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| 2 postcards bought from Degas |
One of the many reasons I love living in London...apart from the history, design and architecture, mix of modern and new buildings, The Savoy and Claridges (just breezing through every now and then!), Bar Italia, being able to cycle everywhere, finding hidden gems, little quaint backstreets that can just spring up when you are least suspecting, the sheer variety of food, music, multi cultural life, the views across Waterloo bridge, my lovely studio in Deptford and much much more; is the wealth of remarkable art exhibtions and galleries...many free. In the last 2 weeks alone, I have visited 4, very different, but all 'Wow', I could quite easily visit all these again! I get so enthused and energised by them and can hopefully absorb ideas into fresh work for my glass pieces.
Firstly Degas' ballet dancers at the Royal Academy. His pastels and oils just shimmered and resonated and tutus quivered on the canvas as if they were still moving. Some of his sketches were quite beautiful too...this was a really indulgently gorgeous exhibition.
Firstly Degas' ballet dancers at the Royal Academy. His pastels and oils just shimmered and resonated and tutus quivered on the canvas as if they were still moving. Some of his sketches were quite beautiful too...this was a really indulgently gorgeous exhibition.
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| La Belle Ferronniere - Da Vinci |
The Leonardo Da Vinci at the National Gallery, was quite simply, impressive...we felt so privilieged to be able to see all these masterpieces together. As we were in early, we were able to have some room to stand and admire them at close hand too, before the crowds packed in, which was a bonus! My favourite painting was the hauntingly beautiful, 'La Belle Ferronniere'. I couldn't leave this poignant portrait, the light on her face was so masterly painted, just as if she was sitting in front of me. His diagrammatic and working sketches were masterclasses in techinical ability, Genius.
Without planning a specific visit, on our mooch along Bermondsey St on Saturday, we found ourselves at the new White Cube Gallery, which was showing Anselm Keifers vast canvases. They were dynamic and sat boldly in the huge bright white spaces...I hadn't imagined to like his work, but it was impressive and gutsy and just looked great in the spacious rooms here..will definately visit again. Free!
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| Anselm Keifer - White Cube Gallery |
Sunday, I cycled off to New Bond St, (narrowly avoiding Christmas shoppers who forget about cyclists using the road, and step out without looking....!!) and went to the newly opened Halcyon Gallery to see Dale Chihuly, master glass blower from Seattle. I have seen his previous London shows at the V&A and Kew Gardens, so am a devotee. I am still in raptures about this recent show...I can't think of superlatives to express the sheer dynamism, skill and exquisite beauty of his pieces..quite simply they took my breath away..
The interior (an old London store called Partridges) was really stylish and the curation of his pieces, were theatrical and fitting for the setting. The red glass 'flames' at the top of the staircase were clever, framed as if there were real flames in a fireplace. wow wow. My favourites (hard to select just a few) are the ones shown here....but especially the red flames at the top of the stairs, and the delicate shimering white and pink table set, (shown below) I did actually gasp as I walked into that room....and will be going back in January. mmmm, intense and heartwarming colour to absorb, and brighten these dull winter days..And free! How lucky am I.
Inspiration is everywhere...I just hope I can keep it simmering away over the Christmas period, until I start work again in January to unleash it with renewed enthusiasm onto some new glass creations!
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| My favourite set... |
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| Merry Christmas from Sue King |
