Yikes! I see it’s been over a week since my last post. Dilemma: I scarcely have time for writing anything today (Italian class this morning, dinner with a visiting Welsh blogger this evening, probably 12 kilometres of walking). . . but I hate letting this space get stale. . .
So let me tell you very quickly what I’ve been up to, add an illustrative image or two, and try to get back soon with my monthly Reading Report (so much good reading in May!). And perhaps another in my Walking, Wearing, and Listening series.
First, what’s kept me so busy that I couldn’t get my fingers to the keyboard? Well, there was an extra-curricular (Book Club!) Italian event on Monday evening;
Tuesday I used the excuse of being in Vancouver’s West End for a Dental (Pre) Implant Scan to enjoy a solo lunch (Dolsot Bibimbap!) at a favourite Korean spot (Ma Dang Goul) and pick up a couple of new summer shirts for Paul as I walked home through the downtown core;
Wednesday was a haircut day;
Thursday I treated a daughter to lunch at another favourite spot (Stable House Bistro, in case Vancouverites want to know);
and Friday I was out early to catch an inspiring local female restaurateur give a Creative Mornings talk. Oh, and somewhere in all that was an after-school, stay-for-dinner visit from the Teen g’daughter. And an on-line Garden Sketching workshop. All in addition to the background ongoing quotidian domestic . . .
A fabulous week! All kinds of goodness every day! And the scribbling on my calendar shows more of the same ahead. I’m not complaining. But we’ve chatted before about reminding ourselves that even the “fun stuff” — as enjoyable and rejuvenating as it can be — consumes physical energy and can be socially exhausting for introverts like myself.
All of which means The Blog gets short shrift today, but I’m not turning my back on you. We’ll leave that to Pauline Bonaparte (Napoleon’s little sister, married to Prince Camillo Borghese) posed as Venus Victorious in this sculpture by Antonio Canova, completed in 1808 and housed since 1838 in Rome’s Palazzo Borghese. My compiti per casa (homework) last week was to write an imaginary interview with the sculptor, and this giornalista (that’s me ;-))chose to ask the NeoClassicist about this audacious work which I saw in 2015 when the Galleria hosted an exhibition of Azzedine Alaia’s sculptural dresses.
Scrolling back through my photo files, my old blog posts, and years’ worth of Instagram posts looking for Pauline and her nude torso has me making connections and being surprised by forgotten memories (is that an oxymoron? But you know what I mean, right?). It’s almost time for me to put together another amateur Art History post — so many exhibitions I’ve shared nothing about here. Serendipitous viewings of a compelling sculpture in a piazza on the way to somewhere or other, visual memory triggered much later by an artist’s name that’s strangely familiar. . . .
But I’m drifting toward more “random abundance” than one hasty post can contain. I’ll stop here, and perhaps you can tell me if you’re finding these May/June weeks as busy as I am. Any tricks for rationing or spending or magically multiplying your energy for a superfluity of fun? Also, if you have a favourite Canova sculpture — or any favourite sculpture, because why not open it up? — I’d love to know what it might be!
Sorry for rushing off,
chat more soon,
xo,
f
Hi Frances – I’ve been reading your blog for a long time, but have never commented…not sure why? I love what you write, what you read, your musings, your art work, and your general enthusiasm and spirit. Your sketchbook is a work of art. Thank you for this wonderful place you’ve created. Kathy
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Kathy! It’s especially generous for an artist such as you are to be so encouraging about my sketches. Much appreciated.
May was busy for me too, unexpectedly so, as it was very cold (relatively speaking). However, there were lots of clear, blue sky days and enough commitments to get me out of the house most days. Our local writers’ festival took place last week and I attended a mix of virtual and IRL events that were hugely stimulating. I love being exposed to creative energy and new perspectives. We’re off to Melbourne for an extended weekend soon to see family and enjoy some art exhibitions (Rembrandt, Bonnard and Australian artist, Clarice Beckett). It will be my first flight since COVID. Case numbers here are on the march again so I hope we’ll return unscathed. We’ve had another lot of booster vaccines so we’ve done all we can. I’d love it if you could share some of the exhibitions you’ve not covered but really, anything you post is delightful, including the sketches in this post, which show real growth in your execution. The double-page spread is beautifully balanced. Pauline’s back is very audacious and luscious. Among my favourite statues are Michelangelo’s unfinished “slaves” in the Accademia in Florence. It’s been decades since I saw them but their strength is unforgettable, human forms bursting from the marble as if they were always there, waiting for a sculptor to release them.
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Oh, you have been busy — worth it, I’m sure, for the TBR book list you’ll have been inspired to add to! And to follow that with a weekend of family visits and gallery-hopping! I’ll cross my fingers for you re Covid, but as you say with another round of boosters you’ve done what you can.
Thanks for reminding me of those unfinished “slaves” — I’ve just spent a moment looking for images of them. We had such a short time in Florence that I’d love to get back but so lucky to be able to find good quality photos online so quickly now.
I love your sketchbook…and your posts! So full of all kinds of goodness!
We’re just back home (NSW, Aus) from a fortnight in our campervan…visiting family, granddaughter’s birthday (Melbourne), travelling along The Great Ocean Road (Victoria) and then on to the Coonawarra wine region of South Australia.
Unfortunately I have no advice to offer for magically multiplying energy…I am still in the heady days of retirement (two years on) but do think that there must be a trick to get the balance right! Xx
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Thank you! And what an expansive adventure you’ve had in your compervan!
As for retirement, I suspect the trick might be regular adjustment as our energy level changes — and why not take advantage of those “heady days” to do as much as you want! 😉
This is lovely work Frances . I especially like the way you come at these projects . Not just random little sketches but linked together artistically , informatively & sometimes humorously. So clever . Our May was mainly in Scotland & time since has been serious gardening – in endless sunshine ☀️
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Thanks Wendy! I was guided to this approach through an online workshop with a wonderful artist-teacher who has what looks to be a beautiful garden in Gloucestershire. She demonstrated setting up the small pencilled frames and the llmited palette and I’m delighted with the result. There will be more!
I did wonder about how much gardening you’ll be doing these days — I know that for you, as much as serious gardening is Work, it’s also serious fun! Enjoy!
That sketchbook is really very beautiful, I admire your commitment to add to it regularly. The wee detailed vignettes focus on simple yet lovely pieces of your daily encounters.
I try not to schedule too many events these days…I like a chunk of time where I have nothing planned. It feels like a luxury to just sit with my tea on the porch and gaze out on the garden, watch people saunter by the bungalow and perhaps engage in a random conversation.
We have been and continue to be socially active entertaining and being entertained this week…next week will be quieter…just two aqua fit classes and a Physio session so far…
Isn’t this weather wonderful?
Leslie
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Thanks, Leslie! It’s a very meditative and relaxing process, once I get stuck in to it . . . and now this idea of the small frames — “wee detailed vignettes,” I love how you put this — I might not hesitate so long at that scarily blank page 😉
Like you, I’m not keen to over-schedule, needing to have at least an hour or two to myself during the day (and since I’m such an early riser, I really like an afternoon nap!) . . . but sometimes it’s good to say “Yes” more often. . .
Sounds as if your aqua fit classes will fit well into your schedule and I hope soon become an enjoyable and helpful part of your week. . . and that between that and the Physio you’ll find some relief from the pain of arthritis. And yes! This weather is perfect, sunny but not too hot. Although I’d be happy for a day or two of rain now.
Yes busy busy busy in good ways and some not so good but that’s the way the world turns.
I remember when you posted this Pauline. I think I had just been or was just heading for Rome but didn’t get to her.
Sculpture. Jean Arp – Fruit-Amphore. Every time I see it I just, ah. I do like to see and to learn about more traditional sculpture (a veil from marble!) and other forms of art but the thought and emotion modern and contemporary art initiates in me just can’t be beat. It feels like conversation versus storytelling.
Ugh I have dental implants on the horizon too but have a second consultation coming about the plan. We’ll see how that goes. 😐
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That’s a beauty, that sculpture — and since I Googled and was reminded where it resides, I will admit to a favourite at the same institution, Marino Marini’s Angel of the City. . .
Without fun activities rest can get lonely:). I also love a good solo lunch <3
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Exactly! It’s finding that balance (always the case, right?)
Solo lunches are such a treat (but to sit down at a table with you again would be better 😉
Just catching up with reading this post, after a busy weekend of celebrating the elder granddaughter’s 4th birthday. Thanks as always for your post! I have found that when you share your illustrations I am inspired to add more of my own to my bullet journal, especially when I travel. I added a landscape a few days ago, and a drawing of the strawberry cupcakes that were made and served yesterday to all of the little nursery class girls and their parents at a local park.
This tired grandma is heading to bed now. Sending hugs your way.
Author
Happy Belated to your Four! Isn’t it fun to jazz up a journal with your own illustrations? Really strengthens the memory, in my experience.
May was filled with many many pleasures. a trip to Connecticut to see a play, dinners with friends and family, even a special one my daughter made for my birthday. A more somber event was to attend the unveiling of my son in laws mother’s monument. She passed away a year ago at 96, after living a very full life. We were friends and I especially enjoyed traveling with her and she did not let her age and mobility limits stop her. She as a beauty until the end and always seemed to find an attractive younger man to help with her wheelchair when needed. The highlight of my last several weeks was yesterday’s celebration for my grandson’s graduation from high school. A skilled debater, he has won a number of local and even national awards as well as being and excellent musician. For the event he proudly wore his Brandeis University tee shirt where he will be attending in the Fall. So proud of this young man. And next week is my 60th college reunion! Alas, my college, the College of New Rochelle, a small Catholic and originally only women’s institution was forced to close a few years ago. Nevertheless, we will be holding the event a another nearby college which stepped in to take it’s students. This school did so much to empower women. So those are the highlights. And as always so impressed by your sketching ability.
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What a mix of emotional events! Your son-in-law’s mother sounds inspiring — what would / will I do should I have 26 more years?!
Congratulations to your grandson!
And have fun at your 60th reunion — I’ve never been to any reunions and marvel at the idea of connecting with so many women I knew that long ago.
What a wonderful series of sketches from your garden and a great summary of your many activities. No wonder you need a little down time.
Pauline is lovely. I remember our visit to L’Accademia and all of of the beautiful marble sculptures. The softness of skin and folds of cloth from such a hard stone.
I like many of Louise Bourgeois’s pieces. In spite of the fact that I keep my distance from spiders, I like her large spider outside of the National Gallery of Canada. I also like some of her marble works.
I have fond memories of a Rodin exhibit at the Washington National Gallery and of visiting the Rodin Museum in Paris. Our son was very young and we made sure that he had a sketchbook to keep him occupied during the visit. We took turns – one parent staying with our son, while the other toured the museum. It worked out very well.
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Yes, it’s astonishing what delicacy can be coaxed out of marble!
I’m a fan of Bourgeois’ work as well — isn’t that NGA spider well placed?!
Great idea to equip kids with sketchbooks for gallery/museum visits. I don’t remember doing this with my own kids, but at least figured it out by the time I had grandkids.
(The Rodin Museum in Paris is a very spot of mine when respite from the city is needed — that beautiful back garden! such a sanctuary!)
What a lovely idea to record your garden in your own images. That adds a whole other dimension to a garden diary. Mine is limited to rather dry accounts of sown/transplanted/flowering and the weather – and rather tetchy accounts this season because of absence of rain and not getting a handle on peat-free compost. May has been a month of hard physical work in the garden, plus getting a flat ready to let. A few day trips, including a nostalgic day at our alma mater, where we met 40 years ago.
Sculpture – hmm, I’m not a tremendously sculpture person. The place I’ve most appreciated it has not been in a gallery or museum, where I tend to glaze very quickly, but in an outdoor exhibition on the West coast of Sweden. The pieces include Jaume Plensa’s “Anna”, which you’ll know from Bordeaux. https://pilane.org/en/index.php
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I suspect your garden diary is much more consistent and much more useful for keeping track of what’s where and how it does in various years and whether or not it should be pruned when, etc. . .
I love the Sanna sculpture in Bordeaux! I just looked at the photos of Anna in Sweden and it’s stunning against that landscape, the white against that sky!
I love when you have fabulous weeks and short ,but sweet, posts 🙂
I just got home from prolonged weekend in Opatija and Lovran. Good weather ( not fabulous!), beautiful sea,wonderful villas,excellent food…..
Dottoressa
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Oh, I just looked up those two spots and they look great! So glad you had a good getaway.