Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Art from "...of Things Past"








We bought this large woodblock proof (1/1) by Sharon Merkur a few weeks ago from "...of Things Past"*

It was love at first sight. She caught my eye from across the room. My heart started to beat a little faster as I navigated around chairs and occasional tables with my two little ducks following behind me. I was hoping it wouldn't be too expensive. Since it had been in the store for several months, it was reduced by 50%! I called my husband over,

"What do you think?"

"I don't know anything about buying art."

"Just tell me if you hate it."

"I don't hate it." 

He stood guard while I fetched a clerk to take it down from the wall. It came as you see it, floating in double glass with a thin brass frame.

To me, she is a mother worn down by life. For some reason, I can't imagine her not as a mother. I think there was a large family, probably a handful of boys, maybe she had to work a night job to bring in additional income. I don't see grief...she doesn't make me sad. I love that she is gazing away, she doesn't seem to know what to do with her hands. I even love her wide bottom. 

The technique is gorgeous and my photos do not do it justice.

I'd love to hear what you think!


*We bought this before the store's recent clear out sale, so the walls were full of interesting pieces. ...of Things Past will definitely be a place I check first when I want new art. 

ps. we intend to hang it from the bookshelves. The left side of the french doors.

6 comments:

  1. love it. totally agree...i get the mother vibe too.

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  2. My husband picked Claudia - the large black and white in our dining room...at least, the designer showed it to us (among many other things)...and he loved it immediately, I wasn't sold (mostly because I am afraid to spend money)...it took me 6 months and the decision to make it super large before I could agree (again, probably because of the money...I know art is worth it, but I get a sore tummy when I spend too much at once)...


    my point? um...


    probably isn't one...ha

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  3. Oh, and I noticed that Charles in East of Eden wrote 'ha ha ha' in one of his letters to his brother Adam ...and I now feel like it is ok to write ha ha ha....If Steinbeck did it, good enough of me!


    again, no point here...

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  4. I need more walls!

    I can't imagine this house without art.

    Maya, our designer, is connected in the Toronto Art Scene, so she held our hand when we bought most of what is on our walls (4 years ago, time flies!)...now I have the confidence to buy what I love...

    Of course, the budget isn't always in line with my taste...but in this case the two came together!!!

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  5. I love it too, it's so unique and i can't wait to see where you find it's home. I bought my first piece of 'real' art this year. Actually, my husband bought it for me for my birthday while I sat there deliberating for weeks whether we should spend the money or not. I was able to borrow it from the artist and i would hang it in different spots to get a vibe. Anyhow, I fall in love with it more and more everyday and it makes me happy.

    I'm new to your blog- i love it! Thanks so much for being a hip, creative stay at home mom! You're very inspiring :)

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