Monday, October 22

Okay, so...here goes...






I have to start back somewhere, and I'm starting with art. Writing about wallpaper, lighting and pink fluffy pillows seems quite asinine to me at the moment. When you lose someone special, all those extra sensory perceptions bounce into perspective and it's tough to be trite. Never fear, though, I will get back to that fun stuff soon. I can't stay all Jack Handy deep-thoughts and philosophical forever. That's not really what I'm here for, huh?

I ventured out for the first time in two days since Coop's passing and I chose the San Francisco Open Studios with good friends Eszter and Lisa. I knew they wouldn't coddle me, and they'd be there for me at the same time. They get it already, without having to say too much, or too little.





I met them at this gorgeous, light filled loft on Folsom Street, run down to be sure,
but filled with the most lovely art studios. I could picture living there...stark, new,
old and fresh at the same time. It's hard to be home right now. I need to hear the
pitter patter of paws on hardwood, and they're just not there. The loft seemed cold,
yet cool enough I could handle it. So, I'm going to share some of the beautiful
things I saw on Saturday, without a whole lot more commentary. I gotta start
somewhere, and I gotta start slow. Speaking of beautiful, this one's for Coop.


First stop this amazing mini, and not so mini lush forest within the large concrete building.
That tree, well, it's not a tree, it was built tiny bits of bark, by tiny bit by artist Justine Light.

Beautiful oils by painter Elana Kundell.


Such lovely light. Encaustic paintings by Charli Ornett.





Tiny boats of glass by
Alexander Sarkis Abajian.


The big city.

A hidden staircase to the top of the lofts. And structures we weren't sure of.


18 comments:

janine de waal said...

I am glad you have ventured out... and it was an excellant choice of ventre....

Anonymous said...

welcome back...

Unknown said...

Oh, thank you for sharing this lovely experience! I love that first photo!

Anonymous said...

So sorry about Cooper. I have lost two much-loved dogs in my life and it never gets easier but it certainly hasn't diminished my love for dogs any - if anything, it has only strengthened it.

Those final images are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

*melanie from www.meli-mello.com

erin said...

see those jars full of plants? when i was about 12 i had my bedroom windowsill completely covered with jars of plants and mosses i'd found in the woods near my house. i had lids on most so i didn't have to worry about watering them. i even had some of them flowering in december. unfortunately after about a month there was a huge bug hatch and my bedroom was completely filled with gnats, and other microscopic flies and things. it was horrible. i don't recommend doing this at home!

Anonymous said...

Still thinking of you often. You have been missed.
I hope the happy memories can make you smile soon. One day at a time.

Anonymous said...

Either it got lost in the shuffle or you don't want to toot your own horn but congratulations on being voted one of Home Rejuvenation's 10 Most Influential Design Bloggers. That's major!

Anonymous said...

Those boats of glass really are amazing. So fragile, like your spirit, when something so deep, as death, touches you. I know how you feel...lost in loss.

Warm hugs.

Anonymous said...

What a lovely first venture out. I'm glad that you got to see some visually stunning stuff at Open Studios, and you've reminded me I need to heat out myself.

Lisa said...

First, my condolences on the loss of your dog Cooper. It is never easy to lose someone we love heart and soul. Good to see you got out and about. I have been a silent observer to your site for a bit now. My advice....keep moving and going and seeing and doing...
Moving and doing seems to have helped me when I was first widowed (at 38). I think to much when I'm home and don't have anything to do..which on some days is good and others not so good.

I love the first photo as it reminded me of the book "Hollis Woods" by Lois Lowry (one I just finished reading with a 4th grader I tutor... in the book, the art teacher makes tree people sculptures and this is exactly my take on what they'd look like! awesome!

Lisa

Anonymous said...

I love the boats and I am proud of you for forging ahead; we don't know eachother well, but your words feel so familiar. Good job posting and good words---good words. jana

Anonymous said...

nice to have you back. i just clicked back through each and every one of your posting since the day you started, and i'm nothing if not utterly inspired. i also see in the photos who's been your must and the love of your life. i'm dearly sorry about cooper, but look how many of us still look to you for inspiration each and every day! we need you too...
-kiko-

Samantha said...

Thanks for your post, and I'm sending good thoughts your way for the shaky days that lie ahead. Losing someone you love so much is never easy.

Anna said...

glad to see you back, victoria! and thank you for sharing these lovely photos with us -- that rooftop structure is amazing.

thinking of you and your sweet coop.

Thainá Vivas said...

Others this blog!
I adored!
It passes in mine!
I wait that Portuguese understands!
hahahahaha

Kisses!

Rona Chang said...

Heading outdoors is good for the spirit.Thanks for posting these photos. I love the glass boats and realized that they were made by Alex who I went to HS with. I am planning a studio visit of my own with him in two weeks!

cloudsquall said...

i like the pic of the big city that is a really nice painting

Ali Sancı said...

Hello,realy very good