Art-e-cats

Another Pocket-full bites the dust!

Yes, I'm still under the Italian influence!  These are the pages for Vicki Sun's book - most of the photos were taken in Florence (the 3rd is in Pisa) and the large writing is from the floor of the Duomo.  The smaller typing is from a prayer on the back of a card (attached to back of artwork) which I picked up in a church, the front of which translates: "Blessed Celestina of the Mother of God, Maria Anna Donati, founder of the Congregation of the Poor Daughters of St. Joseph Calasanz".  There's a small circle at the bottom of the card containing what looks like a snippet of pink material - I'm not sure what it is so if anyone has an idea I'd love to know!

*** MEGA BOOK SALE ***

I've been clearing out my bookshelves and have listed them in the album on the right.  If you're interested in any of them, please email me for postage/shipping rates.  Here's a small selection:

 

Italy

The River Arno from the Ponte Vecchio bridge

Pocketfull RR

My (very late) pages in Susie LaFond's gorgeous fabric book - as you can see, I was heavily influenced by my recent trip to Tuscany.  Luckily I didn't get caught smuggling out the olive leaves!

 

I like silver ...

... but I LOVE antiqued silver! 

For a friend ...

PMC class

My friend Kim and I have recently come under the spell of silver clay since seeing some gorgeous samples at the Hobbycraft show in Birmingham.  Of course we couldn't rest until we'd booked a workshop each - I did mine today and was quite pleased with the results:

The first one was brushed but not tumbled after firing, the second tumbled and then dipped in liver of sulfur and the other two tumbled.  I had intended making the small one into earrings but managed to break one of them whilst sanding it.   Obviously I bought more supplies so have no excuse not to make another one!  If the last two pieces look familiar, I used Zettiology stamps to make the impressions.

A freebie from Tuscany for you to use in your artwork - this is a photo of detail from the facade of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Florence Cathedral).  I took over 300 photos on my holiday - thank goodness for digital cameras!  I wouldn't say this is my all time favourite cathedral (first place goes to the magnificent Notre Dame), but the detail and work involved is mind-blowing - a marble extravaganza!     

Animal cruelty in the name of "art"!

Bienal Centroamericana Honduras 2007

One of the "artists", Guillermo Vargas Habakkuk, allowed the death of a dog by starvation during the event.  He has now been chosen to submit work for the 2008 contest.

Further information can be found here with a statement from WSPA:  Urban Legends   

You can sign a petition to boycott his presence at the 2008 contest here:  Petition

You can also email the Bienal:   bienalcostarica@gmail.com  &  info@madc.ac.cr

How low can the human race sink?

Seal slaughter - your actions do count

Here's a reply from Sir Robert Atkins, Member of the European Parliament:

Dear Ms Berry,

Thank you for your letter of the 3rd April regarding Canada's annual
seal cull. Sir Robert shares your abhorrence of this cruel practice, and
would like to assure you of his absolute support for a full EU ban on
Canadian seal fur imports. You are quite right in your assertion that
the European Parliament has already called for such a ban. Sir Robert,
along with other Conservative MEP colleagues, are monitoring the
situation and will act accordingly to help end this annual slaughter.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further
assistance.

Kind regards,

William Thavenot (Political Assistant)

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We must all continue to put pressure on Canada to stop this cruelty!

The seal hunt - action you can take

Write to your MP and MEP - you can contact them here:  WRITE TO THEM

Sample letter - feel free to copy & paste:

"I understand that the European Union is contemplating action against the alleged culling of young seals by Canada.

I strongly urge you to do all you can to oppose this barbaric, horrific and cruel slaughter.  The Canadian Government says "Canada's seal hunt is humane, sustainable and responsible" - IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) has proved this is a downright lie - they have witnessed animals being hooked and skinned alive.  For proof read their blog and view the footage (if you are able, I'm not) - www.stopthesealhunt.co.uk   

The Canadian Government and Department of Fisheries and Oceans must not be allowed to condone these acts of barbarism any longer.

Please help in any way you can ..."

NOTE:    When you have completed the form, they will send you an email.  Click on the link to make sure the email is sent.