The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, New Mexico. — Wikimedia photo
“I’ve been absolutely terrified every moment of my life – and I’ve never let it keep me from a single thing I wanted to do.” – Georgia O’Keeffe
Road Trip: June 21 – July 6, 2002
Santa Fe, the oldest state capital in the country, is a delight to visit – if you like quaint adobe buildings with an artistic flair and a town filled with old churches, art galleries and an atmosphere of enchantment. And I do,
A page from my journal with a Georgia O’Keeffe print.
The city, whose name means holy faith, was founded by Spanish colonists in 1610. I got to see quite a bit of its charming downtown area as I searched – and searched – for the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. I had an address but no map and it took me quite a while to finally come upon the humble building.
I’ve long been a fan of O’Keeffe’s art, and of her boldness in living her life her way. Here’s a sample of her way of thinking:
“Men liked to put me down as the best woman painter. I think I’m one of the best painters.”
“When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it’s your world for the moment. I want to give that world to someone else. Most people in the city rush around so, they have no time to look at a flower. I want them to see it whether they want to or not.”
Georgia wanted viewers to really see a flower.
“I know now that most people are so closely concerned with themselves that they are not aware of their own individuality. I can see myself, and it has helped me to say what I want to say in paint.”
I bought a few Georgia O’Keeffe prints while in Santa Fe, intending to use them as gifts and keep one for myself. The latter didn’t happen but I made one extra family member happy when I gave the print to her.
With my morning of sight-seeing behind me, I was ready to get back on the road. I had a long way still to go before nightfall.
Bean Pat: Chicago Botanical Garden photos that might have intrigued Georgia O’Keeffe https://sfkfsfcfef.wordpress.com/2019/03/17/coming-to-a-point-at-the-chicago-botanic-garden/
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Pat Bean is a retired journalist who lives in Tucson with her canine companion Pepper. She is a wondering-wanderer, avid reader, Lonely Planet Community Pathfinder, Story Circle Network board member, author of Travels with Maggie available on Amazon, enthusiastic birder and is always searching for life’s silver lining. She can be reached at patbean@msn.com
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I visited in November last year and it was just absolutely amazing😀
I am a big O’Keeffe fan as well. Lovely story, Pat.
What a collection! Happy travels. ❤
Love your writing, Pat, and love Georgia O’Keeffe too.
Lovely post
Such a great collection of Georgia O’Keeffe quotes. Her work is amazing, and her love for New Mexico inspiring. (It’s my favorite state for wandering!). I just visited the Crystal Bridges Museum in Arkansas and was disappointed that they’d organized a traveling O’Keefe exhibit, so none of her paintings were on display. Oh well, it just gives me another reason to go back there next year. And of course I’m always pining for another trip to New Mexico!