Sea Monster Feeding Umag

Dear YOU!

      So, do you remember my recent post that contained the question about a sea monster feeding here in Umag, Croatia?  Well, about a week ago, I walked north.  I was delighted to find a little park that started off with un-butchered olive trees.  [Italians seem to prefer to dramatically cut theirs to keep the height down.]  Then as I walked along, I felt the carpet beneath me as I inhaled the gorgeous scent of pine trees.  Oh, what a joy!  The sea was visible and I walked along her edge.

      Here in Umag there is a mixture of sea wall and beach, but mostly walls as one nears the harbor.  It is a fairly clean city, from what little I have actually seen.  [Despite my silly postings, I do spend the majority of my days alone in my small flat researching, writing, and painting.] So, you may imagine why it is that there are occasionally pieces of Styrofoam cartons near the water’s edge.  You will note in these images that there is no other trash along these waterways, so I am sticking to my theory of a sea monster feeding by the Istrians.

      I am sure there is a rational explanation for this behavior, although, what is not rational about feeding sea monsters?  It probably does not hurt that in the evenings while working on the computer, I have been taking advantage of a TV in my room.  A TV is something that I have rarely missed in Italy.  Most of the stations I watch here are in Italian, some with subtitles. So, I hope to improve my comprehension skills.  Lately, I have been watching a series of films about mythology and Titons and Zeus and those sorts of stories.            [Surprisingly, there does not seem to be two stations here using the Croatian or Istrian languages.  However, there are TONS of Arabic stations!  And one station that is part of the radio series that says it is in Farsi, but it is French.  I listen to that one too, during the day while I paint.]

     Anyway, I leave you with a little snapshot of the sea monster’s competition for his nightly meal.  I am tempted one night to go out and sit in wait.  I just need to figure out which day they do this, since I do not see the offerings every day.

     Please do not forget that if you are interested in any of my available artworks, now is the time to buy!  [Or at least make the first payment on a payment plan of your choosing… finance charge free.]  Until Jan 31, 2015, is over [Texas time], I am offering FREE WORLDWIDE shipping.  Most of my art is actually in America, but that should not matter since I just made it easier to acquire.

     Details are here, as well as a little survey to help me figure out my trip to the States.  The online version of my newsletter here:  http://www.borsheimarts.com/news/2015_01_ArtNews-ProcessUmagCroatia.htm    [Note:  “London Cemetery” was sold and shipped recently.]

     And, as always, thank you for your continued interest.  Share this with anyone you think might appreciate it! 

Kelly

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com

Art Anniversary

Dear YOU!

     Oh, my!  I have gotten so wrapped up in my new unexpected portrait project [mostly finding art supplies in this country and FAST!], that I forgot to share my latest art newsletter with you.

It is here:  http://www.borsheimarts.com/news/2015_01_ArtNews-ProcessUmagCroatia.htm

      My 15^th art anniversary just passed.  However, for the entirety of this month, I am offering FREE WORLDWIDE shipping on all of my available artworks, even if they are currently in one of my galleries.

     Also, I would like to have your help, please.  I am planning a return to the US for a while this late spring and summer.  I am looking for places to exhibit my work, from home shows (a wonderfully private/exclusive party with friends of the host and artist) to galleries or local museums, cafés or other businesses, or even in any empty spaces you may know about.  I would love to receive your suggestions and invitations.

     I believe my trip will include the following areas, not in any particular order:  Indianapolis, Chicago, St. Paul, Minnesota; Florida, North Carolina, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas.  Something off the beaten path could be considered, certainly.

     Also, I would enjoy teaching workshops, giving lectures to art groups or any group, and working with models to make new art.  I have gotten some great responses thus far, but would love to fill up my calendar and maximize my time in the States.

     Also, I presented some new sketches and tried to explain my apparent art meanderings.  Here are just a few that are on the online version of my newsletter here:  http://www.borsheimarts.com/news/2015_01_ArtNews-ProcessUmagCroatia.htm    [Note:  “London Cemetery” was sold yesterday.]

"London Cemetery"  SOLD

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     If you are enjoying this blog, or the wandering imagination of a girl in Croatia, feel free to help the adventure continue by sharing these posts with someone who may also enjoy them and/or donating.  You may do so via PayPal (contact me if you prefer another method) on the right hand column on the online version of this blog:  http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.com

Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm,

Kelly 

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com

Monster in the Adriatic Sea

Dear Art-loving friend,

     Last Saturday evening, I was walking along the coast in Umag, Croatia.  This night, I chose to walk beyond the old town (south).  I have not explored much of this area since it is rather cold outside and I have so much work to do.  However, sanity dictates some outdoor time!

     Most people here do not seem to pay much attention to me.  I imagine that it is easy to see that I am a foreigner and alone.  I have not made much of an effort yet either, especially during family holiday time.  So, when I saw a man pass by me, cutting through various buildings, obviously knowing where he was going, I was surprised to notice him later on my walk.  He was half sitting, half leaning against a building near the sea.  I wanted to photograph him there, his dark clothing against light blue walls, but I felt shy and decided against it.

     However, I was a bit curious.  Just before I noticed him there, I saw this container of raw food set by the edge of the sea wall.  It looked fresh, but no one was about.  Why is this here, I wondered.  Did he just leave this here?  Because it was dusk, it was easy for my imagination to take over.  I decided that this may be an offering to some sea monster that crawls out of the Adriatic each evening.  Times were changing and even the beast had to be aware of the economic crisis going on in these parts.  Hopefully, this offering is less work than stealing and eating babies.  I even imagined that the white lights outlining the bell tower of the local duomo (cathedral) signified, not the winter festivals and celebrations, but the time of the feedings.

     Istria is the area which claims to have had the first vampire, Jure Grando, after all.    

[Thank you, Željka for that little tidbit!  Haha]

     This side of the Old Town has a gradual incline of a rocky beach to arrive to shore.  On the north side, the sea walls make sure the water is deep enough for the boats to dock.  Perhaps I was on to something!  However, I sat down on the ramp that led under the water, thinking, waiting, photographing.  When I stood up again, the man was gone and I was alone in the growing darkness. 

     I was also starting to get cold.  When I left Italia, I packed as I usually do:  More art materials, cameras, and computers than clothing and personal items.  On my walks, I have been losing feeling in my feet, so … it was time to start walking again. Still, dusk arrived.  The sea remained peaceful.   

     As I walked along the sea edge around the Old Town, I saw few people.  Mostly one or two working for the few restaurants that were open this time of year.  No one seemed to look in the direction of the offering.  Hmm, well, that does not DISPROVE my theory, does it?

     I turned the corner and saw a nearly full moon rising . . .  

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     If you are enjoying this blog, or the wandering imagination of a girl in Croatia who apparently sees trash in an unusual way, feel free to help the adventure continue by sharing these posts with someone who may also enjoy them and/or donating.  You may do so via PayPal (contact me if you prefer another method) on the right hand column on the online version of this blog:  http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.com

Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm,

Kelly 

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com

Happy New Year Buon Anno

Dear Art-loving friend,

Here are some images of my freezing walk out to the Old Town in Umag, Croatia, to ring in my new year.  I wish you a year (and more!) of abundance in energy, interesting thoughts, and working towards your dream while helping others when you can.  Enjoy these images, for I must return to my disegno [Italian word meaning ‘design’ and ‘drawing.’ I like it that they do not distinguish the two concepts].

Can you see the Constellation Orion in the upper left?  Lovely.