The Wallace Collection London

Dear Art Lover,

     A friend drove to London to meet up with me while I was there recently.  Since we had limited time to visit, she walked me over to The Wallace Collection.  It is free, which is so amazing, really!  After our brief walk-through we ate lunch there, even with an Italian waiter… what fun!

     Really, such elegance!  It makes me a bit sad to see such places, actually.  I feel that our generation has lost so much, with our relative impatience and fast-moving society.  We do not seem to create things to last or to engage longer than for a momentary entertainment.  I hope that I am wrong and that people still appreciate feeling actual awe.

     I think this first image of the docent would make a cool painting.  Do you?  

      These next two images fill me with frustration.  I LOVE this painting of the horses.  However, the unfortunate placement of the chandelier in the entrance hall virtually guarantees that one may not view, much less photograph, this incredible painting without glare.  I walked all around the floor, and even up the central staircase looking for a good vantage point… nothing!  One can hardly see that second grouping of animals on the right.  Peccato!

       Across from this painting is a stunning work in marble.  I am not much of a portrait fan, but if one catches my attention, it deserves it.  I mean, seriously, can you look at this and not appreciate the quality and workmanship, as well as the design?  I love seeing chains and delicate features carved into such a one-shot material. 



    













     My friend and I did not have much time to look too long at anything, but I got enough of a taste to know that I would go there again on my future visits to London.  That is one nice thing about free entrance:  One does not feel the need to study each and every work on exhibit and can have a better quality experience as time and desire dictate.

 

     I love this scene of the children's classroom visiting the museum.  I do not like to badmouth the land of my birth, but it has been hurtful and confusing as an artist who paints and sculpts nude human figures to be told that I could not show my work since it corrupts children!  And, as I have told many other artists and friends, one cannot use “The European Argument” (that is:  In Europe, families even play together in parks with nude sculptures and grow up with nude paintings in their everyday lives) because those in America who would silence the nude in art also believe that Europeans are decadent.  As with any touchy subject, my belief is that it is better to amicably discuss than to shut down the topic entirely.

     I am not above taking a donation or five if you enjoy what you read about and see in my images here on this blog. Your support and sharing really helps.  Thank you.  [You may make a donation via the PayPal links on the side bar on the blog site:  http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.com ]



Peace,

Kelly

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com

London ART NOW Bargehouse OXO Tower

Dear Art Lover,

     One has to learn to roll with the punches, especially when doing art events in another country.  I always seem to manage, but have not quite gotten a handle on it yet.
    I am speaking now about the surprises of my latest art venture:  The Bargehouse [or actually ART NOW, the event organizers] in London, a 4-day weekend event that starts tomorrow (Thursday) dished up a few today.  I reserved my space, a small one since I am unsure of this kind of situation, not having many contacts or clients in London.  We artists were told to bring our own hammers, nails, screws, whatever we needed to attach our art to the walls.  

      So, what were my main surprises?  I received WAY more space than I imagined!  I thought that I would only have about three feet, so sadly, did not have enough hanging supplies with me.  However, I had brought more art with me, in case I sold something or just wanted to change out featured artworks during the event.

     The other surprise was that the walls we had to hang our art upon were not the usual show walls or even ones seen in any images on the site.  We were supposed to put nails into BRICK WALLS!  Some of the local artists knew this and had brought electric screwdrivers and such.  However, I got lucky again because my walls had enough holes in it from previous art events that I was able to use my Italian nails pretty well.  Also, one of my colleagues offered some of her screws and her screwdriver.  The arrangements are not perfect, but it fits the atmosphere.   

     However, I would like to learn how to pack for these sorts of surprises, good and possibly frantic.  Another lesson:  Do not do an exhibition when your belongings are all in storage, especially distant from where you are currently living.  I forgot the labels for my artworks, sticky stuff for helping things look straight, and other little things that I have in my “show collection box” that help make my work look professional in display.  As you know, life moves on and I am here in London and thus far, it has been a good time.

     And, I would like to introduce you to two of my colleagues.  We went out for a coffee on this rainy afternoon that we all hung our exhibits.  They are both British, and oddly both are of Greek origin.  Here are Despina Kyriacov, who creates abstract photographs, and George Antoni, a contemporary abstract painter.

And I hope that you can be in London for this event.  I am surprised always by international shows.  The visions of so many different souls are astounding.  And the location in London is great… so much eye candy around! 
++++++++++++++

Let us meet in London!

Art NOW - London!

The Artists Fair - London [Yes, in the UK!]
WHEN: OPENING Preview > Thursday October 22, from 4 - 8 p.m.

Exhibition Hours > Friday & Saturday, October 23 & 24, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday October 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: BARGEHOUSE, OXO Tower Wharf, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
WHY? Featuring Kelly's pastels and charcoal drawings from Morocco

The Artists Fair London 2015 presents 50 emerging and recently established artists from 30 countries (random order): Japan, France, Denmark, Australia, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, Israel, United Kingdom, Martinique, South Africa, USA, Kosovo, Netherlands, Catalonia, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Sweden, Turkey, Norway, India, Lithuania, Russia, Canada, Taiwan, Finland, Switzerland, Romania, Estonia.

Free entry for visitors.

The great location, steps from both the Hayward Gallery and Tate Modern, and the perfect time, following the Frieze Week, can find yourself, ideally, in the heart of an international, fresh and vibrant art scene.

Receive Priority FREE ticket(s) ... no waiting: http://www.art-now.net/pdf/ART%20NOW%20priority%20ticket.pdf

Feel free to contact us for any information by info@art-now.net
ART NOW The Artists Fair London: www.art-now.net

Thank you for reading and making it all possible.
Peace,
Kelly

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com

Florence Italy Mimmo Paladino Sculpture Contemporary

Dear Art Lover,

     There is a lot of “meh” and actual disgust going around now in Florence, Italy, [at least among my Florentine and Florence-based friends here] because of contemporary artist Jeff Koon’s current exhibition of two art pieces…. And not JUST here in the Renaissance City, but inside and in front of the Palazzo Vecchio!  [City Hall and in the main square of Florence]. 

     I have been perhaps too vocal about my feelings surrounding this artist and his work on Facebook, so look him up if you are curious about what could possibly disturb me so.

    The great thing is that during this same time there IS a marvelously successful CONTEMPORARY art exhibit in front of an antique building that works beautifully together.  The body of work out front anyway is titled, “The Witnesses,” by Mimmo Paladino.  As you can see, I was there late at night and thus, I have not yet seen the inside.  However, I will certainly do that once back from London.

    These primitive looking figures appear to be made from a volcanic stone; the sign says tufa, which is apparently a more porous form of limestone.  See?  This exhibition has taught me something already!  The artist has also used wood and metal in this composition of figures. I very much love how this works so well with the stone textured wall of the basilica.  I enjoy this area of town and it is a shame that I have never lived in that zone.  That is pretty much the only way I spend any real time anywhere.  But there is a lot going on and I have fond memories of my first trip to Italy in 2004 since I stayed at a hostel around the corner from this piazza.  ‘Twas lovely!

   













     Enjoy these images.  I include a snapshot looking away from the statues because this really cute girl rode up on her bike and starting speaking with the cute guard who watched over for vandals.  I am happy the shot is in focus since I get rather shy about taking these sorts of photos and often move the camera too quickly, ruining my bold effort.  I also included a shot of my friend and fellow painter Susan in front of the stone figures so that you have a better idea of their sizes.

      Exhibition continues until 9 January 2016, which thankfully is longer than what we must endure in Piazza della Signoria.  [There I said it again.  Jajaja]
FREE entrance, Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See another Mimmo Paladino installation in historical Florence (also a good fit) that I wrote about years ago:  http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.it/2012/11/florens-2012-culture-week-florence-italy.html
And here:
http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.it/2012/11/the-kindness-of-strangers-and-angry-nun.html
++++++++++++++

Let us meet in London!

Art NOW - London!

The Artists Fair - London [Yes, in the UK!]
WHEN: OPENING Preview > Thursday October 22, from 4 - 8 p.m.

Exhibition Hours > Friday & Saturday, October 23 & 24, from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday October 25, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE: BARGEHOUSE, OXO Tower Wharf, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
WHY? Featuring Kelly's pastels and charcoal drawings from Morocco

The Artists Fair London 2015 presents 50 emerging and recently established artists from 30 countries (random order): Japan, France, Denmark, Australia, Bulgaria, Italy, Germany, Israel, United Kingdom, Martinique, South Africa, USA, Kosovo, Netherlands, Catalonia, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Sweden, Turkey, Norway, India, Lithuania, Russia, Canada, Taiwan, Finland, Switzerland, Romania, Estonia.

Free entry for visitors.

The great location, steps from both the Hayward Gallery and Tate Modern, and the perfect time, following the Frieze Week, can find yourself, ideally, in the heart of an international, fresh and vibrant art scene.

Receive Priority FREE ticket(s) ... no waiting: http://www.art-now.net/pdf/ART%20NOW%20priority%20ticket.pdf

Feel free to contact us for any information by info@art-now.net
ART NOW The Artists Fair London: www.art-now.net

Thank you for reading and making it all possible.
Peace,
Kelly

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com

Giambologna Gigante Pratolino

Dear Art Lover,

     The world is smaller than we ever imagine.  Or in this case at least, timing was coincidental.  My friend Ruth Glendining in Austin, Texas, recently posted to my Facebook page about hidden rooms underneath Giambologna’s famous giant sculpture of an old bearded man in Pratolino.  Check out the story here:
http://www.boredpanda.com/appennino-sculpture-colossus-giambologna-florence-italy/

     As luck would have it, artist Roberto Coccoloni had been invited me to his art opening at the Locanda, inside this same Parco Mediceo di Pratolino. Roberto is a stone and wood carver that I met many years ago at a dinner with Italians at Le Giubbe Rosse, the historical artists’ hangout in Firenze.  Roberto has many sculptures on exhibition at the Locanda with a group of painters and photographers called Artisti Fiesolani. 

      Thankfully, Roberto called me last night to tell me to take Bus 25 from Piazza San Marco in Florence.  I was visiting a friend in nearby Sesto Fiorentino and hopped on the train back to Florence in the drizzling rain and walked to the piazza.  I did not realize that there was a bus that would take one almost directly to this famous park.  Pratolino is at the end of the line for Bus 25.  Then one walks in the direction the bus goes when it leaves.  Make the first right; then right again a block away where the road Ts.  The park is a short walk downhill on the left.  It is very easy to find.  [But to warn you, I caught the 25L bus back and it only takes one to Piazza Libertà in Firenze.  The later and last bus [25A] last evening left at 8:45 p.m.  It may have returned me to Piazza San Marco.]

     I had hoped to arrive in time to see the changes since my first visit five years ago.  But between the drizzle and the fading light, I chose to just go see Giambologna’s Gigante again before heading over to the exhibition.  Giambologna created his giant old man sculpture titled Il Colosso dell'Appennino (“The Apennine Colossus”) in 1579-1580.  It is true that there are rooms underneath his art, but I have not been inside any of them.

     Can you imagine the surprise of people centuries ago who traversed this land and stumbled upon this enormous figure in the landscape?  Even today, Il Colosso slowly reveals himself behind a fence, tall grasses and large lily pads and other pond plants edging a small lake.  You may get an idea of his size by seeing the small doorway in front of the pond.

 

       A pretty cool dragon guards the backside of this seemingly gentle giant.  Two levels of grotto or rooms are below.  One may see inside the lit room a headless standing marble figure.

     I headed into the exhibition in La Locanda building.  Roberto greeted me warmly and I went inside to see his art on the ground floor, and then the upstairs for the 2-d art.  During the presentation, there was music and a sort of theatre musical performance of a woman dancing and singing in a soulful and mournful operatic voice. Here is an image of Robert’s sculpture Gesto [“Gesture”] in marble and Pietra vacica [the black stone on the head].  It is 30 h x 10 x 10 cm, created in 2006.

     Although I received an invitation to join Roberto and his friends for dinner, I was afraid that there was not enough time for me to catch the last bus back to Firenze and opted out.  However, before I said my goodbyes, I told them that I HAD to go see again Il Colosso in the dark!  I had an idea from the lighted pathways that he might also be lit.  I could not imagine when I might be back to Pratolino and if the sculpture were even accessible normally after the sun has set.  I snapped what photos I could, without a tripod sadly and in the light rain.  I was happy that the others had followed me out a little later and told me that I had had an ottima idée!

     The rain was starting to come down more and I was pretty cold.  I had no umbrella and was not dressed properly.  Sadly, I have not yet been able to retrieve the things I left in storage in Italia.  All I have with me is what I packed for the plane ride from the USA.  People who pay attention to such things might know that I carry far fewer personal items and clothes than I do computers and art materials, so I have had little to wear this first week in Italia and the weather is dramatically cooler than what I experienced during my time in the States.  Whoops… that was not fore-thinking of me!

     Here are my posts about this park back in 2010, my first visit.  The park has been closed for 3-4 years for restoration.  Entrance last evening was free, but they have put out a tip jar if you feel so inclined.  That is an amazing offer since it must have cost them a fair amount of money to close for several years to work on the place.  I am delighted that it is open again.
http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.it/2010/09/giambologna-sculpture-pratolino.html

http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.it/2010/09/pratolino-sculpture-italy.html

http://artbyborsheim.blogspot.it/2010/09/seashells-and-dragon.html


Thank you for reading and making it all possible.
Peace,
Kelly

~ Kelly Borsheim, sculptor, painter, writer, teacher

http://BorsheimArts.com