Sunday, February 18, 2007

My new "painting"

I am very content tonight, churning with possibilities and creative inspiration (which will probably sizzle down to nothing by Wednesday). With all of my free time and the services of Netflix and the NFL, I have been watching a number of excellent movies. In the past month I have added to my favorites:
1. Sylvia (Gwyneth Paltrow at her best I think)
2. The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada
3. Frida (Salma plays the role perfectly. I fell in love with Frida and Salma.)
4. Kramer vs. Kramer
5. Dead Again (A contemporary film noir directed by Kenneth, thrilling, fascinating, and brilliantly displaying those pre-divorce sparks with Emma. They're my favorite acting pair by far.)
6. Emma (I may like the film better than the book, as scandalous as that sounds. Again, Gwyneth Paltrow makes this one come to life.)
7. Born into Brothels
My creative inspiration comes from today's trip to the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum. I really think it's my favorite museum in the world. It's small, accessible, and largely unknown, but it has an amazing eclectic collection of artifacts and art pieces that include: 16th century french wooden cabinets, 13th century Italian Madonna paintings, 6th century Chinese astrological figurines, remnants of Julian-age statues, original paintings of Queen Mary I and Philip IV, paintings by Rembrant, ancient Japanese wallpaper, 17th century Mexican cathedral tiles, 18th century Persian tapestries, and a 6th century Roman sarcophagus. Most of the items are unlabeled, which, I think, makes them more mysterious and fascinating. The whole place is absolutely amazing considering that it was apparently all collected by Isabella herself. AND, there is a freaking indoor courtyard in the center of the house complete with a glass ceiling, a living garden, and Roman statues. She must have been one hell of a rich and traveled woman. The house has remained largely unchanged for the past 80 years with the furniture and art pieces arranged as she had them. I wish so much that my sister Laura could've seen it. It was so fantastic that I bought a painting/poster copy of one of her paintings and it is the source of my inspiration.Tomorrow I plan on going curtain fabric shopping and frame hunting with my Zach. My hope is that this large replica is going to enliven the wintery apartment and add a touch of Isabella-style intrigue.

1 comment:

Jennifer Nissen said...

Born into Brothels is so interesting. Sad but hopefull. I found myself getting angry at the parents who wouldn't let their children attend school...I am glad you enjoyed it!