Barry and I have spent a bit of time of late on the road, doing our work-work.
We headed west to the Darling Downs (lovely name) and spent a few days there working, and then drove further west to Goondiwindi where Barry had work in the Aspects Art Show. It was a successful trip all round and Barry's beautiful work "Bending" was acquired by a collector in Goondiwindi, and also won 2nd prize in the Open Section, against 90+ other candidates. He took home some nice prize money, and we were both so thrilled and chuffed. I was very very proud, even if it meant that the artwork I coveted would not be gracing our own garden…
As is our want, along the way we stopped here and there, poking our heads into art galleries, coffee shops and collectables stores and found some wonderful treasures.
Here is a pile of boxes and rusty tins that I picked up. I keep imagining artworks in them, but for now they are stacked and tidy.
This is a wee treasure Barry bought for me on the way home. Is it not the most precious sewing machine? He just kept thinking that it would be perfect for sewing on paper. He has lovingly cleaned it up for me, discovered the manual on-line and has explored it history (circa 1880). We are now on the hunt for some needles and then - off I go!
I also found these wonderful old hand-made nails; and these nibs.
But I think my real highlight of the trip was this. I was looking through some paper-ephemera and saying to the man in the shop how I loved the handwriting, He said, oh, if you like handwriting, you'll like this…
And I did.
He brought out a 1792 land transfer document from England.
I fell in love with the word possession and that was it.
The script is so lovely and the two pages of vellum are held together so beautifully I had no hope. Lucky for me it was not really expensive and I am thrilled to now have it at home, where I will at some point, transcribe the document and get a real sense of its purpose, and then see where that leads me.
Of course, there has been a fair bit of follow-up work-work to do; but that seems like a small price to pay for such a rewarding trip away!
We headed west to the Darling Downs (lovely name) and spent a few days there working, and then drove further west to Goondiwindi where Barry had work in the Aspects Art Show. It was a successful trip all round and Barry's beautiful work "Bending" was acquired by a collector in Goondiwindi, and also won 2nd prize in the Open Section, against 90+ other candidates. He took home some nice prize money, and we were both so thrilled and chuffed. I was very very proud, even if it meant that the artwork I coveted would not be gracing our own garden…
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| ©2014 Barry Smith - Bending |
Here is a pile of boxes and rusty tins that I picked up. I keep imagining artworks in them, but for now they are stacked and tidy.
This is a wee treasure Barry bought for me on the way home. Is it not the most precious sewing machine? He just kept thinking that it would be perfect for sewing on paper. He has lovingly cleaned it up for me, discovered the manual on-line and has explored it history (circa 1880). We are now on the hunt for some needles and then - off I go!
I also found these wonderful old hand-made nails; and these nibs.
But I think my real highlight of the trip was this. I was looking through some paper-ephemera and saying to the man in the shop how I loved the handwriting, He said, oh, if you like handwriting, you'll like this…
And I did.
He brought out a 1792 land transfer document from England.
I fell in love with the word possession and that was it.
The script is so lovely and the two pages of vellum are held together so beautifully I had no hope. Lucky for me it was not really expensive and I am thrilled to now have it at home, where I will at some point, transcribe the document and get a real sense of its purpose, and then see where that leads me.
Of course, there has been a fair bit of follow-up work-work to do; but that seems like a small price to pay for such a rewarding trip away!
give barry a big pat on the back from me! (and while you are nicely distracted I plan to rush in and get my hands on the wee sewing machine - what an absolute beauty!)
ReplyDeleteLoved it Ronnie! It is a serious machine for coveting isn't it?
DeleteOh so many treasures in this post! The amazing document, the sewing machine, stacked boxes and Barry's prize .... my heart is racing. I'm sure Barry will make you something similar to 'Bending' for your garden.
ReplyDeleteLots of lovely treasures Robyn - and yes I am encouraging Barry to consider another version of Bending!
Deletecongratulations, barry! it tickles me to see that we pick up similar "old junk". (yes to the nibs-amazing how one finds whole collections) and i have a deed, too. i will warn you-those red wax seals will stick to other things if they get a chance to get too hot and something is on top of them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for he warning about the wax Velma - I'm not all that surprised that we collect and gather the same old junk - it is so lovely isn't it?
DeleteI think Barry's sculpture is glorious. How I envy that collector who now has it gracing his garden. I can see why you'd want such a magnificent thing all for yourself. Still, you have other treats now to compensate a bit.... until Barry makes another 'Bending' just for you!
ReplyDeleteBending was a pretty special piece I think- and i am hopeful that he gets to make another version NFS tho time! And yes, as compensation I did get some wonderful bibs and bobs. Thanks Lesley!
DeleteI've always loved Barry's leaves most when seen in groups, so this sculpture really struck me. Wonderful that it won and has a new home ( though I know you'll miss it!) Great finds on your journey... a good reminder to me to get out of the forest and have a look around!
ReplyDeleteThanks Valerianna - You're right - in multiples like this they look stunning. It is occasionally worth it to leave the mountain and venture forth - so leaving the forest for a bit might reward you as well!
DeleteI have a very serious case of lust and envy and am already trying to work out when I can head up to Stanthorpe and raise this shop!
ReplyDeleteI'll give you directions Susan! You would love it - a wonderful old character and a shop full of treasures - with no lights, so we used our torches on our iphones! It was overcast and grey - on a sunny day apparently you can see inside! What a hoot.
DeleteWhat lovely prizes - all wonderful but I have a favourite - that sewing machine. It's a devine, sculptural object, even if it never sews a stitch again.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely Charlton - that sewing machine is such a beautiful object - if it sews, all the better!
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