Art Bead Scene June Challenge.. 'Ophelia'

Ophelia by Odilon Redon

c. 1900-05; Pastel on paper mounted on board, 19 7/8 x 26 1/2 in; The Woodner Collection 

This month's challenge from the Art Bead Scene blog challenge is 'Ophelia'.."The depiction of Ophelia seems not at all tragic, but rather an idyllic scene of a naked bather in a limpid pool of flowers. The design and colour scheme is masterly and original, being merely suggestive of the tragedy of death after rejection and madness." - Tony Thomas

The genius of this painting..sweet and beautiful, yet disturbing and tragic. I opted for black and touches of luscious color..yellow and orange..swimming in blues.

 I love the 'roundness' ..everything seems to come around..the end to the beginning. It is interesting that there is some discussion on how it should be viewed ..as pictured above or turned to its side...for me it seems to work any way.
 





StillpointWorks once again inspired me. Her wonderful polymer clay bead is the focal and the beginning. The blue tone was perfect, the etched uneasy surface giving just the right feeling ..along with black silk vintage trim, yellow opal crystals, a matte pink vintage lucite bead ..with a very black obsidian chunk, mottled  blue czech beads and finally a glassy cobalt blue dangle to capture the deep blue of the pool where Ophelia rests...

Secret Shops..revealed..II

Ok ..this shop is probably my biggest secret.

Unassuming at first glance, seemingly an unlikely place to find wonderful forgotten bits of the past..
.Laramie Studios on ebay.
A fav for almost 4 years now..it is the kind of shop that when opening a newly arrived package, I ALWAYS squeal with delight. These vintage finds never fail to be much more than expected. The metal findings are hefty, the details fine, and never 'melt' (like so much of the modern stuff ) when doing the heat patinas..and wow..how they come to life when patina-ed.



It was here I learned to love vintage plastic and lucite..lol I stiill cringe when I type 'plastic'..but these lovelies are wonderful! These white 'matte' leaves actually 'rustle' and 'clink' like fine porcelain..

The owners Laura and Elspeth are friendly and efficient ..and..!!.at the moment..there is a 50% sale going on in their ebay store for the next couple of days. Don't be put off by the dull ebay photos..there is a treasure trove to be found here.

                                                 My latest ..probably 50%  'Laramie'..

Azores...

My husband walked in the door the other day..so pleased with himself..'..I have something for you!'..ooh..?? I thought..must be goood...lol..had to swallow..my 'EEK!' ..and grin a rather yellow smile..

It was a very fresh (almost squirmy) HUGE squid!

Ha..welcome to the Azores.
  I.. who until my 20's, fish and seafood,apart from the odd shrimp or clam, had been basically square and breaded (as in fishsticks).. have learnt to be very brave..cleaning and cooking these lovelies..but well worth it..yum! Grilled with a bit of garlic, lemon and white wine ..yes ..can be easy to adapt.

My Secret Shops..revealed..

I want to share ..
.. a few of the wonderful shops I've found (on etsy and no so).
This first post presents..
Alchemy Shop  from Latavia..old Europe. A magical place full of unique vintage 'treasures'...

Tho' I visit almost every day..I have actually only bought one precious 'find' from here..but what a prize! I didn't even fav this one, as I usually do..hesitating, debating, wishing..right into the cart on first sight. Friendly and fast service and..delightful packaging!

I am pondering ..an image for the focal? ..or something else..This is a photo I took of a lonely chapel on a lake..here in São
 Miguel...I'd love some thoughts, comments or opinions..:)

The Lonely Chapel..Nossa Senhoa das Vitorias,Lagoa das  Furnas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

..and another image pendant in the making .. distressed photo print on pyrite stone.