We were all invited into her studio—WOW! What an Aladdin’s cave (it’s all a bit like a fairytale adventure)
There were piles of plates, china, cups, cup handles, dishes, jugs, teapot spouts, many broken pieces, some whole; all selected by colour or pattern. Whites, blues, roses, pansies, bright golds, mirrors, splashes / lines, greens, reds, shells, pebbles, sequins, flowers, I could go on and on; all piled somehow haphazardly yet having some order around the entrance and inside around the edge of the floor and under the workbench stacked to the gunnels; The artist’s materials!
AWESOME!!!
In here is where creativity bubbles over; the atmosphere just awesome, like being in the presence of…. I know not what! but amazing, my spine tingled.
A myriad of fragments all waiting to be meticulously arranged and carefully positioned into exquisite art-pieces. From this apparently chaotic arrangement we could see evidence of remarkable creations. The walls and ceiling of this bright yet small space were hung with panels and frames of all sizes each one covered with countless small pieces of broken smashed china, so skillfully arranged into wondrous objects of art.
Shelves and worktops boasted part completed frames, boots, Yes! boots, magnificent shoes (although I do have a thing for shoes I’ll tell you more of that another time) boxes, flowers, vases and bowls. (to name just a few).
YES!! Even more!
Leaving this den of opulence; walking across the lawns, past the abundantly stocked flower beds with mosaic covered urns and chairs obscurely decorated, partly hiding, we came upon another studio.
Within these walls a completely different operation takes place! weaving and tapestry making.
Candace has followed this direction for many years and probably started her career in weaving. Here the walls are hung with long skeins of wool of every hue waiting in turn to be used, just as the broken china is; thus creating precise, refined antiques for the future.
Here a desk in the centre of the room where designs depicting squirrels, monkeys, owls and the like, from regal scenes of Kings and Queens to portraits, from rich and sumptuous colours to modern and zany zigzags, are all worked out to the Nth degree. Candace has worked for many years now with the world renowned Kaffe Fassett http://www.kaffefassett.com
Button, Shells, Lampshades and more……….
We were taken into her home another yet different fairy tale; we saw a kitchen full to overflowing with china, walls created from tiny pieces; colours abound, glasses, pictures, teapots, pots, tins, chairs with animal designs, massive lips cushions, seat covers with hearts, various flags (well she is American) glass cabinets full of buttons, shells, pretty hanging lampshades, an absolute riot of colour and mismatching. All just so wonderful.
I left there completely elated and then as we left Candace’s house………………..
Then what?
That’s not all I ain’t got time to tell you more at the mo so see you soon and let me know is there an icon or character or idol that you’re inspired by and would like to meet or maybe have done so already? let me know!
It’s so satisfying to know that it is possible to have exactly what you want in life, you’ve just got to go for it!
Katrina.
PS. If you want to hear more of my birthday treat and other capers I’ve been getting up to then sign -up here now! it’s free!……….
don’t forget – – – follow me on —…….Twitter……Facebook……pinterest…
Tell your friends
katrinasart 