29. july. 08

about a month ago i was in dallas and had the opportunity to visit the dallas museum of art, where i stumbled upon an exhibition entitled, "making it new, the art and style of gerald and sarah murphy".  not really knowing all that much about the murphys, walking through the exhibition was like looking at an amazing scrapbook in 3d.  the rooms were filled not only with artwork by Picasso, Léger, Gris, and other modern masters whom the murphys befriended, supported, and, at times, inspired, but contained love letters, family photographs, clothing, and various ephemera from this complicated couple who loved life in exemplary ways. the show also centers on seven paintings by gerald, all that remain of the fourteen he is known to have made in the 1920's. it's an exhibition that chronicles their life and art.

the Murphys moved to france in the 20's, bought a seaside chalet, dubbed Villa America, and hosted the Picassos, the Porters, and everybody else who counted in adventurous art and literature. american visitors included Man Ray, Archibald MacLeish, Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, and, of most consequence, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.

i lost myself in this exhibition, first i was in awe of their influence and friends, and eccentric life (sarah wore pearls to the beach because they needed sun), surrounded by art and creativity 24 hours a day. but i was mostly captivated by their  deep love and support of each other. their life was far from perfect, yet, every photo every letter carried this undertone of love and support for each other.  at the very end of the exhibition was a photo of gerald and sarah, maybe in their 80's sitting side by side on a bench and they still had that look of love in their eyes that i saw in earlier photos.  the exhibition ended with a letter from sarah to gerald when he was in the hospital, telling him how alone she felt, that her heart was only half there with him away from her.  it was so moving i was brought to tears. there's just something about raw feelings that are so transparent and beautiful.  i wonder how many people in our own era have found that kind of love, who live for each other every day?  the other day there was an interview with the biographer on the Murphys on npr, and she told the story of when sarah was on her deathbed at home in a rather comatose state, she started humming "here comes the bride" to which the biographer turned to the murphy's daughter and asked "why do you think she's humming that?" to which their daughter replied, "because she's on her way to meet my dad, he's waiting for her." and then she passed over. 

25. july. 08

it seems i'm always drawn to shades/hues of white and soft muted colors.   i find i always need to be near water, it inspires me, brings serenity and calmness to my busy mind.  some people need the woods or the mountains, but for me it has always been the ocean.   i love the texture and smoothness of driftwood, the colors of beach glass, and the complexity of shells. i always experience a sense of release, joy, and peace as soon as i catch sight of the water and my feet hit the sand.  i'm fascinated and intrigued about an entire ecosystem that exists that i am not privy to seeing.  maybe i relate to the unexpectedness of the ocean, calm and serene one moment and stormy and strong the next. its beauty is unmatched in my eyes.   I hope you're able to spend some time by the water this weekend, enjoy and have a peaceful weekend.

amazing and inspiring photos ( # 2,3,4,5,9) via flickr from maureenduLong

 

 

someday i would love to own a store and i will showcase beautiful hand crafted findings like these....

lovely hang tags piled in baskets is indeed yummy paper goodness from pacokeco

distressed signs from husband and wife team SignsByDiane...i have some additional ideas for text.

enchanted by the tiny, delicate clay figures in distressed boxes ala oatmealcookie

Hand thrown pottery by Mudstuffing, aka Keith Phillips would be a must have.  understated and elegant.

Elegant and detailed decoupaged glass by Insitu aka Suzanne DeVicaris. i think a grouping on an exposed brick wall would be beautiful.

22. july. 08

as promised, some treasures i spotted at the Brimfield Flea Market two weeks ago.

 

15. july. 08

Bell'ochio (beautiful eye in Italian )is an old world style shop in San Francisco filled with unusual whimsical treasures that you just don't see every day.  Here's some of what i find their most unusual offerings available on their website...

absinthe candles...i've seen and smelled just about every type of candle there is, i'm always on the lookout for unusual scents... but absinthe i have yet to run across.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

armenian burning papers...famous throughout Europe, these amazing papers, which are exactly as they were in the 16th century, remove odors from any space with their frankincense and myrrh scent. Simply take one paper, fold into an accordion shape and light one end, then, blow out flame. You will see that the paper reacts like incense and because of the accordion fold you should be able to stand it on its side.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

mouche packets...(aka beauty marks)  a little black dot worn by courtesans, varied according to it's location on a woman's face communicating a secret message....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


marie antoinette figurines! need i say any more...

 

13.july.08

there's something about vintage dresses and pretty costumes. the allure of tulle? maybe it's the sherberty colors or maybe it's a hint of a fairytale world? maybe it's because i went to the brimfield antique market today and was overwhelmed by the vintage textiles i saw. (pics coming soon). i used to love to dress up when i was little and twirl. maybe these remind me of those times. my current inspirations make me want to twirl now as an "adult."