tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post6500702860938043222..comments2023-10-14T18:34:30.879+02:00Comments on Lost in Arles: Walking in Maxfield ParrishHeather Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-8282972565523692002013-01-07T22:34:23.630+01:002013-01-07T22:34:23.630+01:00I'm embarrassed (maybe) to admit I didn't ...I'm embarrassed (maybe) to admit I didn't even scroll down to see you talking about art ... I just took that first sentence and ran. It was a great writing exercise. <br /><br />But, yes, my first experience of art -- well, there were two at the same time. About age 5, I discovered the encyclopedia entry for "theatre" which also had a mini-play in it about a haunted castle and I would read that entry over and over again. And then around the same time I found my great aunt's Underwood typewriter tucked away behind the desk in our toyroom and I was enthralled. And then I had the privilege of seeing Zero Mostel in Fiddler on the Roof in London, no less. Those are my art touch points. <br /><br />I finally found a picture of us. Enjoy! <br /><br />--------- http://misspinktwins.blogspot.com/2013/01/then-and-now.html --------<br /><br />My darling walker-of-Ben friend Heather posted a fascinating query a few days ago: have you changed much over the years and how much of your past has stayed with you?<br /><br />I'll admit, the query was partially responsible for derailing my write-every-day resolution. I had to really stop and think. (I also had to teach six classes in 36 hours and get a website to go live.)<br /><br />Ironically, I have also been staring at probably the only picture I have of us two, taken circa May 20th, 1989. I threw a 25th birthday party for myself. I had finally been able to afford my own apartment in posh Park Slope, above Al's Toyland on 7th Avenue and 4th (a rent controlled one bedroom at the low, low price of $436.03) and was studying for the Series 7 and have finally found a really, really great boyfriend named Jim.<br /><br />I think the biggest difference two decades has brought is that I am much more of a fretter than I was back then. I demanded to take the Series 7 and when I finally got Bear Stearns to pay for the classes ... I do remember, vividly, that first night thinking "Whoopsy, in over my head here." I was the only girl in the room. And the terminology was so entirely over my head. And the instructor kept using football analogies. I was brassy and raised my hand and demanded a shopping analogy, I insisted he make the class relevant to me, too. He pshawed my request at first. But I kept asking until I received. To this day, the only way I understand puts and calls is with his great shoe shopping analogy. <br /><br />TLChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13691234121272568789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-65151917723321363462013-01-01T18:47:43.759+01:002013-01-01T18:47:43.759+01:00Could not agree with you more, D!! :)Could not agree with you more, D!! :)Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-75815761481402912792013-01-01T18:45:53.691+01:002013-01-01T18:45:53.691+01:00Oh Loree, you make me want to visit Malte so badly...Oh Loree, you make me want to visit Malte so badly!! We BOTH live in amazing places...Wishing you a wonderful New Year too...Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-62745623870989092582013-01-01T02:28:45.879+01:002013-01-01T02:28:45.879+01:00Oh, I totally agree! A much more elegant style! Bu...Oh, I totally agree! A much more elegant style! But then, so were a lot of different artists' works from that period. Some of the black and white photographs of 1950s models striking graceful poses in Dior's New Line collection. And going back further to Schiaparelli and Jacques Fath and even more so, Madame Vionnet's designs of bias cut silk satin or chiffon. Some are just achingly beautiful! Would love to have lived in that time! DeborahRowanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18216653956032793766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-80260729623222248892012-12-31T22:41:27.105+01:002012-12-31T22:41:27.105+01:00Ah, who knows which piece of art first made me fal...Ah, who knows which piece of art first made me fall in love. Perhaps it was the simple spiral motifs on one of our neolithic temples. Whatever it was, I admire art in all forms although I especially love the Impressionists. I am no art snob. It if moves me, then I appreciate and like it. Have a wonderful new year Heather.Loreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12520908604580765632noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-89383373889267828472012-12-31T12:05:51.794+01:002012-12-31T12:05:51.794+01:00Are you kidding? That is a great story!! Although ...Are you kidding? That is a great story!! Although it made me nearly choke on my coffee that you were only 6 when you heard "Rock Lobster"...And don't you miss when vintage stores were actually fun like Love Saves the Day? Sigh. Music influenced me huuuugely growing up too.<br /><br />And we are just staying in as we always do--all invitations are refused! Every year it is the same: we cook something adventurous, it takes hours, we talk and clink glasses and dance around the living room. :)<br />Gros Bisous, Ella and a verrry Happy New Year to you too!!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-38685330800504798422012-12-31T12:01:53.129+01:002012-12-31T12:01:53.129+01:00Now it makes more sense to me, Judith, your link t...Now it makes more sense to me, Judith, your link to the art world. And what wonderful memories you evoked.. I remember your wonderful piece on David but will look forward to discovering it again. Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-92048238659171450002012-12-31T12:00:12.617+01:002012-12-31T12:00:12.617+01:00Ahhh, I obviously feel the same, Amelia. :) When R...Ahhh, I obviously feel the same, Amelia. :) When Remi first suggested we stop by Arles on a whim, all I knew of this little town was its link to Van Gogh. None of the Roman monuments meant anything to me...And I just reorganized our massive cd selection last night and there are many, many genres present!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-61213789778286662502012-12-31T11:57:22.265+01:002012-12-31T11:57:22.265+01:00Cheers right back at you, Deborah! Wasn't it A...Cheers right back at you, Deborah! Wasn't it Antonio Lopez that worked with Karl Lagerfeld in the beginning of his career? I am more old-school in my choice: Rene Gruau! :) Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-57196461121325919272012-12-31T11:55:00.260+01:002012-12-31T11:55:00.260+01:00I do believe you should--and take it around to loc...I do believe you should--and take it around to local schools to say "be warned"!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-35543115717147347762012-12-31T11:49:16.803+01:002012-12-31T11:49:16.803+01:00Loved this, Maywyn. No difference or seperation be...Loved this, Maywyn. No difference or seperation between you and art.Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-76095748209882915382012-12-31T11:47:30.379+01:002012-12-31T11:47:30.379+01:00Oh dear, that must be quite a shock to the system,...Oh dear, that must be quite a shock to the system, please stay warm--bundle up in that fluffy looking duvet of yours!<br /><br />And yes, that absolutely makes sense to me--this opening via art to share--just as we look at the books in someone's apartment to pick up clues as to who they are the first time we visit. The response to this post has truly surprised me to no end nonetheless and has rendered it one of my most treasured. To think that I wasn't going to post it at all because I thought that the photos weren't quite up to snuff. I am so glad that I did. <br /><br />My memory is terrible so I tend to not give credit enough to all of those pieces of the puzzle. So many have been let go or swallowed up by the ether. I feel as if I have had a nudge here to cherish a bit more. Thank you for that. Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-32526233696896130712012-12-31T11:39:11.660+01:002012-12-31T11:39:11.660+01:00Merci, Nat! Hopping over to read it now, hooray!!Merci, Nat! Hopping over to read it now, hooray!!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-24449249457410880182012-12-31T09:43:28.573+01:002012-12-31T09:43:28.573+01:00My first brush of art actually came in the form of...My first brush of art actually came in the form of music which I always found strange because I'm such a visual person. Shamefully, I don't have a romantic Monet or art gallery story, mine is the first time I heard the B-52's 'Rock Lobster' at the thrift store Love Saves the Day when I was 6 that I knew I wanted to live a creative adult life. Pop culture is one of my passions and to some it wouldn't be considered art (and I can respect that), but to me it is.<br /><br />I hope you enjoy a happy, happy new year! I'm sure whatever you and your family have planned for tonight will be lovely and cozy. I do hope you share with us. : )Lisa C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12987591066365440139noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-34840327174938257262012-12-31T06:13:17.055+01:002012-12-31T06:13:17.055+01:00I've made a special post for you Heather abou...I've made a special post for you Heather about one of them http://jewelyettofind.blogspot.caNataliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02300340001289844045noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-23545756749901798162012-12-31T01:40:48.616+01:002012-12-31T01:40:48.616+01:00Dearest heather
Just re-reading all the vibrant r...Dearest heather<br /><br />Just re-reading all the vibrant responses to your wonderful original post and realizing why so many felt compelled to read and write.......you told us a little more about who you are and in return we shared an intense revelation or two as well. Books and art are easier ways to reveal oneself and talk about identity (and love and regret and inspiration and......all the bits that make a Life) than personal details or persons, come to that.....<br /><br />Back in nyc! 29decrees. Eek. teamgloriahttp://teamgloria.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-37132498899735234852012-12-30T17:09:24.240+01:002012-12-30T17:09:24.240+01:00My first brush with art gave me time with my grand...My first brush with art gave me time with my grandfather. He had a little studio off the bedroom he shared with my grandmother, and to this day, the smell of oil paints recreates images of that room with its beautiful dark wood furniture, a mexican blanket that I used to take a nap under and still own (sadly, it's full of holes) and just the best man in my life until I met my husband. <br /><br />So first there was the aroma of paint, and then there was the time he gave me, sitting at our kitchen table where we sketched together. I still have some of his paintings. He died when I was only 11, but he has been a big influence on my interest in art and people who make art. Here's a link to a few artists I have profiled, including our co-commenter, David Terry. http://talkingwriting.com/category/column/talking-art/Judith A. Rosshttp://judithaross.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-44290071662262441712012-12-30T14:36:32.481+01:002012-12-30T14:36:32.481+01:00Oh, that is amazing!!! Jackie, I am sure that you ...Oh, that is amazing!!! Jackie, I am sure that you and Veronique would get along--and have MUCH to chat about! That just makes me so thrilled to hear. And I am so grateful for everyone that leaves messages here or sends emails. I agree they all have their unique character--glad to know that I am not the only one that looks forward to hearing from all of you!!!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-76637162084609008542012-12-30T14:34:51.209+01:002012-12-30T14:34:51.209+01:00That is one of the lovelier compliments I have eve...That is one of the lovelier compliments I have ever had, Debra. Thank you with all of my heart.<br />xoxox!Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-32690310250701586212012-12-30T14:33:59.093+01:002012-12-30T14:33:59.093+01:00You know, it breaks my heart to think of all of th...You know, it breaks my heart to think of all of the squished, broken-hearted aspiring artists out there. Those that weren't able to believe that inner voice and to say "well, I am going to do it anyway." Dancers, singers, sculpters, painters, writers, musicians...I could go on. Because who hasn't been told "Oh, you can't *fill in the blank*" at some point or another? The most naturally talented person I have ever met became a fire-fighter like the rest of his family because ballet was something that girls did. Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-57977424890248449672012-12-30T14:30:30.897+01:002012-12-30T14:30:30.897+01:00That made me go "Oooh"--first outloud im...That made me go "Oooh"--first outloud imagining you walking into the amazing Old King Cole bar and then silently, in gratitude that I brought back some happy memories. That makes me feel grand. Heather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-30076872514661469042012-12-30T14:28:04.670+01:002012-12-30T14:28:04.670+01:00Please don't ever think that I take your kindn...Please don't ever think that I take your kindness and support for granted, Leslie--I never, ever do. Thank you!!<br /><br />And if you think that you understand Van Gogh seeing it in person, imagining seeing what he painted--ooh, we might have to find a way to get you here...<br />xo,<br />hHeather Robinsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01316279029849503437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-42542543438023891152012-12-30T11:28:09.314+01:002012-12-30T11:28:09.314+01:00Heather, what a very interesting topic. The pictu...Heather, what a very interesting topic. The pictures above look more like paintings than photos. They make me want to be there taking a walk in the trees and lights. My taste in art is all over the places from Reuben, Rembrandt, Goya, Georgia O'Keefe, Andrew Wyeth.... more mongrel than refined. My approach to art is the same way I do with music. If it appeals to me, I like it. I don't stick to a certain genre. Years of taking classes in art didn't make me excel in painting or drawing but I was good in etchings especially in woods. My mother was quite artistic and had done some beautiful watercolors which were hung in our family home. I have two of them with me. Your blog got my attention at first because of the name and the tie to Van Goth. If at anytime I'm ever going to be lost anywhere, it might as well be in Arles...:) <br /> <br />Amelia XOAmelianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-44606402245054461592012-12-30T08:57:56.807+01:002012-12-30T08:57:56.807+01:00Heather, you write on a myriad of subjects that ce...Heather, you write on a myriad of subjects that certainly elicit a response from your readers, which are interesting and varied and reveal their own personalities. I read what each has to share with enthusiasm and interest. David throws in interesting tidbits and always makes me giggle. <br /><br />I've been racking my brain as to what would have been first introduction to an art experience. I remember being in a ballet concert at age five, sure that I was going to be the world's next prima ballerina. Sadly that never occurred, or perhaps for the world that was a happy outcome! I recall my mother giving me a beautiful book on Degas ballet paintings and sculptures. It was treasured and I have it still. <br /><br />I remember in secondary school art classes, being full of admiration for the technical skill and fine detail of Albrecht Durer's pencil drawings, especially his animal series. Just after leaving school, I recall going to an art exhibition with many of Pierre Bonnard (contemporary of Toulouse Lautrec's) works. I remember being struck by his beautiful bold pairings of colours, borrowed from the Fauves. Also at the same time, being reacquainted with the work of Arthur Rackham, and his exquisite fairy tale illustrations. which I remembered seeing as a child but thinking at the time that they were old fashioned, and hadn't seen with the appreciation of an adult's eyes. <br />At design college, I fell in love with Erte's fashion illustrations. I was in awe of the beauty and elegance of his spare and delicate drawings that graced the covers of Harper's Bazaar for 20 or so years. The influence of his illustrations on the art movement of the time must have been significant.<br /><br />In fashion drawing classes at college, I was introduced to the work of Antonio Lopez,<br />a fashion illustrator, with a racy edge and confident water colour brush strokes. Finally, also while still a young student at college, I was so excited when one of my more admired fashion designers, Zandra Rhodes, came to town. It was the late 70's and I was a starry eyed fashion student, about 18, and Zandra had travelled from London to Sydney to promote a fashion line that for which one of the stores in the city had secured her services. I had two or so minutes with her afterwards, where I asked her about her pattern making training and how she had started out. Her answer being in equal parts disappointing at the lack of sage advice, and making me in awe of her raw talent that had seen her through. She said "Oh, I didn't train in that, I was self taught!" <br /><br />However, she was perhaps being a little disingenuous, as I know she had studied at the Royal College of Art and I later discovered that her mother had been a fitter for the Paris house of Worth. Some skills are just inherited from constant familiarity!<br /><br />Thanks again for your interesting post, Heather! Beautiful sunsets and wooded scenes!<br />Cheers, Deborah from MelbourneRowanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18216653956032793766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2498719763759636773.post-30455892557883082422012-12-30T02:51:12.497+01:002012-12-30T02:51:12.497+01:00P.S.(2)......that phrase "art techer" (s...P.S.(2)......that phrase "art techer" (sic) is a direct quotation from the "report" which that "techer" put in my "file"....presumably to insure that folks would be forewarned about my awful-self before I entered middle school.<br /><br />I still have that "report". I should have it framed for public display.<br /><br />----david terrydavid terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18009130338123162371noreply@blogger.com