hand

new year : new space

2008-09-30T15:25:00.012+03:00

hello friends,

today we are celebrating a new year.

i wish it to be very happy, healthy and full of good. i long for peace. peace for my family and friends and world peace would be pretty fantastic too!!

with this new year i have decided to move spaces. a clean slate.

from now on, i can be found over here: www.julieavisar.blogspot.com

i look forward to this new year and seeing you over at my new blog.

julie xxx

p.s. thank you so much for the birthday greetings!!

6

2008-09-25T06:54:00.004+03:00

shelly, our big baby turns 6 today...

we wish you all of our love, joy and health always, always.

daddy, mummy, ella and the car xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

on its way..

2008-09-19T13:42:00.004+03:00

Today theres a change in the air. Autumn is on its way.

Have a lovely weekend :) xx

sea air

2008-09-15T07:01:00.008+03:00

This weekend we took a trip to the port in Tel Aviv - the sea breeze was wonderful.

I enjoyed the different structures found in the area and of course some people watching while eating breakfast was more than enough to put a smile on our faces.

I found some inspiring scenes for painting too.

Have a great week x

i will

2008-09-04T09:11:00.009+03:00

these last few days i have really wanted to take out my sketch book and draw - without much thinking... i like the simplicity of the black and grey. it is not so easy to conquer the blank white page... but i will.

some favourite recent finds:

solo

untitled

TOOT (strawberry)

september

2008-09-01T14:38:00.012+03:00

Unfortunately, we on this corner of the globe are not celebrating the beginning of autumn quite yet. We took a walk along the port in Jaffa on the weekend. The sun was scorching, the sea was shining and although there were no people around, the heat prevented a feeling of peace.

But september 1st marks the first day of school for Shelly.

It was quite a different experience from my first day a school all those years ago.

It took us a while to decide which school to send her to but i am very happy with our decision.

Among other great things, the school puts a big emphasis on art and music - i was happy to read Heathers post last week where she says "The workshop facilitator said 'arts are the single most important thing for children, from the time they can hold a crayon into their teenage years.' " And as Heather says, i too am happy to believe this.

So i wish all the 5 and 6 year olds beginning school today a wonderful year!!

friends

2008-08-28T11:54:00.004+03:00

A couple of months ago on a bad bad day, i received a parcel from a dear friend. Kelly wasnt to know that her box of sweet thoughts would be the only thing to make me smile at that time. So here is a long overdue thank you for this gift of chocolate (unable to photograph of course!), a new lavender key ring (after i lost my keys and Kellys beautiful key ring), a crocheted doily which I LOVE!!! (Im not even sure if Kelly made this herself) and a set of delightful cleaning cloths (which seem way too pretty to clean with. If you would like to check them out - take a look here. There were a couple of other lovely things inside which reminded me of England :) all wrapped and packaged so beautifully.

Thank you so much Kelly for being such a lovely friend. Also, than you to I for my gift of British tea which i have missed so much :) xxx

end of summer sale

2008-08-26T10:53:00.010+03:00

With the end of summer in sight i have decided to have a clearout sale in my shop to make room for new work!

weekend wishes

2008-08-22T06:29:00.007+03:00

with the summer nearly over, i am yearning for some quiet and a cooling down of the heat.

im looking forward to making plans and new beginnings. i wish you all a lovely weekend.

below are some links to wonderful work you may like to discover.

james merrell - photography

antonio murado - abstract painting

kenichi hoshine - mixed media painting

gladys b - illustration

lisa isaacs - paper cut art (my friend!)

a start

2008-08-18T19:44:00.011+03:00

As I mentioned in my last post, urban structures are my major inspiration at the moment. They have been for a long time. These images are of the building opposite where i work. It is a typical old apartment block - but everyday i find myself staring at it. I love the shapes, textures and the different shades which for me make up an abstract painting.

I just drew this rough oil pastel sketch and im quite embarrased to show you it (it went in the bin straight after scanning it in!) but it was important for me to get something down on paper.

It is very unusual for me to go down the 'abstract' route but this is what Im feeling right now. It felt good to be drawing but I was frustrated with the medium - the pastels not being heavy enough - not intense enough.

With these ideas in my mind, i really like this set of images - especially this shot.

Happy Monday xx

Edit: Thanks to Lisa s and her wonderful insight, I discovered Richard Diebenkorn and his fantastic paintings.

Below: Berkeley #57 and Cityscape 1.

Thanks Lisa!!

a day off

2008-08-13T16:59:00.011+03:00

It has been a while since we had a day out in tel aviv and as the girls are on holiday we decided to take the day off to have some fun. As always we began our day with breakfast. We started off in Shenkin - no plan to stick to -

The buildings in this area are just so beautiful - dilapidating but beautiful - of course the level of decay just adding to the beauty. You could spend the whole day looking up at the stunning details. There was once talk of restoring them but I see no changes in the last few years.

Unfortunately, Shelly still doesnt get why I spend so much of my time taking photos of structures without windows and peeling paint... but one day she will :)

And it has been years since we visited shuk hacarmel - a wonderful market always full of life, touching all of the senses.

we then walked round Kerem Hatemanim - the smells reminded Rami of his grandmothers house..

And back to Shenkin for some window shopping and ice-cream.

Despite the intense august heat, we had such a great day.

Our walk today was so inspirational, much food for thought and ideas for new work - i cant wait to start painting again.

space

2008-08-10T19:12:00.006+03:00

The concept of space… this has been in my thoughts a lot lately. Not only physical space but personal space. Needing my own space, to be alone, but sometimes losing site of where the boundaries of this space should be. Sometimes the boundary is strong and made of steel and sometimes it is weak and made of paper.

Im not sure if any of this makes any sense... this is where some writing skills may come in handy!

I hope you are all enjoying the weekend xxx

a new space

2008-08-06T18:32:00.013+03:00

I want to say thank you so much for your supportive and caring comments in my last post. Reading them warmed my heart and reminded me our wonderful online community.

During the last couple of weeks, we took on the project of sorting out the studio/office space. It was such good therapy to clean-up and re-new. I threw out a whole load of stuff ... stuff - its amazing how much we hoard. But now everything has its own place and there is so much less clutter around. A much needed calm and peaceful workspace.

Shelly and i sit side by side both working on our own stuff.

And materials (obssessions ;)) are tidied away

It would be really nice to see some of your workspaces - where you sit and write your blog posts..

have a lovely thursday x

hello

2008-07-29T08:21:00.005+03:00

Hello friends,

Some of you may have noticed that I haven’t been around much for the last few months. Unfortunately last week marked a very sad and emotional end to this period.

With the help of my wonderful family and special friends I am looking forward...

I have missed this space a lot and many friends. I will be back on track soon and really look forward to finding my art again.

I hope you are all well, xxx

2008-07-04T16:13:00.001+03:00

Wishing you all a lovely weekend xxx

3

2008-06-22T17:23:00.005+03:00

Yesterday was my 'baby's' 3rd birthday!! A magical little girl who just continues to smile and surprize!! We love you so much Ella xxxx

more pods..

2008-06-17T13:26:00.004+03:00

Yes, more ceramic pods. These were made without any preconceived idea - i just let my hands feels their way. The form is so satifying to create and a type of therapy in a way. I dont think the forms turned out very beautiful but i guess i see them as a type of excercise.

The pod below was made with alternating coils of white and dark grey clay which when fired comes out brown.

I have a couple more still waiting to be fired :)

Happy Tuesday all xx

2 by 2

2008-06-14T19:13:00.003+03:00

During one of our recent holidays we visited a small zoo with the girls.

It was a really hot day and it was pretty crowded but the animals and birds are always worth a visit.

I have never seen a white peacock before. These two looked like a couple about to be married :)

Taking shade.

Climbing out to dry off.

I love the pattern and lines that came out of this shot.

I hope youre all enjoying the weekend xx

hello!

2008-06-10T07:34:00.006+03:00

The weeks have flown by and my break from blogging continued ... i have missed you and am easing myself back slowly :) ... Its June!!!! Aaagh!

Summer has arrived in full force over here. Festivals have been celebrated and time spent with family and friends (and lots of food eaten!!)

Visits to the swimming pool with packed picnic lunches and smiles all round..

I have missed so much over here and look forward to catching up with all of you :)

Above are images of a pod i made in ceramics class a while ago.

Hope you are all well xxx

Nachal Kziv

2008-05-04T19:19:00.006+03:00

At 7.30 Saturday morning we set off with 3 other families up north to Nachal Kziv. The weather was perfect and spirits were high. Before setting off on the trek down the mountain we ate the picnic breakfast we had bought with us.

The views were so beautiful. And after climbing to the bottom we were able to cool off walking through the steams of water. We took breaks for water, to eat fruit and to nurse grazed knees.

The trek was 6 hours in total - we finished exhausted but had such a fantastic time!

A special well done to Ella, not yet 3, who did it all on her own!!

May!

2008-05-01T09:23:00.007+03:00

I have been away from this space for about two weeks... I took some time out and also have to finish a project for work. But today is May... where is 2008 disappearing to??

I have missed visiting you all and have a lot to catch up on :)

My head has been spinning with so many things lately... some order is in need.

skies and pods..

2008-04-12T17:11:00.013+03:00

two of my favourite things :)

if anyone knows the name of this tree i would love to know...

i hope youre all having a lovely weekend xxx

new corners

2008-04-08T06:46:00.005+03:00

the sun is shining, music plays from the local cafes where people relax during a work day, a sense of good spirits and comfort in the daily life is in the air...

i love this wall - a permanent exterior installation

some more corners from the new work neighbourhood.

from the kiln

2008-04-03T13:05:00.008+03:00

A few weeks ago i decided to make a ceramic doll

I was playing around with some clay i had at home - it was wrapped in a wet rag to keep the clay from drying out. I made a plate and wanted to use the rag creases as a feature. I really like this idea and am happy with how the creases turned out but the colour and way its painted really have no relevance. I would like to try this again.

links:

mari parup

Eva Zethraeus

anne-beth borselius

Yofi (thanks B!)

happy thursday xxx

discovering derelict

2008-04-01T15:12:00.006+03:00

The place where i work moved offices last week. It is a different area of Tel Aviv - more run down but i cant wait to explore it! I just love the old structures and feeling of the area. I found a couple of great neighbourhood cafes yesterday which will have to be checked out too :)

Theres a great feeling of history is the neighbourhood. The decoration on the above structure is quite amazing - i wonder what it was built for?

And theres plenty of corrugated rusty iron pieces i love so much

More pictures and explorations soon.

Happy Monday friends xxx

nature finds

2008-03-29T15:14:00.012+03:00

This beauty was found today when we went for a picnic breakfast in a new for us corner of the forest with friends. It was so relaxing and we enjoyed looking at the changes in nature.

a couple of new corners..

A plan for some painting tomorrow

I hope youre having a lovely weekend too xx

pieces of my week 5

2008-03-23T17:42:00.004+02:00

breakfast in the forest

a moody sky

new planting in the park

hanging - on the way to work - love the change in colours

an eagle spotted in the sky

pink

purim festivities

purple

trampled but beautiful

an afternoon/evening at the beach with friends - the pefect way to end the week!

i hope you all had a lovely Easter and wish you a fabulous week ahead xx

spring days

2008-03-20T08:06:00.010+02:00

Hello friends, i think we can safely say that spring is here *beam* ... it has been warm here this week and buds are 'a blooming!

A couple of spring links that make me smile:

Saltwater

Paula's spring shots - 7, it has started ... , wednesday {41} white

My latest ceramic creation. The texture was done using an acorn shell :)

I think it will hold our shell collection.

Happy Purim!! - the girls excitedly dressed up and the sun is shining - such a fun holiday. In case you are wondering, Shelly is dressed as Remy from the film Ratatouille!

Oznei Haman - a traditioanl Biscuit eaten on Purim - either filled with poppy seed, dates, or chocolate

Blue skies on the way to work...

Happy Spring to you! xxx

happy greys

2008-03-13T15:19:00.005+02:00

Ooh, we have been sick since last week with pretty bad flu - not fun at all.. we are still coughing but have our smiles back.

Today our electricity was turned off since this morning due to works in out street... i sat down with my ink, brushes and i-pod and began painting. Every day on the bus we go past these run- down buildings in Tel Aviv. They have lots of corrugated iron and i am mesmorized by them. I rarely get a window seat on the bus and am dying to get a few shots of these structures. I love the way the pieces of metal overlap and meet, each with its own colouring and degree of decay.. so beautiful. So with my brushes i wanted to try and get down this idea. Im not really happy with the results... will keep trying.

Without electricity (and my computer) i found myself doing other things... i danced around in the living room with my i-pod (only done when alone!) and looked through some old photo albums which I love doing. It reminded me to have more photos printed and that time flies by way too quickly!!!!

Happy Thursday - I know everyone is starting to enjoy spring colours and this post is all grey but they are happy greys :) xxx

pieces of my week 4

2008-03-07T17:12:00.007+02:00

1 & 2: spotted on the way to work

3: lunch break

4: quiet

and sick with the flu :( xx

pieces of my week 3

2008-03-03T20:14:00.007+02:00

A tad late due to ongoing problems with internet connection...

1: 6:21am
2: 3:40pm
3: found old maps and charts thrown out from a school :)
4: so close
5: on fire

February 29

2008-02-29T10:25:00.005+02:00

"February 29 is also known as bissextile day or Leap Day." Wikipedia

This morning I am sitting here by my computer listening to some R&B and working on a new project.

Yesterday was spent alone with Rami at the flea market, having breakfast and a walk to the sea... so good!!!

well this post isnt really about february 29th or leap years... maybe it should be called 'special days' :)

more pics can be found here

tomorrow 'pieces of my week' - wishing you all a lovely weekend xxx

solar powered

2008-02-25T07:44:00.007+02:00

It seems that this may be true for me. When the sun came out on Thursday for 3 days, we had the perfect weekend. Friday was spent in Tel Aviv (pics in previous post) and on Saturday we prepared a small picnic and climbed up the Titora Hill in our town to see the first blooms of poppies and other blooms! The sight was so beautiful and we enjoyed the easy climb. We even made a new friend! We went back down to the park for breakfast and games :)

Enough good energy was saved for the week - good job as its pouring today!!

happy week to you xx

pieces of my week 2

2008-02-22T16:52:00.007+02:00

1: mint leaves + boiling water + sugar = :)

2:a break in the rain - on the way to ceramics class

3:the morning after

4, 5, 6 & 7: a lovely pre-spring day spent in tel aviv

a few more here..

happy weekend to you xx

a good feeling..

2008-02-21T14:48:00.007+02:00

These pieces were started weeks ago if not months... and today after a stormy week - the sun shining and the radio on I finished them! It was a good feeling.

'Block' mixed media on wood 30cm x 20cm

'waiting for spring' mixed media on wood 30cm x 21cm

tomorrow 'pieces of my week' :)

happy thursday friends xx

pieces of my week..

2008-02-15T10:47:00.003+02:00

top: my shell sculpture after firing

middle: a quick drawing :)

bottom: sun rays filling the sky

How was yours?

Im off to prepare for a dinner party at our place, Happy weekend xx

LOVE

2008-02-07T18:47:00.000+02:00

From the moment they were born, i have loved them both more than words can express. They are my life. Recently we have been spending a lot of quality time together as a family and i often find myself literally overwhelmed with love for my two girls. It amazes me everyday how quickly they are growing up.

This week we had family day over here (in place of Mothers day) which meant lots of lovely handmade gifts from the girls from nursery and another reason to enjoy time together.

With Valentines day coming up i just wanted to take this opportunity to tell Shelly and Ella that I love them from here to the moon and back again xxxx

ink

2008-02-04T19:29:00.000+02:00

I enjoyed taking a vase of water and dripping blank ink into it...

this was my reaction a couple of hours later.

There is something so good about experimenting - not having a plan or an idea.. just taking a path and seeing where it takes you. Maybe the result is not beautiful or what you are expecting but the experience is freeing.

happy monday friends xxx

the first time

2008-02-03T16:59:00.000+02:00

Last week the weather here was pretty fierce and snow fell in Jerusalem... on Thursday we took the girls to see snow for the first time. We went to the 'Rose Garden' in front of the Knesset and we played and threw snowballs and lay in the snow until it got dark - we had a great time!!

Every time we get to do a 'first' with the girls, i feel so excited for them and happy to experience it with them!!

Wishing you all a great week xx

form

2008-01-31T07:58:00.000+02:00

I started sculpting an old snails home about 4 weeks ago - i love the spiral form - but it is so much more complicated than it looks. It is about 8 inches in length and fits perfectly in the hands and the form feels wonderful to hold. It has gone back into the kiln with a thin layer of glaze.

The pods below are a gift from Liz, my lovely ceramics teacher. She learnt of my love for pods and organic forms and every time she comes across something like this she picks it up and keeps it for me.

my complete pod collection so far - i love seeing them together.

I think some pods will definitely be next on my list of ceramics projects.

happy thursday to you all xx

little artists

2008-01-28T20:27:00.000+02:00

Remember the art session I promised to do for Shellys nursery, well it took place on Thursday.

32 kids sitting in a semi-circle (aaahhh!!) I began by getting their teacher to read the book 'My Many Coloured Days' by Dr. Seuss . Its a book about colours and how they describe our moods. We then discussed the different colours and what they represent - and i asked the children what colour they were feeling today. I was good to know that most of the girls felt pink and orange and the boys felt blue and multi-coloured!!

I mentioned about hearing how they learnt about Van Gogh and that I wanted to introduce them to an Israeli artist named Menashe Kadishman. (a personal fave).

I told them how he grew up on a kibbutz and worked as a shepard. We discussed what a shepard does and how everyday he spent hours with the sheep - that it was a big part of his life. And how he began painting them, that he painted thousands of sheep. We talked about the colours and how he would be affected by his mood. And we talked about the basic shape of his famous sheep portraits. I showed them how basically 3 triangles made up the head.

And then I asked them to paint their own sheep portraits - taking into account their own mood and the colours they used.

Unfortunately i dont think they paint with gouache often enough and seemed enthusiastic to dip their fat brushes into the water and brightly coloured paints. It was great to watch them and there were some beautiful results..

Shelly was so happy and excited that we were there and so was I.

days flying by

2008-01-24T14:38:00.000+02:00

One morning this week i was walking to work from the bus station.. it was cold and quite grey... suddenly i looked up and noticed a flock of birds flying in a pattern similar to the drawing - like half an arrow, many birds all in a line - it was so beautiful and made me smile... noone else had noticed..

Quiet - Mixed Media on cigar box lid

smiles in the post from sweet marianne and lisa

With the days flying by, leaving at 6.00 in the dark and arriving home at sunset, there was no time to join in with Sharis winter whites...

Happy thursday all :)

of gold

2008-01-20T18:26:00.000+02:00

Yesterday we decided to break the recent habit of spending saturdays cozying up at home and went with our gang (of 5 families) to visit Jerusalem. We live just in the middle of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv half an hour away from each city but feel at home in Tel Aviv with Jerusalem feeling somewhat like another world. In terms of climate, architecture and population it really feels so different.

a familiar roadside snack

We went to the old city, walking through the old market which mainly caters for tourists, but the colourful displays are always candy to the eye.

We then went to visit the Church of The Holy Sepulchre - an amazing piece of architecture full of stories and decorative details

For lunch we had some great humous and then continued our walk to the western wall.

We came home tired and smiling - and today began a new week.

leaving on a jet plane..

2008-01-17T13:58:00.000+02:00

is just wishful thinking... this past week has been unusually cold here and joining the ground squirrels in hibernation is just so appealing right now. We desperately need rain but this winter is so dry.

I am finding it hard to draw and paint...lacking in inspiration (and heat) but did spend some time sketching out some ideas for some ceramic pieces. I love this doll-shape - simple and sculptural. I am thinking of textures and story ideas to add into the form.

I have been asked to go into Shelly's nursery and give them an art class next week. They learnt about Van Gogh this week - remembering mainly the facts that he cut his ear off and committed suicide!!! I thought of continuing with a Van Gogh related session or maybe something to do with trees as its the holiday of tu bishvat on Tuesday...

have been listening to londons capital radio all week - missing the british humour :)

caves and early days..

2008-01-10T12:42:00.000+02:00

I know that the winter we experience here is very mild compared to other places... but still what i would really like to do is find a nice cozy cave to move into for the next two and a half months until the arrival of spring. Winter and I do not get along... for many years we have not been friends - the good memories of winter comprise of snowmen and central heating, both of which we do not have here.

So having not yet found the above mentioned cave... i try to find other ways of escaping. but the hardest thing is the early closing of the days and never having enough time ...

beginnings..

2008-01-03T09:11:00.000+02:00

There seems to be such a good feeling around blogland - what a great start to 2008... i have a good feeling that its going to be a wonderful year!

I am very excited about a new collaborative project and a couple of personal projects.

Ceramics class is better than ever and as you can see, Frieda survived the kiln. I just love the natural colour of the clay when it has been fired.

Although we didnt have any holidays over here, i did spend some time at the kitchen table working on some new drawings...

Have a lovely weekend xxx

hope..

2008-01-01T17:26:00.000+02:00

and optimism -

this is what i feel for 2008 and i wish you a wonderful year of happiness and magical adventures !! xx

happy holidays!

2007-12-21T16:00:00.000+02:00

Time to wish you all happy holidays...

raising a glass of hot sachlab to you - perfect on a winters day.

See you in 2008! xxx

more inspiration..

2007-12-17T07:42:00.000+02:00

Talking of current exhibitions, i WISH i could see one of my absolute favourite artists exhibiting at Moma this month. I have posted about Lucien Freud before after discovering his beautiful, powerful paintings in an exhibition in Tel Aviv. If you have a chance to see his etchings at Moma I highly recomend it.

middle of the week treats...

2007-12-14T09:53:00.000+02:00

A lovely red parcel arrived at the post office this week... i purchased this ever so pretty bag from Kelly's shop ...

and she added some gorgeous extras - a lavendar key fob, some beautiful button magnets now adourning our fridge, some delicious chocolate now gone!!!

... so beautifully wrapped and such a treat in the middle of the week.

Thank you so much sweet Kelly xxx

a of tate modern

2007-12-12T10:56:00.000+02:00

I love to visit the tate modern when in london. I would really like to visit now with a return of Louise Bourgeois ... I was there in 2000 to see this amazing sculpture of hers..

I am also very curious to see Shibboleth - the work of Columbian artist Doris Salcedo. A crack in the floor of the old power station, running the whole length of the hall.. some powerful messages...

Hear more about it here.

frieda

2007-12-06T14:56:00.000+02:00

I enjoy working in so many different mediums. Since I remember i have loved working with my hands and spent hours and hours as a child drawing my shoes or copying things from pictures... building things from boxes and trying out all sorts of crafts. But for me, there is something very different about working with clay... i find myself wishing lately that i could go to ceramics class every day. The atmosphere is so good, the people are lovely and working with clay...

Above is a picture of Frieda (this is how i named my clay head which hasnt been fired yet) who i so enjoyed working on. She did have a big box attached to her but i decided to discard of it half way through. I also thought in the beginning that i would try and be less literate whilst trying to keep proportions correct... but in the end i paid a lot of attention to details in the face - a good exercise.

This is lovely Lety's lizard. I love its solidity and cant wait to see the colours Lety uses.

Roll on Tuesday eve :)

some recent ceramic faves:

nathalie derouet (via Hoping for Happy Accidents)

shida kuo ( i cant remember how i found this one)

ruth gurvich (via Jan)

And the weekend begins... xx

waiting for a miracle...

2007-12-04T16:45:00.000+02:00

Happy Chanukah!

37

2007-12-01T18:13:00.000+02:00

Thank you all so much for your surprising birthday wishes!! I enjoyed them all and had a really lovely day... phone calls and surprises... ending with a romantic dinner :)

This is how we spent a wonderful relaxing weekend...

knafeh

Wishing you all a good one xx

a new corner of my home

2007-11-29T12:09:00.000+02:00

A new corner of our living room which makes me very happy... treasured items and artworks which have been waiting for their home.

treasured pieces - looking forward to filling my new shelves

And a finished collage...

Red House Hotel - Collage, Acrylic & Ink on Wood

Happy Thursday Friends xxx

raspberry tea...

2007-11-22T12:04:00.000+02:00

Inbetween - Collage & Acrylics on Wood

Last week was a stormy week over here and after being sick for the first half of the week i realised that winter has arrived. We even had an earthquake on Tuesday!

Raspberry tea, blankets on the sofa, hot porridge.... lots of birthday celebrating this month...

Treetops - Collage & Ink on Wood

Happy Winter!

eyal

2007-11-18T13:21:00.001+02:00

eyal, 24.5cm x 15cm, ink on paper

winter works

2007-11-14T16:54:00.000+02:00

Hello friends,
Today, some new works out and some more to come over the next couple of weeks.

robin red - ink, acrylic and found papers on wood

grey - acrylic and found papers on wood

I have also been working on some new prints which will be available from tomorrow..

I have to say I feel so bad for not visiting lately but i will be around shortly....

And later on i have the honour of appearing on Shari's 'Holiday Gift Guide' - thank you dear Shari. I cant wait to read all about these wonderful artists.

Happy Wednesday xx

2007-11-10T21:30:00.000+02:00

And another weekend is over... it just flies by..

We had breakfast out on friday - it was lovely. The sun was shining and spirits were high... and the food was yummy. We came home and decided a good clean up was in order. The floor was scrubbed and rooms were tidied..

And yesterday, we met friends for a picnic in the park. We spent all day there moving from the sloping grass to the animal corner visiting the emus, deer and monkeys and then moving onto the childrens games. From there we went to the maze and then onto the lake for some wonderful bird watching.

The storks came up close and we watched as she tried to catch a few bites..

just amazing..

and to finish off the day a joint exhibition of sculture and drawings which i really enjoyed.

I hope you are enjoying your weekend too xxx

clay...

2007-11-07T17:33:00.000+02:00

Well, here we are.. some pictures from my first ceramics classes.. this first piece is really an exercise in how to build using slabs and make a nice corner..of course mine turned into a simple structure similar to a house... i was thinking how I may like to create a whole series of these...

I love to use my hands to form the clay - this is a piece i began last week - Im not really sure where its going but I am enjoying playing...

I am trying so hard to not be too realistic but stay figurative... we'll see what happens to this little fellow. Not an amazing show but believe me, these 3 hours every week are the best.

2007-11-04T21:06:00.000+02:00

You may be thinking that i have nothing to write about as i show crane pictures all the time... this is quite true at the moment being overloaded with work. Looking at the big crane (which is helping to build the monstrosity outside) really calms me at the end of the day. Such a big structure standing tall in the open air built from many lines - theres something quite beautiful about it...

This week i will take some pictures from my ceramics class... and next week some new work.

Have a lovely one xxx

calm

2007-10-27T17:07:00.000+02:00

This image pretty much describes our weekend - a much needed wind-down after a stressful week at work for both of us...which continues again tomorrow... deadlines to meet and some big changes means no fun time for Rami and I.. actually we hardly see each other at the moment!

But yesterday i decided to leave the housework and opted for some creative time to continue with some new work which will be out in November. Its quite obvious to see the feeling of autumn is creeping into my art. There is something comforting about it.

We hired two films for the weekend...Babel which we watched yesterday - many thoughts running through my mind afterwards..and tonight we will be watching Miss Potter - i think a lovely way to close the weekend :)

I am again so far behind on my blog reading and will be along to visit soon.

Wishing you a lovely weekend xxx

urban lines

2007-10-20T15:08:00.000+02:00

middle of october...

2007-10-18T15:19:00.000+02:00

Last week ended with Shellys Birthday party... after all the preperations i think the children - all 25 of them - enjoyed the games Rami played with them.. pass the parcel, tug-of-war, potato and spoon race...it was so much fun to watch them and the weather was perfect.

The next day was spent at the beach with some of my parents friends visiting here.. the girls had a ball and we really enjoyed the calm but warm weather and the sand between our toes... :)

And the the week begins again...

This is what i see standing at the bus stop at 6:10am and i just cant stop looking at it... it inspires me..

The suns rays have been quite clear these last few days - so beautiful to watch.

And a surprise parcel this week from sweet Aimee..full of special treasures including fabric from the congo, handmade necklaces from Uganda and the Marshall Islands made by very special women - all these places where Aimee has taught or volunteered - a giraffe ring for Shelly, flea-market finds all in two cigar boxes which i love! Thank you so much for Aimee for this beautiful package.

And a late thank you to other lovely friends for some gorgeous cards - thanks Maditi and Gracia!!!

And our weekend begins...NOW!!! Have a fab one my friends xxx

angel

2007-10-12T20:45:00.001+02:00

Angel - Collage and Ink on Wood, 30cm x 21cm

Have a lovely weekend everyone :) xxx

in thought..

2007-10-07T20:52:00.000+02:00

relationship : connect : join : arrangement : position : role : stance

missing..

2007-10-03T07:13:00.000+02:00

Lately I have been feeling somewhat lost..a lack of flow.. a need for space...Its mainly from having little/no spare time since i started working. My energy levels have been a little low and this week i had two days off to recharge the old batteries!!! On Monday, Rami and I went for breakfast together to our favourite place 'The Brasserie' in Tel Aviv. We enjoyed a quiet morning to ourselves which included a trip to the art shop for some new inks...

And we began our big tidy up starting in the storeroom - it feels so good to get rid of unused stuff - things that once made us happy and with time we grow out of them... we still have my 'studio' to sort out but a good start was made.

Yesterday, i had the whole day to myself - time to put the music up loud, spread out on the floor and work on my new collages *beam*...

So if i have been a little distant recently or owe emails or letters or love, im sorry and should be back on course very soon :)

Next week my ceramics class begins which im so looking forward to and we also have Shellys birthday party to organise for 30+ five year olds, aaahh!!!! (thank you for all the wishes)

And before signing off today - a beautiful observation from the everyday :) xxx

poppytalk handmade market

2007-10-01T14:45:00.000+02:00

The tables have been set up and the fact that i live on the other side of the world (nearly) makes no difference today..im so excited to be part of Jan's first online market!

Please come on over to my stall and say hello...

There is so much great work to check out...

Now, its time to grab a coffee and check out some more beauties :)

five

2007-09-25T19:25:00.000+02:00

To my big girl Shelly, happy happy birthday my darling. You are growing up so quickly - an amazing artist, cheeky and full of energy...your big beautiful eyes always shining..wishing all of your dreams to come true, LOVE always, mummy and daddy xxxxxxxxxxx

hello

2007-09-21T08:47:00.000+02:00

Visit 2 Views today for our new pairing (a fave of mine)

some wip's:

sometimes i love to draw with ink - this is an old bottle from my Dad

a couple of new shelves i had built - i just love the dark grey colour..

I just love the autumn collection from saltwater...

Have a wonderful weekend my friends xxx

untitled...

2007-09-15T14:42:00.000+03:00

For the last few days i have been finding it hard to get my ideas down on paper... my mind is whizzing with potential artworks, inspirations and thoughts but my hands are not co-operating. I am finding this a little unsettling and frustrating. I am putting this time down to 'changes in the weather' and trying to go with the flow... i am really enjoying small everyday details and moments of beauty...

also helping is writing lists, brainstorming words, ideas and objects, collections of images - the top image is made up of photographs of a gift from Marianne - i love the simplicity of the paper, beautiful text and the string it was bound in...

love list:

brown, tea, watercolour paper, nature finds, breezes, collage, neutrals, textures, shadows, quiet, reading, ink, watching films with my husband, pattern, photography, vintage wallpaper, post, good friends, magazines, typography, tidying up and throwing out, pink, journals, decoration, creating corners of our home, found papers, ceramics, my family, creative collaborations, chilled fruit, green, travel, pods, flea markets and their stories, layers, hands, documentation, turquoise...

What are your current loves?

Visit 2Views for more shadows...

thank you all so much for the new year wishes - hope youre enjoying this weekend xxx

apples and honey...

2007-09-12T14:35:00.000+03:00

some of the symbolic foods we eat on New Year to signify a sweet one :)

שנה טובה בריאה ומתוקה

Wishing you a happy, healthy and sweet new year xxx

sabbatical year

2007-09-10T17:17:00.000+03:00

This week I learned for the first time about the Sabbatical year for the cultivation of land - shmita.

"For six years you may plant your fields, prune your vineyards, and harvest your crops, but the seventh year is a sabbath of sabbaths for the land." Book of Leviticus

With our new year on Wednesday, the final planting in the city is taking place before this year of rest for the land begins. I quite like this idea of letting the soil breath in peace for a whole year. And an added bonus... at last we have some green planting in front of our apartment building.

Autumn is definitely on its way to us, with a drop in temperatures, the turning colours of the flowers and trees and the return of beautiful peaceful sunsets...

pod passion

2007-09-07T11:55:00.000+03:00

This week wasnt so pleasant but im glad that we have reached the weekend... i still have no artwork to show but soon...soon.. :)

Still passionate about pod forms, today i broke open this old carob pod and look what i found inside... these beautiful little tear-shaped pockets containing long shaped, shiny seeds.

I am thinking about my ceramics class which starts in a month, and how i want to explore these natural forms.

The element of 'compartments' also seems to be related to my love of pods and this idea of Marthas - "we inhabit them like rooms, but in our mind". I love this idea.

wishing you all a wonderful one xxx

angles...

2007-09-03T22:02:00.000+03:00

have a wonderful week friends xxx

september 1st - looking forward

2007-08-31T20:37:00.000+03:00

I feel today is such a turning point in the year...the summer holiday has just ended the kids go back to nursery, autumn begins soon, our new year is coming up - the time for many new beginnings...a fresh start. Ella begins daycare for the first time, I begin full time work next week after a 3 day week, I have signed up for an evening ceramics class (very happy *beam*) and have just returned to my studio after a break to begin a brand new collection of work for autumn/winter. 2 views returns next week and soon documented art sessions with Shelly this year :)

Those who know me well, know that i have a love for old things, boxes and all things nature - so you can imagine my joy at our latest find from the flea market ... an old printers drawer - the perfect home for most of our nature collection. Included in our collection are pieces from Seattle, Portugal, UK and Germany.

There is something about compartments and the pleasure of filling them with beautiful objects... each one representing a memory or a place or a person..a time in our life....

Wishing you a lovely weekend and coming autumn or spring depending which part of the world you live in xxx

metal

2007-08-31T11:00:00.001+03:00

for shari's elements week

some flickr faves:

Manistee Waterfront

Untitled

The Hearn 2

weatherworn straight from camera (before)

I had so much fun with elements this week - thanks Shari for the idea and inspiration!!

Back tomorrow for the beginning of September and other things :)

Have a lovely weekend friends xxx

fire

2007-08-30T06:29:00.000+03:00

for shari's elements week

some flickr faves:

Sky Lanterns

Don't Try This At Home

air

2007-08-29T17:11:00.000+03:00

for shari's elements week :)

some flickr faves:

The Stage is set

Free

P1030674

earth

2007-08-28T03:14:00.001+03:00

from my archives..

for shari's elements week

some flickr faves:

-Middle-Earth?

The Yew Tunnel

Untitled

happy tuesday xx

water

2007-08-27T08:26:00.000+03:00

for Elements week over at Shari's

some flickr faves:

Tre

sea children

Wingtips

beginning of an adventure

shuk laila

2007-08-24T13:22:00.000+03:00

Last night we went to the flea market for shuk laila (tranlates to 'night market') - on Thurday nights during the summer there is a festival atmosphere with craft stalls, music, bar and a lot of the market stalls being open.

We had a great time starting off with breakfast at 7.30pm :) and then we wandering around looking at the treasures on offer, drinking beer and enjoying the music.

Hope you all have a magical weekend xxx

goodbye london...

2007-08-24T09:34:00.001+03:00

This trip to London was so lovely - mainly beacause of the time spend with very good friends and family.

My first Blog meeting was all set up with Wendy - i told her we could meet outside the bookshop at the Tate Modern. We waited excitedly for a long time and then we started thinking Wendy had got lost on the way.."But how can you miss the Tate?" I asked Rami...then suddenly in the foyer i spotted a familiar face.."Wendy?"..."Julie?".... big hugs... I didnt know there was another bookshop downstairs!!! Sorry Wendy! We had such a lovely afternoon, mainly eating and drinking and talking. I felt like i have known Wendy for years though. Cant wait until the next time xx

The next day I had arranged with Janet to meet in Chelsea - perfect!!! We had another wonderful afternoon with non-stop chatting (some eating and drinking) and lots of perusing in and out of the wonderful shops in the area. Janet is so inspiring as a successful artist and a lovely, lovely person. xx

Unfortunately, i dont have any photos to show :(

Other highlights -

Being with my parent who spoilt us all rotten!

Laughing and crying with oldest friends A and I.

A picnic with newly wedded friends in the beautiful grounds of Kenwood House.

A new camera - a present from my parents.

Rami seeing Machester United and Chelsea fans pouring into the new Wembley Stadium!

The girls came home speaking English!

And now back to real life... :)

paris - day 3

2007-08-19T19:59:00.000+03:00

So on our final day in Paris - cloudy but dry - we headed back to the area we liked so much the day before.. thinking there was a chance some of the places may be open...they werent but we enjoyed wandering and taking some photos...

We had to make the train back to London at 16:00. It was such a lovely 3 days together.

And the girls hadnt missed us at all being spoilt by their grandparents!!

p.s. Rami's foot is much better - thanks for asking :)

On a different note, head over to one in ten for a very good cause and some beautiful work.

Have a great week xxx

paris - day 2

2007-08-17T11:38:00.000+03:00

I forgot to mention that with all of our walking on the first day, Rami hurt his foot. So on the second day we woke up to rain, grey skies and a hobbling husband. Nothing dampened our spirits though and we chose to buy a metro pass to get around.

This time we walked to the Louvre - even stunning in the rain, the Jardin des Tuileries and to Notre Dame - another favourite of mine. The scupltured details in this gothic cathedral are breathtaking and very powerful in imagery. We stood in the rain staring at it for quite a while.

Then onto some more of Marieke's recommended shops... which took us to a really lovely area full of small galleries and wonderful little art/design shops and designer shops. But they were all closed.

door details

So we decided to return the next day....more pics here

paris - day 1

2007-08-16T13:28:00.000+03:00

Firstly, thank you so much for your welcome back messages!

We had to get up at 4.45am in order to catch Eurostar London - Paris. I was so tired I slept all the way there. We came out of the station at 10.30 to a beautiful morning in Paris. We spent the whole of the first day walking (hand in hand - such a cliche!!!!) everywhere. Big smiles on our faces and the excitement of unfamiliar sounds, smells and sights...

We walked down the Champs Elysees all the way to the Eiffel tower. The tower for me is just so beautiful..from a distance it looks so small, yet when you are standing underneath this massive structure its intricacy in contrast is just amazing. But then, all the architecture in Paris is full of stunning details.

I couldnt stop looking up at the buildings...and i loved their wide facades with repititions of windows and beautiful railings.

repitition

I had a list of places to visit from Marieke and Gwen...we went searching in the evening and 3cm on the map didnt seem far to walk :) but it was far and we got lost and we ended up crying with laughter at 10.30pm!!! Rami doesnt trust my map reading anymore...and i dont either!!!

the old in the new

After miles of walking and looking up different Rues, we realised that so many of the places recommended were closed for the summer holidays - but we had a lot of fun looking.

hello!!!

2007-08-13T20:23:00.000+03:00

Hello friends...how are you?

We came home on Saturday night and i still have so much catching up to do...after our magical trip to London and Paris. Unfortunately i cant access my pictures from London as I forgot the memory card over there and will have to wait for a visit from my parents but i do have some pictures from wonderful Paris where Rami and i spent 3 fabulous days...

The time in London was filled with lots of meetings with loved friends which i really treasured and miss already, a beautiful wedding of one of these friends and two of them are blogger friends :)

I feel happy, refreshed and inspired to begin new work but this may have to wait until September when things calm down over here. I am eager to tidy our home and reorganise and am looking forward to art sessions with Shelly.

I cant wait to visit you and see what has been going on...hopefully soon. Until then, here are a few pictures from Paris...

Being Ramis first visit, we went to see the big sites...

More tales to come... xxx

see you soon...

2007-07-27T08:22:00.000+03:00

After worrying and not knowing if we would be flying today due to strikes, the men in suits came to some agreement and we are off later on this afternoon. Lots of last minute things to sort out and squash into the suitcase and before leaving, we are meeting friends for breakfast...

So i will see you in two weeks if not before... enjoy your summer xxx

once...

2007-07-23T20:19:00.000+03:00

'Once' - found papers, ink and coffee on cigar box lid

summer...

2007-07-21T08:55:00.000+03:00

my favourite look this summer

other favourites:

Maditi and Liz's summer polaroid project

Paula's walks and summer creations

Gwen's catterpillars and polaroids

le bel ete

Summer

The Inquisite Life of the Man in the Red Shoes

untitled

mountain view

untitled

flying...

2007-07-20T12:25:00.000+03:00

The summer is flying by...going home from work to be with the girls, 5 year old birthday parties, end of years plays, visits to the pool and early planning for next september..i like this busyness but could do with a little less heat...This week i received a surprise package from Uschi with some postcards and pictures of my favourite things...my instant favourite was this old photograph of a tree which has a personal story behind it...it went straight onto my shelf!!! Thanks Uschi for noticing the small details xx

This time next week we are off to London...so much planned including a good friends wedding, meeting up with close friends, my first blogger meeting *smile*, precious time with grandparents and 3 days in Paris while the girls will be staying with their grandparents..I am so looking forward to all of this...it will be great to have a break and ..PARIS...if anyone has any recommendations of must visits in paris, i would love to hear!

Although, i already have some ideas for works which will be inspired by London and Paris, no time right now for creating... just doodles...i wonder how this would be interpreted..:)

Have a wonderful weekend xxx

textures and colours...

2007-07-15T18:02:00.000+03:00

We had such a great morning on Friday at the flea market... so many treasures for the eyes...we didnt buy much as it was hot and the girls have little patience and fridays are pretty crowded there.

But its always great to walk around, and have breakfast at our usual cafe in the market!!!

I love the colours and the atmosphere...

scary...

such fun!!!

walls and tabletops..

2007-07-12T11:25:00.000+03:00

And yet another week has flown by and im feeling a little under the weather due to the air-conditioning...but the weekend begins this evening... I thought id show you some artworks in my home...

I just received my beautiful photos from Jens shop...soon to be framed!

This is where we alternate our artwork - hung just above the sofa

Here are some newly framed artworks which are hung all over the apartment... Janets beautiful prints, my gorgeous original artwork from Gracia and the present i bought for Rami for our anniversary from this shop. I LOVE his work!

this is what my work table looks like at the moment!

Hopefully ill be back with another post over the weekend..wishing you all a great one xxx

building blocks..

2007-07-06T21:24:00.001+03:00

It was great to take a short break this week although not much rest was had!!! and i have so much email and blog catching up to do!!

I have always loved the architectural features of tel aviv buildings... i like the way each building is so different from its neighbour. I love the way they have worn with time and the different balconies with peeks inside - each apartment could tell a few stories!! I also love the interaction between the buildings.. the angles, the back to back balconies...all quite a big mess but to me its so beautiful!!! I also have a thing for windows and doors... all this has been influencing me a lot lately....

'all the way up' - found papers, coffee and ink on cigar box lid

'time for some sleep' - found papers and ink on birch wood

'no.100' - found papers and ink on birch wood

I would like to wish Janet all the very best for her big day tomorrow - congratulations my friend!! And to wish you all a happy weekend xxx

soon...

2007-06-30T08:38:00.000+03:00

Taking a short break to catch up... and i hope to return with some new work later this week!

In the meantime..how i love crochet work (wish i knew how to!!) have you seen Paulas porcelain pebbles - so beautiful combined with crochet.. and Jens new polaroid set...

and thank you to Liz for this polaroid of Fallingwater - a magnificent work of art!!!!!

gold..

2007-06-29T08:36:00.000+03:00

Last week we were in Tel Aviv...and yesterday a family celebration took us to Jerusalem also 30 minutes away from where we live in the other direction...i was excited to take lots of pictures of this amazing city...but it was unbearably hot as it has been all week over here and i just didnt have the energy...

the very famous view of the holy city..

a camoulflage tree Shelly and i found

hope you all have a cooling weekend :)

a return to my journal + ...

2007-06-26T18:18:00.000+03:00

Ive returned to my drawing journal... it probably wont be used everyday but i love carrying it around with me...these two pages were the results after sitting alone in a cafe for about an hour and a half last week...

Sia and i did a magazine and sweets swap - which meant i get to read Blueprint for the first time!! And try these wonderful Dutch sweets which could have come straight out of Charlies factory!!!

my current inspirations:

david maisels stunning photographs taken from the air (found thru dear ada)

paulas summer flowers...

still lifes from Jen

oh yes, and ive changed my name (blog)!!!

Ive been wanting to change it for so long and it seems too late for a drastic change so i am now called 'hand' .... :)

1 on 1 art lesson #18

2007-06-26T17:24:00.000+03:00

Today the session began with a drawing of this...

and i so love the outcome. What was really interesting was to watch Yuval copy the writing - its the first time shes written in English as she has not yet begun learning english letters so she was copying them like any other detail...i think she did a great job!!!!

I then showed Yuval this sculptures by Louise Nevelson and told her they were made form everyday things...all sorts of shapes...

I gave her a shoe box and several bits and pieces including toilet rolls, cardboard, corks, sticks. egg boxes...and encouraged her to create a 3-d sculpture within the box.

I thought Yuval would feel comfortable using the box as a 'frame' but i think she found the idea of 3-d difficult to understand...and wanted to just stck on the background...

I wonder if i told her to create a freestanding sculpture without a box how she would respond...i would still like to finish this project so we'll see next week.

10

2007-06-24T20:35:00.000+03:00

found papers and coffee drawings on cigar box lid

i heart tel aviv...

2007-06-22T09:01:00.000+03:00

this week has flown by and i have so much blog catching up to do... before that... i was proudly chosen as the 'ambassador' for tel aviv in Jen's fab new project - this week i spent a few hours there walking round collecting some shots to send to Jen and i thought i would tell you what i love about this city...

come with me...

the new and the old...

the old tree lined boulevards...

the young and the older...

the great bauhaus buildings scattered all over the city...

the derelict and the renovated...

the fantastic graphics...

the colours

and the neutrals...

i could go on because their is so much that i love about this vibrant city...there is something for everyone and different parts of the city which feel so different from each other...i could sit in the cafes for hours people watching, or take a walk along the beach or sit in one of the secret parks.

I have never been a clubber but i have it on the best authority (rami!!) that the clubs here are excellent! There is a strong sense of history in the buildings...each one different from the next. There is a great market and wonderful craft market twice a week... i wish i could take you all round and show you what i see...

thank you so much for ellas birthday wishes,

have a great weekend xxx

hand

new year : new space

*6*

on its way..

sea air

i will

september

friends

end of summer sale

weekend wishes

a start

a day off

space

a new space

hello

3

more pods..

2 by 2

hello!

Nachal Kziv

May!

skies and pods..

new corners

from the kiln

discovering derelict

nature finds

pieces of my week 5

spring days

happy greys

pieces of my week 4

pieces of my week 3

February 29

solar powered

pieces of my week 2

a good feeling..

pieces of my week..

**LOVE**

ink

the first time

form

little artists

days flying by

of gold

leaving on a jet plane..

caves and early days..

beginnings..

hope..

happy holidays!

more inspiration..

middle of the week treats...

a of tate modern

frieda

waiting for a miracle...

37

a new corner of my home

raspberry tea...

eyal

winter works

clay...

calm

urban lines

middle of october...

angel

in thought..

missing..

poppytalk handmade market

five

hello

untitled...

apples and honey...

sabbatical year

pod passion

angles...

september 1st - looking forward

metal

fire

air

earth

water

shuk laila

6

LOVE

i heart tel aviv...