Thursday, March 26, 2009

How To Brighten My Day:

Yesterday was a damp, dark, cold and gloomy day. A good day to stay inside and watch tv with Pooch. So there I was, watching Csi Vegas with The Hound draped over my lap, when the doorbell chimed: "One Ringy-Dingy, Two Ringy-Dingies". Huh!? That means the kitchen door. Only friends use that door, and no one gave me a heads-up that they were dropping by. I went to see what was what... and found this:



The UPS guy did his usual ring-the-bell-and-run routine as he delivered this gargantuan box. A glance at the label told me it was from my Mom. I'd forgotten she told me to expect a package on Weds.

I cut the tape and opened the box, and Wowowow.... inside I found this:


"Easter Morning" by Karen Bannister '08

A combined anniversary and birthday gift from her to me. I'd seen this painting during my October visit with her and declared it "my new favorite" of all her works. How lovely to own it now! This photo doesn't really do it justice as the plexiglass reflected back some light. The background is more a soft buttery yellow and the flowers are a bit more "punched up". It's the perfect answer to a dreary day, so soft and full of light.

You'd hardly know by looking at this gorgeous piece that Mom had never painted a watercolor until 1998. It was after my father's sudden and unexpected death, and she was feeling so lost. A friend who is a painter suggested Mom join her in a lesson, and that's all it took. She was hooked. Newly obsessed, she neglected her gardens (her past obsession), going so far as to hire a gardening service to do that for her so she'd have more time to paint.

She transformed her dining room into a studio, and bought a small drop-leaf table to pull out when she has guests in for a meal. Everyone who knows her even a little understands that she dismantles her studio set-up only for massively special occasions. She's got at least 3-4 paintings going on at a time, switching between them as she waits for layers to dry.

She's had several one-woman shows in her local area, as well as works in group shows, including the Garden State Watercolor Society. I think she's found herself at last.

Thanks, Mom. I love it.

17 comments:

Our Hands For Hope said...

Hey there Shibori girl. I swear like I told you before your name brings me back to college days. Not kegger parties of late night finals kind of college. Designing textiles in the lab my fav!
So your Mom's wc is wonderful. I was taken by the story. Isn't art healing. I love it.

High Desert Diva said...

What a marvelous gift!

Lucky you!

Jewelry Rockstar said...

What a great story. Nice to see mom pour herself into something so creative and awe-inspiring.

lori vliegen said...

what a beautiful post, kate! so touching to read about your mom's art journey...and the watercolor is absolutely beautiful! i also so enjoyed reading about your father...a master harpsichord builder?! wow!! i can see that genius runs in your family...and now i have a better understanding as to how you can sit for hours on end stringing microscopic beads onto a string (wire?) and create such a masterpiece!! :)

Anonymous said...

MAN ALIVE....seriously you have a very very talented family! You come from a long line of talented artists I'm guessing? It's fab, your mom is amazing, as are you :)

Lori

Cecile/DreamCreateRepeat said...

That is a lovely story. The watercolor is beautiful and I appreciate your sharing a pic!

Faded Plains said...

How beautiful of your mom to send you such a beautiful piece of art...and especially meaningful since she painted it.

Fete et Fleur said...

What a beautiful piece! I love the soft colors. It must be wonderful to belong to such an amazingly talented family.

Nancy

Isabel said...

Beautiful painting! Inspiring story! You must be so proud of your mom :)

Isabel said...

And Kate, I didn't know your momma lives in the Garden State. I am just about 20 minutes away from your father's apprentice shop in Lambertville! Next time she has a show...maybe I could drop by and pay her a visit.

3rdEyeMuse said...

that is surely a fine treasure of a gift ... you've got yourself a good mama!! the painting looks beautiful.

Marilee Rockley said...

Wow, what a beautiful painting, and it's so wonderful that your mom discovered this hidden talent!

Snap said...

Wonderful post. Talent runs in the family, I see! Your Mom proves it's never too late to find your bliss! Thanks for sharing with us. Happy Spring!

Terri Pezzullo - Handmade said...

Hi Kate, I don't know when your birthday is or your anniversary so happy days to both!! What a beautiful painting and wonderful gift to receive from your mother!

She is truly a great artist like her daughter..........

Hugs and Kisses
Terri

rochambeau said...

What a lovely surprise! And a generous gift of the heart arriving at the appointed hour from your mom!! You and your mother are both an inspiration!!

Happy Sunday Kate!

xox
Constance

Unknown said...

WOW!!! What a fabulous gift from your mom! Very lovely. It's beautiful.

Just wanted to say thank you for entering my blog giveaway/celebration! Not to worry, both you comments came through and you are entered in the giveaway! :)

Vera said...

Kate, now I know where your talent has come from! Gorgeous!