Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Inspire: it's not light we need but fire!

That's exactly what I was thinking this morning at 6.30am when I awoke to find the fire still burning in the hearth. Thank goodness for small mercies! Mind you, a little light also comes in handy at 6.30am in this part of the world, when all is dark and the only sound you can hear are the sounds of mice playing in the pasta packets in the pantry. Nice ;-)


There are projects in the air here at la Rivière. Subtle (and not so subtle) changes are occurring which bring out a hint of the inner fire. And where there's fire - there's colour!


Beaker has suggested a move to further shores. Seeing none of the options include Down Under, I've resolutely declined the offer. Not because I don't love to travel… BOY do I LOVE to travel!


 But because I'm setting up my own BIG art project here with marginalised women in Toulouse. A project I can move across to India afterwards.
Yes, as well as home schooling.
Yes, in case you were wondering, as well as trying to organise my own exhibitions.

Can you find the word 'courage' in the image up there?
I have to keep painting COURAGE in order to keep pulling it from somewhere.
I'm hoping to tap into a bottomless spring of it at some stage in the near future.

 Life here is all about metamorphosis. 
Even this piece rose out of the ashes.
Metaphorically speaking that is.


I just happened to splash a bottle of indigo ink I was having difficulty opening 
all over the bottom of a finished piece of work.
It was originally ONE WORD written on a page dating from 1715.
I nearly cried in frustration. 
NEARLY!
Then I started again with what I had, mistakes 'n' all.
Interesting what I ended up with.
Nothing like my original intention.

Does that ever happen to you?


It's not light that we need but fire; 
It's not the gentle shower but thunder; 
We need the storm, the whirlwind, the earthquake

Frederick Douglass 
(Dying to know who he is? Click here to find out.)

Have a great week every one :)
Ange
PS:  When I've framed it, like I intend to this week, I'll repost photos and put it up in my Etsy shop.

10 comments:

  1. men need to move , or so it seems to me. I honestly don't know how you do it all Ange, your list alone leaves me out of breath.
    Your indigo bottle and resulting piece of work read like a metaphor for my life ... sigh!

    xox

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  2. I love this new piece Ange.......and, it has metamorphosised into a stunning work of art. I love the old document as your base and it is so colouful and, I feel, a piece of happiness. Well, it makes me feel happy.
    Looking forward to seeing it framed.
    Your mice must be the happiest mice in France !! XXXX

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  3. Some say the world will end in fire,
    Some say in ice.
    From what I've tasted of desire
    I hold with those who favor fire.
    But if it had to perish twice,
    I think I know enough of hate
    To say that for destruction ice
    Is also great
    And would suffice.

    by Robert Frost

    Does that contribution win me your beer bread recipe, Ange?

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  4. i love when the coals are still there in the morning :)
    what is this beer bread you speak of on pretty far west? i am intrigued
    i see the courage right in the middle... where it needs to be i suspect
    ~laura xx

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  5. mmm mmm mmm sooo goood... lovin all the collage and graphics, just delish... xxo

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  6. Ange, you might want to just read this, but not post it! I thought you'd appreciate it, especially after the schools debacle.;-)
    http://real-france.blogspot.com/2011/11/integrate-assimilate-tailgate.html

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  7. Thanks, Ange, that recipe looks divine, especially the melted butter touch. Guinness is top of my shopping list in readiness, and I'll report back.

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  8. Hey Ange
    I think I need a fire.. and courage!! I think you've got it in buckets!!!

    Love the piece... it does remind me a little of fireworks!!

    Have a great weekend.. ciao xxx Julie

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  9. Very awesome post! I was anxious to see an informative stuff like that. Very brilliant share!

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  10. This piece has turned into the most beautiful accidental work Ange. I love it!
    What are you doing up at 4.45am? I know the peace and quiet (save the mice) will be quite delicious, but how will you survive the day. I'm saying this as the worst morning person I know. I keep saying I will train myself to get up earlier, but I'm a miserable failure when the alarm goes off. I see the word courage ever so clearly - I could do with one or two of your mantras myself at the moment. Take care. Amanda xx

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Can't think of a famous quote that says 'communication makes the world go round' so you 'll just have to get my clumsy way of putting it instead ;-) Your comments are precious. Thanks for dropping by!