Original Paintings, Original Cushions, Fresh Flowers and company

When asked to describe the difference between a craftsperson and an artist, a friend answered as follows:

A labourer works with her hands

A craftsperson works with her hands and her head

An artist works with her hands, her head and her heart.

Zara

On Thursday, I entertained a group of long time girlfriends at our home.    It is curious how people are drawn to items which are handmade with love (they definitely contain an energy that seems to attract)  This corner was sought out.  The painting is "Saturday Morning" original in oil on canvas, painted by Helen Tilston -this was juried and hung at the Florence Biennale, at the Fortessa di Bassa in Firenze Italy. The vase is Waterford crystal(hand blown crystal) a wedding gift from my late mother, the tulips and delphiniums are from the corner store. The lamp is a family antique (an old soda spritzer converted to a lamp by my late Father in law, Fred Tilston) John Rocha candlesticks(Irish designer who created a line of crystal for waterford) The cushions are hand sewn silk, stuffed with down. The red pillow has a tapestry superimposed and has two types of gold braiding also hand sewn.

As a toddler I learned to knit from my grandmother in Ireland.  She was a designer. Through osmosis I must have picked up her talent as I found in later years I could design any style or shape in knitwear. This passion developed and I pursued a career in knitwear design.  My knitwear was all hand knitted.  I have an aversion to knitting machines and this applies to sewing machine too.  It must be the noise the machine makes.  I also have a passion for hand sewing on fine linen, silks, lace and luxury fabrics. (also beading)

My new wing back chair, awaiting ottoman - store bought pillow, the seascape is my first oil painting. The portrait is by B.Bull, in watercolour

I have a selection of hand sewn, down filled silk cushions and tapestry cushions. (I have two cushions which are store bought- one is on my new chair, the other is used as a cushion for Mike's lap-top )


I know, I know I should be in my studio painting.  When in Italy over a year ago, I started a painting in Tuscany which is still in early stages, I have sketches and photos as reference and am looking forward to being transported back to the back road somewhere between Lucca and Greve in Chianti.

quick study blocked in on a 12 x 12 canvas

I served seafood lasagna, salad and lemon pie and wine both red and white.

The last of the revellers departed at midnight.


Your comments are heartily welcome.