This exibition at the Getty Villa of the Art and Invention in Sicily was something unexpected. I thought it would be so similar to the Greek and Roman art I would not really be able to tell then apart. It is in fact much more distinct than I would ever have imagined; with much more humor and charm than either the Greek or Roman.
ONE GLASS TO MANY from ws lirakis on Vimeo.
It is Christmas Eve and much of the world is pausing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but the essence of the season is giving thanks for what we have. Good friends, our family, good fortune, which is measured in many ways. The Wreath has come to symbolize all of these things through time, perhaps even more strongly than the christmas tree.
It is a season for children. I remember the anticipation I had as a child, then that of my own children and look forward to that same joy in my grandchildren.
One has nothing at all to do with the other. I was visiting Bill Jacklin today at his studio. We talked while he continued to work; he has an exhibit in a few months in London.
Saturday field trip, stopping by the Slater Mill on the way to the Worcester Art Museum. A wonderful gem, with a fine collection; small but rivaling the collection of any of those of the “great” museums.
My last visit to the Congregational church was nearly twenty years ago. The fact that the interior had not deteriorated more is a blessing. Personally I like John La Farge’s stained glass better than Tiffany. The relationship between Tiffany and La Farge was tempestuous at best.
The Prayer Rug was the basis for the decoration. The idea was to avoid any idolatry, so geometric aesthetism was the solution. This is I believe the only complete work of both the stain glass and frescos by John La Farge anywhere.
James Yarnell, has written the definitive work on John La Farge.
Nature rewarded the North East with a splendid warm sunny day today. Many leaves still on the trees despite recent events.The Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme, CT,has long been one of my favorite places. Considered the home of American Impressionism on the north bank of the Lieutenant River. We have watched it over the last 40 years evolve in a thoughtful way. Never abandoning it’s being. Henry Ward Ranger, Childe Hassam, William Chadwick, Willard Metcalf, Henry Rankin Poore, Will Howe Foote, and others were the clan that was the Old Lyme School.
The Dining room, as you can see from the photo, is covered with paintings, The group would critique each other. having contests in which the painters had to produce a painting in one hour and then be judged by their peers.The winner would paint a panel in the dining room. There remains a hearty warm charm today, I believe. If you are driving on route 95 it is not to be missed.
Last Night was the 7th annual Iron Pour at the Steel Yard in Providence. The theme was a battle pitting Norseman against a fire breathing dragon. The weapons were forged, finished, the battle was fought and the dragon slain.
Fire is a primary, fascinating element. It seems we all love to stare into the flames. Watch the ocean from the safety of shore, watch a thunderstorm from a safe distance. I do to. I am not certain I could explain why; but the raw power of nature is compelling. We watched iron melting, It is a very visceral event.
