Saturday, February 13, 2010

I love a surprise!











On one of our last walks we came upon some venetian ruins. They consisted of 4 separate buildings overlooking an incredible valley. After chasing out the goats, we went exploring and discovered an amazing place. What it must have looked like in all its splendor! One of the buildings looked like it might have been the church and was immediately declared by me to be the perfect future studio. Oh to win the lottery. What a dream that is!


There is nothing better than coming around a corner and finding a delightful surprise!

Friday, February 12, 2010

Inspiration?


One of the things that I was hoping to get out of my trip to Greece, on an artistic level, was inspiration. While I don't think that I was "struck by a thunder bolt", I did find things that I resonated with. The interesting thing is that it solidified/confirmed the direction that I have been taking in my work.

On a walk around Chalki, we came upon St. George Diasoritis Byzantine church. It was spectacular. I loved the texture, colour and the juxtaposition of angles. My only disappointment was that it was locked as it was off season. Apparently the interior is as interesting as the exterior.

This is an image I am going to print up and hang on my wall for inspiration. It would be fun to try to capture its essence in a piece. At this point in time, I have no idea as to what I would create or how I would build it, but I will look at it every day. And perhaps, just perhaps, it will percolate through my subconscious and soon come into being. The world works in mysterious ways...

Here's to finding delightful treats for the soul.

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Interesting architecture.

The island of Naxos was invaded by just about everybody at some point or another. The most interesting to me was the Venetians and the contrasting architecture that they left behind. In the main town, Chora, high up on the hill sits a Venetian "kastro", surrounded by traditional Greek homes painted white with blue doors and shutters. The castles resemble fortress like structures with high walls, small windows and are made out of stone. Very different from the light, airy, Grecian homes. I think that it was the colour and texture of these structures that drew me to them. It reminded me of the pit fired work that I have been doing. How do I incorporate what I have seen and experienced into new work? Do I just let it percolate for a while and see what happens? I don't think it is something that you can force. We'll just have to wait and see.

Here's to experiences that enrich your life. Ευθυμίες! (Cheers!)

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

The colours really are like no where else!



I had heard that about Greece. That the colour there is truly like no where else. The blues are bluer and the greens greener. Well, it is true. We spent most of our holiday hiking on the island of Naxos. in the Cyclades, in the Agean sea. It is primarily agricultural and not yet totally inundated with "tourista". Mind you, we were off season and based in a very small village (of 48) in the middle of the island. The scenery and views were spectacular! We hiked 10-12 kilometers a day, mostly up and down. I wonder how much of this experience will translate into my work?




I am thankful that we were able to afford this trip to Greece.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Like a bad penny, I'm back

It's unbelievable that it's been over two months since I've posted. Much water has passed under the bridge since then. There are many excuses for not posting but the truth is, it is very easy to get out of the habit. Christmas season is always a busy time for crafts people. Then I actually took a couple of weeks off to go to Ontario and Quebec for Christmas to visit family. Lastly, I was off to Greece for my first real holiday in twenty seven years! Never go anywhere and all of a sudden I'm living in airports. And don't get me started on lost luggage!

No more excuses. Back to daily diatribes on who knows what.

I am grateful for family, friends and adventures!