art – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

From Piazzas to Pizza & Tiramisu for Breakfast

It was all a joyful feast!

The stunning Bvulgari hotel rooftop. https://www.bulgarihotels.com/en_US/rome?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0 Photo: Cindy Coats.

I just came back from a place I’ve always wanted to visit – Rome! And, honestly, I had no idea I’d be going there until less than a month beforehand. It was sudden and pleasantly unexpected.

I’ve been to Italy twice before. One trip took me to Milan and Venice; another was to Tuscany, including a short stay in Florence. On both occasions, I felt there simply wasn’t enough time to experience a city like Rome. I knew I’d have to come back one day and see Rome on its own.

Well, that day finally came – and went far too quickly.

A friend of mine had rented a lovely apartment for a month in Prati, one of Rome’s lively neighbourhoods. Over dinner at another mutual friend’s place, she casually said, “Why don’t you come visit?”

Why not?

View from living room window of the apt.

It all happened so fast. The next day I was on the phone booking my flight, arranging for a trusted neighbour to stay at my place and look after my two dogs. And, as an added bonus, I’d get to spend three nights in Montreal on the way home, visiting family and a close longtime friend.

All the stars aligned.

View of St. Peters Basilica on a busy piazza. Photo: d. king

From the rooftop at Bvulgari hotel at sunset. Photo: d. king

Sidecar tour via Vespa. Didn’t want to take the chance. I saw how they drive. Photo: d. king

The teatro is getting a little facelift. Photo: d. king.

From one of the Vatican Museums. Mona Lisa vibes – check out the eyes! Photo: d. king

The sixteenth-century Vatican Apostolic Library – where a facade runs roughly 70 metres across the wall. Taken from across the courtyard. Photo: d. king. https://www.designboom.com/art/jr-sends-giant-wave-across-vatican-apostolic-library-facade-with-diluvium/

I only had one week in Rome, but I made the most of every minute. Without feeling overly rushed, I managed to see the classic sights – the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Pantheon – while also wandering through the Jewish Ghetto, enjoying three rooftop evenings, discovering lots of wonderful restaurants, and exploring piazzas that seemed to appear around every corner. I travelled mostly by foot (racking up thousands of steps) but even took the Metro three times.

Leaving Vatican CIty. I took a”skip the line” tour with: https://www.headout.com/vatican-tickets-c-189/

On the way up to another rooftop. (see below for story of this dress) https://www.terrazzalesetoiles.com/en/

It was windy up there. Photo: Tammy Preast

The doors were pretty amazing. Photo: Tammy Preast.

And then there was the food….

Pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso – and, yes, tiramisu for breakfast. When in Rome…

Not often does a city, or a restaurant, exceed my expectations. But Rome certainly managed to.

SciaSciacaffe1919 coffee shop (where we went daily) also serves food and wine. This is a caprese salad with fresh sliced peaches. Delish!

Pistachio-filled croissant. https://www.sciasciacaffe1919.it/

Best coffee ever! A cappuccino made with dark chocolate. d. king

A foodie emporium. I bought packaged risotto + chocolate bars to bring back…but wanted so much more.

No where else in the world will you find the famous ricotta & tart cherry filling/ pastry from an unmarked place in the Jewish Ghetto. No address & you must eat it outside. It was too good. Photo: Cindy Coats.

Rooftop Platters that look like this:

As I said on social media, Rome is a dream for foodies, fashion lovers, art and history buffs, and anyone who appreciates beautiful architecture.

These are some of my favourite moments from a very memorable week.

Three Amigas on the Bvulgari Rooftop. A magical evening.

Ciao for now!

The story of my coral dress: when I was at the Kingfisher resort on Vancouver Island (less than a week before leaving for Rome) I went into a store in Courtenay. There at the back of the store on a sales rack was this dress. Only one. I told the saleslady that I was about to visit Rome and I thought the dress would be perfect. She replied “that’s the last one from the I want to go to Italy collection.” She wasn’t kidding. I saw versions of this dress (but not the colour) in several stores.

Coming up this month: VIFF (Vancouver International Film Fest: Oct 1st – Oct 10th). Film Festival Reviews, an Arts Club Production of “Big Stuff” at BMO Olympic Village Stage and the opera “TOSCA” at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.

Art & Culture

The Perfect Wife – an unexpected expectation

How can you pass by a window that displays the words “The Perfect Wife” and not wonder what story sits behind it? It certainly got my attention.

Someone noticed me lingering, opened the door, and welcomed me into what turned out to be a surprisingly intriguing exhibit. One that dives into the complexity of the human condition while challenging social stereotypes and cultural norms we’ve all been handed. That someone, as it turned out, was the artist.

I loved the display and the humorous captions that accompanied them – especially now, when so many women are saying, “I want to be neither a Nurse nor a Purse.”

The Perfect Wife is a narrative-driven project that examines traditional heterosexual marriage through satire, exposing the cultural expectations placed on women through the nostalgic visual language of mid-century editorials.

Through exaggeration and irony, familiar stereotypes of devotion and obedience are pushed to their limits, revealing the social structures that sustain them. The result is not parody for its own sake, but satire with precision.

The Perfect Wife does not argue against marriage itself. Instead, it questions the conditions under which it is entered and the silent contracts it often contains. Beneath it lies a simple truth: choice is not universal.

Created through an all-female artistic collaboration, the exhibition combines photography, short film, installations, and art performance. Together, these elements construct a dysfunctional domestic environment that encourages viewers to reflect on tradition, identity, and the gender expectations that continue to shape women’s lives.

The story unfolds across familiar chapters – roles women are expected to perform when stepping into “tradition.” A Mother. A Cook. A Housekeeper. A Hen. A Personal Assistant. A Lover. A catalogue of emotional labour, domestic management and care work, absorbed into a single role, often without acknowledgment.

Within marriage, these imbalances often remain invisible, operating quietly behind closed doors where tradition can function as a form of control.

When I was married, I naturally took on the role of the cook – not out of obligation, but out of joy. I loved experimenting in the kitchen, and my late husband was the kind of appreciative audience who made every meal feel like a small celebration. I was equally lucky that he was a self-sufficient unicorn who handled laundry and cleanup without hesitation. That kind of mutual contribution is rarer than it should be, and only in hindsight do I see how much it shaped the harmony in our home.

But personal experience doesn’t erase the broader truth: millions of women worldwide are still denied basic rights. Progress is fragile, and history has shown us how easily it can be undone.

Presented as an immersive experience, the work invites viewers to consider a simple question: “If the image has evolved, but the structure has not – has anything truly changed.”

Walking through the exhibit, I couldn’t help noticing how much of this “perfect wife” mythology still lingers in subtle ways. It made me think about the roles we inherit without ever agreeing to them, and how important it is to name them before we can change them. The “perfect wife” may be a relic, but the pressure to perform her still exists – and seeing it exposed so clearly felt like a small act of liberation.

The exhibit is on until June 4th, 2025. Some editorial taken from the website. Photos (of photos) d. king

About the Artist:

Valeriia Polishchuk is a Ukrainian-Canadian multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker. Her bio says that she was raised by a single mother in a small town in Ukraine, she developed an early understanding of independence and the importance of a strong female voice.

Working primarily with photography and film, her visual language blends fashion elements, bold colours, striking patterns, and cinematic framing.

About the Gallery:

ADDITION (also known as Addition Agency) is a contemporary art and design gallery housed in a landmark building – located in Vancouver’s Armoury and Design District – a neighborhood shaped by architecture studios, design showrooms, and leading creative practices. The ground-floor gallery, originally conceived by Niels Bendtsen, has been reimagined as a spacious, light-filled environment dedicated to contemporary art, collectible design, and spatial storytelling.

Visitors are invited to explore a rotating selection of artworks, sculptural objects, and installations from Canadian, Peruvian, Mexican, and Pacific Northwest artists and makers.

https://www.addition.agency/

Art & Culture

Reflections of Glamour

If you’re even remotely into glamour, camp, or show-stopping fashion, the Reflections of Glamour: Bob Mackie presentation at the Palm Springs Art Museum is basically a must‑see.

It’s not a giant retrospective, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. It feels intimate, almost like you’ve slipped backstage into Mackie’s world for a moment.

I was lucky to have met Mackie on three separate occasions here in Palm Springs. I’m a huge fan of his work, obviously. He was very pleasant in person.

The museum has pulled together five original gowns and costumes, plus a curated selection of sketches spanning the 1970s through the 2000s. It’s a tight edit, but every piece hits.

You get that unmistakable Mackie blend of humor, theatricality, and pure sparkle – the kind of work that made Cher, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Carol Burnett, Elton John, and so many others look larger than life.

One of the funniest skits I’ve yet to see was when Carol Burnett wore this for “Went With The Wind.” “*Just a little something I saw in the window.”*

One of the undeniable stars of the show is the “Scarlett O’Hara” gown from Carol Burnett’s legendary Went With the Wind parody – yes, the one with the actual curtain rod across the shoulders. Seeing the sketch next to the real gown is a delight, especially if you grew up watching that moment and laughing every single time. I did. I used to watch the show with my grandparents.

Because it’s housed in the Jorgensen Gallery on the ground floor, the whole thing feels focused and jewel-box-like – a little shrine to the art of making people gasp.

The presentation runs January 26 – March 30, 2026, and it was created to coincide with the museum’s annual Art Party gala, where Mackie himself was honored – with Carol Burnett presenting, naturally.

The Female Form

Over in the Female Form exhibition, the mood shifts from theatrical sparkle to something almost startlingly intimate. The sculptures are so hyper‑realistic you catch yourself slowing down, leaning in, trying to figure out where the artist’s hand ends and the illusion begins.

There’s a quiet power in seeing the body rendered with that much precision – every fold, freckle, and gesture captured with a kind of reverence that feels both modern and timeless. It’s one of those shows where you think you’re just popping in for a look, and suddenly you’re standing there longer than you meant to, completely absorbed.

Female Form: Tom Wesselmann & Mickalene Thomas from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

Reflections of Glamour: All works are courtesy of Bob Mackie. Special thanks to Joe McFate, Design Director for Bob Mackie. Exhibition support is provided by Revivals and DAP Health.

Photos: d. king

Art & Culture

AmDocs: Something to Entertain You

Where Art, Love and Magic Meet

What can I tell you about this artful documentary I just saw at the Palm Springs Cultural Centre? On the city’s largest screen, I attended the world premiere of Something to Entertain You, part of AmDocs – the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, one of the largest and most respected documentary festivals in the country, featuring independent films and Academy Award-qualifying screenings.

The film celebrates the life and work of Karen and Tony Barone, two unforgettable creative forces here in the Coachella Valley. Their whimsical, larger‑than‑life sculptures are scattered along Hwy 111, on El Paseo (Palm Desert’s answer to Rodeo Drive), outside private homes, and even at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Even if you don’t know their names, you’ve seen their art. And once you meet them, you never forget them.

Filmmakers Jon and Mary Orlin spent years getting to know the Barones, and their documentary captures the couple’s world with so much heart. They reveal just enough of the mystery while still preserving the magic – a rare balance.

Mary & Jon Orlin outside the PS Cultural Center (used to be called The Camelot). Photo taken by Carla DeLuca.

I’ve been lucky to meet Karen and Tony several times over the years. I remember spotting them at Tropicale or at the Modernism Week Opening Party, long before I knew who they were. Karen, in particular, is impossible to ignore – a living work of art, effortlessly so.

The premiere exceeded every expectation. The theatre was packed with friends, fans, and familiar faces, and the film delivered more than a few surprises. I had no idea they once designed restaurants or created a one‑of‑a‑kind makeup line so unique that when Oprah walked into their SoHo store, she bought one of everything. Or that Andy Warhol invited them to lunch and couldn’t stop photographing Karen. To be honest, most people want to photograph her.

This was taken at the after-party at Il Corso – Palm Springs.

And then there’s Tony’s love for Karen – one of the most beautiful parts of the film. His admiration for her is deep, steady, and unwavering. He’s an extraordinary artist in his own right, yet he lets her shine without hesitation. It’s rare to witness a partnership like theirs.

Their life has been eclectic, bold, and endlessly creative…and it still is.

Something to Entertain You captures that spirit perfectly. The film just had a second screening here in the desert, and I can’t wait to see where it plays next. If you get the chance to watch it, don’t miss it. It’s absolutely worth seeing.

Here’s a previous Art + Fashion Blog Post I did on the Barone’s – it ties everything together:

https://girlwhowouldbeking.com/2023/03/06/monday-mood-art-fashion-with-the-barones/

Art & Culture

Artist Center Palm Desert

Last week, my friend Kathy and I attended a reception celebrating a dynamic collection of juried artworks presented by the Artists Council of Coachella Valley.

The event took place at The Galen – an elegant 8,400‑square‑foot, LEED‑certified art venue (recognized for its environmentally conscious design) in Palm Desert near El Paseo.

The stunning space set the perfect tone for an evening devoted to creativity.

Several of our friends had pieces on display (and for sale), selected from more than 700 submissions by Artists Council members. The range of work was impressive, and it was wonderful to see familiar names among the chosen artists.

Our friend Libby sold her piece that evening. She works with a unique form that revolves around using refined organic cotton material, which Libby then transforms into sculptured ethereal compositions. The only surviving record and reminder of it is via photograph. The original materials are recycled for other creations. One small piece may be used in many ways for different creations…signifying there is a place for everything. No waste.

The Artists Council is an independent non-profit dedicated to elevating artists throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. Their mission comes to life through exhibitions, professional development opportunities, and meaningful community engagement. They offer a robust lineup of programs – everything from art and business‑of‑art classes to workshops, lectures, critiques, salons, and social gatherings.

Friend Mandy Main with her husband and son next to her art piece.

At the heart of their work is a belief in the transformative power of art – both in its creation and in the experience of viewing it.

It was a lovely evening filled with art, conversation, and hors d’oeuvres, and a reminder of how vibrant and supportive our local arts community truly is. Photos: d.king

https://www.artistscouncil.com/

They have a very nice gift shop too with books, gift cards and several very Palm Springs framed prints.

Film Reviews

TIFF: The Christophers

THE CHRISTOPHERS is what happens when you lock a dying art legend, a brilliant forger, and two ultra-greedy adult children in a dusty London townhouse and shake vigorously. It’s less a film and more a masterclass in verbal fencing.

Photo courtesy of **The Toronto International Film Festival** (TIFF)

This was the World Premiere of another brilliant Steven Soderbergh film. Soderbergh is best known for films like Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Ocean’s Eleven and Twelve, Erin Brockovich, and the drug thriller Traffic – for which he won an Academy Award.

His latest film is about the art world and unfinished business…namely; unfinished masterpieces. I loved this film. Especially the performances. The fabulous Ian McKellen (he should win an Oscar for this role – truly!) plays Julian Sklar, a famous, gloriously decrepit art world relic who is equal parts genius and monster. He’s absolutely brilliant!

He’s the kind of character who’d sell his soul for a good review, then demand royalties. Not having painted for years, the once-revered British painter’s reputation took a nosedive after a scandal involving a reality TV program he was involved with. Now he’s a bit of a recluse.

One of the most intriguing characters in THE CHRISTOPHERS is played by Michaela Coel, who brings a layered complexity to the character of Lori Butler, an ex art-student who is hired by the artists’ materialistic kids to secretly forge their father’s unfinished paintings. But Lori’s motivations go beyond money. Coel is captivating in both looks and demeanour as the forger with a vendetta.

Their scenes crackle with tension, wit, and a kind of layered resentment.

The two estranged kids; Barnaby Sklar (flamboyantly played by James Corden) and Sallie Sklar (played by sharp-tongued Jessica Gunning who was last seen in Baby Reindeer – interesting casting), form a hilariously dysfunctional duo whose greed fuels the film’s central plot.

It will be interesting to see how this film fares when it’s released to theatres. No matter what anyone has to say about this film, the acting is superb on all levels.

Tiff 50 (TIFFTY) has now come to a close. It was a stimulating and entertaining mix of movie watching and get-togethers. I’ll leave you with a few pictures while I sort out my next reviews for you.

On the **TIFF Lightbox Rooftop** after the People’s Choice Awards. **Cheers to another 50!**

The lovely and talented **Sarah MacLaghlan** at the Premiere of “**Lilith Fair – Building a Mystery** – the untold story.” Photo: d. king

Producer of “Lilith Fair” – **Dan Levy.** I love this guy. Photo: d. king

Executive Producer – Boss Lady **Diane Sawyer** (ABC News – btw, *how amazing does she look?)* with **Mike Kelley**, head of ABC News Studios. Photo: d. king

A little *behind the scenes.* **Who is this man?** I know I’ve seen him before. Photo: d. king

Art & Culture

ART Vancouver 2025

Last Thursday night I attended the eclectic opening night of ART VANCOUVER with my friend Rosa – a contemporary art fair now approaching its 9^th edition. It’s happening all weekend long at the Vancouver Convention Centre – link below.

Since Art, for the most part, is open for individual interpretation, I guess you can say that there’s something to appeal to everyone’s taste here – or almost everyone.

Eagle by **Stefan Rogenmoser** – http://www.simplyartist.com

Sculpture by **Jai Sallay-Carrington** http://www.jscreatures.com

There was a lot to take in while walking around the large space. I especially enjoyed the unique and interesting sculptures represented. I respect the artistry, even though most were not something I would be interested in purchasing for myself. You’ve got to admire the workmanship that goes into these astounding pieces. Plus, there’s always a story behind them.

One of my favourite exhibits turned out to be the Bryan Adams & Ape Art from “Save the Chimps Sanctuary” – a 150 acre sanctuary in Florida which offers life-long care for hundreds of chimpanzees rescued from labs, the pet trade, and the entertainment industry. I thought it was both brilliant and philanthropic. Plus, they’re pretty good artists ~~and better than some others I’ve seen~~.

ART VANCOUVER stands as a testament to the beauty and wonder of contemporary art. Beyond thought-provoking exhibitions and stimulating conversations, the fair fosters an inclusive environment where cultural exchange thrives, strengthening Vancouver’s place as a global hub for contemporary art.

Art photos/video: d. king

See any that grab you?

The Convention Centre is located at Canada Place. Some pics from the outside:

We live in a beautiful city.

Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @artvancouver, Facebook: @artvancouverofficial, and X: @Art_Vancouver

Art & Culture

ART VANCOUVER

ART LOVERS UNITE

Art Vancouver, Western Canada’s premier contemporary art fair, is returning for its 9th edition from April 24 -27, 2025, at the iconic Canada Place sails (Vancouver Convention Centre East – Hall B). After a successful 8th edition, the 2025 event is set to bring together art lovers, collectors, curators, and creators from around the world to celebrate contemporary art.

Offering a curated selection of art from the West Coast and around the globe, Art Vancouver 2025 will continue its tradition of featuring a diverse selection of art, showcasing the talents of local and international exhibitors. The fair offers attendees the unique opportunity to experience innovative works that capture the spirit of the West Coast and International art.

More than an art exhibition, Art Vancouver brings people together. The event provides a space for attendees to discover fresh ideas, engage with gallery owners and artists, and experience the latest trends in contemporary art. With each year gaining more attention and participation, the 2025 edition is set to feature expanded programming, ensuring something exciting for everyone, from art professionals to art lovers.

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time – Thomas Merton

Dates: April 24 – 27, 2025

Visitor Information: http://www.artvancouver.net/visitors-information

Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @artvancouver, Facebook: @artvancouverofficial, and X: @Art_Vancouver

Art & Culture

Schindler Space Architect

Part of the 36^th Palm Springs International Film Festival – 2025.

“The sense for the perception of architecture is not the eyes – but living. Our life is its image” – Rudolph Schindler

Photo courtesy of Palm Springs International Film Festival.

If you love art and architecture, then you need to see this important and informative documentary about great modernist architect Rudolph Schindler. Schindler’s body of work which he referred to as “Space Architecture” was focused primarily on the design of interior space. And it is impressive. Each living space is a work of art.

With so much richness and history here, it occurred to me how difficult it must be to put a documentary together with an over abundance of information on one person with such a wide body of work. Valentina Ganeva manages to give us an educational and stylish film which is sure to inspire. Narrated by Meryl Streep and Udo Kier.

Schindler, for those not familiar, was the first architect to introduce the indoor/outdoor living concept in California. That especially, I can relate to and appreciate. He combined multi-functional space with an abundance of natural light through strategically placed windows, skylights and doors. Light and space play crucial roles in creating a harmonious and inviting environment.

The late Austrian-born, American architect had a unique perspective by creating simple but functional and luxurious designs incorporating an expression of his specific ideas, almost entirely in Southern California in the early to mid 20^th century.

He was famous for his style of meeting the needs of each client and site, often designing on the challenging hillside lots that his clients could afford. He worked within the budget of each client. One of his most beloved residential designs is the Tischler House (Westwood, 1949).

Schindler developed a style at once distinctly modern and uniquely adaptive to local culture and climatic conditions. A true blend of artist and engineer, Schindler constantly experimented with materials, construction techniques, and the composition of space.

Schindler was a pioneer who broke from the International Style of the moment to do things “his way.” Richard Neutra was his bitter rival; Frank Lloyd Wright a difficult mentor. Both of these architects took some ideas from Schindler but did not offer credit.

This doc is also a study on human character – it’s good side and it’s disappointments. It would be nice if people gave credit where credit is due, but we find out that this is not the case when both Neutra and Wright purposely keep Schindler out of some very significant acknowledgments. What I like about Schindler is that he stuck to his original ideas without becoming conformist to what other architects deemed were the unwritten rules of the times.

We also find out that both Neutra and Wright decide to make amends at the end of their life but instead of pointing a finger, Schindler decides to gracefully accept their apologies. Bittersweet moments.

At the Q&A at the end of the film, an audience member asked how Ganeva was able to get Streep to agree to narrate the film. Someone she knows is a friend of a relative of Streep’s and as it so happens, the actress knows a few people who live in Schindler designed homes and was more than happy to lend her voice. Udo Kier is a German born character actor who lives in Palm Springs. Both Valentina and Udo were here in person. This is Valentina’s first documentary. Funnily enough, she used to be a movie critic in Bulgaria.

This documentary will also be featured as part of Modernism Week here in Palm Springs.

Bravo for a work well done!

Palm Springs International Film Festival Tickets. On until January 13^th:

https://www.psfilmfest.org/

For more indepth information on Schindler I found this:

https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/architect-biographies/r-m-schindler/

FOLLOW the Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (Instagram: @psfilmfest | Facebook: PalmSpringsFilmFestival | Twitter: @PSFilmFest) and use #PSIFF2025.

Art & Culture

David Hockney: Perspective Should be Reversed.

Do you see what I see?

Perspective is the way we look at something, and since we’re all unique, we all view things differently. So I’m not sure that you see what I see or if it’s even reasonable to think that you should. What does the artist intend for us to see is the question. I love the beauty, the simplicity and the complexity of each and every Hockney work of art. His work often explores themes of light, space, and the everyday moments of life.

David Hockney is a renowned English painter, draughtsman, printmaker, stage designer, and photographer. Born on July 9, 1937, in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, he is considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. He is also known for his contributions to the pop art movement of the 1960s and his innovative use of color and perspective.

The exhibition highlights Hockney’s lifelong experiments with non-traditional perspectives for depicting the world and foregrounds his early interest in expressing his identity as a gay man.

David Hockney: Perspective Should Be Reversed presents a wide body of works produced during a six-decade-long career. It features nearly 200 of the artist’s works in a variety of media, including prints, collages, photographs, iPhone as well as iPad drawings.

He changed my perspective on how I see art. I would not have previously considered creating art with a simple iPhone or iPad as Art. Quite amazing actually. It’s just a different medium and not so simple for just anyone.

Photos: d. king