At the weekend I …
Went for the weekend to Cheltenham and learned art of collagraph with Sue Brown at the The Yard. I have been looking forward to it for weeks and not disappointed.
It was a complicated procedure and not sure that I have ‘got it’ yet. However it is all part of the work in progress and look forward to putting my little etching press to work during the next few weeks.
Friday’s Snapshot from the library at Special Collections
Classification of the Cole Library goes on and I am now in the section that appears to be Anatomy; some books are very explicit, strange and wondrous; this one by Gilbert Pidcock published in 1778 is The history, and anatomical description of a Cassowar, from the Isle of Java, in the East-Indies ; the greatest rarity now in Europe is a prime example. Only 18 pages and one lovely engraving; in my lunch break took some reading.
From The History and anatomical description of a Cassowar.
Weekly Photo Challenge …
Seasons and the changing of, are for me less important than the resulting weather; that doesn’t actually match up! I am a cyclist, so knowing the coming ‘forecast’ might seem important; but quite frankly being prepared for something that may or not happen is a complete waste of time. So for the most part whatever the season I arrive at work in a varying array of dishevelment. Its is this unreliability and the surprises we have that I welcome; heavy rain, high wind, snow and even a drought brings some hidden delight I am sure!
Today it is the early glimpse of spring after a very wet winter.
Monday …
Monday, is the day I usually reflect on the past week but I did that on Saturday. Today, I rest a while before the week begins; and the making of the 2nd draft of my book. The 1st was a big idea, a mish mash of components and me not thinking any of it would be successful.
However, with lots of help, advice and encouragement I now have a model to work with. So now I am collecting the ingredients and skills to make this happen. I have already done the lino cuts and some collage materials. After much discussion and a learning curve I have a supply of some super handmade paper. The narrative is in my head and there is some difficulty getting it on paper … so I think today’s tea making lesson will be a welcome break.
Silent Sunday …
Saturday ….
This week has been a joy; in fact the weeks since Christmas have been happy and creative. So today I will celebrate that! I have finished my first draft of my book and spoken to various ‘professionals’ as regards its progress. I have received many positive responses and helpful suggestions for my next step. I can also see opportunities for another in the pipeline;so I am pleased.
Also relation to my other venture as a volunteer in an Art Centre I am going to learn about tea. I am already a drinker of Chinese tea and fairly accomplished at making a brew. However, as if I plan to serve others on a regular basis then, I would like to know more about the intricacies of such a noble art . So, on Monday I am entertaining a Chinese tea supplier for some lessons and tea. I am very excited; nonetheless not wishing to sound too much like a destination junkie; I am enjoying Saturday morning with some tea and watching the grey rain clouds race across the sky and send love to those who have been there for me these last few weeks.
Friday’s Snapshot from the Library at Special Collections …
Oh dear what a loss!
Silent Sunday …
Saturday …
Saturday; I should be resting; but my week is divided pretty much in two. I feel the next 3 days are another week; when I do as much as I have the previous 4 days. Certainly, today has that sort of feel about it and it has barely begun having only had a few cups of white tea. Although, to be fair, even though today’s ‘tasks’ are unpaid they are preferable to the paid alternative.
So today, it is art class, where we will be learning some more simple book making skills, until noon; when our tea shop and exhibition space is open. Today we will be showing some local artists’ works and serving pu’erh tea as a special.
Then, as the afternoon progresses I am meeting a colleague for afternoon tea; Earl Grey I think, when we will discuss my learning the art of poetry.
So all in all a good way not to earn a living and I hope that my progression towards being a poet will be as comfortable as the making of tea!
Friday’s snapshots from the library …
Are from a very old book (published 1554) must be among the most elderly in the Special Collections … Beautiful
Coat Hanger Doll's House 