“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”
― C.S. Lewis
(1898–1963), commonly called C. S. Lewis, a novelist, poet, academic, medievalist, literary critic, essayist, lay theologian, and Christian apologist born in Belfast, Ireland. He is best known both for his fictional work, especially The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Space Trilogy, and for his non-fiction Christian apologetics, such as Mere Christianity, Miracles, and The Problem of Pain.
Erin’s post and challenge this week are very inspiring. Check out her blog “The Bright Owl” to read what she has to say. My first thoughts were that I have given up on reading, or at least, I don’t read as much as I did. Her suggestion to back off the computer, pick up a book and read, is a fabulous suggestion. The television is a gigantic waster of time! In my home, the television is blaring in the background, but my mind is usually focused on the small computer screen or on my current art piece. How is it that I now have to sort through hundreds of emails and never get to the end of them. I’ve started lining them up alphabetically and deleting blocks of them all at once without even opening them. My name must be on every list in the world – lol – to receive so many advertisements, coupons, and other non-essential messages from the universe. A change of pace seems in order. This coming week, I want to disconnect the TV and create my artwork to the backdrop of music not the din of TV.
My past week, was just wonderful. I travelled about seventy-five miles from my home to visit The Bower’s Museum (http://www.bowers.org/index.php/art/exhibitions_details/64) in Santa Ana, California to see two exhibitions:
The Tsars` Cabinet: Two Hundred Years
of Decorative Arts under the Romanovs
and
GEMS OF THE MEDICI
“The Tsars’ Cabinet, which highlights two hundred years of decorative arts under the Romanovs, from the time of Peter the Great in the early eighteenth century to that of Nicholas II in the early twentieth century. Many of the more than 200 objects in the exhibition were designed for public or private use of the tsars or other Romanovs, others illustrate the styles that were prominent during their reigns. The exhibition includes many pieces from significant porcelain services made by the Imperial Porcelain Factory, from the reign of Empress Elizabeth and Catherine the Great to Nicholas and Alexandra. Visitors will see items featured at state banquets at the Kremlin and other Imperial Palaces, as well as items designed for the tsars’ private use aboard the Imperial yachts. The objects exhibited provide a rare, intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of the tsars. The collection brings together a political and social timeline tied to an understanding of Russian culture. In viewing The Tsars’ Cabinet, one is transported to a majestic era of progressive politics and dynamic social change.”*
“Gems of the Medici, a world premier exhibition, highlights some of the oldest and most unique pieces of the Medici collections including antiquities dating from the 1st Century BCE as well as a cornelian which was part of the Seal of Nero.”*
“In the mid-1400s, many celebrated artists, goldsmiths, silversmiths and engravers were attracted by the abundance of wealth in the city of Florence, but the most important factor in this gathering of talent was the presence of the Medici family. For almost three hundred years, generation after generation of Medici dominated city affairs and steered the course of art history. It was the Medici family who funded the workshops of these artists and artisans, who commissioned and collected the masterpieces of art and antiquity. From founding father to the last Grand Duke, the immense power and wealth of this great dynasty was invested in its legendary collections, of which the collection renowned as the Gems of the Medici is perhaps the finest in the world.”*
*taken from Bowers brochure
The Mengei Museum (http://www.mingei.org/exhibitions/) in Balboa Park is always a treat to visit. It’s five minutes from my home and I often stop in to see what’s new. Along with forty other people in groups of ten, a lovely docent pointed out amazing and delightful works of art. The link above will take you to the exhibitions we got to see.
Here a few of the items that caught my eye:
Bed headboard.
This hand painted headboard is detailed with tiny designs. I thought one day I could break down some of the design to create some new tangles.
Would love to de-construct this knot.
Another potential tangle pattern is hidden in this beautiful hand painted piece.
An organic palace filled with tiny figurines. Made from fibers, organic material, and nature.
This amazing creation must have taken years to make. My daughter has always been interested in minauture figurines and hand made items so I snapped this photo and sent it to her via text. I also found a book and video in the gift shop. I hope I remember I bought it when Christmas rolls around again. I think my daughter will love it.
Butterfly and Roach
One of many oragami items on display. The detail is hard to capture. In fact, all the photos just don’t show the real beauty of these items. I hope, someday, you will get to visit these wonderful Museums.
Now on to this weeks Zendala Dare. I posted the original template below:
Here is what I came up with:
I thought about putting color on it, but decided against it. I think this Zendala stands on its own in black and white. It is drawn with Micron .01 pen and shaded with graphite pencil on 8.5″ x 8.5″ white card stock. The tangles include Echoism (curvy lines), Tipple (small shaded circles), and Zinger (jutting from border) all Zentangle tangles; and Sparkle (oval loops) by Sharon Caforioo, CZT. The fans in the center and the leaves on the Zinger don’t have names or are they credited to anyone.
I want to thank you so much for stopping by. I love to read your comments. I do hope this post wasn’t too long and that it kept your attention. Have a great week. And — don’t forget to leave me a comment.
All Tangled Up 