First off, thanks for your support that made my artist residency at Vallauris possible. I will be getting your Kickstarter incentives to you by the dates promised.
As I wrote you all after my first week, I realized how intermittent the internet connection was at the residency. My Facebook friends have seen photos & been able to follow me. I wasn't able to post on this blog except for a few times.
The town of Vallauris is small, unspoiled and very quiet.But this year the XXIII Biennale Internationale of Contemporary Ceramics was happening in several venues around the town. This was a bonus for me as I got to see the ceramic work of many European artists that I didn't know existed. With a free pass, I went many times and was very inspired. Unfortunately there were no photos allowed.The Biennale drew tons of visitors to the town and they were everywhere. It reminded me of North Adams Open studios when our main st. would have many more people walking about.
Back at the Blue Door studio, I was working to get ceramic pieces finished in time for the kiln firings for our show.
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| Heads that will hang on the wall |
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| A bust that will be on a clay brick with pictures on it. |
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| Limoges porcelain plates with blue transfer words and decoration |
As the claywork was getting fired, I worked on mono prints. Here is one that I exhibited.
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| " Guardians" |
I was truly inspired by the buildings with their colors, intricate ironwork and those wonderful antique hand door knockers Here are just a few examples:
Just a few hand door knockers: they were everywhere I went, I love them!
I did go to Antibes to see the town and the Picasso Museum. It did not disappoint and I went back once more before I left France. Again, no photographs. It is the most beautiful museum I have ever seen! Filled with his drawings, paintings and ceramics, I was overcome with delight.
The view from the Picasso Museum! Picasso saw this everyday he worked there. How inspiring is that?
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Antibes is one of the towns I really loved and will continue to be energized and inspired by.  |
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| Here I am in front of my three wall pieces in the gallery. |
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| My daughter , Gavin came from London for the opening. |
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| My figure found a home in the A.I.R. gallery in Vallauris |
Our last night, at where we ate the first night. The lovely and delicious Le Cafe du Coin. Run by two brothers, staffed with a fabulous chef and a lovely server who works very hard. The food is amazing and right next door! They were so patient with our french and made us feel so welcome. It was hard to say good by.
So, I am now back in North Adams Massachusetts, deep into the last of fall leaves I am enjoying time in my studio happily working on the Kickstarter incentives that will be sent out in November.
Thank you dear supporters!