Law Office Door

Just sitting here admiring the door to my lawyer’s office. Especially impressed by how the new, locally crafted main door matches the vintage door to the right.

I’m not sure what purpose that original red door served – but there must be a story there …

And wow!!! What a fine example of a “Lunenburg Bump”!!

Linked with Norm’s Thursday Doors

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Doors Open

The historic and beautiful Government House in Halifax threw open its doors to the public last weekend. And Mrs Nosey (me) wandered in to take a look.

Constructed in the early 19th Century – it was move-in ready by 1805 – this is the oldest continuously occupied government residence in Canada.

In fact, it rivals only the White House in Washington for the title within North America.

That’s an interesting fact, don’t you think?

Even more interesting, and one worth researching,is the story of Governor John Wentworth and his clever, social climbing wife Lady Francis.

This couple secured the funding and commissioned the construction of this Georgian mansion, in the style of a grand English manor house.

This hand painted silver wallpaper was imported from China, via England, and was transported in tea crates cut into squares to fit the crates. As you can see, Halifax’s salt air has a oxidizing effect on the silver. Making it all the more beautiful, I believe.

I’m so happy for the chance to take this fun and frivolous tour. It’s a property I’ve rushed by hundreds of times in downtown Halifax.

(Linked with Norm’s Thursday Doors)

Joy!

The Laughing Buddhas, English Bay, Vancouver.

This public art installation invites you to “… experience laughter, playfulness and joy”.

G’won! Smile!!

WPC – Variations on a Theme

The Theatre of Disapearance – Collage

On my most recent visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, I kept a promise with myself and made my way to the roof-top for a glass of wine while overlooking Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. A pretty spectacular and indulgent treat, I thought. (Especially as I was alone and the wine was not inexpensive) 

To my absolute surprise and delight, I found here this extraordinary installation by Argentinian artist Adrian Villar Rojas – The Theatre of Disappearance. 

In this exhibit, the artist used the Museum itself as as inspiration. Each piece represents replicas of nearly 100 objects from The Met collection. 

Each object is a fusion (or collage) of various, otherwise unconnected pieces from the collection, drawing from thousands of years of artistic production over several continents and cultures. 

It’s is all rendered in the same black or white material and coated in a layer of dust. 

It was equally eerie and mesmerizing.  Simply breathtaking set against that magnificent backdrop. 

I was happy to slow down and admire, taking it all in while juggling my wine glass with my camera. 

If you are in NYC, the show runs until October 29, 2017 at The Met Fifth Avenue. I recommend it!  

WPC –collage

New York City Library – Doors & Other Spaces

I really love libraries. 

But even if your not a big library fan, this place is worth a visit. There’s always something interesting going on at the New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on 5th Avenue.  

If your lucky (like I was once), or a more organized traveller, you can take in any number of free public talks. I happen to walk off the street at the right time.  But I’ve also I’ve enjoyed a number of intriguing exhibitions here. Most recently I saw the Love in Venice show, which explores some of what sets Venice’s history apart from that of the rest of Europe. But …. I digress. This post is about Doors ….


There are so many extraordinary doors and doorways here!

That ceiling!!  Let’s peak inside …

What a space!!

If you do find yourself here, make some time to visit Bryant Park. Located directly behind the library, this park is actually built on top of the library’s collection (which is housed in a climate controlled space underground).

I’ve heard this place referred to as NewYork’s Livingroom. You can see everyone here: from tourists to locals, from businessmen to schoolchildren.

There’s a children’s area, complete with carousel and outdoor library. 

And plenty of lovely places to enjoy a glass of wine or a coffee, some conversation, have your lunch, or maybe some quiet solitude in the midst of the busy city. 

You could read a book!! 

Norm’s Thursday Doors

MET Doors

New York City has soooo many sights to visit. And there are just sooooo many things to do here. But, I guess I’m a creature of habit. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of my favourite places to visit when I’m in NYC. 

The MET is the largest museum in the United States and one of the most visited in the world. I’ve been here several times but have not seen the same exhibits twice. 

Here are a few of the doors I walked through in this most magnificent building on my most recent visit. 

Going up ….

And down.

This column is just a portion of one from the Temple of Artimis and is part of the Greek and Roman Sculpture Exhibition. 

This exhibition was a fine prelude to the special installation which is on the rooftop. But more about that in a future post.   For now we are looking at doors … and doorways. 

Linked to Norm’s Thursday Doors.

On The Horizon

It’s that time of year, isn’t it?  A time of reflection and of anticipation. 

In taking stock of this year, I can say it hasn’t been such a bad one. In fact it’s been pretty good. For me, it has included quite a bit of taking stock. I know it’s time to let some things go. And I’m getting ready for a new challenge. A new start. 

As I’m writing, I’m looking at this horizon: 

Our mantle is decked out for the holidays, and it’s fine. But.  That mirror. That’s gotta go.  A nice big piece of art work will go up in its place. 

Something big and bold.  Something created by me. 

That’s the pool I’m going to leap into. A great big cannonball splash!  I’m going to call myself an artist and I’m going to throw myself into this art thing. 

It’s time. 

Watch this space…..

WPC-  new horizons

Artistic Quest

Quest: /kwest/ a long or arduous search for something. Late Middle English from Old  French queste (noun). – OED

I wouldn’t call it an arduous search, particularly. But my quest to find my artistic style (or voice?) has certainly been a long one.  Life-long, in fact. 

These days I’m exploring sketchbooking through on-line classes. The idea is to develop a daily creative practice.  I can’t quite say that I’ve made it a daily activity (yet) but I’ve learned such a lot through this format. If you try it (and I’d recommend it to any one), beware – it’s addictive!

 This evening I followed instructor Liz Steel’s demonstration on drawing a tea cup. I couldn’t resist giving it a go myself. And whoosh!  An hour and a half slipped by, just like that!

About Face

If you can sit still for 20 minutes at a time, for three or four sittings, you too can be a model for a portrait painting.  I had this privilege a few month ago when I was asked to sit for a local group.

  
Every 20 minutes (they use a timer) I was able to up and walk around and check their progress. Each artist works in their own medium – from pencil and charcoal to pastels, watercolour and acrylics.

  
I enjoyed the experience and the company of these talented people so much, I joined them.  We met each Tuesday morning.  

Portraiture is tricky and full of rules. So, the goal at these sessions is to get a little bit better at the craft.  Practice, practice, practice!

I’m getting better, but still feel compelled to apologize in advance to whoever is modelling. 

  
At the end of each session, the finished pieces are lined up and each one is critiqued in the most encouraging and nurturing way.  For me, this is when the real learning happens.

WPC – Face

Vibrant

Last June I volunteered to guide a group of grades primary-3 students (ages 5-9) in a collaborative art project.  Here each student created a 3-D butterfly in colours which spoke to them.  When brought together like this, the piece reflects their joy of learning and their part within their community. The piece continues to be displayed outside of the school office, and what fun it is to see the children continue to stop by and seek out their own part – their individual butterfly.   I love how this collaborative piece comes together to be greater than the sum of its parts.

Considering art, collections and vibrancy ….. I can’t help but think of the fabulous realist Mary Pratt.  Her vibrant reflection of daily life is uplifting and …..humbling.. This was part of a retrospective presented at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. If you’d like to see more about that show, you can do that here.

WPC – vibrant