seed pods

Puffy, light, pearlescent, glimmering, speckled, veined, undulous, plump containers...each unique, each wondrous.

wasp nests

These are exquisite. Wasps nests are a form of paper made from wood pulp mixed with wasp saliva and layered into a nest. Why do I love them so much? All my favourite materials and forms...paper, wood, pulp, bodily fluids :), layers, nests. And in such a fragile form. How can you not be moved by them!






And the textures and layers and composition in these larger ones are truly abstract works of art.

more treasures by mail

As the new year approaches and I reflect on the past year there is so much to be grateful for. Including the generosity and thoughtfulness of blog friends. Before this year ends I want to thank lynne hoppe for another nature package she sent me back in the fall. We share a love of dead and decaying things! Time to unveil these delicate treasures!

unmistakably lynne!

owl pellet 1...bones, fur, evidence

owl pellet 2...tufted testament

outside part of a fawn's hoof...I'll take your word for it lynne!

bird skull...be still my beating heart

miniature wasp nests (more views in a future post)

portion of a larger wasp nest...with pine needles as extra support!

unidentified seed pods...ideas anyone? (more views in a future post)

thank you lynne
and happy new year

speaking of paper...

Last night I was watching PBS and came across an incredible documentary on Independent Lens called Between the Folds. It was all about the process of origami and highlighted many aspects of paper-folding. From paper-making paper folders, to theoretical scientists using origami to solve physics and engineering problems, to educators using origami to teach geometry, to fine artists who fold their way to unique creations. I can't say enough about it...fascinating, inspirational, beautiful, elegant, delightful! Here is the trailer.

Although most of the origami world focuses on model-making and the technical aspects, there are some who elevate paper folding to a fine art form. One of my favourite segments was an interview with origami artist Paul Jackson, where he describes how just one fold can lead to many creative options.

He goes on to show his work with organic abstract forms. Although the more representative origami forms done by many of the artists are very impressive, these are closest to my heart! I have included some below. Go to his website to see more.

And here are some wonderful pieces from the artists of Crimp, a group of French paper crumpling artists.

vincent floderer

alexis merat

romain chevrier

Keep your eyes open for this film on PBS (or buy the DVD). It's wonderful! I am still tingling...

partial to paper

A few ways to manipulate paper...

tearing/ripping

scoring/folding

quilling

slotting/slitting

piercing

embossing/impressing

fluting

weaving

wrapping

wrinkling/crumpling

sewing/puckering

casting

gentle snow at dusk

white floating traces

and if you listen closely

a waft of snowflake

new york, new york

A rare chance to meet bloggers Jeane and Jo (pictured above at MOMA) perpetuated a quick trip to New York City accompanied by my friend Carole. We drove down...about 7 hours from Montreal. It was a busy 4 days with a simple itinerary: meet Jo and Jeane (how fortunate I was to meet them in person), visit a lot of art museums (Dia Beacon on the way, MOMA, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Guggenheim), soak up the city (sore feet but happy heart), and eat well but economically (is eating a street knish considered eating well?). Mission accomplished on all fronts!

Views from inside the Museum of Modern Art. It felt like a place of worship to me.

The Guggenheim (of course!). The architecture was as impressive as the art.

Looking across the reservoir to the Upper West Side on a rainy Saturday. I'm so glad my first glimpse of Central Park was on a moody, foggy, atmospheric day.

But I also appreciated that same view on a sunny Tuesday!

In an attempt to neutralize urban overload, I thoroughly enjoyed a long solitary walk in Central Park where I nicely regained my bearings.

Our lovely well-located brownstone B & B on the Upper East Side. Central Park was at the end of our street and the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art were just a few blocks away.

View from our B & B window. The perfect place for someone like me, who can literally spend hours enjoying the small details of an urban courtyard. More detail views below.