12 Tonar and other cultural experiences on a Saturday

Spent the day wandering about, determined to take in some of the cultural aspects in Reykjavik and also give myself a break from the studio. Started out the day at 12 Tonar on Skolavordustig. (www.12tonar.is) This is a great place to go and listen to music. I asked the man at the desk to suggest some Icelandic music and he set me up with 8 cds, a cd player and a cup of espresso. I then spent about an hour hanging out and listening to tunes before buying one called Mugison.

I then walked down to Gallery Agust which featured an artist I had met the second day after I arrived in Reykjavik. If there is one thing for certain- I keep running into people that I have met, especially within the arts circuit. The work on display was photos and video. I thought the video was particularly interesting even though it was simply a video of cigarette smoke. The show is called Vima/ Intoxication and is inspired by the effects of red wine..The artist's name is Sara Bjornsdottir.

Next, I decided to check out an artist's studio event at Skipholt 33b. The artists there were very friendly and the atmosphere reminded me of the sculpture barn at U of M! It almost felt like an open studios day there. Some beautiful paintings and drawings.

I had planned on visiting the hardware store but some how a large part of my day evaporated while I was at the music store.

Big new of the last 24 hours- I tried the rotted shark dish! (Hakarl) Not bad and I didn't even have brennivin as a follow up! My Icelandic cousins graciously offered me many things to try including harfiskur, sheep's head and hangikjot! We then had a delicious lamb for dinner and for dessert we had ponnukukur with sugar, whipped cream and jam. Very tasty!! I am now a true Icelander- yow! Ha. I felt very adventurous eating the shark I must say.

Any-y-ways. More adventures to come no doubt.