating something are different things. He used the analogy that he can really appreciate baroque art (which is an ancient art style that exaggerated emotion and depicted drama) but he would never decorate his bedroom in that particular style. Brother Geddes also taught us that opinions aren't of equal value. Ultimately he told us that there is no full answer to our question, but to keep experimenting and continuing to create art. Our discussion with him really encouraged Jordan and I and lifted our spirits as artists. It can be very intimidating at times to be confident in this major, but we have made it a goal to always find joy in what we do and will continue finding ways to take our talents and bless the lives of others.
When our time was up at the museum, our teachers dropped us off at Fisherman’s wharf and the day was ours until we were to meet up at Pompeii’s Grotto for dinner. This is what Jordan and I had been waiting for! We headed off down the piers and found a gathering of seals at pier 39! It was so funny and entertaining to watch them bicker over who was on top of who. We enjoyed the street performers and little art galleries along the sidewalks. Later in the afternoon, Jordan and I boarded a little fisherman’s boat to take a sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz. Our little fisherman captain was so nice and charismatic. He gave us quite the monologue as we passed the sights. It was the most romantic little ride with my sweet hubby. We had an absolute blast!
To end our free time and warm up from the cool ocean breeze we visited the famous Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory for a salted caramel hot chocolate which was the most amazing concoction I have ever had! Jordan and I kept walking in and out of the doors so we could get a free chocolate square, which was there seasonal special pumpkin spice.We finally met up for dinner and I heard about all the other fun travels our fellow classmates had. I had delicious Italian lasagna for dinner and Jordan had cod. It was another great ending to a beautiful day in San Francisco. Jordan and I were exhausted and fell asleep quickly that night, excited for another fun day in this city of color.
DAY 4
We arose early and headed to farmer’s market at Embarcadero near all the piers. There were so many cool things to look at. A lot of local artists were selling their art and others sold fresh fruits and veggies of all kinds. It was so colorful and beautiful; my camera could not even capture the brightness of the displays. Jordan and I came away with a delicious Bartlett pear and some homemade hot sauce.
After our adventures at the farmers market, we went to the Legion of Honor museum filled with more, breathtaking art. I only wish we had more time to take in every inch of the museum. Our time was wrapping up in San Francisco and we headed out across the Golden Gate Bridge to Muir woods, a beautiful national park full of baby redwood trees. It was so serene and peaceful there. Jordan and I really enjoyed our quiet walk along the path.
That was our last stop in San Francisco and it was time to head back home.That evening we drove back to Nevada, and spent the next day finishing the drive home. I can’t express what a wonderful, inspiring, beautiful, fun and exciting trip it was to take with my adorable husband. It was the first time we had spent five full days together since our honeymoon. It was refreshing and a treasured experience I will never forget. We miss San Francisco, but we left uplifted and inspired (have I said that word enough yet?) and have recommitted to more fully pursue our dreams as artists.
On the road to Reno.
Our adventures in antique stores.
Dinner at the Casino.
More antique store adventures.
A painting done by Wayne Thiebaud, a famous artist I did a report on.
I had Jordan stand by the painting to show how massive some of them were!
Our room at Motel Capri.
China Town!
Trying to show how steep the roads are! Doesn't quite capture it haha.
Cute Chinese couple in our travel group.
Dinner in China Town.
Photo booth pictures from the cupcake shop.
Perfect morning in San Francisco.
Palace of Fine Arts.
Japanese Tea Gardens.
View from the top of the De Young Museum.
One of my favorite pictures of us :)
Little fisherman boat tour around the bay.
Ghirardelli Square.
Farmer's Market.
Original Monet!! I was pretty excited :)
Muir Woods.
Jordan and I decided to start a magnet collection of all the places we go, particularly that deal with art. We came home with quite a fond collection :)
