What I saw in Italy #1 part 2

 Just a few more pics to share from the church basement mosaics. I only took one photo of the sanctuary. It was very plain, but beautiful in it's own way. I wish I had taken a picture of the nun at the back playing on her cell phone. She hardly seemed to notice us wondering about.  

The last one is my big inspiration. I can't wait to interpret it in fiber. Maybe wool? It just makes me feel good to look at it. Who was the artist? How old is it? Where did the materials come from? I have so little information to go on. For now, I just enjoy looking at it and thinking. 

What I saw in Italy #1

 
Chiesa di Santa Maria della Piazza

This church was a delightful find, just a block from our hotel in Ancona, Italy. Our cab driver, from the airport, pointed it out as a must see. Upon entering, we were not really sure why, but then a sign reminding us to not step on the mosaics in the basement told the story. The floors and walls had the most interesting display! I was so happy that we had the full of tourist information cab driver. 

A few frescos on the walls were also preserved. I am thinking that 2 (or more) projects will come from this adventure. #1 - I am feeling the desire to return to writing my "white book". So many photos from years of looking around.... They need a little home. #2 - I have fallen in love with mosaics. Is it because of my quilt background? The patterns, colours, and designs speak to me. Can I push the envelope and create a series of stitched quilt mosaics? Yes. 

A summer of creating just for fun and exploration is in front of me. Very few commitments (compared to other years), has blessed me with time to play. There are so many ideas floating in my head - I just need to begin!

Packed and ready to go!

 Doesn't this look amazing?!

My cousin and I are headed to Italy for an art workshop in Montelparo, Italy. Wow!!! It's finally time to go. I'm looking forward to an art overdose, awesome food, and time with Gail. 

Play time: Silk Fusion

 I've neglected play time during the past months while working on quilts for the Quad City Arts Exhibit. It feels good to take time to experiment and explore. 

The silk process is very simple. Layer the silk roving and fuse it together with textile medium. Let it dry. How easy is that! The added stitches take some time, but I do like to keep my hands busy.

Tourmalinated Quartz

 Oh yes - I see black random stitches in my future!

Altar of the Jade Pagoda

This lovely was made in 1933. Designed by Chang Wen Ti in China. 

Carved from a nine-ton boulder purchased by Mr. Chang Wen Ti in 1915 in northern Myanmar, this pagoda and the altar objects include over 1,000 pieces of jade. It took 150 skilled jade carvers more than 10 years to finish.  The pagoda was first exhibited at the Century of Progress Exposition in Chicago in May 1933 and then at the San Francisco Golden Gate Exhibition in 1939. In 1965 the Chang family donated it to the Oakland Museum. It was gifted to to the Lizzadro Museum in 2018.

Rocks!

 A visit to a lapidary museum in Oak Brook was an inspirational day trip. One big take away for me - I had no idea that jade came in so many colours! 

The 18th century jade snuff bottles caught my eye. I ❤️ little bottles