The Patchwork of Life in China

I have been a bit overwhelmed and have had trouble getting back into art or posting on my blog since returning from China. I guess all the Christmas festivities, parties, dinner plans etc have been distractions as well. However, I have been making 'Bazola' jewellery after some gentle nudging from Baz. See his blog for the latest results.

I have just read Donnna Watson's ['Layers'] post on the Japanese 'Boro' patchwork - thanks Donna. This type of 'patchwork' really makes my heart sing and I feel inspired to post some vaguely patchwork related images from my recent China trip.

...jade burial ornament, circa 600BC

...antique silk garment sleeves,

...patchworked canvas truck tarp,

...potter's apron,

...dripping canvas protecting a water outlet,

...old sandals,

...Jackson Li wearing a traditional potter's vest,

... mops made from old T shirts and track pants.

...silk weaving,

...demonstration of synthetic fabric burning.

Walls will be my next post, so feel free to skip that one - ie- my friends who give me a hard time about walls - you know who you are!!!





a SERIOUS brush

...yes, this was a SERIOUS brush but I didn't buy it as it was the start of our trip - how to carry it around for 3 weeks?

I think it was about $300 [before bargaining] - probably a good buy.

...and this was a SERIOUSLY delicious nut gelato/smoothie/icecream thingy that satisfied the sweet cravings but was probably full of all sorts of artificial unmentionables.

CHINA

Yes, I am back from China.
I am loading piccies to my facebook at the moment - will post some arty pics on the blog when I get a chance. For those interested in my 'holiday snaps', go to:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.321525661196214.98379.100000163496292&type=1&l=7aa1cb0c5e

Hopefully it will work.

Guilin and the Li river, S Central China.

Christine Elcoate and I on the 'Dragon bridge'.

Tourist transport.

Christine and I had a brilliant time - such an amazing country - such contasts to Australia and the rest of the Western world - the piccies will tell the stories.

I hope to catch up with you all via comments in the next week xoxoxoxo

China

I'm off to China tomorrow for 3 1/2 weeks - partly holiday, but with lots of connecting with artists, administrators and schools.  My artist friend, Christine Elcoate, and I are going to 4 cities -ahhhhh - only 4 beds - not like my Europe and Morocco trip earlier this year. There has been lots of preparation for the associated activities - collaborative kids' paintings, ceramic tiles, kindergarten projects, mini exhibitions, etc.
I think this trip will be a real eye opener for me.
I will obviously not be blogging for a few weeks, so I look forward to catching up with you all again in November.
More photos of doors and walls coming up...?

By the way, my daughter received her presents yesterday - she loved them all - she had 'the best birthday ever' - what more could you ask for?