the arachnophile

I admit to being somewhat of an Arachnophile. Spiders have always intrigued me and while I don't much appreciate it when they bite me from time to time... I can't help but forgive them and continue to marvel in their artistry.

Each autumn I usually "make friends" with the spider who sees fit to build its nightly web outside my house. We share pleasant salutations with one another. I compliment its current web, say I'll leave the light on to attract some food, tip my proverbial hat to its web building acumen in the face of brusk, windy nights. I imagine the spider is appreciative yet wary of my interest. As others of my species tend to shoo her kind away or (shock horror!!!) smush them upon sight. But I hold fast to my belief that the spiders eat the "bad bugs" and any arachnid that is going to eradicate mosquitoes is a friend of mine.

So I was intrigued when I heard the NPR story about the "million spider tapestry" currently on display at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. I was relieved to see the "No spiders were hurt during the making of this tapestry" disclaimer attached to the article. And was shocked to learn the undertaking took 4 years at a cost of a half-million dollars. I definitely want to check out this tapestry in person. But I think the most wonderful thing of all is that in spite of the incredibly creative and intricate workmanship, cost, and time required to create this tapestry, it's beauty pales in comparison with the webs I see outside my window at night. The spider continues to inspire us all. But we will never improve upon its innate skill and showmanship.

Anna & Zooey

I was so excited to see this Zooey Deschanel/Joseph Gordon-Levitt video today - inspired by, but unrelated to their new film (500) Days of Summer. It's set to the She & Him (Zooey & M.Ward) song "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" and if you don't own the She & Him album (one of the best from last year...go get it now!)



There are so many parts of the video to love and admire. Additionally it reminded me of one of my favorite moments in the history of film...the Anna Karina/Sami Frey/Claude Brasseur cafe dance from Bande A Part

Brunhild

Some days it is best to take on the persona of a warrior - in spirit, body, mind, and ensemble.

Referencing classic literature, film, and music is helpful in this pursuit. And thus I offer Fritz Lang's Siegfried's Tod for inspirational consideration.

introducing the cluster corsage

It's official. Spring has sprung. There are buds on the trees. Crocuses popping up in strange places (thanks to those silly squirrels) and it's time to celebrate color, texture, and the bountiful beauty of the season. This spring t8designs debuts the cluster corsage collection with exquisite statement necklaces (above) and some slightly more demure bracelet styles (below)

HOPE

Today I want to take a moment to express the immense hope I have for my country as we welcome our 44th President, Barack Hussein Obama, into office.
I've been wearing the locket to the left all day and truly embrace its sentiment.
I just heard a report on the news that despite the enormous crowd assembled in Washington DC to celebrate this momentous occasion, there was not a single arrest made. Over 2 million of my fellow citizens congregated in a confined space for an event eagerly anticipated by many and everyone remained respectful of everyone else. That is what this country is all about. Respect for ALL!
I wish you all the best President Obama, and you have my full support as you embark on this difficult journey.

Godspeed, Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth passed away (in his sleep) yesterday at the age of 91.
As quite a fan of this American giant, I am saddened to see him leave the world and yet thankful that his artistic genius blessed us with an abundance of masterpieces that will be treasured always. I've decided to post an image of one of his self-portraits, Trodden Weed described elsewhere:
Among Wyeth’s many works that belong to his Pennsylvania experience, but not specifically the Kuerners, is Trodden Weed (1951), a picture reportedly admired by Nikita S. Khrushchev, depicting the booted legs of a man walking on a brown hill. He conceived the idea for the painting while recuperating from a severe illness, when he slowly roamed the fields wearing a pair of boots that had once been part of Howard Pyle’s costume collection and watching his feet and the ground beneath. The painting may symbolize death itself or man’s rejection of illness and death.
Thank you Mr. Wyeth. Godspeed.

brandywine delights

Oh dear oh dear oh dear. I just realized I did not update the blog in all of December. Woe is me. Thankfully today's adventures have inspired a new post - linked to the previous November post regarding the stunning Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA. I finally got over there to see their holiday display today and it was absolutely worth the wait. To the left is the entrance to the museum featuring a beautiful sculpture entitled "Boy with Hawk" by Charles Parks. Set in front of the massive natural evergreen wreath amidst some colorful winter landscaping, it's quite a breathtaking site. The museum was bustling, filled with families with young children delighting in the train and doll house displays. Apart from the Wyeth family's art work, I most enjoyed a painting by Horace Pippin entitled "Saying Prayers" as well as pieces by John Frederick Peto (this image isn't the one on display at Brandywine- photos weren't allowed in the galleries but gives a sense of his style which I love as it reminds me of some of Joseph Cornell's mixed media pieces...)
The most darling of the displays though were the handcrafted ornaments (made by the staff and volunteers) - all made from items found in the surrounding woods! (eco-friendly, sustainable adorableness!!) - that were hung from various trees and wreaths throughout the museum. Additionally a number of whimsical scenes such as the "There was an Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe..." story were turned into glass-encased dioramas that were tucked into various vestibules. Thankfully photography (non-flash, if you please!) was allowed in the non-gallery areas of the museum so I can share these sweet images with you. There was another diorama that had an amazing tea party scene with acorns as tea cups that I desperately wanted to photograph, unfortunately the glare from the sun against the glass made capturing that image impossible...(another reason for you to visit yourself!)
Here are the final pictures of the diorama. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy 2009!