Big Bang Theory and Vasquez Rocks

 (Picture taken from the 14 Antelope Valley Freeway)

 Geology 101 made me a total natural science nerd.  It was one of those college general ed. classes I was absolutely dreading, but in the end I was completely loving.  Whenever I now see an interesting rock formation, I like to try and figure out how in Earth's history it was formed.

The above rocks are viewed from the Antelope Valley Freeway in the Santa Clarita area, Los Angeles County.  In the last 10 years I've driven by this place many times on the way to Ventura, and each time I get super excited.  

Seeing the rocks only lasts a minute or so, but right before it happens I seem to know it's just around the corner.  This happy feeling bubbles up inside letting me know.  (Geology nerd.)  On all those trips I never found out what the rocks are called, only that the Escondido Canyon Road exit would lead me to it.  Since we tend to pass this way towards the end of the day, usually after 10 hours on the road, we never pull off to check it out.

Funny enough, thanks to a Big Bang Theory episode I finally know the name of the rocks!  They're the Vasquez Rocks.  Leonard and the gang are heading to a convention in Bakersfield, only to get distracted by a spontaneous photo shot.  Honestly, their Star Trek: The Next Generation cosplay outfits are awesome.

But in the Big Bang Theory episode "The Bakersfield Expedition," it was mentioned that several Star Trek scenes were filmed at Vasquez Rocks . . . suddenly images of 1994's Star Trek Generations flashed in front of me, and an overwhelming feeling of stupidity engulfed. 

Somewhere in the deep recesses of my mind I must have made the Star Trek connection with these rocks, so I was being a geeky nerd on two accounts!!!

  

And I now know how these rocks were formed.  From wikipedia: "The Vasquez Rocks were formed via Quaternary sediments deposited in alluvial fans, approximately 25 million years ago, from the erosion of the San Gabriel mountains located to the south.  The collision of the North American and Pacific Plates created an anticline, due to the Elkhorn Fault, that then weathered away from the top."

I actually understood that, but this makes me regret selling back my geology book to the college book store . . . the life of a poor student.

Los Angeles Temple

(Photo taken from the Getty Center Museum)

"You will come to know that what appears

today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be 

the greatest investment you will ever make."

~ Gordon B. Hinckley

Los Angeles Getty Museum: Part 3, the Sculptures

When I went to the Getty in Los Angeles I was excited about the gardens and paintings. Not once did I predict it would be sculptures I got most excited about.  So I saved the best for last!  Above is "Mercury," 1560 by Alessandro Vittoria.  It's a smaller version of a sculpture Vittoria did for Doge's Palace in Venice.

Below is "Dancer," 1912 by Paolo Troubetzkoy.  He's apparently an Italian born son of a Russian Prince and an American mother, which I find very interesting.  The movement of this piece is absolutely beautiful; there's such a feeling of energy and life.  She's Countess de Svirsky, a famous Russian dancer known throughout Europe and America.

"Pair of Figures," about 1780 in France by Louis-Simon Boizot.  This beautiful figure sits on top a piece of furniture.  She represents Study.

"Time Witnessing the Triumph of Honor, Integrity, and Prudence over Vice," about 1725 by a Parisian artist.  I love what this bronze stands for.

"Virgin and Child," About 1520 by Andrea Briosco.  Stunning. 

"Bust of Juliette Recamier," 1801 by Joseph Chinard.  She had an affair with the Prince of Prussia.  Was courted by Napoleon's brother.  In short, she got around.  Everyone knew her for her beauty.  I actually think Juliette looks a little like Adele.

"Juno," 1776 by Joseph Nollekens in Marble.  She's Queen of the Gods and the Roman goddess of marriage. 

Juno with "Venus," 1773, also done by Joseph Nollekens.  We all know what she's the Goddess of.

"Covered Goblet with Mythological Scenes," about 1680 by Balthasar Griessmann.  Not a morally sound piece, but it's a lot of fun to look at. 

"Joke Glass," 1600s, either German or Netherlands.  This isn't a sculpture, but blown glass.  It's amazing and made me laugh.

Have a fantastic day!!
Sarah

Los Angeles Getty Museum: Part 2, the Artwork

This picture was on a sign with a big "Coming Soon," advertizing a new exhibit which hadn't opened yet: Klimt, The Magic of Line.  I love this sketch.  So wild and beautiful.  Though, I must admit, this drawing makes me think of Tarzan. 

Below is an illuminated manuscript.  This section of the Getty is my favorite, mainly because I love old books, and I love seeing the ancient handwritten art and lettering.  This piece was done in Paris around 1420 and is called "A Burial."   

Steven got super excited when he saw this!  The first is 1460-1525 and is an Italian example of "deceive the eye" paintings.  The front (this is a two sided painting) was done about 1490.

I'm pretty sure you can't guess why I liked this piece.  It's called "Portrait of a Woman with a Book of Music" by Bacchiacca around 1540. 

"Disegno and Colore" by Guercino, about 1640.  It took Steven and I a while to figure out that the women was painting, and that the guy was showing her a sketch.  Steven was like, "Why is there a cupid in the bed?"  The artist, Guercino, is depicting the stages of art.   

"The Sermon on the Mount," 1598 by Jan Brueghel the Elder.  This painting is beautiful, and I like how the artist is likening the scriptures by bringing the Sermon on the Mount to his time.

"The Music Lesson," 1668 by Gerard ter Borch.  Another music painting, 

which is why I had to take the picture.

"The Interior of the Church of Saint Bravo, Haarlem," 1628 by Pieter Jansz. Saenredam.  I love the lines in this piece, which is what drew my eye.

"The Drawing Lesson," 1665 by Jan Steen.  I love the detail and subject matter.

"A Young Scholar and His Tutor," about 1629.  It's not known who the artist is, but it was done in the studio of Rembrandt, and thought to be that of Gerrit Dou, Rembrandt's first pupil.  I love knowledge, and the sharing of knowledge, which is why I like this piece.  Also, the subjects are interesting, and I want to know the story behind them. 

Have a great day!
Sarah

Los Angeles Getty Museum: Part 1, the Gardens

Earlier this month Steven and I visited the Los Angeles Getty Museum.  This amazing museum is free for the public, all you have to do is pay for parking which is $15.  The Getty isn't just known for its large collection of European works, but also for its architecture and gardens.  Everything blends together, creating a relaxing atmosphere above a busy city.  Here are some pictures I took during the visit.

 

After you leave the parking garage, you take a tram up to the top of the mountain, enjoying the views of the city and highway 405.  

Right when we got off the tram we took a tour of the gardens, but what thrilled me the most was learning about the walls and how the stone is Travertine.  It's beautiful.  I love the texture and how there are fossils.  The travertine found at the Getty is quarried in Italy. 

     

The reason why all the buildings, though different shapes and sizes, feel uniform is because of the square grid connecting everything. 

It's hard not to take in the Los Angeles view and ocean when in the garden. 

More pictures of the Garden.

 

 Steven sketched while I took pictures.

It's Boy Holding Frog!!  Actually, I have no idea what this sculpture is named.  At first Steven thought he was holding a crab, but I corrected him.  Soon we decided to get excited every time we saw him.

Overlooking the city.

Have a great day!

Sarah