BLACK & WHITE Sunday: Postcards From Venezia

What adjective can I use to describe Venezia? It is almost indescribable.

If you happen to see scenes of Venezia in a movie, you will be forgiven for thinking it is just an elaborate movie set. If you come across images in a book or magazine, you may be of the belief poetic licence has obscured the reality.

But the reality is.. THIS IS VENEZIA. A place of dreams, fantasies and escapism. Clusters of shops, bridges, homes and basilicas, stand firm despite being built on a platform of water, ever rising and falling with the tides from the lagoon. Historical architecture, superbly sculptured by years of Byzantium influence, intermingle with layers of progress. Each new layer adding a unique flavour.

Venezia is also about the outer islands peppered across the infamous lagoon. Islands where colour is abundant in the form of crafty trinkets of hand blown glass, or houses painted in pastels hues. The beauty of the islands comes from the quietness found there after the chatter of the tourist traps. Each island abundant with alleyways and bridges, leading to a friendly cafe or charming restaurant. Yes… Venezia is a dream.

Today I had hoped to bring you Basilica #3 in my Black & White Basilicas of Europe. This time it was to be ‘La Basilica di San Marco’. But alas, still no sign of my travel photos. I have looked high and low, but perhaps not in between. Tomorrow I will continue my search, but today I will leave you with these images I took during both my visits to this place of dreams. [1993 & 1996].

I know some of you may of seen these before, but there is one new addition. The Fisherman under the ‘Gondole’ sign. As luck would have it, when I had these images developed all those years ago, they laminated this one for free [handy when the original is missing]. Who knew years later I would be grateful for tacky calendar laminations.

Thank you for joining me on this Black & White Sunday

Hosted by ‘Anne Marie of Na-Da Farm Life’

HAVE A GREAT WEEK

Julie

IMAGES SOURCE: All images by me

RELIGIOUS ICONS: Mexican Retablos & Ex-Votos

When I first started blogging I had intended to regularly post on Religious Art & Icons of which I have a healthy curiosity. I did one and then got lazy! So now I plan to rectify this. I’m not sure when or why I became so interested in Religious Art, but most certainly my fascination increased when I discovered the Mexican version of Retablos & Ex-Votos.

These examples of Mexican Folk Art are wonderful examples of why I love this art form. Simple, clumsy shapes and form take on life and meaning by the use of vivid colour and expression to depict their story of loss, happiness and gratitude.

This art form dates back to the 17th century and is a poorer cousin to the ‘Retable’ being, Religious Paintings and Sculptures traditionally displayed behind the alter in a church [those being as large as 40ft tall]

The Retablos & Ex-Votos, mostly painted on small Tin Sheets or Wood, were produced by the local people, and artisans of that time, as a way of thanking the Saints for wishes granted, perceived miracles, or simply to show their devotion to the divine.

The paintings [Ex-Votos] often include handwritten stories which are simple but heartfelt expressions of thanks. Simple portrayals of favourites Saints or Angels, who look over and protect them in their day to day life.

Well here are some examples from my ‘virtual’ collection

I’ll start with San Antonio and finish with the namesake of Rita from Mammabellarte, interspersed with Ex-Votos.

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San Antonio de Padua

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La Virgen del Apocalipsis

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Soledad de Sombrerete

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La Purisima Concepcion

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San Miguel Archangel

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Santa Rita

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Over the last few years I have collected many of these digital images. These colourful paintings are highly sought after and therefore have a price tag to match. I would love one day to start a ‘real’ collection of these beauties. I know they won’t be everyone’s cuppa tea. You certainly need to have a love of vivid colour to embrace their uniqueness.

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I would say my favourite out of this collection is ‘La Purisima Concepcion’.

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Some Notes on the Saints: San Antonio de Padua [Saint Anthony] I had always thought St Antonio was the Patron Saint of Lost Causes, apparently not. He is [amongst other things] the Patron Saint of Lost articles, Fertility, Starvation, Expectant Mothers, Shipwrecks and Italy. Santa Rita Patron of Impossible Causes. Her symbols are the Rose and Fig. La Virgen del Apocalipsis The Virgin Mary holds the Christ Child while trampling the serpent of sin, who curls around the moon at her feet. San Miguel Archangel [Archangel Michael] Patron Saint to Mariners and the sick. La Purisima Concepcion The immaculate conception. Again depicted with the moon and serpent and also the sun.

IMAGE SOURCE: The Saint Retablos here are more recent finds from 'Colonial Arts'. The Ex-Votos I have had some time and no longer know the source [apologies].

SYDNEY: Circular Quay 2000

Well I thought I’d show you some more photos of Sydney. These were taken in 2000 during the Olympic Games in Sydney. I have given it the Ruby ‘Altered Photo’ treatment [in Vanilla & White Chocolate] just for fun!

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Circular Quay and the Overseas Passenger Terminal as viewed from the Opera House Forecourt

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[Vanilla]

[you can just spot the Museum of Modern Art hiding behind the cruise liner]

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[White Chocolate]

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And this one is a little more Cafe-Latte!!

And this one is a little more Cafe-Latte!!

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Next time I hope to bring you some photos of my local area

Unless of course I get on a plane then maybe something more interesting!!

Ciao

Julie

IMAGE Source: Being RUBY

IF IT’S TUESDAY: This must be Sydney: King St Wharf

Wednesday Edition: Although I normally share my travel photos in this series, today I thought it might be nice to show you some of the sights around the foreshores of Sydney. My home town.

Now these are not your usual foreshore shots. I had attempted to bring them into the world of black and white, but found some interesting variations on the way.

These shots were taken at King Street Wharf which is a block or two from work, so when the sun is shining and the schedule permits, this is a great place to get out and let off some steam. This is me letting off steam last week.

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Australian Flag: Star City

Sydney Showboat II

King Street Wharf: No. 8-1

King Street Wharf: No. 8-2

Wharf No. 8 with Overseas Passenger Terminal in background

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Unfortunately it was back to work all too soon. Come summer this little trip is usually enhanced by cappuccino or ice cream from Lindt! Yum! The colours in these 'altered' photos remind me of just that!

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Ciao Julie

IMAGE SOURCE: Being Ruby

J. Beaudet Studios Giveaway: We Have A Winner!!

YIPPEE We have a winner!!!

After collating all the comments with extra entries for followers & post mentions, I let Random.org pick a winner [didn’t have a hat]. Well I think Random.org must be ‘All Wise & Knowledgeable’, as it made a great choice.

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[J. Beaudet Studios]

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The Winner is..

The lovely Courtney from ‘Green and Pretty’

Congratulations Courtney !!!

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Courtney is one of the most gracious bloggers who is always popping in to brighten my day with her generous and thoughtful comments. So congratulations Courtney, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your prints [I will be emailing you with details]. Pop over and see Courtney’s blog [here]. I think you’ll like her versatility and happy disposition [something for everyone there].

Thank you everyone who entered the giveaway and visited Jennifer’s Blog & Shop. I wish I could give EVERYONE a print from Jennifer’s Studio [even me!!]

Her work is fresh and joyful and I think a few prints from her cloud or coastal series would certainly help me unwind. If you didn’t get a chance to look at her Etsy shop… pop over there now and have a look.

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J. Beaudet Studios

Etsy Shop

Once Again Thank You Everyone

Julie

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IMAGES: by Jennifer: J.Beaudet Studios

BLACK & WHITE Sunday: ST Antonio Basilica - Padova

Happy Black & White Sunday [2 for 1]

I’m being a little lazy and re-posting a photo you have seen before. But considering it is Sunday, I thought another Basilica was in order. This is Basilica di Sant'Antonio in Padova [Italy].

I took this in 1996 from the rooftop terrace of a friend’s apartment in Padova. I had been staying in the heart of Venezia [sigh!!!] for a few days and on the last night my friend took me to his hometown [Padova] to show me around.

Side tracking here, but the BEST BEST pasta I have EVER encountered. The restaurant decor was reminiscent of what you would find in a Chinese Restaurant in Sydney… very strange to say the least and had me a little concerned. But when the food came out… Mamma Mia… Dio Mio!! Heaven… YES Heaven!!! Who knew pasta is not pasta unless it is pasta from Northern Italy!!!!

Ok.. Back to the story.. Now St Antonio [St Anthony to us English speaking folk] is the Saint for Lost Causes. Of course that makes him my favourite and I would think my own personal Saint, given I am one who is prone to disasters and mishaps. So on the last day, just hours before heading out to Firenze and 2 weeks of language school, Paulo [my friend] took me to the Basilica for a tour.

They wouldn’t let me in!!! Inappropriately dressed!! Even St Antonio was not going to step in here and save the day. So, as a result, I have never seen inside this gorgeous basilica and will forever remember it just as it is below. If you want to see the colour version, you can pop over to this post [here]

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Basilica di Sant'Antonio – Padova, Italia

As with all my travel photos, there was no fancy camera, just autofocus. This was taken at twilight, so without correct settings is quite grainy but yes I like it like that!

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And yes that is a Full Moon you see there. Lucky Me!!

Venezia! Good Food, Great Friends and a Full Moon! I guess Saint Antonio was there after all!!

Thank you for joining me on this Black & White Sunday.

Hosted by ‘Anne Marie of Na-Da Farm Life’

Enjoy Your Sunday

Julie

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I've posted 2 B&W Sunday posts today. The other post is [here]

IMAGE: Being Ruby [moi]

BLACK & WHITE Sunday: Around The House

Happy Black & White Sunday [2 for the price of 1]

I’ve posted 2 B&W Sunday’s today. Couldn’t decide which to put up. They are both mostly ‘re-hashes’ of previous photos I’ve posted so being ‘second hand’ I thought I’d give you 2 for the price of 1. The other post is [here]

So… Here are some things from around my home. Some you may have seen already [like these teapots which have become a favourite of mine so I am going to force them upon you again!! ha ha].

Ruby’s Things!

Crystal paperweights [thanks Nanna]

Teapots by Vinnie's!

Silver Vase by Vinnie’s

I’ll try and get a better shot of this vase another time. All the good ones had a reflection of me and my camera!!! ha ha ha don’t need that on a Sunday!!

Bedspread by Ralph

The ‘bedspread’ is actually a Ralph Lauren sheet I picked up for a song. It is blue & white and looks great in summer.

The bedhead I picked up in a warehouse sale [and no Jacqueline that is not a Wallace Cotton drawstring bag!!]. The painting is by my brother.

And Picture of MUM

Priceless!

Thank you for joining me on this Black & White Sunday.

Hosted by ‘Anne Marie of Na-Da Farm Life’

Happy Sunday

Julie

IMAGES: All images by me. Except the one of my mother – cause of course that would be impossible!!!

FINALLY FRIDAY: Aussie Beach Shack – Just Shabby

Finally it is Friday!!!

The weekend is here and as usual all I want to do is escape… Somewhere quiet, relaxed and unpretentious. Well last time I posted an Aussie Beach Shack I was informed by a few that it was not quite like the shacks of our youth... ‘not shacky enough’. ha ha I agree!

Anywhere I ever stayed in my youth was pretty much an uncoordinated mismatch of worn furniture, discarded crockery and old scrappy linen. I’m not talking ‘Shabby Chic’ here people, just shabby!! But you know those weekends were always the most relaxing and carefree. It’s true these days I prefer a little more comfort, but the shack I am about to show you, although definitely ‘roughing it’ [and perhaps unnihabitable?], looks like an incredible escape from the modern mayhem, with THE most coveted view you could image.. Sydney Harbour.

These dramatic images were created by Simon Kenny, an Australian photographer I discovered when I first started blogging. I love his work and am pretty sure you will love it too. IF not .. you will surely love the view.

So .. here to gently lure you into a weekend of relaxation is ..

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Crater Cove ..Sydney Harbour

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Here she is

In all her ‘UN’ Glory!

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UDPATED: Saturday 22 August

The giveaway is now closed.

Thank you ALL who entered. The winner will be picked through a random draw and announced early next week

Good Luck




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Have A Great Weekend

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Ciao Julie

IMAGES: By Simon Kenny