Addie
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flamingquaks.com
Addie
@flamingquaks.com
44 followers 66 following 43 posts
Passionate tech enthusiast, Sr. Solutions Architect @ AWS, Generative AI specialist, Ceramic artist, Small-scale farmer, Hobbyist tattoo artist, Jewish, LGBTIA+ supporter, Queer non-binary.

they/them pronouns

My views and opinions are my own.
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flamingquaks.com
I always feared the day I had to fear the day.

#resist #protecttranslives #oilpastel #neveragainisnow
 This oil pastel artwork features a vibrant yet intense color palette of red, orange, and brown, creating a chaotic and fiery atmosphere. The word “HELP” is prominently incorporated into the composition, with rough, uneven strokes that blend into the textured background. At the center, a circular figure, rendered in bright orange and yellow tones, resembles a face. The figure alludes to Donald Trump, with its distinctive orange hue and exaggerated features. Beneath the nose, a small, black, rectangular mustache strongly evokes an allusion to Adolf Hitler, creating a provocative and unsettling juxtaposition. The piece conveys a sense of urgency and distress, amplified by the chaotic background and the word “HELP” framing the central figure.
January 27, 2025 at 2:24 AM
flamingquaks.com
I attempted to draw orchids, my grandmother’s favorite flower. She always loved me unconditionally, and I miss her often. The world needs more unconditional love.

#nonbinary #translivesmatter
A vibrant oil pastel drawing depicts a delicate branch of purple flowers against a soft green background. The flowers, with their distinct purple and white petals, are accented by yellow centers. Two buds are seen on the left, suggesting new blooms. The background is a lush green, enhancing the floral colors and creating a serene, natural ambiance.
January 22, 2025 at 3:04 AM
flamingquaks.com
I used to say “I can’t do art”. Then I became a potter and said “I can’t do drawn art”.
Now I’m learning oil pastel and water color.
I’ve decided there’s no “can’t” anymore.

#artist #art #oilpastel
A vibrant and colorful landscape painting depicts a rolling hillside scene. The sky is filled with swirling clouds in shades of orange and purple, set against a soft blue backdrop. The hills are painted in bright greens with subtle hints of yellow, reflecting sunlight. Below the hills, the land transitions into purples and blues, suggesting shadows or distant fields. In the foreground, several tall evergreen trees stand at the bottom edge of the painting, adding depth to the scene. The artwork is on a spiral-bound notebook page, indicating it might be a sketch or study. A vibrant painting on a spiral-bound sketchbook page depicts a colorful landscape. The scene features a bright yellow sun in the upper half, set against a sky with shades of blue and green. Below, the landscape is filled with vivid orange and green hues, representing a field or meadow. On the left, there are abstract representations of trees, with one prominently brown and another with green foliage. A small structure resembling a house is faintly visible on the right, adding a sense of depth and perspective to the artwork. The brushstrokes are bold and expressive, contributing to the overall dynamic and lively feel of the painting.
January 20, 2025 at 3:41 PM
flamingquaks.com
I’m obsessed with these colors from my latest firing. I’ve been experimenting with some new variants on my fave glaze recipe. #pottery #artist #glaze
A zoomed in view of a vase with blue-green glazes dripping down the walls into a brownish-green glaze
December 13, 2024 at 10:55 PM
flamingquaks.com
My new piece, “The Divide Between Us”

Acrylic, Spray Paint, Kiln-Molded Glass

#artist #painting #glass #art
"The Divide Between Us" - A mixed media artwork on a metallic gold canvas. The composition features several key elements: Two transparent glass domes anchor the bottom of the canvas, appearing as half-spheres that seem to emerge from the surface. Above each dome, contrasting painted areas spread across the canvas - a deep navy blue mass on the left and a vibrant orange expanse on the right. Each colored section has a small black glass accent piece embedded within it. In the center, a striking turquoise blue glass element hovers between the opposing colors. Below it, a pale powder blue painted area creates a central focus. A small orange sculptural element sits near the left dome, while a bold pink paint and glass construction occupies the lower right corner. Most distinctively, a thin black vertical paint form extends upward from the left side, ending in a wing-like flourish, with the paint appearing to be suspended away from the canvas surface. The entire piece measures 18x24 inches and combines painted elements with three-dimensional glass components to create multiple layers of depth. The metallic gold background catches light differently across its surface, creating subtle variations in tone that interact with the more bold, opaque painted elements and transparent glass features. "The Divide Between Us" - A mixed media artwork on a metallic gold canvas. The composition features several key elements: Two transparent glass domes anchor the bottom of the canvas, appearing as half-spheres that seem to emerge from the surface. Above each dome, contrasting painted areas spread across the canvas - a deep navy blue mass on the left and a vibrant orange expanse on the right. Each colored section has a small black glass accent piece embedded within it. In the center, a striking turquoise blue glass element hovers between the opposing colors. Below it, a pale powder blue painted area creates a central focus. A small orange sculptural element sits near the left dome, while a bold pink paint and glass construction occupies the lower right corner. Most distinctively, a thin black vertical paint form extends upward from the left side, ending in a wing-like flourish, with the paint appearing to be suspended away from the canvas surface. The entire piece measures 18x24 inches and combines painted elements with three-dimensional glass components to create multiple layers of depth. The metallic gold background catches light differently across its surface, creating subtle variations in tone that interact with the more bold, opaque painted elements and transparent glass features. "The Divide Between Us" - A mixed media artwork on a metallic gold canvas. The composition features several key elements: Two transparent glass domes anchor the bottom of the canvas, appearing as half-spheres that seem to emerge from the surface. Above each dome, contrasting painted areas spread across the canvas - a deep navy blue mass on the left and a vibrant orange expanse on the right. Each colored section has a small black glass accent piece embedded within it. In the center, a striking turquoise blue glass element hovers between the opposing colors. Below it, a pale powder blue painted area creates a central focus. A small orange sculptural element sits near the left dome, while a bold pink paint and glass construction occupies the lower right corner. Most distinctively, a thin black vertical paint form extends upward from the left side, ending in a wing-like flourish, with the paint appearing to be suspended away from the canvas surface. The entire piece measures 18x24 inches and combines painted elements with three-dimensional glass components to create multiple layers of depth. The metallic gold background catches light differently across its surface, creating subtle variations in tone that interact with the more bold, opaque painted elements and transparent glass features.
December 9, 2024 at 1:59 AM
flamingquaks.com
Another one from my recent firing. Having fun designing color variants with greens and metallic. I’m also mixing in a new Strontium-heavy glaze to create some cool effects.
#pottery #artist #potter
A hand holding a small mug with metallic and dark green glaze that drizzle down the walls of the cup. Small divots with red accents line the top of the mug. The interior is light colored with a dark bottom.
December 2, 2024 at 1:41 PM
flamingquaks.com
Well, I’m happy with the result! Gotta photo the others!
#pottery #art #artist
A hand is holding a small ceramic cup with a greenish glaze and a textured pattern around the upper half. The cup features a shiny finish with subtle variations in color, ranging from olive to mint green. The hand holding the cup is positioned over a white and gray tile floor with a hexagonal pattern and a light-colored cabinet in the background. The cup's organic shape and handmade appearance add to its rustic charm. A person is holding a handmade ceramic cup in their hand. The cup has a glossy light blue interior with a bright red rim. The exterior of the cup is somewhat textured, with earthy green and brown colors, creating a rustic feel. The background shows a tiled floor and a glimpse of cabinetry, suggesting the setting is a kitchen or bathroom. A hand is holding a small ceramic cup with a turquoise glazed interior and a red glazed rim. The surface inside the cup smoothly transitions from the vibrant turquoise to the edge where the red glaze begins. The surrounding environment includes a white hexagonal tiled floor and a partially visible item at the bottom of the frame, resembling a pet or a shadow.
November 30, 2024 at 2:32 AM
flamingquaks.com
Trying out adding things and altering some of my thrown mugs. Adding these details definitely falls under my “needs to improve” skills. But I’m excited to see how I can glaze them!

#pottery #art #ceramics
A person holding a ceramic cup with a textured surface, featuring a pattern of small protrusions. The cup is unglazed, showing its natural clay color. In the background, there is a cluttered workspace with various other pottery items, including cups, bowls, and what appears to be a decorative animal-shaped piece. The setting suggests an artisan's workshop, possibly engaged in pottery making or ceramic crafting. A person is holding a handmade ceramic cup that features a series of small carved heart designs around its upper portion. The cup is unglazed and has a smooth white finish, indicative of being in a bisque-fired state. In the background, there are various other pottery items and tools, suggesting a pottery studio environment. A hand holding a white, textured ceramic vase with a rounded bottom. The vase features rows of small, triangular indents, giving it a unique, handcrafted appearance. The background shows more pottery pieces in soft focus, suggesting a studio environment.
November 28, 2024 at 3:30 PM
flamingquaks.com
I pride myself on creating and updating what’s in the background of my camera in my office. On my left and right, I have my robots standing guard.

#wfh #officestyle
 A whimsical robot sculpture made of metal parts stands beside a potted succulent plant on a shelf. The image shows a creative assemblage of household objects arranged to resemble a whimsical robot or abstract figure. The figure appears to be crafted from metal pipe fittings, with joints and segments forming limbs, a torso, and a head with two screws or bolts resembling eyes. Green plastic foliage or artificial leaves are placed at the base, adding a sense of grounding or a garden-like setting. In the background, a lampshade with a colorful pattern of leaves and branches can be seen, casting a warm light that complements the scene. A on a table, this composition gives a playful and artistic touch to the room decor.
November 22, 2024 at 1:23 PM
flamingquaks.com
Expanding on this, iOS 18.2 (in beta now) offers Siri direct integration with ChatGPT. Check out this screen recording of how I create alt text for my posts without ever leaving the app.

#genai #accessibility
November 21, 2024 at 12:22 PM
flamingquaks.com
JoJo says he loves his belly rubs

#dogsofbluesky
A small, fluffy white dog is lying on a beige couch, looking relaxed with its belly exposed. The dog's fur is slightly tousled, and its eyes are partially closed, suggesting contentment. A person's hand, visible from the wrist down, is gently petting the dog's belly, adding to the animal's comfort and calm demeanor. The background is blurred, focusing the attention on the interaction between the person and the dog.
November 21, 2024 at 12:17 PM
flamingquaks.com
One of my favorite uses of #genai is generating alt text for the images in my posts. I always read it before posting, but it’s a quick way to improve accessibility. Plus, I sometimes learn new things from images! 🤯

#internetaccessibility
Image is AI generated. A warm, stylized 3D illustration showing AI assistance with alt text generation. The image features a central framed landscape photo of mountains and a wheat field against a sunset sky. On either side are white, friendly-looking robot characters with large cyclopean eyes, giving them a cute, approachable appearance. A small, more cartoonish robot figure stands next to the frame, pointing at it. Above the frame are two floating "ALT TEXT" cards with simple text lines. Below the landscape is a label reading "Alt Text: (description)". The entire scene has a soft, beige background and uses a minimalist, modern design style with clean shapes and gentle shadows, creating a welcoming and professional marketing aesthetic.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
November 21, 2024 at 1:45 AM
flamingquaks.com
Cologne, Germany - A quick stop in Cologne on our last day as we head back to Amsterdam for our flight home. Josh got his fresh bottle of the ORIGINAL “Eau de cologne”.
18/18
A selfie of two people smiling, one wearing purple glasses and a blue jacket, the other wearing sunglasses and a red and green winter hat, with the iconic Gothic spires of the Cologne Cathedral visible in the background against a blue sky.
November 20, 2024 at 11:02 PM
flamingquaks.com
Meudt, Germany - We attended a gathering of the descendants of the Jewish families that once lived in Meudt. We then went to the Jewish Cemetery for a Holocaust remembrance ceremony. Pictured are the gravestones of some of the family members that once lived in the town.
17/18
A Jewish cemetery on a rainy day showing old gravestones with Hebrew inscriptions amid fallen autumn leaves and grass. Two people can be partially seen in the background, one holding an umbrella.
November 20, 2024 at 11:01 PM
flamingquaks.com
Essen, Germany - We visited the Ruhr Museum, which is built on the site of the former coal mining facility. It was a massive complex to process the coal. The museum was great. I got a frankfurter.
16/18
An elevated view of the Zollverein Coal Mine complex in Essen, showing the iconic red-brown mining headframe tower and industrial buildings against an overcast sky and urban landscape. A close-up shot of a smiling man with glasses leaning over a plate containing a frankfurter sausage and bread roll.
November 20, 2024 at 11:01 PM
flamingquaks.com
Enschede, Netherlands - We did some exploring around the city, which was an interesting mix of old history and young college life. It was a melting pot of culture in a very old city. Here’s Josh posing in front of some art we found.
15/18
A man in a yellow puffy jacket and glasses poses playfully in front of a painted mural on corrugated metal panels depicting a pastoral scene with greenery and figures. The wall shows signs of age with moss growing on top, and there are "No Entry" signs visible.
November 20, 2024 at 11:00 PM
flamingquaks.com
Enschede, Netherlands - We visited the synagogue that Walter had his Bar Mitzvah prior to going into hiding in the Netherlands. The synagogue was huge, once housing a congregation of over 1,300. Now, the congregation is around 35 people.
14/18
Interior of a historic synagogue showing wooden pews with memorial placards, stained glass windows, and an ornate wooden ark (aron kodesh) at the front, illuminated by hanging light fixtures in a room with decorative walls.
November 20, 2024 at 10:59 PM
flamingquaks.com
Bocholt, Germany - We played Kegelbahn, the German version of bowling (they also have bowling). It was a very different game, but it was fun! We had falafel and kebabs for dinner.
November 20, 2024 at 10:58 PM
flamingquaks.com
Aalten, Netherlands - We visited the Aalten museum, which has a large, permanent exhibit related to the Holocaust period. We saw the house a family lived in, with 9 people hidden in the attic and a Nazi soldier taking over a room to use as a base of operations.
12/18
A black and white framed photograph from World War II era showing a German soldier in military uniform standing next to a seated woman holding a baby, displayed on a desk.
November 20, 2024 at 10:57 PM
flamingquaks.com
Aalten, Netherlands - We visited the synagogue in Aalten, which doesn’t have a congregation anymore, but teaches about the history of the Jewish people that once lived in the town. Josh stands in front of the Holy Ark that houses multiple Torahs.
11/18
A smiling man in glasses and a yellow puffy jacket stands in a synagogue, with a menorah visible to his left and traditional Torah ark curtains and coverings visible in the background.
November 20, 2024 at 10:56 PM
flamingquaks.com
Bocholt, Germany - We attended the St. Martin’s Procession, a parade with up to 3,000 students singing, plus teachers playing instruments.
Kiddos hollowed out large turnips and decorated them, similar to a jack-o’-lantern, and attached sticks to carry them. 
www.bocholt.de/en/martinszug
10/18
A nighttime scene of a crowd of people, mostly children, carrying illuminated lanterns made from turnips on sticks, lined up along a path during the St. Martin's Procession in Bocholt.
November 20, 2024 at 10:56 PM
flamingquaks.com
Cologne, Germany - A quick stop in Cologne on our last day as we head back to Amsterdam for our flight home. Josh got his fresh bottle of the ORIGINAL “Eau de cologne”.
18/18
A selfie of two smiling people, one wearing purple glasses and a blue jacket, the other wearing sunglasses and a red and green winter hat, with the iconic Gothic spires of the Cologne Cathedral visible in the background against a blue sky.
November 20, 2024 at 10:51 PM
flamingquaks.com
Meudt, Germany - We attended a gathering of the descendants of the Jewish families that once lived in Meudt. We then went to the Jewish Cemetery for a Holocaust remembrance ceremony. Pictured are the gravestones of some of the family members that once lived in the town.
17/18
A Jewish cemetery on a rainy day showing old gravestones with Hebrew inscriptions amid fallen autumn leaves and grass. Two people can be partially seen in the background, one holding an umbrella.
November 20, 2024 at 10:51 PM
flamingquaks.com
Essen, Germany - We visited the Ruhr Museum, which is built on the site of the former coal mining facility. It was a massive complex to process the coal. The museum was great. I got a frankfurter.
16/18
An elevated view of the Zollverein Coal Mine complex in Essen, showing the iconic red-brown mining headframe tower and industrial buildings against an overcast sky and urban landscape. A close-up shot of a smiling man with glasses leaning over a plate containing a frankfurter sausage and bread roll.
November 20, 2024 at 10:51 PM
flamingquaks.com
Enschede, Netherlands - We did some exploring around the city, which was an interesting mix of old history and young college life. It was a melting pot of culture in a very old city. Here’s Josh posing in front of some art we found.
15/18
A man in a yellow puffy jacket and glasses poses playfully in front of a painted mural on corrugated metal panels depicting a pastoral scene with greenery and figures. The wall shows signs of age with moss growing on top, and there are "No Entry" signs visible.
November 20, 2024 at 10:51 PM