Monday and a book or two
Books are part of me, with my family, my work, art and my depression, I cannot imagine being without them. I am always on the lookout for something new (or old) and helpful.
While looking for something inspirational, a month or so back I was recommended among others, two that have become favourites.
The first is the Magical secrets about thinking creatively by Kathan Brown. There are 13 secrets and Kathan uses them as ways to think about etching and its place in contemporary art world. However, they could be applied in any aspect of creativity, in the studio, at home or in the workplace. I don’t mean that the studio or the home is not a work place but that even someone, in a role at work that doesn’t proclaim creativity, is in the very place where Kathan Brown’s methods can be observed and earning a living might become more enjoyable.
For instance ‘Secret 11, Take yourself lightly, having a sense of humour and not seeing yourself as the centre of the universe’
The second, Van Gogh’s letters ; the mind of the artist in paintings, drawings and words, 1875-1890 edited by H. Anna Suh. The title is as it is, I dip in daily and plan one day to read it from cover to cover. The letters are written to his brother Theo; more than 700, cast a revealing light on an artist and his work that was largely disregarded in his lifetime; yet is priceless today.
I looked for a quote and hour later … Ho Hum…
He writes to his brother (1884) ‘I can safely claim that since your last visit I have made progress in the technique of painting and in colour- and this will improve still further. It is the first steps that count in painting; later on it is more compliant, and I have some trumps still in my hand. And I believe that I can play my trumps.’
Oh dear I wish I had some trumps … !
I also recommend these books, although I do have one regret, neither is small enough fit in a pocket or small bag; so will difficult while travelling.
Silent Sunday …
On Saturday … complicated or not?
I am between art teachers; my previous teacher is moving house and her studio, that has been my haven and lesson space for two years, is now removed. I have found a new teacher but our ‘lessons’ will not begin until later in the year. This change was expected and gone according to plan; had it not been for the move I would have found a new teacher at some point. So the the break is for the best. However, as you know I do have a complicated psychological disorder that does that manifests in various and painful ways.
‘Management’ is required, so some sort of balance can be maintained between abject self-pity and self-congratulatory bull-shit. For the most part this happens and I have good and healthy lifestyle and commendable results.
However, this morning I am inclined to the negative end of the spectrum and speculate: ‘Why me? Why is life so complicated?’
So here I am, the bright sun rising over the chimney pots, my neighbours beginning their day, looking at this week’s works with printing ink and stencils and some with oil paints. Methods and /or mediums I have not used before. I am pleased with the results but the drying time has been a little tedious. But I am thinking; ‘Has that been such a bad thing?’
The procedure has be meditative and pleasant, a good outcome all round especially as I began to write this blog post the world was seemingly so complicated … Thank you for listening.
Friday’s snapshot from Special Collections …
I don’t usually reblog during the day but I have some interesting added information ….
I don’t know too much about this little book of Psalms from the Finzi Book Room in Special Collections at University of Reading … it is just so tiny at 2 x 3 inches. A perfect book, published in 1708 with traditional leather binding, an engraved image and gilt edges to the pages in perfect proportion. This is much as I know; it is readable but not easy in poor light so perhaps it was not made for normal use.
I can add some new information from I think a very reliable source and I quote “Certainly interesting – although I’m not sure I can add too much information. It is certainly associated with the followers of John Calvin. It might be a copy of the Genevan Psalter, which first came out in 1539. It’s intended for use as a hymnbook, containing metrical versions of the biblical Psalms and possibly…
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Friday’s snapshot from Special Collections …
I don’t know too much about this little book of Psalms from the Finzi Book Room in Special Collections at University of Reading … it is just so tiny at 2 x 3 inches. A perfect book, published in 1708 with traditional leather binding, an engraved image and gilt edges to the pages in perfect proportion. This is much as I know; it is readable but not easy in poor light so perhaps it was not made for normal use.
I can add some new information from I think a very reliable source and I quote “Certainly interesting – although I’m not sure I can add too much information. It is certainly associated with the followers of John Calvin. It might be a copy of the Genevan Psalter, which first came out in 1539. It’s intended for use as a hymnbook, containing metrical versions of the biblical Psalms and possibly some other stuff”
Alphabe Thursday … C is for Cordel
I have a little collection cordels and looking forward to finding some more. Cordel literature from the Portuguese, literatura de cordel, means ‘string literature.’ So called because they are displayed on strings with pegs.
They are popular and inexpensively printed booklets containing folk tales, poems and songs, which are simply published and sold at fairs and on street corners in northeast Brazil. I managed to find some in Rio, especially in areas where northeastern migrants live.
Wednesday’s Wood Engraving …
I made myself a promise this weekend. I have been busy and neglected to practice wood engraving. When I began a couple of years back I was keen and had some lessons but overtaken by recent events I haven’t practiced as I should. So I have begun again, trying to do some every day; at least during the summer when the light is better and kinder to the eyes.
Here is my latest attempt , some sunflowers that have featured in some other images over the last few months …
Weekly Photo Challenge … One the way …
I spend much time in my ‘studio,’ very happily I might add. Nonetheless, from time and time I find the need to take a break, with a pot of tea and some inspirational literature, down the bottom of my garden. Those who know me well, will be familiar with my garden; it is tiny and positively jewel-like with engaging features. I am beginning to sound like a garden designer at the Chelsea Flower Show! It is less than 20 paces long and 2 strides wide and a constant joy! These snapshots give an impression ‘one the way’ to the bottom, a break and the return even if rain threatens and it did this morning I can usually have a pleasant interlude.
Monday, after the weekend …
A week or two back I attended an art class. I was particularly excited because the subject matter was Andalucia, in southern Spain. I have spent much time in this area with fond memories and looked forward to going back ‘virtually’ and making drawings.
However, it didn’t work quite like that; the photographs and images were beautiful and evocative of a time spent working in the mountains looking down on the Costa de Sol.
I spent a couple of hours and a reams of paper, drawing shapes and recording the colours and feelings. But, when I came to put them into a picture that afternoon I lost the impetus. I wrote the next day about my inability to play ; I suppose, while by brain wanted to get down to some serious business.
So a this weekend after the ‘other’ exciting events; I returned to my sketches and put together some ‘pictures’ they are not complete and may never be .. but serve as reminder of a lesson learned and often forgotten, about impermanence and the movement of life … it does not stand still and we can never go back!
Silent Sunday …
Coat Hanger Doll's House 