Home for Christmas

There is something about the phrase 'Home for Christmas'. Originally, I planned to stay in England and even started organising what to do and when. However, at the end everything was different since I had decided to go home after all. Our family is spread all over the world and this year we actually managed to organise ourselves and meet up after I do not even know how many years. Therefore, this year is extra special. And the decoration made by the Čáslav town hall is simply charming.

Outdoor nativity set.

Chainsaw was used to create these figures. For the past few years, this nativity set decorates a small park of my hometown.


I just love their squashed faces, don't you?










Indoor nativity set.

I remember this one from my childhood. Our grandma used to take us to the church to see baby Jesus. And of course, as children we loved to see little figures.

Nowadays, I preise the craftsmanship. Wooden figures beautifully painted, the background curtain,...

This nativity set will always stay in my memory.


Over the years, Christmas decoration has become richer. At the background here you can also just about make up a tower that is a part of medieval ramparts. Such backdrop together with Christmas decoration already invites to the festive atmosphere.


The town hall (right) always plays on the architecture of this building. It is simply given to use the balcony and the high alcove to light up to the Christmas feeling.



This fountain works well during warmer months. However, in winter when the temperature drops well below zero it might not be a good idea to fill any fountain with water. And this is why the structure is actually quite sad. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised by this idea. A fountain with a light-fall.



So this is my 'Home for Christmas'. The only shame is that there is not any snow. Oh well, I cannot have everything. What I have is my family around me and that is what counts. Therefore, wishing you a great 2012 and see you next year. Kx

Vánoce = Christmas

Enjoy!

Tribute to Václav Havel

Whole day today, I have listened to tributes paid to the former president of the Czech Republic Václav Havel who died earlier today. Playwright, dissident, fighter for freedom and most of all, humanist. Quite an unlikely political figure who took his presidency on a human level.

The Czech Embassy in London has its flag flown on half mast as a sign of respect and the ambassador Michael Žantovský has spoken with such a respect and dignity about his friend. Tributes are paid from leaders from all over the world.

I was only ten when the Velvet Revolution took place in then Czechoslovakia and remember the excitement everybody had on the fall of communism, birth of democracy, even the separation that lead to creation of the Czech and Slovak Republics. All this time, Václav Havel stood at forefront as a leader and most of all a human being to whom everybody looked with adoration and respect.

The world has lost a great and much loved individual.


Update: 24 December 2011

For three days, the Czech Embassy offered writing a message into a book of condolences to whoever was interested. By the time I got there on Thursday evening I wrote into a third book. Flicking throughout all three books, one could see how much Václav Havel meant to people.


Messages written in not only Czech or English, little drawing by Czech artist living and working in London Hynek Martinec and a little shrine in front of the Embassy. How meaningful...

Nativity Set

Three figures belonging to Nativity Set: Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus. Can you make them out?

Made some seven years or so ago out of clay I got from a craft shop, these mini figures have been put on display every Christmas to celebrate this festive occasion. I say 'mini figures' since the highest one is only 5cm tall. I remember that my original intention was to paint over them but somehow the whiteness convinced me not to. Such purity actually nicely demonstrates Christmas I would say.

Every year, I make different settings. Once the figures sit on a bed of needles from a branch, other time I construct a cave-like backdrop. On all occasions though, I have to bring in a branch to allow its scent to spread all around. Unfortunately, I have no photographs to share with you. However, the main characters are present and that is what counts, don't you think?

This festive season is running at its full now. Do enjoy it. Kx

Mini Christmas Tree

Believe it or not, this is what I call a Christmas tree. Rather small I must admit (only 5.5 cm) but still it is a Christmas tree made out of glass. I put it together in time for Christmas 2009 and display it as my Christmas decoration since (not for long yet but it has certainly become an important part of this season's festive decor).

And as it goes, there is a little story attached to it (as there always is with my designs).

There were five small glass bowls. One day, a clumsy human being (me) placed one of them at the edge of a table and before she knew it, this one glass bowl fell down and smashed into small pieces that scattered all over the floor.

The clumsy human being collected them and somehow glued them back together. Since then, there are four glass bowls and a mini tree I dare to call a Christmas tree.


What an approach to have to one's surroundings. Somehow, I could not bring myself to throwing the smashed glass bowl away. I think it was the textured surface that silently talked to me suggesting that I may find some use for it. Of course, the time of the year (late autumn) also helped me to make a decision and glue the pieces into a decor for Christmas.

And so, welcome to the charm this season offers and soak its atmosphere with all the festivities. And, most of all, do not let anybody or anything (such as the madness of commercial side of Christmas) destroy it. Kx

Visit to Tate Modern

Last week I met two of my friends from Richmond Adult Community College where we studied Foundation to Art & Design. After completing the course, we all went our own way as you do and this is why it was extra special to meet up after some seven years or so. And what a better place to get together in style than the Tate Modern and visit 'Panorama', Gerhard Richter exhibition.

I do not have words to describe this exhibition apart from stating that it was absolutely fantastic. Such was my experience that I took a number of pictures inspired by the show on my way home and used Photoshop to tweak them in a Richter style.

In his early years, Gerhard Richter used photographs as a base for his paintings. What is worth studying are the brushstrokes. With the help of Photoshop I tried to copy such style and my interpretation is what you can see in this pair of 'before&after'. It is a far cry from Richter's skill but produces an interesting outcome.

Later on in his career, he also used squeegee to produce large canvases filled with layers of colour that would be peeled off at places to reveal the surface underneath.

I used Photoshop to see what I can create and this is my interpretation. Again, this does not do much justice to Richter's art but certainly is an interesting excersice for me.

Sitting at a café at the Tate, I could not stop myself from looking towards the balcony and beyond. Twice I left the girls to take photographs. The introductory image shows Millennium Bridge leading towards St. Paul's Cathedral. However, I took a few more. The scenery in a sunny wintery light was simply irresistible.

What a day that was. I got to meet my friends, one of whom I have not seen for years, and visited exhibition of such a high standard. I certainly enjoyed my day. Kx

Enjoy!

What do you say. Are you getting hungry? I certainly became double hungry after a waitress placed this plate in front of me. It was not the first time I ordered this dish in my favourite café but it was the first time served this way. Presented like this, all you want to do is to take a bite or two or more and more; till the end and wanting more. This is the feeling I still have a few months later.

Yes, I have reverted to my photo archive to find an inspiration for this post. In the past week I have been so pre-occupied with my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' project that I did not take any photographs outside my work. I will share this information on my 'Updates' page with you soon. In the meantime, here is a taster of the cloak/wrap nicely folded, pointing me towards the right direction (let's hope).

Is this a teaser again? Do not worry, I will reveal the design outcome together with further explanation soon. Now though, I just need to document it all. This is why I will leave you with this delicious looking plate of 'Avocado, mozzarella and olive oil on a ciabatta toasted bread'. Enjoy! Kx

Crochet marathon

Since I am slightly behind the deadline I set to myself for 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' project, I had decided to spend this weekend crocheting. Crocheting from the morning to the evening/night - hence the marathon title. It all started so promising...

After coming home on Friday evening I sat down with my hook and three pieces of material and begun to join them. My company for the evening was watching 'Children in Need' on BBC1 and how glad I am to have watched it. The mixture of fun acts combined with real life stories has left quite an impact on me. Honestly, I still cannot stop thinking and talking about it. What is more impressive is the amount of money people donated. Over 26 million Pounds. How amazing to see that people are more kind to each other when they themselves struggle, don't you think?

I watched this program till the end at 2am. All that time, I kept crocheting (and wiping my tears at times).




Next morning started quite well. I sat down to do my work. However, I needed to nip out for half an hour that turned out to last for more than three. I was asked by a little voice to 'come to the park and play some football'. How can you reject that. And so we played some football, fed the ducks and swans and visited the playground.

Little did I know that this activity will make me sooo tired that I will not be able to finish my mini-deadline for that day. 'Nevermind' I kept thinking, 'I can still catch up next day'.




My intention for today has also started with a good will. Yet again, I nipped out for a bit to do my grocery shopping. However, it all felt apart after receiving a phone call from a 'skating buddy' to meet up in the park for some skating session. So I am about to leave (partially because I need some exercise and partially because I have not seen my friend for a loooong time). Will I finish my mini-deadline by the end of this weekend? I wonder.

Leafy waterfall

I have to be honest. My 'more manual approach of recording' has not happened this week. At least not much. And so I am not going to share my minute sketching experience yet. One thing I have to admit though is that I look around me with a much sketchier eye.

Apart from the colours in all these images, I am drawn more to the 'waterfall' created by the leaves here.

Such richness in both volume and shades addresses my creative self enough to start thinking of another project idea.

The colours, tiny bits and something as powerful as a waterfall... Quite a thought.

To be able to look around and strip the subject bare for easiness of sketching seems to be the way of tackling this challenge. I hope to return to this post and pick up from where left off for my next project. In the meantime, have a great rest of the weekend and see you next time. Kx

Forgotten sketch

A few months ago I got myself a ticket to see Tori Amos. This performance took place last week in the Royal Albert Hall, a place grand enough for the opera. If I tell you that I could not wait for this evening I would not be far from the truth. Both the exterior and interior of the place always impress me. At the same time, I regard Tori Amos as one of a few incredibly talented musicians of this time. Therefore, to have such an artist performing at such a setting, it is no wonder I was looking forward to this like a little girl.

This excitement overshadowed my usual sense of sensibility or perhaps it was on purpose? The bottom line is that I did not bring my camera with me. Without photographs from this evening, all is safely locked in my memory and I know that I will treasure this occasion even more. Don't you find that whatever is hidden in your memory holds stronger experience to the past? Let's just hope that these are the happy memories.

If it was not for the 'regret' of a missing camera I would not remember this sketch of the Royal Albert Hall I drew few years ago. This was the time when I still walked around with a pen and a sketchbook and a manual camera from 1970s. Perhaps, it is time to abandon this digital world for a little while and return to more manual approach of recording. My friend has already started planning a session 'With a drawing board at the V&A' so we will see where this adventure is going to take us. I will see you next time with the progress (let's hope). Kx

Differences

Having gone through my picture archive, I came across a number of pairs - images taken during this year. And so, here they come...

Spring and autumn, the awakening and sleepiness of two seasons.

One flourishing, full of colours and liveliness, the other cut down, missing branches and flowerbeds.

Either way, I enjoy my walk past this bush-tree and its surroundings.

One week is all it takes to develop into a bright beauty.

Can you feel the difference in temperature here? One of these pictures was taken on a sunny autumn day whereas the other was captured on a cloudy chilly day.

Which one is which?

Summer and autumn at the same spot.

Close-up or a distance shot, one can (yet again) feel the difference in atmosphere here. Just a quick look on one picture and a lovely warmth enters your bones when the other has chilliness underlining the visual experience.

All I expect now is for the tree to shed its leaves and the foreground disappearing.



However, this step will take us too far. This will take us to winter and for this I do not mind to wait for a bit longer. I am sure that autumn has still a lot to offer. So just wait and see and enjoy the differences. Kx

Another sunny day

As mentioned in 'Green to red to yellow to brown' I am about to bore you with more autumn images. This week we have been quite lucky with the weather. Even though it has turned chilly it is also sunny adding a touch a crispiness to the scene all around.


I have already talked about colours this season creates. And again, these pictures only confirm what I have written so far about tones of green, yellow, brown, even red.

How can one tree end up so colourful?, I wonder. I went past this tree one morning and even though I was in a bit of a hurry, I just knew I would have to share this with you.

There is so much colour around this season, don't you think?

Therefore, indulge yourself in whatever nature has on offer this time of a year. Bellow are just two photographs taken on another sunny day this week.

Berries hiding inside a colourful tree crown; 

the juxtaposition of three colours that hold such a contrast to the whole visual experience.

Can you feel the crispiness coming from these images? Taken on a sunny day in a time when nature is in its most challenging mood, one can only admire its power. Power of beauty that is. Kx.

Spine & Veins & Reflection

As promised in 'Green to red to yellow to brown' post last week, I have returned to pursue my desire to create. My latest inspiration is hidden in 'Leafy wonders', a post from last month. This time, apart from using photography as a starting point, I also reached for Photoshop and its colour tweaking features.

I wanted to find colours that are more bold than in the original image. The picture above introduces reds&oranges, blues&purples, browns&beige and of course tones of green. Even though I may not use these colours so boldly, this gives me bigger scope of colours and widens the choice from available yarns. My preliminary research has taken me to a 'Patons Fusion' brand.

I have chosen the colours and now is time to be more technical.

Again with the help of Photoshop the texture here is made more visible. What I can see are small rectangles joined by red 'veins'/'spine'. After all, I translated this as a 'structure joined with material' in the 'Leafy wonders' post. Now, I just went into a more detail.

Last picture in that post was of these two leaves laying side by side.

First, 'very loosely' seen as a mirror image, this time I am aiming more for some sort of a 'reflection' when I see this picture. Reflection hidden or revealing itself in the 'front&back'. Focusing only on these two leaves, one is seen from its smooth front whereas the second is face down revealing texture. Could this lead to a double-sided design?...


I will see you on my 'Updates' page with the progress of this creation. In the meantime, have a good time whatever you are doing and see you soon. Kx

Update: Sunday, 23 October 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

Working on my latest project ('Spine & Veins & Reflection'), I have been in the middle of crocheting what I call 'building blocks'. After last week's experiment with Photoshop's colour features, I have selected three gradient-like colours of yarn: green/grey, brown/grey and red/orange.

Just to give you an idea of my vision into this project, what you are looking at on the picture on the right is what could end up as my material (once joined of course).

Previously, I have focused on a close-up of a leaf pointing out little rectangles that are joined with 'veins'. Mixing two shades of yarn (green/grey & brown/grey), I have tried to join them with the remaining colour I have chosen (red/orange).

Here you can see the front & reverse of the trial; as if copying  a leaf from its smooth front and a textured back, don't you think?

It looks that I am seriously heading for a double-sided design here. I have mentioned this previously and now have an idea how to achieve it. This is like 'the surprising element that has come out of a working process' that has appeared in a number of my projects. And this is just the way I like it. I will let you know how well (or not) I am progressing. In the meantime, have a good time whatever you are doing and see you soon. Kx

Update: Sunday, 30 October 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

A week on and this is what my material looks like right now. You have no idea how much time and effort has gone into these two pieces. I can see very clearly now that it will take me a while to complete. So I will just keep on crocheting...

Update: Sunday, 13 November 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

...so I just kept on crocheting during the past couple of weeks. I am happy to say that my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' project is taking shape. 

Bearing in mind the form of a leaf, I have made the connection to some sort of a short cloak that would cover my shoulders; similarly to the leaf on the left wrapping up as if wanting to enclose me inside. Such analogy has accompanied me from the beginning of this project and so why not follow this direction?

And so here I am, crocheting and joining and crocheting and shaping. I will see you next time with the progress. Kx

Update: Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

After my 'Crochet marathon', which was interrupted a number of times, I have an image to show you. A day after my mini-deadline, I finished joining the three previously joined pieces and here comes some sort of a wrap.

There are still certain pieces missing but I have much clearer idea now of where the design process is taking me. The key at this stage lies in wrapping/joining/fastening. The image above shows the design piece wide open revealing the reverse. This is the side that depicts texture of the leaf. It has much stronger visual experience which was created by the joining technique.

I leave you here and delve back into 'Spine & Veins & Reflection'. See you next time with the progress. Kx

Update: Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

I am glad to say that I am reaching the finale to my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection'. As you can see, I have considered a number of ways of folding the wrap/cloak. It is about time now I shared my idea of fastening.

For this I have reached for hooks & eyes rather than buttons. Since their dark colour would not suit the design I covered the hooks individually with red yarn. To achieve this, I used super glue, tweezers, needle and scissors; a very unlikely tools. Despite all this equipment, I still ended up with the super glue all over my fingers. I should have worn gloves...

On the right is my customised pair of hooks & eyes clipped together to keep the wrap in place turning it into a short cloak. As I said, the key is in 'wrapping/joining/fastening'. I just love the freedom to produce such a design, don't you?

Update: Tuesday, 6 December 2011

Spine & Veins & Reflection

This is the final update relating to 'Spine & Veins & Reflection'. Here the wrap is clipped together enclosing me inside like a drying autumn leaf.

When closed on only the top hook&eye, I get looser design whereas when closed on all three hooks&eyes, the wrap is more in control being turned into a cross between a wrap and a cloak.

Since the hooks&eyes are on both sides, I can clip them from each side creating yet another look.

When in motion, I can feel the freedom of material floating and bouncing around me.

Despite the fact that the entire piece is rather loose, I can feel warmth and comfort spreading down my body and this is more than welcome to an autumn inspired design.

Pinning the sides, the wrap turns into a cloak. 

This gives me slightly different freedom in motion yet still allows me to reveal the visual that is so striking at the back and the curves a girl wants to make visible; the waist and the fitting at the back.

My sleeves are rather wide with floppy ends, again corresponding with the notion of a leaf.

Wrapped loosely around me or pinned into a decorative cloak, my 'Spine & Veins & Reflection' can be worn on both sides revealing a smooth front of the material or showing its textured reverse all of which is demonstrated in all these photographs.

This project is at its end, which makes me feel a bit sad. I must say, I had such a great time working on it. I enjoyed the entire journey of the design process and now am looking forward to wearing it to various occasions and be admired (let's hope). K-)