Monday, July 22, 2013

My Favorite Color

Hot summer days require a few trips to the beach at Hammamet, and consequently, a visit to the brocantes (antique stores) while the kids splash around in a turquoise sea and dig in the sand under a turquoise sky. 






Yes, blue leaning toward turquoise is my favorite color. I posted about THE vase found in an Italian antique shop here. Such depth of color and intricacy of design.


Quite unexpectedly, I ran into several striking pieces of fine craftsmanship in a Hammamet brocante that took my breath away.
A pedestal and large bowl with a diameter of about 18"/45cm stood in stately splendor. 
Sumptuous.


A set of pedestals and bowls, however, nearly brought me to my knees.
Despite a thick layer of dust, the depth of color shines through.
I would have taken these home if I could have. The proprietor certainly didn't have much respect for these lovely objects covered in dust. However, he had a fair idea of their worth--he wanted about $4,000 for the set. Gulp. 

So turquoises and blues have been on my mind lately.  I usually avoid using them in my artwork because I would put them everywhere. However, the intensity of these colors reflects well the idea of summer in Tunisia. Maybe I'll pull out some fabric from my stash.

15 comments:

Carole Reid said...

Go for it, Nadia!!!!! These vases, bowls, pedestals sing as I know your work would too. Keep cool. When I whine about being hot I always think of you and that reminds me how hot you must be. xo Carole

Silvana Vituriano Celistre said...

I love all shades of blue!

Laura McGrath said...

The turquoise color is gorgeous, but they are just too ornate and over-the-top for me! Turquoise always make me feel like summer, too, with water, sky, and a peaceful feeling.

Cate Rose said...

Mine, too! Those gorgeous pieces are to die for!

Magpie's Mumblings said...

Spectacular colour - it must have been SO hard to leave them in the shop.

Merilyn said...

They really are gorgeous pieces, reminiscent of a very different time!!! Ornate and luscious!!!
The colour really is a summer hue....

blandina said...

Turquoise is a great colour, those pieces are to die for. Pity that you couldn't go home with a souvenir!

Rachaeldaisy said...

Those bowls and vases are amazing, and even more so for being in that wonderful shade of turquoise blue. It'll be great to see where this inspiration leads you...

Stitching Lady said...

Really beautiful, Nadia, but never for our homes! The price is remarkable - good that you took photos - to remember.

Tonya Ricucci said...

gorgeous. 4,000 eeeek, but those are fab. I bought tons of turquoise-dyed alabaster vases when I lived in Egypt. I love them all displayed together.

Norma Schlager said...

I'm a blue person, too, and love turquoise! Those vases took my breath away.

Janet M. Atwill said...

Just wondering if anyone knows the mineral, etc., that creates the color in some of these blue pieces? And the Florence picture is provocative for two reasons for me. The eerie reflection (if that's what it is) in the glass. It also reminds me of my Anatolian friend--I know that's a stretch, but http://www.livius.org/ei-er/ephesus/ephesus_artemis.html.

Diane Wright said...

The blues are sublime if pricey. And, truth be told, heart stopping beautiful. Thanks for coloring ny afternoon :-)

Michele said...

Lovely blues! I can certainly see why they took your breath away! Just gorgeous :-)

Linda A. Miller said...

Turquoise is also my favorite color and I do use it in my work. Try it!