Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Art, Art I Want You

We shipped a few pieces of furniture, some artwork, and two boxes of miscellaneous goods from my mother's (The Dowager Duchess) New York apartment in late August. It went from there to Amsterdam to Madrid and finally arrived here in Fuengirola today.

New York and Madrid were great — well, except for the guy who incompetently packed the two boxes of miscellaneous goods. So, OK, Madrid was great.

The representative in Amsterdam sat on the shipment for nearly three months. As he explained to San Geraldo, when he finally responded, "It's a long way from Amsterdam to Spain."

But, it's here. And it's a joy to see my mother's things in our house — especially my mother's paintings, sculptures, and needlework.

Today's photo is an embroidery The Dowager Duchess did more than 25 years ago. It's 18 x 22 inches (46 x 56cm) and the work is so expert that, at first glance (and sometimes even after careful study), most people think it's an oil painting.

As we unpack and start to get organized, we're reminded of — and in awe of — my mother's exceptional talent. (Click the image to be wowed.)




"So I pondered the point of art in this life..."

28 comments:

  1. Oh, Mitchell. My heavens.
    You were always subtle about presenting your mother's talent here... we'd see a thing or two, and it wasn't always clear when you said "my mother's sculpture", that she was the artist. But, after seeing a sweater here, and another object or two there... I started to think that I needed to know more.

    Now, I know. I am just in awe. That needlepoint is... I mean... Mitchell! People say, "Words can't describe....", but... really... I have no words. So so so amazingly beautifully rendered.

    I can't wait (can't wait!!) to see more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Judy:
      We always knew my mother was very talented, but when everything arrived, we both marveled at the variety of things she was good at. I promise there are many more photos to come. We've been getting the house together and it's looking great.

      Delete
  2. Wow, she sure was talented. So nice to finally get her things to your home. I am glad you had some things shipped - kind of like a Christmas present

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    1. Cheapchick:
      It's just like a Christmas present! You're so right.

      Delete
  3. the needlework DOES look like an oil painting; you mom had such mad needle skillz!

    "hurry up and wait" - amsterdam to madrid is NOT as long as philly to san fran!

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    1. anne marie:
      Neighbors were here earlier today and even on close inspection couldn't believe it wasn't an oil painting. The Amsterdam shipper was a joke... but at least it all finally got here.

      Delete
  4. What a great surprise for you both at this time of year. Yes, your Mom's talent is remarkable to say the least. Looks to me that she passed on this talent to you, Mitch!

    Ron

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    Replies
    1. Ron:
      My mother always thought I was the real artist in the family, but I'm not so sure!

      Delete
  5. This is a beautiful work of art indeed! Your mother had a great eye for detail I see.
    A treasure.....

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  6. An utterly amazing piece of craft work - what a skilful mother you had.

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  7. That is a beautiful piece and what a joy it must be to have the DD in your home always.

    My mother was a bit of a painter and I have several of her works around this house and they always make me smile.

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    Replies
    1. Bob:
      It IS nice to have so many things here now. The vastness of her talent actually surprised me when we saw it all here.

      Delete
  8. You must be very pleased to finally have these treasures with you. That is a beautiful piece of artwork.

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  9. It shows a lot of talent and I can only imagine the patience required to complete something like that.

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    Replies
    1. Stephen:
      The patience is something that always amazed me. She was so intense, so precise, and so relaxed when she worked.

      Delete
  10. Your Mother's art is breathtaking.
    Be well, Mitchell. xo

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    Replies
    1. Robyn:
      Wait until you see what else I have to share. But this is one of our favorite needleworks (among many favorites).

      Delete
  11. Replies
    1. Walt the Fourth:
      I love showing off her talents. She'd be proud.

      Delete
  12. What a wonderful piece of work, treasures just in time for Christmas

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    Replies
    1. Travel:
      It really does feel like we've gotten a houseload of Christmas presents.

      Delete
  13. what a gorgeous piece of work - she was an artist!

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    Replies
    1. Willym:
      She knew she was skilled but she never truly appreciated how gifted she was.

      Delete
  14. Replies
    1. Spo:
      I hung it in our entry, so I get to admire it every time I pass by.

      Delete

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