V's Version

The magnolia panels have gone from 12 to 10 to 8. It was just too crowded. The green background fabric in the first picture, although the color of life, reminded me too much of mold and algea. The purple in the second picture works better. I chose one light purple (still watery) full of gentle vines and leaves and one that has bold grapes (to represent New Orleans' cuisine.) The purples won't be all in straight lines like it is on the wall now - I'll break it up. Somehow. That's my challenge at the moment. And next will come the center medallion to represent the fabulous costumes of the Mardi Gras Indians.

This is an amazing project to work on.

Ooooo! I just got permission to use a photograph taken by a 13 year boy from the 6th Ward named Curtis who was part of the Kid Camera Project - an effort to give New Orleans children an opportunity to express their post-Katrina experience. The photograph is of a boy holding up 6 fingers - I can only assume that it is a gesture of 6th Ward pride (where Syd lives.) I am very excited to have permissions.