Weekly photo challenge … [small] Change.
My son-in-law is a beachcomber all he trawls the beaches of Rio de Janeiro at dawn with his metal detector looking for treasures. He has found some jewels and even found a particular gem when someone mislaid his wedding ring. However, it is mostly worthless trinkets, beer bottle tops and small change that he brings home.
At the end of the month he uses the cash to supplement his household requirements or mostly it is given to the homeless he sees on the way home as the sun comes up.
It would seem that also his hobby has attracted the interest of the local authorities and finds will be used in an exhibition to raise awareness in the issue of litter and the pollution of the beaches.
Monday … a bit of bricolage
For the past few weeks I have been working on some items for a book to be shown at an exhibition. I have only recently ‘enjoyed’ the title ‘artist’ and it still sits clumsily; especially when required to ‘produce’ a piece of art. My best pieces are those that have have come from a place of quiet or even noisy spontaneity and on the back of an envelope.
So when I began these, there was a mixed feeling of hope and despair. On one hand the vital planning required for reduction prints and multi colour plates and on the other a diminishing sense of play.
However, not wishing to give up hope I carried on and the linocuts seemed to have a mind of their own.
As a result I have about a 10 works each with one redeeming feature, none of which were intended.
So I have entitled them … as a collection ‘ a bit of bricolage’
Silent Sunday …
On Saturday …
After a few days of annual leave, I returned to work on Tuesday. Welcome Week was in full swing and I was part of a team who make the freshers feel at home in the library; with talks, tours and general direction.
I also returned to my regular fortnightly art ‘class’ with the RGA using materials of our own choice we drew items with a holiday feel; it was good!
So for those at work or play may we have a rich and eventful Autumn …
Friday’s snapshot from my library
I have enjoyed dipping into my library for the last few weeks; next week I return to Special Collections when I begin on a new project. Meanwhile from Woodcut/wood engraving : a contribution to the history of art by Imre Reiner a couple of images by Hedwig Bauer; I don’t tire of these.
Alphabe Thursday … S is for Sou is a gentle patriot
Sou patriotic e gentil
Temos tudo em nossa
Desde os ricos pantanais
Ao pico da alta serra
país que não tem deserto
Ciclone, vulcão nem guerra
The poet is a gentle patriot; he celebrates the rich wetlands at the peak of the High Sierra.
He has everything he needs and is without cyclone, vulcano or war. He is pleased with his lot.
It is sad that the deforestation and other environmental abuses are not such a pretty poem. The over population on the sides of mountains around Rio and the torrential have been the cause of landslides recently.
Wednesday and a fine woman …
Every week I champion a good woman and today there is no change; I celebrate my daughter especially as she is in Argentina. She is speaking at conference on Friday, she has been very anxious and brushing up on her Spanish. I am very proud of her and wish her well especially as she has planned a few days holiday before she returns to her home in Rio de Janeiro.
We will not be able to communicate so readily while she is away so while I send her good wishes I celebrate all women who can stand up for the rights of women and children.
Weekly photo challenge … a grid
In the garden yesterday afternoon between showers I peeped through the back of the chairs. I think these fit the bill … a grid.
At the weekend …
At the weekend I attended a drypoint and collagraph workshop. I was hoping to learn another printing method that I might use with my lino cut; but that seems that will not to be so easy.
So, I am in a bit of a dilemma; this however is not an unusual state for me; as you know.
During the last couple of years or so I have found the new methods of printing overwhelming so I have adopted some and discarded others. The decision making can be painful or a welcome relief; but neither happens easily. I have to consider time, cost and ability.
Drypoint and collagraph is quite different to lino cut and will require different tools and materials. Then there is the time; perfecting these new found skills will not come overnight.
Then, there is for me the question: When does one’s mish mash of learning material becomes one’s style and able to show it confidently without having to add ‘’ work in progress’’ ?
Silent Sunday
Coat Hanger Doll's House 