You'll probably remember, appreciated reader, my recent post about an 1867 biography of Robert Dick, a Victorian, Scottish, self-made botanist, I'd bought. I've been following the blog of Joanne B.
Kaar an artist whose hands-on, dedicated work with natural materials refers specifically to his achievements. It appeals greatly to me.
It just so happens that I sent the book to Joanne in Thurso, way up in far north-east Scotland ( having asked her first if she'd like it! ), feeling that among all the people in the world, she was most the one who should own it.
It thrills me to make connections across the world. I didn't expect anything back from Joanne. Imagine my delight, then, when this arrived, this parcel of prints and cards, made by Joanne, way up there, as far from Melbourne as you can get.
All of life, to me, is based on natural forms and forces, and the better-connected we are to these, the healthier we are. I admire any artist who with discipline and restraint reminds us of the beauty of our existence.
Thankyou, Joanne. I've been blown away to be in receipt of such a gift. My blogging followers believe I have an ability to create, but all I can do, in reality, is re-arrange.
It is you who is the maker ( forgive me for the washed-out photo ), and me who reports.
I'm hoping that many of you will take a look at Joanne's blog - and I hoped I've linked it correctly, being hopeless at techno stuff like this - for it takes all of your life - as it did for Robert Dick - to dedicate yourself to art.
See joannebkaarbakersbotanistswhalers.blogspot.com
That baker-botanist is allowing connections across the globe. Thanks for letting me know about Robert Dick and now Joanne Kaar's blog. By the way I have seen very good photography here that certainly qualifies as art! I guess that would make you an artist...
ReplyDeleteRoger, that's a very kind thing to say. Inside me, I've wanted to be an artist all my life.
DeleteI've now added your 'floraurbana' blog to my blog list, and hope we can be in greater communication.
Thankyou mon ami. ( PS I cannot speak French. )
Hello Faisal:
ReplyDeleteThis post illustrates a wonderful example of serendipity and kindness that makes, at least in our eyes, the Blogosphere the most marvellously supportive and creative place.
How wonderful that you and Joanne 'found' each other in this labyrinthine cyberspace and how generous of you to have sent the book to her. And, in return, what beautifully creative treasures you now possess. Every time you look at them or use them, there will be such powerful forces which come in to play.
Both you and Joanne are artists for, in our view, an artist can simply be someone with a unique view of life. Someone unafraid to go against convention and someone who is moved with an inner passion which is palpable to those who are fortunate to be near. Artists make the lives of others richer and our lives are most certainly the richer for 'knowing' you.
We are now away to Scotland.....och aye!!
Hello Jane and Lance,
DeleteWhat I feel blogging and the connections made thereby have given me is support, and a warm fuzzy feeling. It's not something that may necessarily be present in your daily life, or maybe it's not overtly present, or specifically present.
I feel that you, and Joanne, and several others, at least, have become friends as much as any I've had. Perhaps there's an advantage in not knowing everything, in there being some distance. But then, I'm not suspecting there's anything I don't want to know.
Thankyou. Art matters to me. Without it this world would be an ugly, brutal place. With it we tell our stories and we share and we realise how much in common we have.
Just don't eat the haggis!
Faisal, I believe you have underestimated yourself. You are in fact a creator of art on many levels. The cards are wonderful. They do appear to be on handmade paper, making they even more lovely. I can always count on you to introduce me to the most interesting and talent folks. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteBonnie, thankyou. I guess my way in the world has been such that I've been obliged to face matters other than I'd want to, and much that I've wanted to do has had to be relinquished. So I've felt I've not been who I want to be. But your words remind me that above and beyond circumstances, I am actually doing something that matters to me, and part of that is connecting to friends such as you.
DeleteFaisal.
Dear Faisal,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful exchange of gifts.
I think that one of the benefits of making a blog is that one comes suddenly in to contact with likeminded people the world over.
That in itself is a wonderful gift. When I check my blog and see a new post from someone I am following I feel happy and sit back to read it as I would read a letter from a dear friend - which is what blogging is all about I expect... Would you not agree?
Bye for now
Kirk
And now I am going to skip over to Joanne's site and take a look!
Dear Kirk,
DeleteYes, absolutely. I used to love getting letters enormously, and had friends I'd exchange them with. Those days are gone of course. A post or a comment has now replaced that means of exchange, and I value them as dearly. I wouldn't have expected to have met so many lovely people as I have.
I'm sure you'll enjoy Joanne's blog too!
In kindness,
Faisal.
That is a wonderful surprise. I came across some old drawings I did of plants. It's so difficult to catch the artlessness of even a simple plant. Because of course then you realise that it's not simple at all. I hope I would have the patience to do drawings like that now, if I had some time - indeed, I did, last year, when I had time. I do know it doesn't seem to get easier, though. At least, for me.
ReplyDeleteJenny, the one good thing about trying to draw plants is that they more or less sit still! I'm hoping, myself, before too long, to do some serious drawing, something I've loved to do since I was young.
DeleteYes, the gift from Joanne felt like a birthday present, so unanticipated, though she'd let me know she was sending something.
All the best to you with your drawing!
I'm delighted to see your link to Joanne Kaar, a most interesting and prolific artist I've followed for many years.
ReplyDeleteCarol, something tells me you have far more knowledge, skill and experience than your simple comment suggests. Yes, Joanne's work is wonderful, especially coming from such an isolated, wild place - or so it seems to me - as, in fact, it was for Robert Dick.
DeleteI'm really happy to have made a connection with her, as I've been blessed to do with so many other talented, good-natured people.
Faisal, I'm replying on my iPad and it sometimes cuts my comments short. I'm aging rapidly but still full of enthusiasm for gardening, creating art, travel, photography and anything else that enriches my life but is gentle to the planet. Im really enjoying your blog and love Zara.
DeleteThankyou so much Carol; it's encouraging to get such good feedback. Zara is my best friend and puts sparkle into my life.
DeleteIt was a kind gesture, both ways.
ReplyDeleteJoanne's work is very beautiful : )
Yes, Demie, Joanne's very talented, and doesn't have an overbearing ego.
DeleteMy love to you,
Faisal.
The book about Robert Dick you found is now in the portable museum of curiosity and about to start another journey as I will be delivering it to Caithness Horizons Museum this week!!
ReplyDeletehttp://joannebkaarbakersbotanistswhalers.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/finished-portable-museum-of-curiosity.html for lots of photos taken a few days ago.
I saw that, Joanne, on Facebook. It's a great thrill that the book found its way to its rightful home, that you were able to make good use of it and promote your culture. That is all I really wanted. God bless you, Robert Dick and all of Scotland!
ReplyDelete