Art in the Garden 2015

Art in the Garden, held just outside Perth, had a lovely selection of art this year. I was fortunate to visit on the Saturday and the weather was glorious, sunny with cooling breezes. Just what you need for strolling through the extensive grounds of Kiwi Gardens. Lots of interesting garden art on display, but without a doubt, the whimsical creations by Ottawa artist, Liz Cielsluk were the ones that captured my imagination and drew my interest the most.

Like this little fellow, who seems to be cobbled together with all manner of things, a sort of steampunk hummingbird-frog. Definitely a creature of fancy.

As would be expected in this topsy-turvy world, Alice was in attendance, along with her flamingos.

As was this woodland wizard who blended very nicely into his surroundings.

It seems that several characters had come to the sale using their own modes of transportation.

This handsome fellow was the most beautiful shade of blue. Very regal indeed.

And this cross between a bird and butterfly definitely has magpie tendencies, as his collection of glittery objects shows. 

But there were many other artists at the sale, with wonderful works of art that would blend very nicely into garden landscapes, including these interesting trellises which would divide a garden into different areas very nicely.

I look forward to visiting again next year!

Bideford Bound

The lovely quiet town and estuary port of Bideford in North Devon is situated on the west bank of the Torridge River. One of its most distinguishing features is its Long Bridge, built in 1286 of timber, which links Bideford with East-the-Water. The timber was replaced with stone in 1474, being built around the timber so that people could still cross while it was under construction. 

 

Of interest is the fact that none of the 24 arches are the same size. It is thought that this is because the arches were paid for my local businessmen, the larger arches costing more than the smaller ones. the arch was as large as the patron could afford.

 

 

Modern-day traffic necessitated the widening of the bridge in 1925. The town glimpsed through an arch is just as picturesque today.

 

 

There are plenty of lovely shops to explore that line a narrow hilly lane.

 

And down by the quay you'll find the Burton Art Galley and Museum, well worth a visit.

 

When we were there, a group showing of local artists was on exhibit. The quality of the art was impressive. I was attracted to one painting of a stormy sea in particular and asked a lady with a price list how much it was. We started talking and ended up having a lovely long conversation about painting. She is an artist who lives on the quay and I am sure if I lived in Bidford we would have been well on our way to becoming friends.

Just as impressive is the adjoining Café du parc with its French chef who made the best croissants I have tasted in a long time - crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and buttery throughout. the lemon tart was also excellent. We planned to go back for lunch but time ran out. Next time!  We paid our compliments to the chef en français and decided that if we were Bidefordians the café would be a daily temptation.

Pysanky

The Ukrainian art of pysanky, with its traditional strong bright colours, creates beautifully decorated eggs for Easter.

This particular egg uses only two dyes: red and black to accomplish this striking pattern.

The Silica Garden

Another interesting feature at 1001 Pots, is the unique Silica Garden that's tucked away in one corner and can be easily missed. 

The entrance to the Silica Garden is through a pair of rusty metal doors.

The roof is made of  branches open to the sky.

Inside, there are various rooms with benches for sitting and contemplating or perhaps for studying the myriads of pottery that make up the walls.

Not all the walls are filled yet.

But those that are provide a fascinating display.

A "stream" of blue ceramics flows through this unique garden.

Le Déjeuner

Claude Monet's Le Déjeuner (around 1873) served as the inspiration for this photograph. One day as I was gazing at the poster of this painting in my office at work I noticed that the roses on the table looked like those in my garden.  I suddenly had the idea to try and replicate the painting for a photograph. After borrowing a few items from friend J. who instantly understood what I was trying to do and eagerly scoured her house for items that might work, as any fellow-creative would, I put together this image in my back garden. It is by no means an identical copy but it does give the impression of the original and it was a lot of fun to do.

Ikebana Exhibition

The Art of Ikebana

What could be more welcome at this time of the year than the lovely tradition of Japanese flower arranging called Ikebana. At the end of February I was treated to an exhibition of the Sogetsu school of Ikebana at the Japanese Embassy.

Some were very large and showy.


While others were smaller and more simple.

All were beautiful.

Rock and Driftwood Memories

We found these rocks on Brighton beach when we were in England in August. We had been looking for rocks with holes that went all the way through for the entire trip, and then there they were on the beach on the very last day of our trip.


When we got home I went down to the river to look along the shoreline for bits of driftwood.


After drilling holes in the driftwood...


I threaded a length of jute through each rock and piece of wood, alternating them and tying a knot between each.


Hung, they make an interesting piece of natural art, with both the rocks and driftwood weathered and smoothed by the action of water.

Cafe Myriade

If you'd like a cup of coffee that's a work of art, Cafe Myriade is the place to go. Located on McKay Street just down from Nocochi Cafe, it's small and cozy and a favourite haunt of the locals, many of whom are Concordia students.


On Sunday morning, the place was full. People had spilled outdoors on the patio despite the chill in the air. As we waited for our coffee, a spot opened up and we happily sat inside to enjoy a our morning latte and croissant.


Before we knew it, we had drained our cups.