Proms 2013

One of my favourite concerts at the proms- Gorecki, Vaughan Williams and Tchaikovsky. Last night tonight. 

Though the sublime musical experience was almost topped by the caramelised figs and walnuts ice cream I had at Odonno's in South Ken beforehand:) ......will certainly be back.

IJL 2013

Called in to IJL today to collect some stones from Marcia Lanyon which had been ordered specially for me. I saw the Runway plus stunning new work from established and emerging designers: Kickstart and Bright Young Gems, Sarah Ho and Fei Liu being among my favourites.  

Definitely worth as visit, it's on til 4th Sept

Cloud Collage

Panicale, Italy

As we get to the tail-end of the summer, and inspired by my trip to Italy, I'm in the mood to make a cloud collage of my pics from different countries. 

Here it is...... all going on my Cloudtastic board on Pinterest. 

Tao Fong Shan, Hong Kong

Gotland 1

Chongqing, China

Gotland 3

Gotland 2

Dali, China

Cinema Paradiso

Watched a big projection of the Italian classic on the wall of the village square, thanks to our very own 'Alberto' from London. 

 

Alberto and Toto

Tuscany studio

Not many jewellers get to go on holiday and find a bench has been set up, with stunning views across the hills.

liked the knot of wood on the edge which worked well as a bench peg

I did a few hours of filing in the best studio space ever, looking out across the valley at Panicale. Was relaxing to do a bit of work - followed by sunbathing, then eating, then a bit more work.

Wouldn't mind working from a hilltop studio in the future.

It's easy to work when you have views like this.....

Italy mountainscapes

Just back from Tuscany and the two weeks have been chillout time - and pretty productive too. We had a big art studio set up for kids and adults. Some varied creative approaches to painting! 

I did some paint play, using my Chinese brushes (and a bit of salt) and 

am happy with these dramatic little pieces. It's just fun to have a go. 

Ultra Vanities at Goldsmiths

I dropped off a ring at Goldsmiths today for early hall and called in to see the summer exhibition 'Ultra Vanities- Bejewelled Make-Up Boxes from the Age of Glamour'. I had about half an hour before closing time. Ten minutes before the end, I started drawing a Cartier compact, then a Rozanes compact, each made from Onyx and Jade. The more I drew, the more I saw.

I'll call back again when I pick up my client's mother of pearl ring and I'll return with my pencil and paper.

These little bejewelled compacts, 'necessaire de beaute', from the 1920's to the 1970's are exquisitely crafted, with tiny drawers and compartments for wealthy fashionable clients' make-up and cigarettes. Van Cleef and Arpels is one of the fashion houses represented and has some of my favourites, but I loved the Cartier compacts, similar to the one below, with the chain and tube (is that to hold a tiny lipstick? Will have to find out.....)

The Oriental influence is seen in many 1920's compacts, like this one from Cartier with green jade, black onyx

Masterpiece 2. Bill Viola

Lifespans

I was so pleased to see the new Bill Viola video 'Lifespans' premièred at Masterpiece through his London Gallery Blain Southern. I chatted to a helpful person from the gallery about Viola, who is one of the most influential artists of our time and one of my all-time favourites. I was delighted to hear about a new installation by Viola which will be coming to St Paul's sometime soon. The first of its kind, it will be a permanent installation in the cathedral. I'm looking forward to seeing that.

I've loved his work ever since I was mesmerised by it at the Tate Modern years ago - slow-motion videos in reverse, of people diving into water. Mesmerising and meditative, the room was packed full of silent crowds, immersed in the darkened room with four large screen videos. Very special to experience art like for the first time: ground-breaking art that which slows you down to reflect on life.

This interview with Viola, in which he explains the underlying reason for his fascination with water, is worth watching.

Boxpark

Getting off the train at Shoreditch I came across Boxpark for the first time. Boxpark is the world's first pop-up mall. I saw personal favourites like Marimekko alongside lots of new designers. Big brands next to emerging ones - great combination!

With shops made from shipping containers this is vibrant community of a range of designers selling on a very cool level playing field.

Choral celebration at St John's Smith Square

We heard an incredible performance last last at St John's Smith Square from a larger than usual Oriana Choir - the last with their current musical director, David Drummond - with many members from previous years joining to create the most spectacular sound, accompanied occasionally by two pianists and percussionists. And a trumpeter for a couple of pieces.  With a wide range of music from Renaissance to contemporary, it was uplifting, poetic, moving and entertaining. Favourites were Rossini, Holst and the powerful and dramatic  'O Fortuna' from Carmen Burana. 

A few members of the choir, but last night the numbers must have been around 100

Interior of St John's 

Just had to add this drawing of the church in its original setting!

So special after hearing such a performance, to then walk along the riverbank past the Houses of Parliament and Westminster and realise what an amazing city we live in.

Masterpiece 2013

I was given a ticket for Masterpiece last year and knew I'd be back in 2013 to see it again.
Interesting walking through what was the Chelsea Flower Show only a few weeks ago to see yet another amazing exhibition in the same grounds, this time all under cover.
Highlights for me this year were the galleries showing contemporary Chinese Brush Painting: I loved Gao Xingjian's sublime ink on paper, in the Aktis Gallery and Yang Yanping in Michael Goedhuis Gallery.

Work by Gao Xingjian, similar to one I saw at Masterpiece 

I missed the talk on contemporary Chinese brush painting given by Michael Goedhuis and hope to hear another one sometime soon.

Jewellery Week 2013

One year on from Treasure 2012 at Somerset House, I'm delighted to be in the group show Luxe By Me  10-16th June which is showing during London Jewellery Week.

Call in and see nine fantastic designers at Luxe by Me in Craft Central, Clerkenwell.