New Orleans is truly a study in contrasts. The street names sum it up nicely. One can literally live between: PIETY: (reflecting their devout Catholic history, the mystic, mysterious air) and DESIRE (wanting and wishing, lusting and partying)
I was hosted by my BFF of twenty years, Laurel True, an international creative force. Her mosaic projects can be found in Kenya, Ghana, Costa Rica, Haiti, and coming this June: Provence. Her Global Mosaic Project is a non-profit that grew out of True’s twenty-years of creating community-based public projects, architectural mosaics and a respected teaching practice.
A rainy day in New Orleans, one of Laurel True’s community walls
We convened in the Bywater neighborhood, a place in transition. Narrow streets filled with colorful houses resonant of a Caribbean island.
All the houses are decked out in purple, gold and green, official Mardi Gras Colors
Spring in the air
Bywater is the artistic mecca of NOLA. We strolled the side streets and my eyes thrilled at the visual mix of ultra-colorful homes aside crumbling detritus. Loose roosters running through the streets, men drinking tall boys from brown paper bags. Laurel tells me some of the houses are being snapped up “sight unseen.”
Homes painted in imaginative and beautiful color combinations
rusty
peeling
Glitter Dog
Burgundy at Piety Storefront
Shades of a bygone era
Of course we ordered up plenty of delicious food and craft cocktails at restaurants that are springing up all around NOLA. Duly noted: Bootys, Bacchanal, Maurepas Food Co., Ruby Slipper, Sylvain, Shake Sugary Bakery (say hello Bacon Sweet Potato Scone!)
Shake Sugary Bakery on St. Claude St. at Congress
Bacon Wrapped “Gras” Dog with Festive Slaw – Piety St. Market at the Ironworks. Taco Stand.
Out of Food. Happy Mardi Gras! at the Joint. best BBQ.
On Sunday I participated in the renegade “Box of Wine” march that slips in between the Thoth and Bacchus Krewes. The revelers carry, yes, boxes of wine and will serve it up to anyone along the parade route. It can be a messy pour, served straight into the wide open mouths, just like little birds. It’s all part of the uninhibited celebration.
I love neon martini signs. Meeting place for Box of Winers
The Box of Wine Queen and her Footman
Geometric Theme
Mardi Gras cuties
Cocaine
Box Banditos
On Fat Tuesday morning, (Mardi Gras), we walked in the St. Anne’s walking parade. I was stunned at the quality and creativity of all the costumes, not to mention the “All-For-One-One-For All” down right friendliness of everyone – southern hospitality is real nice.
Beautiful Southern Belle
The Fops. double trouble
Very stoic for the St. Anne’s parade.
While it’s fun to walk along side the raucous brass band, just don’t get too close…
“Keep the People Outta the Band!” the sax player shouted.
[wpvideo zVM8Hdzg]
You’ve been warned. Find your Balance.
Laissez les bons temps rouler
all images made with my iPhone. ©Lillian Sizemore
Thank you, Lillian! It was a treat to have a fresh glimpse of this richly textured and creative city….
Thank you Kate! glad you enjoyed – It was my first Mardi Gras in New Orleans and I really enjoyed being able to experience through the neighborhood scene.
One of the few states I have never been to. Thanks for the adventure!
Joann DeCosta ART In a Small Town http://www.flickr.com/photos/26271255@N04/ New Hampshire
Thanks for taking the tour, Joann
You nailed it – the neighborhood view of Mardi Gras! Now I know what it’s really like. And it’s heavenly. Nola is a special place.
Thanks for the glance of Mardi Gras. Really nice pics. Loved the houses.
thanks Judy, yes, the houses are just the best: shotgun style, camelbacks, sitting porches and screen doors. just wonderful.
thanks Nancie. it’s like no other place in the US – having visited for only a few days, i know it takes time to understand the many layers of this complex and rich culture, being with friends who live there made it a special experience.
Images look good enough to eat. Gorgeous!
thanks Cate – what if i had a “real camera”?!
Well that would have blown my diet completely.
Ha ha! that mask eclair will jump out and git ya!
Beautiful set of pictures! You’ve got a wonderful eye for detail. I especially like the signs of decay and beauty coexisting. Was hoping to catch a glimpse of you as a water spirit. Did you do any selfies?
Hi Julie, thanks for stopping by the blog! all the WATER SPIRIT shots ended up on facebook. a treasure hunt! 😉
A glimpse of culture from another desire-able city
Loved the photos…want to see the xxx ones.