Marcella Edmund

Here is a classic "Travel Poster", from a trip to Istanbul.  What a city, what a location and place!  History so thick that one had to wind one's way through it.  Just the curb stones were ancient granite; as a brick collector, I was tempted, but I had to resist, knowing the penalties for removing cultural artifacts.  I love old stones!  Everywhere  in this layered concretion there was evidence of things passed, dusty diggings, current cultures.  One of my favorite experiences was, on a Sunday, seeing all the native people picnicking in the park, out in the fine spring weather, enjoying themselves with their children.  What a lovely sight! ... one that has, and could go on for ages.  And all taking place in the shadow of stone walls and crumbling buildings that their ancestors had made, lived in, and abandoned.  The trees last longer there; for centuries they provide shade and sustenance, for the people.

I have to say the food I ate in Turkey was the best ever.  Fresh tomatoes, olives and feta cheese, with brown pita bread for breakfast, brought over by small boat from across the straight; restaurants we went into, knowing no word of the language, but illustrating by motion that we were tired and hungry: to be brought out the most delicious soups and concoctions, light, warm and filling... gratitude unstudied, and freely given to people who welcomed us, and took very little in exchange.

17"w x 22"h

Original photographs cut, assembled and glued on board.