Snowflake

After drawing the curtains open today, I was exposed to a charming view of falling snow. Actually, it was not a snowfall as one would expect, only something flying around. However this something was enough to trigger my memory to a 'Snowflake' project I did at the end of last year.

I came across a design for a window hanging that was beckoning to me as if saying - try me, make me. When committing myself to its production, it turned out to be more fun and joy than I expected. How amazing when you see things taking shape under your own hands (with crochet and a hook at this instance). Even better when you realise the beauty you are creating yourself...

When placed in my window, that coincidentally had Christmas decoration (icelings) on it, all of a sudden I thought of its name - the 'Snowflake'.

With its shape and diagonally expending design, this was a fitting title, I thought...

But why leaving it there? When finding the right title I remembered my 'Web Top' and the rosettes that I intended to incorporate in its design. In the end I did not use them but promised to return to them; at the right time with the right project. And the time came with 'Snowflake'.


In response to one snowflake, I turned the already made rosettes into one 'rosette' of many snowflakes...

...that I sent to the other side of the world, to warm and sunny summer in Australia to cool the air a bit.



I certainly enjoyed crocheting the snowflake. Again, as in many of my projects, there is a follow up. In this case I picked up something that was not used for its original purpose and recycled it in a spirit of winter and its decor. Oh, how I enjoy the creative process leading to discovering and realising new ideas. K-)

Every time I visit the V&A... - part 5

...I remember hearing 'That't it?' These words were directed towards the Ruby Slippers worn by Dorothy (Judy Garland) in the 1939 movie 'The Wizard of Oz'. I visited the 'Hollywood Costumes' exhibition few month ago and as I was leaving I went past a cabinet that had this famous pair of shoes on display.

I can understand such obvious disappointment in the words of three young ladies who stood by. They grew up on Dorothy's story and her charming red slippers. Which is why the reality must have hit them there and then when they saw the real thing.

The shoes were not as bright as the picture above shows but more like the image on the left (downloaded from the net). Hence the disappointment. Having said that, the cabinet was surrounded by 'curious everybody' anyway...

Everybody wanted to see THE shoes. How amazing to see the influence and power of a moving picture...

This made me more aware of the progress the film industry have undergone over the past century. From silent black&white to sound colour pictures. Focusing on the first half of the 20th century, technicolor, a colour process widely used in Hollywood, brought highly saturated and bright colours onto our screens and this is what stuck in our memory. Therefore, after seeing the reality one can get slightly disappointed...

Definitely, this pair of shoes is desirable if not to own, than at least to see with one's own eyes. Therefore, after browsing the V&A shop I had to have some memorabilia. At least a postcard or a pin that is now secured on my coat bringing some life to its otherwise dark tone...

This might be a far cry from the actual pair but at least I have a memory. A memory of an exhibition that was rather busy given by the subject but a curatorial achievement. This was an exhibition that held to its name - 'Hollywood Costumes'. It was not only the displayed costumes but also the addition of director's, costume designer's and actor's thoughts, each giving their point of view, that made people stop and listen. What I particularly liked was the fact that each individual was projected on an actual chair as if sitting in the room with all of us and talking...

Keeping to the Hollywood idea, this exhibition was full of screens with either stills from the movies or additional information (design process) that would partially or fully reveal the secrets and hard work going into designing each piece. For this, the exhibition stood up in its own right; the screens, not tablets. Sadly, it is all over now but the memory remains... K-)

Emotions - Rough vs Smooth

Taking this picture the other day, all of a sudden I had a certain mixture of feelings leading to a mixture of emotions. One rusty pole hardly visible through the bush (literally impossible to see during the summer months) opened up another opportunity for thoughts. In my 'Emotions - Softness and Pain' post last month I explored a thorn, a sharp pointy parasite that lives together with and at the same time protects the beauty of a rose.

Even here, I focused on the sharp edges of the paint that is slowly peeling off the pole revealing rough rusty surface underneath.

At this point I can truly feel my skin being scratched when in contact with surface like this. Let my imagination run wild and I can actually feel the sharp edges getting under my skin... Ouch!

On the other hand, when I focus on the surface of the scraped-off bits, it is in a funny way somehow smooth and even, I dare to say even inviting to be felt and played with with my fingertips.

And this is why my emotions are mixed here. On the one hand, I know that I would hurt myself and so am cautious. On the other hand, I actually want to peel off the bits that are sticking out. I want to feel their smoothly rough surface. I want to hear the cracking sound when squeezed that I can only imagine for now.

This object in itself is actually quite an interesting subject to analyse when it comes to it. Especially when corrosion took its toll and as a result the dated paint introduces new life to it. It adds a story to it. Suddenly, there is a timeline that makes you wonder for how long it has been like this and how much longer it can remain in this state before being repaired, if ever being repaired...

Additionally, it works well as a photograph. For me it is the colours; the hint of red being surrounded by the natural or rather boring 'decor'. Yes, there is something special in everything we see everywhere we look. We just have to open our eyes... K-)

Rain Room

I have read some rather approving reviews in relation to the 'Rain Room', an installation at the Barbican by Random International, that will run till 3 March. And since I am curious at times, I decided to pay the Barbican a visit and see it for myself...

For those of you who are not familiar with this installation, the short version is that you walk through a space of torrential rain. However, you do not need a raincoat or an umbrella because it rains everywhere but on you. And this is what I simply had to experience.

As seen here, it is a curtain (literally) made out of water; such strings of water pouring down and hitting the ground.


You can just imagine the sound. As one approaches this space, from darkness with a glare of light shining from a bend at the distance, the sound of falling water (or simply waterfall) tickles your hearing senses. This is the introduction to a promising experience...

I called it 'a curtain' and think that I am not far from the truth. Just look at this image. The clever placement of only one but strong bulb at the far end (surrounded by complete darkness) adds to the entire atmosphere and enhances the analogy of a 'curtain' (at least to me). It beautifully helps visually describe the feel of this space.

It is hard to see anybody through such 'a curtain'. All this being down to simplicity, understanding and rules of 'light' & 'darkness'...

What I learnt fairly quickly was how to approach this space. At times a drop or two would actually hit me and my reaction would be to briskly move away only to be attacked by few more rather large drops. Then I remembered this lady I watched earlier, graciously moving around this space...

'Slowly' would be the answer. And yes, that worked (or the sensors were worn out after four month of constant use hence releasing some water - who knows). Either way, one has to say that moving slowly with grace added even more to the whole experience and understanding of this space.

No wonder that Wayne McGregor (choreographer) and Max Richter (composer) in collaboration with Random International created a dance piece. Unfortunately, I was not lucky enough to see this performance but can imagine its originality and uniqueness.

...and this was my experience of being 'inside'. First, looking up and then, looking down.

As I walked, a path appeared above me and followed me whichever direction I would take...

Looking down, the drops would bounce back. Like hail...

Such was the intensity of any drop hitting the ground.

Random International explores human interaction with our immediate surroundings, the one that we take for granted and easily overlook. In 'Rain Room' they took something as typical for the UK as rain and made it into a positive experience that everybody I saw enjoyed. I wonder if their perception of rain itself has changed in any way. Personally, I have always liked rain and so this visit to the Barbican was a must. K-)