ONE GLASS TO MANY from ws lirakis on Vimeo.
Category: art
SANTA HAS COME AND GONE
WREATHS AND LIGHTS
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.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
BILL JACKLIN NEW WORK
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.
WORCESTER ART MUSEUM
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.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND JOHN LA FARGE
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.
SUNDAY VISIT TO THE FLORENCE GRISWOLD MUSEUM
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.
FIRE IN THREE ACTS
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.
UNEARTHED
If there is any way you can find the time try to see the very small but remarkable exhibit called UNEARTHED at the Clark Institute in Williamstown Ma. This is short notice because the exhibit closes on the 21st of October.
This is a museum that has a wonderful collection. Most of which is not available to be seen for the next few years as the museum is undergoing a major refurbishing.
The John Singer Sargent hung for so many years in the entrance.
