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A dreamy place of Art, Illustration,Woodcraft and things that inspire...
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By:
Karen,
on 4/25/2014
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It's the end of a week again already, the sunshine has left us today and soft gentle rain falls on the new born green leaves. Here the ash is still tightly in bud, therefore 'The oak is out before the ash' so hopefully this year, it will only be a splash? What about where you are, have you noticed which was first?
I'm still steadily, quietly working away on the hangers, so today I will take you out of my work space and down the road, a quick visit to somewhere quite beautiful, that looks as if it would easily fit into Hogsmeade.
When I was small there was a shop in the village with a stable door. I have always loved doors like this. This shop sold groceries and I remember going in there to buy sweets sometimes, but mostly sweet supply was bought at the old post office. The shop is still here and so is the gorgeous door. It doesn't sell groceries now, but other wonderful things. I thought I'd share it with you.
'Quintessentially English' is my favourite shop in
Lacock It creates and sells, here in this old shop the most beautiful handmade natural beauty products, luxurious toiletries and organic soap that looks good enough to eat and almost too pretty to use.
Inside it's centuries old walls, blue bottles line up like an apothecary and the air is perfumed with scent of Goddess, Lavender fields, Sunshine, Moonbeam, Buttercup Meadow, Breeze, Enchanted wood and Angels rest.
The handmade products have an ancient philosophy behind them, which I also love...
~*~ When you touch a flower you disturb a star ~*~I'll let you read in their own words below...
~*~
"Behind our products is an age-old philosophy: When you touch a flower you disturb a star. It’s an idea that goes right back to medieval times when herbalists combined the sciences of medicine and astronomy – and flowers, linked to the stars, were used for their healing properties. Like these early sages, we believe there’s a connection, between earth and air, fire and water
– Quintessentially English
~*~
Just look at this divine soap! When I look at this I can almost imagine myself decadently laying among it, sniffing it, touching it, sort of as Monsieur le Curé did among the Chocolate display in Joanne Harris' film Chocolat. ;)
In the back room by the huge old fireplace there is an interesting mix of eclectic gifts for sale, a selection of enticing tea, candles, and bowls of mysterious smelling magical incense that you can buy by the ounce. Upstairs hidden away in the attic there is more treasure, all manner of vintage bits and pieces.
There is always something different to see whenever you visit here. Sometimes you even get to see some of my things popping up here from time to time. :)
If you are in the area, then it really is a must to visit.
If you aren't, then don't worry, as they have an online shop just
here.
Have a great weekend!
Karen x
By:
Karen,
on 4/18/2014
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This morning as I write with my mug of tea by my side, the view from my window is gentle on the eye. Still and silver, a misty beginning. Later I predict the sun will burn through and the day will be another sunny warm one, just like yesterday. The sky is filled with birdsong. A blackbird is close by on a nearby branch, it's song, a poem for a new day.
Spring is well into her wild and flowery dance now, scattering her magic throughout the grass.
On days like this, it's hard to stay indoors. Much better to be outside and to take the time to lay down in the grass and moss and look upwards at blue April skies.
And to slow down and enjoy the view on our journey.
It's good to be back working outside. I may not have internet connection there, but I have the blossom, daisies and dandelion to admire whilst I quietly work away. I'm busy with hangers again now. The sanding part can be done sat in the sun.
Sometimes it's hard to go back inside to paint, when the warm sun is on your shoulders, but at least I can open the doors and let the sunshine in, which is a good thing.
I found a birds skull the other day when gardening. What a beautiful elegant thing. I shall add it to my nature collection, which I must remember to show you another time...
I also came across this fellow hiding beneath a stone in the garden. I think his title is, Mr Toad, assistant gardener.
As the greening takes place and the new leaves unfurl, the banks and fields are scattered with the delicate colours of Spring.
On my walk tonight I spotted this little rabbit enjoying the evening sunshine.
New life is everywhere, and it's wonderful to see.
I wish you all a Happy Easter weekend. x
Well it's the last day of March already, so here I am sneaking another post in before it ends. I had mean't to try and do more posts on here this year, somehow that has not happened. Not this month anyway... March has just whizzed by. I hope you all had wonderful Mother's day weekend? And that you took time to kneel down and smell the primroses which are in abundance right now.
I was a very spoiled Mummy, with tea and a basket of goodies brought to me in bed. In the afternoon I was treated to a performance of Shakespeare excerpts by my daughter at her local drama group, then after, a walk by the river. I spent the rest of the day to my hearts content planting seeds and transplanting foxgloves.
~ *~
Today the sun is shining again and the daffodils are gently nodding their heads in agreement with this mild warm weather.
I've been busy painting some Spring birds that will be flying across to my
Etsy shop tomorrow evening (Tues) at 8pm UK time.
Next to come will be the hares and some foxy chaps.
Talking of hares, you may want to take a trip to the town of Cirencester in Gloucestershire. They have a
hare festival on at the moment. It's a sculpture trail running right through until September. We payed a visit on Saturday and here's a glimpse of what we saw...
Wonderful colourful hares abound. Aren't they adorable! We even found this chocolate one, which I'm sure will appeal to many of you 'chocoholic' folk.
And yes, it was indeed all edible, as this sign was displayed next to it. :)
By:
Karen,
on 3/11/2014
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The sun has been to visit and stayed a while. We took advantage and walked in the woods where only the gentle silent waters moved slowly and birds went about their business without a care of anything else that was going on in the world.
The trees skeletal forms were softened with moss. A green velvety coat that glowed in the afternoon rays.(which reminds me I never did get that green velvet mossy coat that I was after a few years back)
Growing upon the fallen rotting branches, moss covered, I found this bright red fungus. I think it's called Scarlet Elf Cup. What a perfect name, don't you think?
In fact the whole place seemed
perfect for elves to live... and other creatures.
"Frodo saw the valley of the Silverlode lying like a sea of fallow gold tossing gently in the breeze. It seemed to him that he would never hear again a running water so beautiful, for ever blending its innumerable notes in an endless changeful music." ~ Tolkien
Was that the distant sound of sweet singing I heard? Voices of Lothlorien perhaps.
Even the ant hills looked a little surreal in the afternoon light, almost as if they were sleeping beings that might up and walk at a moments notice, or when the full moon shines upon them?
~*~
Our wanderings took us near to the pretty village of
Castle Combe which is only just a few miles from me. I'm not sure if I've shared pictures of the village before on here, I may have done?
It's a very picturesque Cotswold stone village and
very much loved by tourists. Maybe you might recognise it from the film Stardust?
~*~
Although the sun has been with us these past few days and yesterday I was gardening in a tee shirt my thoughts and ideas have been of the north. The latest two finished paintings reflect this. This one below I have slightly changed from my original drawing.
'The Jewelled Breath' available as a print from my shop
hereThe other painting I haven't got around to scanning yet, so isn't available as yet, but will be shortly. I will take it with me on my next trip to town. I have named this one 'Queen of the Earth, child of the sky'
It's painted on canvas which I often struggle with. It's strange how moving paint across a different surface can behave so differently. Wood and paper is fast, but canvas always so slow, for me anyhow.
Thanks for all your comments on the last post, so sorry I haven't replied to any, I will get around to it. Time seems to be playing tricks on me at the moment.
Enjoy the sunshine!
X
I had a small taste of Scandinavia the other day. My sister and I, accompanied by our two teenage daughters, set off on a little adventure to Copenhagen for a few days.
It's always lovely to get away and explore somewhere new.
And of course try the local tipple. In this case
gløgg Hot spicy mulled wine with raisins and chopped almonds at the bottom of the glass.... yes, it was delicious. From now on, I think I will be lacing my own winter mulled wine with raisins and almonds too.
I'm not really a city loving person, but a few days here and there, seeing the sights I'm okay with. Especially if the sights are mermaids.
Whenever I am in a city, I always find myself looking for nature. Too many buildings, concrete, cars and noise, give me withdrawal symptoms. I always manage to find what I'm craving though, even if it is only made of stone.
I did find some real too.
Pigeons and pretty yellow aconites in the park.
We made a special journey to walk past Copenhagen zoo, so that I could leave my postcards on the railings. A rest in peace message for
Marius.
~*~
I believe the Danish television programme
'The Bridge' is rather popular? I haven't watched it myself, as I'm not a big fan of crime drama, but my sister is a huge fan, so on our last day we crossed the bridge and visited Sweden.
I loved the timber framed houses and thought this valentine window was pretty.
And this dog. :)
I left with a beautiful postcard illustrated by Lars Klinting
and a strong desire to return.
Scandinavia, especially Sweden ... I will be back.
The little white maiden had been hidden in the dark for many months. Sometimes when she stirred she heard echoes of laughter and warmth stretched down to her roots in the dark where she lay asleep. It wasn't her turn to reach for the sky, not when the dog roses were out. She had to wait. She had to wait until the earthworms pulled the old leaves down, and the ground turned cold. She had to wait until the hedgehog was deep in sleep and the darkness lingered. She had to wait until the freezing rain, ice and snow covered the land. Then it was her time.
~Karen Davis 2014
The snowdrop, so perfect and so wonderful to see at winters end. These are in my garden, but I've been noticing them all over lately and even some celandine peeping their yellow smiley faces out early too.
The rain has continued to fall and we still haven't had any
really cold icy weather. My heart goes out to all the poor souls who have been flooded and especially Somerset. It looks as if the isle of Avalon has returned, maybe King Arthur will too, we could certainly do with his help.
I finished another heart painting. I felt the need to do a fox as I didn't want him to be left out. ;)
It's titled 'The Rosehip Spell ' Prints will be available in my shop shortly. I will probably be adding the original too, although at the moment it has to stay and have some 'me' time for a while to absorb some 'love' Does that sound odd to you? How do other artists feel when they sell an original work It's strange as some work I feel more attached to when it comes to letting go. I suppose it is because it is a little bit of yourself, an extension of your feelings and soul.
Over on my
facebook page I'm having a valentine giveaway, so if you would like to win a copy of this print do pop across and comment. Please hurry though as it's only a 24 hour one.
I will leave you with this lovely new song by Emily Portman. I just love the video, I used to have the very same shepherd, lambs and sheep in my farm animal collection as a child!
Trust the grand and gentle trees,
Never will their welcome fade;
All that lives may lie at ease
In the haven of their shade;
Treasuries of tranquil air
Keep they for the burning days;
And their boughs ascend like prayer,
And their leaves break forth like praise.
Patient are they, for they wait
On the humours of the year;
Noble, for they keep their state
When the winter leaves them sere;
Brave to suffer heat and cold,
And the tempest's war-alarms;
Very tender, for they hold
All bird-babies in their arms.
Where the winter silence hears
No voice louder than a brook's,
There was built for many years
A great city of the rooks;
Excerpt from The lady and the rooks by Menella Bute Smedley
It's that time of year when the bear dna in me just wants to curl up indoors and sleep. The hibernating time. Do humans even have any bear dna? I'm sure they do, even if scientists haven't found it yet? ;)
Outside is grey and wet and walks are paths of muddy puddles and rain soaked fields.
I am waiting and dreaming of the clear, sharp scent of icy days. Crisp under boot, decorated with Jack Frost's art work. I'm hoping for snow, just a little before too many Spring flowers arrive, but the rain still falls and falls At least there are rainbows in between though.
Anyway enough about the weather! Here's what else I've been doing...
'Recipe to awaken your sleepy winter self'1: Take one slice of wood that you've had for a year and not done anything with.2: Prime it.3: Trace a rough sketch that you've had a while in your sketchbook onto the wood.4: Begin painting.5: Keep painting and photograph in between to show process which can be interesting at times for yourself and others. :)6: Paint some more and drink tea.7: Complete tax return in between and be sure to have matchsticks at hand to support eyelids.8: Watch birds in between and drink more tea.9. Daydream and admire the rich glossy paint colours on the palette.10. Paint until all the bits are coloured in and it looks ok or finished. :) When the sleepiness comes back which it will, because it's January, just repeat the process again, this time on water colour paper or whatever your preferred medium is. :)
I will be making prints of both paintings, which will be available in my shop quite soon and I will also be selling the originals.
Until next time, I'm off to do a snow dance now....
Read the rest of this post
The new year has brought even more water onto the already soaked earth. Fields have turned into glistening lakes once again, gold and silver in the afternoon winter light.
Shining pools that contain shadowy glimpses of a reflected world. A watery looking glass, into a parallel place.
Sparkling, gentle, quiet, it lays above the sodden cold land slowly being absorbed down. Deep down through the tiny passages that echo earth worms, organisms and the tangle of roots that are blind to the sun. A cascade into the heart of Mother Earth. I hope she is drinking up all the liquid gold and dazzling brightness and that it will flow into her veins and replenish her ancient bones to keep her strong.
What would the world be, once bereft of wet and wildness? Let them be left, O let them be left, wildness and wet; Long live the weeds and the wilderness yet. ~ Gerard Manley Hopkins
Moles will be relieved to see, as many others will, that this watery world is subsiding now.
The green has returned for now.
And if you listen, the song of Spring is in the wind.
I can't quite believe that again, we have arrived at the end of a year. A week ago, in the wild and stormy night, we lost a tree. It was an old elder that had died, but was host to a huge tangle of ivy. There had been nests over the years within it's sprawling greenery. A blackbird raised it's young, a pigeon sadly lost it's mate to a bird of prey and sparrows liked to meet up and chatter there. Now there is a space and the light is shining in. The old has gone and a new opportunity for something else to grow has occurred. A little like a new year.
Yesterday morning, all began frozen.
I restocked the bird table, then went for a wander.
The old year shone bright and filled with sparkle.
As the sun burned through to melt the ice, a glimpse of Spring was snatched. A blue clear sky glowed new and fresh with promise.
Now as I sit here finishing this post, the frosted day of yesterday is just a memory. It's just before dawn and outside the wind has returned. It growls in the chimney and rattles the tree bones again. The wind chimes are no longer hanging gently from a holly branch, they are high on a ships mast, being battered on a stormy sea. Is it the old year furiously trying to hang on, or the new one telling the old it's time is up? The stirring up and clearing out of the dead wood to let the new emerge. Later today there will be kindling galore to collect.
I hope that you all had a wonderful festive time this last week. Thank you all for your comments of merry wishes. :)
May the new year bring peace and light to all.
X
'Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world' - Archbishop Desmond Tutu
I have just finished delivering my Christmas cards and am now almost ready for Christmas. I have a glass of cider by my side, mince pies to make and a few more presents to wrap, but I thought I'd take the time to share some images of my village all ready for Christmas on it's eve, because the doors and windows always look so pretty.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas! x
Early morning of mist and sky of silver.
Out on a walk the other day to see the annual Christmas tree festival at the Abbey, I saw roses in bloom. I love this pink against the colour of stone.
The carvings stand out even more so in Winter. When the garden is quite bare, how wonderful it would be, to have stone sculptures and to enjoy the colour and pattern as the stone ages and lichens make their home upon it.
The apple tree looked very festive.
Our home is also looking very festive now. The tree is up and most of my Christmas shopping is almost done. I still have to bring the holly and Ivy in, but I always do that on the 21st.
~*~
Over on the
Facebook page there are only a few more days of the advent post left now. Here's a few of the latest pictures.
December 12th was a sketch that came about when I was listening to music and just doodling really. At the time I was listening to a song called 'Staralfur' by Sigur ros. In Icelandic I believe it means 'Staring Elf' although I think he may be more gnome-ish? I love how music can make a story appear on paper. You can listen to the song
here if you like. :)
December 14th was an older sketch which you may have already seen on here? I'm not sure if I shared it before? Anyway here it is again with a little extra magic added.
And today's picture was a small painting that I did yesterday, just playing around with one of the previous sketches.
The festive decorating has begun. Beginning with the little twiggy branch that stays all year on the piano. Over the years it has held snowflakes, icicles, birds and various sparkly bits. This year it is the year of the toadstool. Woo!
The toadstools normally go on the Christmas tree in the other room, but I bought a few extra this year, so felt their time had come to play starring role on the piano. The birds have flown to the fireplace and the snowflakes will be happy settling on the tree this year. (All except the robin, who was quite adamant he wanted to stay in the twiggy tree, thank you very much. ;))
The holly is picked and waiting in a bucket in the greenhouse. Meanwhile the holly tree has now been stripped of all remaining berries by hungry blackbirds and thrushes.
Plan for the weekend is to buy the tree. :)
The winter sun has been a welcome visitor dancing merrie light on walls and doors.
Looking outside it could almost be mistaken for late summer in this picture.
More sketches from the advent calendar on
facebook. 'Do you hear what I hear'
And a white hare.
~*~
A few Christmas's back, this was on television.
It was fabulous and just the thing to get you in the yuletide spirit. I came across it again whilst browsing you tube. If you missed it last time I highly recommend it, or if you did see it, then go on, take a break and watch it again! Or like I've done, have it on in the background whilst doing something else.
See you soon
x
One of the beautiful things about Winter is the fiery skies.You can almost smell them smouldering as you breathe out what looks like accompanying smoke into the frosted air. You have to be quick to catch them as they pass so fast and all too soon darkness has descended. I tried to time it perfectly this evening and went out, but came back in as I realised I had in fact a better view from the window.
Over on my
Facebook page I have been posting something up everyday. A face book advent calendar type thing. You may have seen these, if you haven't here's a sample..Sketches and photo's and such like. I will share here the sketches as the photo's you may have seen before?
This last one 'The journey north' I hope to work on as a painting very soon.
I don't have an advent calendar, but my teenagers do. This year it is a chocolate one. We normally alternate the years with picture/chocolate. Which one do you have? ...
To celebrate the beginning of Winter I had an early birthday present yesterday and went to see
Olafur Arnalds perform at St Georges in Bristol. He is coming to the end of his 'For now I am Winter' tour. It was just beautiful and perfect for my beginning of Winter. :)
I think I will be rummaging in the cupboard to find the Christmas decorations this weekend..
I will leave you with the title track of Olafur Arnalds album. Have a magical weekend. x
Not so long ago, you may remember I drew a sketch, of this half animal, half human. I played around with it digitally and promised I would return to it. So now I have. This is a painting on wood.
'All made of stars'
I also returned to other sketches done at the same time.
I often write words down, in a little notebook I keep. Random words that sometimes pop into my head and sentences that inspire a picture, especially like to creep into my head in the dark hours past midnight when I should be in bed asleep, instead I find these are the hours where most of my ideas for work appear.
Words from my notebook....
Most can see, but many are blind Many can hear, but most are deaf "Remember to open your eyes" said the fox 'Remember to open your eyes, said the fox'Or...
'From the light we all came' ? I'm not decided on the title of this piece yet?........
I will be making prints of these very soon. First I will have to get them scanned in town though, as my scanner is broken and I haven't got around to buying another yet. (another job on the 'to do' list) Hopefully I should get them done by next week.
In the garden already nature is making preparations for next years fruit. The catkins are decorating the hazel tree.
There are still leaves that are not ready to fall. After all they were late arriving this year.
And only 25 days, until the days begin to get lighter again.
I will leave you with a song that I had on repeat whilst painting these pictures. Beautiful video too.
I woke up and the world outside was dark, all so quiet before the dawn, opened up the door and walked outside, the ground was cold. I walked until I couldn't walk anymore, to a place I'd never been. There was something stirring in the air, in front of me, I could see more than this, more than this, so much more than this. There is something else there ~ Peter Gabriel
November mists have arrived. In the morning when the day is new and filled with promise they linger until the sun finds strength to burn them away. They return quietly when the fires are lit and the blackbird has a belly full from a days feasting on red ripe holly berries. They stay throughout the night, silently softening the edges of the bright moon.
It's at this time of year that I always somehow feel the unknown close. Beyond our vision, somewhere in the in between places the feeling that there is more than this is strong. I saw it in the hundreds of spiders webs caught in the wind, in a field up on the hill. And in the donkey that in the light looked as if it could be a unicorn in disguise.
I see it in the white sunlight on thin leaves.
And in the birds.
~*~
I am having a little break from making wooden hangers now until the Spring and instead will concentrate on paintings. Below is my most recent work, painted on a slice of wood that I had. This idea had been in my sketchbook for a while and the shape and piece of wood suited it perfectly I felt.
'She loved The Moon so dearly'
Prints of this piece are available in my Etsy shop
here
I saw a wasp and a butterfly on Monday and there is a pink rose blooming in the garden. Hard to believe it is November now. But it is and the apples have all blown from the two trees. So far I have made chutney, apple pie and fresh juice but there are still two bucketfuls in the kitchen to use up.
I have had to put my little heater on a few times in my workroom, but so far the weather has been kind and it's wonderful to be outside watching the twilight fall early and the Autumn light play tricks with the shadows and reflections.
I captured these shadows in the greenhouse, they remind me of old photographs.
There is no sign of frost yet and the lavender still has flower.
But the leaves are falling...
from the great giants, in the field behind the willow herb.
and the holly is reminding everyone what time of year it is.
I've been busy making things to restock my
Etsy shop. New items will be added tonight at 9.30pm (uk time)
I won't show everything, but here are a few items that will be making their way there.
~*~
So who had a sparkler last night then? The best firework, pretty, but no noise.
I did. ;)
That November night, looking up into the sky,
You said,
"Hey, wish that was me up there--
It's the biggest rocket I could find,
And it's holding the night in its arms
If only for a moment.
I can't see the look in its eyes,
But I'm sure it must be laughing."
But it seemed to me the saddest thing I'd ever seen,
And I thought you were crazy, wishing such a thing.
I saw only a stick on fire,
Alone on its journey
Home to the quickening ground,
With no one there to catch it.
I put on my pointed hat
And my black and silver suit,
And I check my gunpowder pack
And I strap the stick on my back.
And, dressed as a rocket on Waterloo Bridge--
Nobody seems to see me.
Then, with the fuse in my hand,
And now shooting into the night
And still as a rocket,
I land in the river.
Was it me said you were crazy?
I put on my cloudiest suit,
Size 5 lightning boots, too.
'Cause I am a rocket
On fire.
Look at me go, with my tail on fire,
With my tail on fire,
On fire.
Hey, look at me go, look at me...
Kate Bush ~Rockets tail
On Thursday my daughter had no school due to a teachers strike. So we decided to have a day out to Oxford. It's not far on the train and the sun was shining. The perfect day for an adventure. We were heading to this majestic building below, home to the Pitt Rivers museum.
Inside it is just as impressive.
The Pitt Rivers museum is a collection of archaeological and anthropological artifacts. It was founded in 1884 by one Lt General Augustus Pitt Rivers, after he donated his collection to the University of Oxford.
It's an amazing place filled to the brim with curiosities from all over the world. Inside the light is dim. Much darker than the picture above in which my camera made things look far brighter, compensating for the lack of light. A kind light for the old things and just right to add to the atmosphere. There was so much to photograph and look at and read and on top of that there were drawers underneath filled with even more secret wonders! To be honest I would have been happy just staying in here all day with a notebook and pencil sketching and writing. Anyway here are a few of the things that I took pictures of. Things that jumped out and spoke to me.
Masks
Ornate keys which made me wonder about their stories. Which doors had they opened? Who had been their keepers?
Magical things
Spells
Most objects were labelled by the tiniest writing imaginable.Others were more readable.
Above, the small paws of a poor mole, cut off while still alive. It's feet kept in the pocket of a man, as a cure for toothache! I am fascinated by the past and things such as this, but I'm so glad that we have progressed with cures for toothache these days. I'm sure the mole would be too!
If you suffered from warts, then the charm below would have been for you...
In case it's too small for your to read this is what it says on the label.
"Charm for warts Oxfordshire~ Go out alone and find a large black slug. Secretly rub the underside on the warts and impale the slug and thorn. As the slug dies the warts will go"~*~
This little bird made me feel sad.
Shadow Puppets
Music
I loved the colours and designs of these old playing cards
And was particularly attracted to all the things depicting animals of course.
It was very atmospheric in the museum and some of the things such as the shrunken heads, weapons and ancient surgical instruments were rather unnerving. It made us wonder what it would be like to stay the night, or be there in the dark surrounded by all of these objects that hold the spirit and ghosts of people. Then I found this video showing the museum viewed by torchlight, which I thought you might like to see.
I gazed in awe, as I always do, at the beauty of mother natures creations in the natural history part of the museum.
On our way to lunch we passed the most adorable little cottage.
And met a white rabbit blowing bubbles. :)
We were lucky that the day was dry and warm. There were lots of ladybirds flying around the old university buildings. On their way to look for a good sleeping places for winter I expect, which I'm sure they will find among the many stone buildings here.
Our last stop, after a little shopping, (well I am with a teenage girl. ;)) was this fabulous exhibition that was totally unexpected as I hadn't known it was on.
Original sketches and notes by Tolkien, JK Rowling, Alan Garner, Susan Cooper, Philip Pullman and CS Lewis, including his original map sketch of Narnia. There were also some very old looking books and manuscripts concerning magic and angels, and some illuminated with gold. All was so wonderful to see, what a rare treat. Sadly no photography was allowed inside, so I will have to keep all of these precious images in my head. What a special end to a great day out.
Last night as I walked along a small street in the village everything seemed exaggerated.
My footsteps echoed on a tarmac path but underneath I knew the path had been there for hundreds of
years, long before tarmac had come into being. My feet shared the shoes of so many others. Ghosts of
the past that had walked the same route, busy, excited with laughter or sad filled with their worries of
long ago. Some not so long ago. This year too many in our tiny village have passed on, some much too
soon.
It was early evening, the cottages had their lights on but curtains had yet to be drawn. Inside homes
looked cosy and the smell of cooking lingered with wood smoke and a distinct October leafy spiced
scent. For a moment a veil seemed thin and stretched and the past felt close. The cool of the night made
me pull my jacket in tight, breathe deep and feel grateful to be alive.Today I am grateful.
Dear Universe.....
Thank you..... I am grateful for the morning sunlight streaming in through tiny droplets of condensation
on the window. The light, a sparkly, white, silver, bright, hint of winter.
I am grateful for the red holly berries as I look outside and the blackbird's song.
Letters from friends...
For Autumn's patterns.
And clever spiders.
I am grateful today that the sky is so blue and that I am here on this beautiful planet and am able to see
such a thing as clouds.I am grateful that there is a good strong wind to blow the washing dry and that I am able to feel it cold on my face. It's a north wind and has a bite, blown down from the arctic across the highlands. The same
wind that swirls around the greens and pinks of dancing Aurora. Now it chases the leaves off the cherry
tree.
I am grateful for the hot cup of tea that I have here while I write this and that I am able to taste it, and for
the beautiful music I can hear as my son practices his instruments and that I am blessed to be able to hear
them.
I am grateful for the book I will finish later this evening when the house falls quiet with sleep.
Today I am also grateful for soup, warm socks, my camera, the smell of incense sticks and my sense of smell. Some of these things may not seem that important Dear Universe in the grand scheme of things, but I am grateful for them anyway.P.S : I'm also grateful for the following things being in the world, written in no particular order....
Hot chocolate, my laptop, blogs, fire, candles, all animals, birds, my daughter, my son, my husband, my friends, kind words, kind messages, jingly bells, flowers, trees, the moon, the planets, the stars, my family, the sea, rainbows, shells, music, forests, rocks, ice, butterflies, art, books, cats, compassion, love, peace, badger sabs, hunt sabs, planet earth, the sun, moths, mistletoe, wild meadows, wild verges, starry skies, northern lights, adventures, magic, miracles, health, life, pyjamas, hazelnuts, boots, mushrooms, snowflakes, chestnuts, weather, laughter, baths, red wine, kindness, my garden, my home, eco warriors, promoters of peace, moonstone, moon shadows, moonlight, jonsi, bluebell woods, etsy, mountains, sparkling clean streams, bees, strawberries, white horses, sunsets, and a thousand and more other beautiful things ....
I recently read an article announcing that the art college that I attended many years back now, was to close. After completing a fantastic local foundation course in Wiltshire I went on to study illustration and graphic design at Maidstone College Of Art under the instruction of Gerald Rose, Stephen Cartwright and several other teachers.
Illustration by Gerald RoseDuring the end of my first year the college changed it's name, merged and became the Kent Institute of Art and Design. Maidstone produced some prominent artists over the years, some of whom I have only just found out about.
Tracy Emin famous, somewhat controversial was there when I was. She was down stairs in the fine art/printing department.
Angela Barrett an illustrator that I admire greatly also went there a few years before me. Other notable artists include
Karen Millen fashion designer,
Tony Hart (do you remember Take Hart and Vision on?) and
Martin Handford of 'Where's Wally' fame.
I enjoyed my years at Maidstone and have good memories. Thinking about them prompted me into digging out some old work...
I was recently reminded in a comment that I had promised to share a mask that I had made, so here it is...
At the time I was working on a project producing illustrations for a text of our choice. I chose a book called 'Lady into Fox' by David Garnet. I did a painting, but also decided to make a mask and do a series of photographs.
Remember these were made when photoshop was not the norm. I made the mask out of papier mache and added faux fur, took the photo's then hand coloured the prints with paint to get an old effect. My sister was the model as I took the photo's in half term. :)
It's funny looking back as it only seems just the other day and the photographs look surprisingly contemporary rather than late 1980's. It's also interesting to see how we always return to a theme that is dear to our hearts. :)
X
Did I ever tell you about the strange tree that grows in my garden? If the conditions are right and we have been blessed with a warm summer, in Autumn it bears fruit of the oddest kind....
Just kidding....you didn't believe me did you?
Of course this post isn't really about magic fox bearing trees but to share my latest wooden creations which will
all be added to my
shop this Friday the 27th September at 7pm (19:00) uk time on the dot!
Come and meet the foxes......
Inspired by berries and plants in the hedgerow. Hawthorn,elder,blackberry and dog rose.
There are also hares.
'Crab Apple' is very pleased to meet you although she was a little shy and didn't really like having her photograph taken.
Elder.
Herb And Butterfly
Blackthorn
Rowan
And a cheeky little trio. Nordic inspired.
Birdies... Mr crow.
And Mr Cuckoo.
Now to the land of the magic forest, where toadstools have small worlds within. These worlds are inhabited by woodland creatures and always much starlight.
Pixie-ish red ones too. No pixies but more woodland creatures. Or of course the pixies could be shape shifters?
Almost there now, just the pendants to go. I know, let's have a momentary interlude....
Here's a gorgeous big bee for you to see, pictured in the garden today. :)
And lastly the pendants....
I've also added some new postcards too, so do stop by and have a look.
See you soon! xx
By:
Karen,
on 9/15/2013
Blog:
Moonlight and Hares
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My September began a little differently this year. As the wheel of the year took it's first turn into Autumn, my feet trod warm earth and were washed with gentle clear waves of Aegean Sea.
The first '
September' blackberry was picked amid hedgerows backed by olive groves.
I have travelled to the Greek islands before, many years ago but the smell of the olive groves this time seemed so familiar and comforting to me. An ancient smell of warmth and stone . My husband said it was the Roman blood in me, remembering?
Beautiful twisted, knarled, silvery trees, so old. I always wonder what a tree has seen and what stories it could tell when it can live over 2000 years old?
Across the water the mountains of mainland Greece stretch across the horizon. It's not far to Turkey and Bulgaria from here. Sitting quietly on the beach I'm transported back to the past and wonder about the travellers that have come and gone to this beautiful pine covered green isle, and who also tasted the fruit of these trees.
On this cold grey day here at home today I would love to be back there again.
The warmth on my skin, fennel edged roadsides, the comforting hum of crickets at night, humming bird hawk moths whirring and flitting about tiny pink climbing flowers, tzatziki,
so many tomatoes, salty olives and aniseed taste of ouzo on my tongue.
And the sea
the beautiful beautiful sea
filled with the tiniest sparkles of silver and gold mica.
I tried to capture them so that you could see.
Glitter for Aegean mermaids.
With the snorkel on, we became part of another world.
A world of small stripy fishes and rich aubergine coloured spiky sea urchins that clung to rock.
Such a wonderful week it was to begin the Autumn.
When we left the gulls accompanied us, bidding us a goodbye as they had bid us a welcome when we arrived. Swooping and diving alongside the boat.
Watching them made me think that I'd quite like to come back as a seagull one day, if I ever had the opportunity. A seagull that lived on Thassos, Greece. :)
I hope your Autumn has begun well?
I will be back very soon with new work to show.
X
As summer draws to a close and the song of Autumn begins I sit in the quiet times past midnight and wonder about what I have seen on these warm days and cricket chirping. bat swooping moonlit nights.
Mackerel moon lighted skies and shooting stars during the perseoid meteor showers a couple of weeks back. Moths found alive and dead. Whenever moths pitch on the window or I sadly find them dead as the one in the top left picture, I always imagine they are Princes. Tiny Princes wearing tiny cloaks. I must paint one soon!
Butterflies and yet more butterflies and green green grasshoppers.
Inspired by butterflies I painted these on a hanger that I was working on.
Then a couple of days later I was paid a visit by this beautiful little creature. Synchronicity? :)
I've been working on a large batch of wooden hangers that will arrive at my Etsy shop in September sometime.. Various creatures, this is one of them. A crow with the universe in his wings.
I liked this concept, so I also used it for my donation piece to the '
twitter art exhibit' exhibition. Postcard sized original pieces, by artists on twitter. They all sell for a certain price and all proceeds are donated to charity.
The other day I popped out in my lunch hour again and visited the latest photographic exhibition in the local museum which is such a beautiful old building.
Especially this one, very wonderland-ish (although they all were) and it reminded me of a project that I did myself when I was at College many years ago.
Although the mask that I made was a fox, rather than a rabbit. :) Remind me to show you the pictures one of these days.
I love this time of year when the birds begin to sing the song of September and the thistle down blows on the wind.
And the gentle sunsets remind birds that it will be time to move on soon.
I shall leave you now with sadness in my heart. The badger cull is taking place now as you go about what you do wherever you are. As the moths tap on my window unknowingly and I type this. Please sign
this if you haven't already.....and if you live outside of the uk you can sign
this. Every signature counts even at this late stage.
I will be closing my Etsy shop for a short spell as of Friday evening but will be back in September.
In the meantime I'll leave you with this, that is just simply adorable.
“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music.” Albert Einstein
There is not a day goes by when I don't listen to some form of music. I wash up to music, paint to music, cook to it, and most nights fall asleep to it. When I was a child I heard music in the ticking of my parents bedside clock and when I lie in the bath I hear it in the dripping tap. Music is an escape for me, a story. As well as immersing myself in pages and ink I mostly submerge myself in notes and melodies that fly me away to heavenly places. Far away from the constant bombardment of negative news and daily dose of depressing data that is thrown at us via, media and social networking. Oh the bliss to put headphones on and block out not just the news of the world sometimes but my own thoughts that get carried away on the wave of it all.
I like all kinds of music but my favourite is the type that gives me goose bumps. That is the music that reaches my soul. It's always a joy when I find a new piece that pulls at my heart strings, brings a tear to my eye or lifts my spirit and takes me on a flight as if I'm an eagle soaring high above the earth. When I come across such a piece I listen to it over and over. The other day I watched a dvd and found this beautiful piece by Alexandre Desplat.
Here's another wonderful piece by Dustin O Halloran..
And more beauty by Sigur Ros
I've been sketching in the garden and have continued to be outside in the good weather as much as I can.
The sunshine has brought out lots of butterflies and bees to the garden. So good to see.
"Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher" William Wordsworth
Monday...
Today the garden thermometer read thirty four degrees in the shady area next to the shed. The scent of mock orange perfumes a still hot afternoon air. No hint of breeze tickles the feathery fennel. The stone path burns my bare feet to walk upon. Brown butterflies flit from majoram to the bindweed then pause to rest on the privet hedge.
Cats sleep all day in hidden places among long grass like lions.
Water and honeydew melon seem the only food appropriate. And strawberries of course.
I've been finding it hard to concentrate in the heat. I've had a few days off and done some jobs that needed doing in summer time. Painting window frames mostly. In between I've been flitting here and there doing what I call the 'easy jobs' the tasks where not much thought is needed. Priming hangers, drilling the holes and sanding and cutting them out. I can't sit still for long and find myself wandering looking for slow worms and grass snakes and other creepy crawlies. There are lots of spiders nests everywhere.
I'm absorbing summers essence as well as the vitamin D.
I hope you are too.
X
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Simply beautiful, from the amazing tree to the sea and the beautiful accompanying music .
Happy Autumn !
The Bureau of Greek tourism owes you a big fat check....just spectacular.
You found an untouristy place on a Greek isle, it looks lovely. My dh and I spent time in Greece and Turkey, years ago, and loved it. Those ancient trees call out to me to give them a hug.
Oh... a tug at my heart. Did you know that I lived on the top of a mountain on Samos, Greece for half the year for twelve years? I lived at the very top of a small village, with an incredible view of the vineyards, olive groves and the sea beyond. I rented a small house in the middle of the village where I painted. In the afternoons I would ride my motorbike the 5kl to the sea and swim, walk, collect stones, visit with friends for the evening. It was a wonderful life for 6 months.
Looks like your visit was lovely. Different shorelines up in Thassos. More sandy. But the land is similar, with those amazing olive trees. I spent a lot of time drawing in olive groves. Happy almost autumn to you!
Stunning photos and lovely writing
Stunning photos and lovely writing
What a beautiful holiday.. thank you for sharing your photos and words. It's been 19 years since I was on a Greek isle.. wish I was there now, you have reminded me how magical it is
x
please adopt me :) xxx
Wonderful blogpost Karen! Those trees are amazing.
I love those sparkly sea picture, the water is so clear - what a beautiful place.
The olive tree is beautiful and the sparkly sea pictures have cheered up my grey day no end! Tonia
What a wonderful place to end summer. I wish I was there today, it is grey here.
What a wonderful way to start Autumn.....a lovely post with amazing pictures! Anita xo
...awesome grecian deliciousness!...(O:
Wow! What a lovely holiday and fantastic pictures of the sparkly sea :)
And as for that olive tree with all the nooks and crannies, I can visualise a painting with fairies and animals in the little spaces :)
Welcome home - Happy September. x
Looks wonderful, I love Greece. Glad you enjoyed your holiday.
Okay, now I have to put Greece on my list of places to see. Loved your comments and photos!
Thank you for the wonderful photos. I felt transported to that magical place for a few minutes.
Lovely post!
Beautiful blog once again! How do you add the music to your blog, I've been trying to do this to mine but have been having trouble?!
Dear Karen, it seems we have both been looking out into the same seas and having the same thoughts and feelings on the beautiful islands of Greece...Although i have only just returned to my home and am still in the midst of washing and ironing! ~ my thoughts keep returning back....I am sure these memories will keep us warm and replenished during our long winter ahead!~ How lucky we were to have these memories...Ours was our very first adult holiday away....But I did miss my now grown up children very much! Autumnal hugs and kisses xxx Maria x
Yes!
As I looked at the photos, I found myself wondering how I could get myself to Greece.
Thanks Willow, glad that you enjoyed. Wishing you a happy Autumn too. :) x
Oooh wouldn't that be nice. :) It would be rather lovely to travel around and review places. Hmmm.. I may have chosen the wrong career path.
We also went years ago and island hopped. There were many touristy places but many gems too. There are still gems thankfully. :)
Wow that sounds wonderful Valerianna! You must have incredible memories. I was planning to get to Samos on my last trip island hopping years back, but we never made it there. Instead we stayed longer some where else and time skipped by. Maybe one day I'll get to visit? :)
Thanks Nickie. Glad you enjoyed.
You're welcome. :)
I'm sure you will get back there sometime. 1993 was the last time I was there before this trip. Where do the years go? x
:) xx
Thanks Carol. x
It was just beautiful and clear Betty and soo warm too. :)
So glad to hear it's brought a little cheer to your day Tonia. :)
:)
I wished I was back there the other day too, as it was just so so grey and cold here Cait. It's since warmed up though and the magical season of Autumn has really begun to shine through. ;)
Thanks Anita. x
The nooks and crannies are so inspiring aren't they! I was thinking similar thoughts about what would be in each. :) Happy September to you too redwitch. x
Thanks Rowan. It was a lovely family break. x
Thanks for stopping by Jennifer. So glad that you enjoyed.
Yes you must! Glad you enjoyed. :)
Hi Wendy... Pop across to SCM music player and make a playlist, then follow their instructions to paste the code into your blog. Hope that helps. :)
Great minds must think alike Maria. ;) I hope you had a beautiful time too. We are indeed very lucky! I must pop across and hear all about yours travels. Big hugs back. :)x