Archive for the ‘Art’ Category
- In: Art | Travel
- 51 Comments
We had one rainy day in Paris, the trains were on strike and the traffic horrible. So we decided not to go downtown. Since the Ceramics Museum was nearby, we choose to visit it instead. I love ceramics of all sorts, my daughter is a potter, after all. It was a good decision.
The elegant entrance into the French Museum of Ceramics
Located in Sèvres, a suburb of Paris well known for producing fine ceramics, the museum is housed in a building built in 1876 on the site of a ceramics factory which is still in operation. The museum was originally created in 1824 by Alexandre Brongniart who’s statue stands in front of the building. It was later moved to the current location.
The museum contains one of the world’s largest collection of ceramics representing many countries, periods and techniques. I was fascinated by all categories of ceramics (pottery, faience, stoneware, porcelain, as well as enamels, stained glass windows and glass) from various cultures and time periods well displayed in the many rooms. Here are some of my favourite pieces.
Don’t you just love the face on this item from Germany?
I couldn’t help but admire this vase decorated with dogs, cats, and rabbits.
A fabulous wall of ceramic plates
This was one of my favourite pieces. I love the colours.
And not just because it matched my nail polish perfectly!!
The rain doesn’t ruin your plans, it just gives you an opportunity to do or see something you hadn’t planned!!
My Amazing Daughter
Posted on: August 17, 2018
- In: Art | Family
- 84 Comments
I have mentioned my talented potter daughter previously. I am so proud of her as she continues to grow and create fabulous art. Recently she has been featured in a glossy magazine from the UK called Art Reveal
In the article she states, I’m privileged to participate in the cycle of handmade artifacts.
Here is the link to the complete article.
https://issuu.com/artrevealmagazine/docs/39/42
If you get a chance to read it, you will see she is not only a talented artist, she is also very articulate.
Following are a few of her recent pieces.
Susa, wood-fired stoneware
Ocean Momma
Amphora
Raku Shake Basket
Rhythm of the Dance
To see more of her work, check out her website. https://madmudslinger.com/
She will ship anywhere in the world!!
To see your children doing what they love and doing it well is the best reward for a parent. I couldn’t be more proud.
- In: Art | Dreams | Travel
- 117 Comments
When our friends inquired what I wanted to see while visiting them in France, I asked if Giverny, the home of Claude Monet, was near. They said it was only one hour away and would be happy to take us there. I am so glad we went to this magical place. It felt like I had stepped into a Monet painting.
Monet’s garden
The village of Giverny is storybook delightful and I can see why Monet chose it as a place to live, paint, garden and raise his large blended family.
The village of Giverny
The gardens are simply breathtaking. This was Monet´s happy place and it is evident he was inspired by the amazing array of shapes and colours. I gazed mesmerized at the well-known and oft-painted lily pond.
And I stood on the same bridge I have long admired in his painting. Not only was this visit a dream come true, it felt like a living dream!
“I must have flowers, always, and always.” ― Claude Monet
“I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers. ” – Claude Monet
A profusion of colours
His charming house is incredibly comfortable with views of the gardens from every room. As I entered, I half expected Monet to be there welcoming me as he did many guests in the past. His art and that of his contemporaries adorn the walls of all the rooms as it did when he lived there. His spirit permeates the rooms.
Monet’s house in Giverny
My favourite room was the sunny, cheerful kitchen. I imagined Claude, Anne and their eight children laughing and chatting as they shared meals.
We visited the Impressionist Art Gallery on site and had a lovely meal overlooking part of the garden. I stopped at a small shop in Giverny and bought the perfect, handmade French hat to remember this auspicious visit.
Water Lily Pond with Japanese Bridge by Claude Monet
I could have stayed all day, but alas it had to end. This is now my happy place which I will return to in my mind many times. Thank you, Alain and Cathy, for taking me here!
Friends in the garden
“I must have flowers, always, and always.” ― Claude Monet
The photographs by Darlene Foster, Paul Foster and Cathy Marsen
Creative Goddesses
Posted on: February 25, 2017
- In: Art | Family
- 34 Comments
I spent some fabulous days with my talented daughter when I was back in Canada last fall. I´ve written about her and her pottery here and here. She is doing well and has recently had her pottery on display at numerous galleries in Vancouver. Here is one piece that was on display and sold. Isn’t it adorable? You can see more of her one of a kind pottery on her website which she updates regularly. She also ships all over the world.
She asked me to deliver some pottery ordered by a friend in Calgary since I was going there. She mentioned my Christmas gift would be waiting for me when I got there. I transported the package from Vancouver to Medicine Hat and then on to Calgary with the same care I would give a newborn. I´m happy to report it arrived safely and the owner of the pottery was very pleased with her purchase. This is what was in the box.
A goddess incense burner and covered mug.
Note the goddess handle on the mug.
Her friend then handed me my package. In it was a Creative Goddess, made by my daughter’s friend.
Along with it came a scroll with these words-
Creative Goddess was lovingly created specially for you. She has an uplifting energy, that encourages creativity and a calm mind. She is associated with the Crown Chakra, representing pure thought and connection with infinite consciousness. Deep Spiritual Understanding. She is connected to mother goddess, fertility and womb. Representing the way the universe would evolve and constantly change. bringing an awareness of being a part of a whole. She also helps one on their spiritual journey, direction and progress. She is adorned with a Clear Quartz Crystal. This special stone is the supreme gift of Mother Earth. Clear Quartz also amplifies whatever energy or intent is programmed into it. This may accelerate the fulfillment of one’s prayer, intensify healing, spiritual growth and manifestation of a goal.
What a special Christmas gift! I love my Creative Goddess and am happy she is here with me in Spain.
The Creative Goddess with pieces of Marcelle’s pottery
It just so happens that my daughter’s childhood friend, Gillian, is the daughter of my good friend. I have known Gill since she was six and have watched her grow into a special woman and an exceptional mother. Here are some samples of her awesome felt work.
Check out Gill’s website for more about her and the amazing work she does.
Follow both artists on Instagram
gillianwhite11 Magick Weaver • Soul Worker • Healer • Priestess • Fiber Artist • Ritualist • Intuitive www.gillian-white.com
madmudslinger Ceramic creations from a quiet place in the forest. Shop the online gallery www.madmudslinger.com
I am proud of these young women who follow their passion, embrace a peaceful life and create from the heart. I consider myself lucky to have these creative goddesses in my life.
