Friday, March 18, 2016

Living life expressed ...


We enjoy and live with art casually displayed throughout our row-home. Art John and I have collected over our many years together. I think of myself as an artisan with a curators aesthetic in a lifelong journey of observation. In past posts I've shared many pieces and in this post I will focus in on our newest art purchase displayed in our Living room. This is part 1 of our Living room's reveal of décor updates and will continue in my following post with many detailed photos taken throughout the room. 


Titled "Le Salon" and handmade with Cartapesta (Papier Mâché) over a wooden antique drawer. Each element is handmade by Méa StauB of Méa's Vintage in Hamburg Germany. 

Méa is designing/building and creating a unique mice journeymen dwellings series. Her first piece was the "Le Library" and when she posted it I wrote asking to purchase it but it had already been sold. In an email I wrote her that I'd like to purchase her second piece "Le Salon". But it was well before Christmas and work on "Le Salon" hadn't even began. Design would not start until the second week in January. Méa agreed that I would have 1st dibs on the piece as she shared all her plans for the piece. Many of Méa's handmade furniture, mirror with foxed glass, daybed, fabrics, pillows are from her kingdoms "Salon" made in miniature scale for this piece. She's currently working on her 3rd journeymen's piece titled "Le Chateau".


We decided to display "Le Salon" on a Black Walnut raw edge wood shelf. Custom made for us by the Pank Family on etsy from salvaged vintage wood. Purchased from their store Reclaimtofame1 on etsy. It is our second shelf they have custom made us. We have hung it with contemporary brushed nickel brackets to blend with the other metals in our home. The other shelf by the Pank family is hung over our riddling rack in the dining room's wine corner displaying a vintage French oil painting and straw covered vintage Demi-John.

Through personal emails over the years we both have been blogging Méa has become a friend. During our exchanges about "Le Salon" Méa would describe her vision and I would write her back "love it - have fun Méa and go wild"! Our conversations were immensely entertaining and makes this art emotionally meaningful to me. 


As a poet my writing is often sparked by my imaginations flight into fantasy through play. My poetry below is a poetic fable.  My perceived story about the married intellectuals living out their retirement in the casbah. I will admit I have a very active imagination and have been truly enjoying playing with "Le Salon".


Retired and living in an old funky part of Marrakesh you'll find husband Honoré Beaulieu and Amélie Berlioz his wife.
Honoré a highbrow scholar was a French Literature professor at the Université Sorbonne in Paris for over 30 years of his life.

Amélie a poet had owned a Parisian bookstore which housed a rare collection of 18th century poetry but felt her prose had become ineffectual.
Moved to Morocco with a love of moorish architecture, pigment painted plaster and hidden treasures that offered Honoré adventure as an intellectual.

But lately days are spent in a pompous aristocratic fantasy world drinking Absinthe chasing La Tee Verte - the Green Fairy.
Smoking a hookah, daydreaming, reading while indulging in drink months have turned into years in their ramshackle of a sanctuary.

Now who's to judge that our bohemian couple hasn't the perfect respite for retirement to indulge in wherever their daydreams may roam.
Warmed by a wood burning fireplace, surrounded by books they idle away years reading under a chandelier dripping in crystals brought from home.

Retirement years can be a simplistic indulgence through self expression in ones chosen dwelling that offers mystery and intrigue.
Especially our exotic couple whose career driven past added up to a retirement need spent in comfort and relaxation to combat mental fatigue.
© Vera


Meet Amélie Berlioz. Méa named the mice Honoré and Berlioz. I took artistic liberty and added my addition to their names. Funny how these two characters instantly encouraged engagement in play to cheer my day. Moroccan slippers are on and suddenly they are off... I love this piece because it is interactive art. 

But along with my enjoyment in my French Opera/Ballet theatre and the mice I've been creating out of clay for all my productions, our French car parking garage and also my Vampire castle and now "Le Salon" may just be part of my continuing childhood. As a child I had a play kitchen, easy bake oven but not a doll house. I think I'm making up for that void during my childhood part 2!


Notice Amélie looking over at Honoré? Well that's because...


Amélie's a tad bit annoyed since Honoré is drunk on Absinthe and has over indulged smoking the Hookah. Oh please Honoré pull down your Caftan, we don't need to see you man-spreading! Honoré loves wearing his Fez hat with a silk tassel that dangles ... But if Honoré doesn't pull down that Caftan it may not be the only thing we see dangling, just saying!


The Hookah and Absinthe bottle are handmade out of glass. I adore the Green Fairy label. No detail has been overlooked creating "Le Salon". The patina, the iron daybed, the books, well everything's just so surreal. 


Dripping in crystals a beautiful Parisian 5 light chandelier. I love walking by and catching it's reflection in the mirror inside made with antique foxed glass. This art is indeed magical.


A handmade curtain with crocheted fringe helps ward off breezes from the open moorish window while lounging on the iron daybed reading idling the day away. What I didn't capture was the little hand sewn patches on the floor cushion and drape adding in the ramshackle feel, love those.


I hope you've enjoyed the little make believe journey to Marrakesh through our latest art acquisition. Measuring 15.5" high, 10" wide and 5.5" deep it seems/feels larger than its size in creative presence. 


Now you knew I would have to include a Black and White photo. I've decided I will post my en noir photos that capture a mood or an emotion on Instagram. Hopefully by sometime in mid April. I appreciate all your encouragement to join Instagram through your emails last post. 


Our recent updates all started with my heart's insistent desire to have a vintage French petite chandelier hanging over our factory table. Wanting to add mood and a dramatic flair to it I searched everywhere I could think of for antique Purple drop crystals to add to the vintage clear crystals. I found amazing ones on eBay and purchased them on a buy-it-now auction. They are stunning.

During a late night phone chat with Doré from Burlap Luxe I shared my plans for our living room's update. Doré's remark was "you're adding a French Boho vibe". Tis true ... To be continued next post. But if you would like to see a 2014 post of our Living room please click here. It goes into detail about our art collections in the room.

The photo below is one of Méa's taken of her first piece in the journeymen dwellings series titled "Le Library". Since I mentioned in this post how much I enjoyed it I thought I'd include it. I also have included a link to visit Méa's blog. There is a language translation button on her blog. See you soon as I will reveal how a Rust color washed Persian rug and Purple drops playfully come together in part 2.
xx,
Vera
PS I love reading all your comments and thoughts and enjoy answering any of your questions. Thanking you in advance for leaving me a comment.





42 comments:

  1. What a dreamy work of art. Both Le Salon and the writing inspired by it.

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  2. Oh, Vera...I love you. So much to look at- so many creative, brilliant ideas you have. And then I nearly fell out of my chair laughing! Yes, please tell Honore to pull down his caftan! LOL!
    A tiny hookah? Hilarious! And those little slippers...I love it all so much. xoxo, T.

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  3. I will return tonight, my hands are in clay... Will give you my beautiful thoughts later ... And Meas piece so belonged to you! Or me! Lol

    It's wonderful you have this statement piece to play with... I will see u soon dear.

    Xx
    Bisous

    Doré

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  4. Oh Vera I can see why you loved the Library piece it is wonderful. Your Le Salon is a wonderful piece to have too. Loved your poem written to go along with your sweet post today on your Le Salon addition. Love those little slippers to cute. Hugs,
    Kris

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  5. Hello there, Vera!

    Méa is definately the Miss Clara of Germany, and at one time, I had wanted to be too...this type of art takes so much tedious time to develop since this is paper spun into magic. Each piece so carefully made, each wonky corner PERFECTLY placed. THOSE TINY SLIPPERS!!!!!!!! I love it!

    I hope you are enjoying these in between days like we are having, where it's cool, gray and no sign yet of spring, but only the hope and vision of its arrival. Play my friend, PLAY!

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  6. It is all so magical! I love Le Salon and your story to go with it! I have that exact lamp and did not know it is French. It is in the parlor, the same room as my new rug. Mea's creations are extraordinary!

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  7. Vera, this is just incredible. Le Salon is an amazing work of art and I so appreciate all pieces done in tiny scale with details. It is magical at every turn and such a wonderful addition to you art collection. Love the shelf you have it displayed on too.
    You sure gave me a much needed chuckle describing Honore's caftan pulling up. Your poem captured the scene perfectly.
    Lovely post and really brightened my afternoon. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the rest of your room soon!! Blessings my friend. xo

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  8. Le Salon is wonderful! It really comes to life through the story told in your poem. Absinthe, hookah and caftan wide open...how funny! Mea is a wonderful artist. I'm going to visit her website.

    Thank you for a delightful post and I look forward to seeing more of your art.

    Jane

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  9. Reading your stories always transports my soul to a magical, whimsical place Vera, and I always smile as well.

    What a fabulous piece of art Le Salon is! I don't think I've ever seen another quite like it.

    XXX

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  10. I can't imagine the patience it must take for Méa to create such works of art. Tiny details: the ironwork on the daybed, the fireplace, and of course the slippers. Your poem is an excellent accompaniment and made me smile. Your stairway is fabulous, Vera. Looking forward to Part 2. xo ~ Nancy

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  11. They say that art should be personal, and Le Salon is certainly that! Lovingly made, and lovingly enjoyed -- I hope it always continues to bring you such pleasure!

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  12. I love your salon, and I love her library, because I love libraries Where should I start. I love the bed from wire. That's something we should try here, because we once made a wire crown. Currently, my daughter is painting a small plastic bed that she found gold, which reminds me that the paint can has been lying out in the sun, and it was 94 degrees today. I really love the little bed, the stack of pillows, the chandelier, and your story. As for the mice, they are adorable. Now the male reminds me of two male peasants in Tres Riches Heures du Duc Berry's calendar from the 1400s... the month of February. I'm sure Professor Honore can justify his behavior. Look at the woman warming her pantaloons, and then the men. You might have to make it larger. I also really the mini car allusion from the last post. We enjoy collecting original art too. Happy Spring. xoxo Su

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  13. I love that you are still playing and making up stories. I think so many people feel that they are too old for play.

    I write stories in my head, especially as I am drifting off to sleep. One day I will have to write one down.

    Now back to Honore and Amelie - what a lovely retirement they are enjoying. But I do envy Amelie - to have owned a Parisienne bookshop is a dream!

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  14. Mea is an amazing woman. She inspires so many people all over the world. She has got a very clean heart, like an angel. Because of her comments on my Blog, i am working at something, which makes me more than happy. But now it is secret. Maybe on day my dreams will come true.
    I love the salon, the library... The stories...
    And it is pretty amazing to read that Mea and you become friends. Two wonderful women....
    I hope you understand my english
    Hugs Kuni

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  15. How wonderful to be able to enjoy Mea's artwork up close. It's truly amazing! Love the poem on their retirement!
    Hugs,
    Lin

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  16. Oh my Gooood, Vera!!! At first I was in tears, so touched, my little miceys these two guys now a couple in retirement. Then it came to the caftan and me and the king almost fainted in laughter (ok, the king is still laughing...;)
    So much love they receive, oh, and I was so frightend to send them such a long way. But: Tadaaa, OF COURSE they made it, now Madame and Monsieur, they LOVE it :)))
    I can just say THANK YOU for everything, for this sweeeeet story, and.. please tell me, what is... hookahh? My English gives up here, oii. Sounds great ;)
    Oh Vera, I am sitting here now with glowing cheeks, smiling from one ear to the other (what might Hobbit think, seeing me like this....oiii),
    Thank you again and again, HUUUUUUGS to you, hoookah-hugs (sounds good, does this make sence?), your grateful friend Méa

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    Replies
    1. Méa about to email you. Hookah is Arabic for a smoking device - the pipe you made. I think perhaps in Germany you refer to it as Shisha pipe.
      xoxo,
      Vera

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    2. Ah, yes we do :)) Well anyway, it sounds gooood :)))
      hookahhhhh!!

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  17. I LOVE your new art piece...so adorable in so many ways..I love the story...your poem...that you love to play and I love you......

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  18. Le Salon is spectacular and exquisite in its every detail. It is absolutely a necessary part of your Rowhome, Vera! Thank you for sharing with us your creative and most wonderful play writings...so magical.
    Mary Alice

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  19. I'm feeling a little bit envious of Amelie and Honoré, what a fabulous place for them to retire, Marrakesh! So colorful and exotic. Every detail of their little salon reflects so perfectly the typical decor of a Moroccan riad, from the sweet bolster cushion with the tiny tassel to the miniature glass hookah. I have several hookahs but I can assure you that none of mine are as adorable as the one Honoré is smoking! That fez he's wearing is just the sweetest thing ever! I think I'm more concerned about Honoré putting his baboush slippers up on the bed than his flashing Amelie! lol. What a fun little art piece you have, Vera. Thank you for sharing it with us. I can't wait to see your new french boho inspired decor!

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  20. Your vignettes and stories are always so enchanting, Vera.

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  21. Oh Vera! Mea's art is so magical, and it looks fantastic in your beautiful home... Details everywhere...
    I love the first photo in your post... Your home holds such beauty and comfort.
    Blessings dear friend
    Penny

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  22. Vera, Le Salon is just delightful. All the hand made pieces by your friend Mea make it even more special. That little chandelier is so cute hehehe. I love the miniature scale items. Jess' fiancé has a train with a town and has to buy miniature scale things also; they are hard to find sometimes. How fun that you made these to be a Bohemian couple. :) This sits beautifully by your stairway, and it must make you smile every time you pass by.

    Thanks for sharing this amusing story with us.

    ~Sheri

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  23. How sweet of you to visit. I am so happy you enjoyed the roses.
    Enjoy your day.
    Blessings,
    Penny

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  24. Oh my, but you and your friend overseas have so many ideas. I enjoyed peering into Le Salon and reading your story - lovely how you inspire one another.

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  25. SUCH a magical post, no matter when I come back, it is always fresh and inspiring! Vera, thank you so much for coming to my post; I just wanted to share the eggs once more in a larger format since Instagram only takes 2 X 2! And yes, I need to do another batch of blue eggs with the insides blown out; I want to keep these around for a few weeks! And the boots? HAHAHHA.....I found them at Target at just the right size AND price...$5.00! Since they are mostly for photo shoots, I couldn't resist, but then they fit me, so I just may take them out on a rainy day. Tea Rat is jealous of my boots!

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  26. I am back Vera, I just can't get over that this magical salon belongs to you!
    It sits shelved in the most intriguing place, where all who enter will not miss a thing that may be taking place in its very own old world story.
    Can you wrap your head around being the new caregiver to such a salon, it's as if you are the inn keeper.

    You made mention of an easy bake oven as a child, I too had one, not a doll house and only one doll a thumbalina where her head moved as a real baby did. I think the oven was where imagination started in me, and I hear in in your writings as well. It's why you are the grand chef....perhaps Mea need make an oven for you, where mice are cooking up tasty delights, and piles of cookbooks are everywhere. Everything could take place inside the cooks stove.
    I could see a Vera chef mouse and a John chef mouse making blackend fish :)
    Maybe blackend cheese.

    The chandelier is amazing, I must put more detail into some of my wire creations, Mea inspires an underground movement of darkness that truely enchants, and what home could this be so amazingly displayed in could not stand up to greet such a piece as your home.
    Looking so forward to #2 post on your home tour and the richly added chandelier of deep rich boho tones.

    I think you need to keep up with your clay creations of creating mice, soon your "Row Home" will become the "Mouse house."

    Could the enchantment of your story telling be any better then a children's picture book... Suggested age group 6 to 60 :)
    I can see there is no end to the story telling we will be entertained with, often I hope!

    See you soon,
    You are one lucky lady here, to be such a care taker of this much enchantment.

    Xox
    Doré

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  27. Vera,
    To embrace your gift and share it with others is truly heavenly.
    You know, too often adults quit imagining and creating. They often times forget that to play, create, dream, and embrace whimsy keeps us young, laughing, joyful and inspired. This is what I do when I am in my garden, and when I return from the outdoors I am refreshed, enlightened, hopeful and renewed. Visiting you dear Vera, has the same effect on me:)
    Le Salon is beyond delightful and the details are incredible.I must take another look.
    xoxo
    Jemma

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  28. So much beautiful detail and love was put into this piece. Thank you for sharing Vera and thank you for stopping by for a visit.

    Hugs,
    ❤️Ana

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  29. So wonderful if I was my self as a child right now I would be obsessed with this vignette as I loved doll houses and characters such as Edith and the bears.. K

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  30. VERA!!!!! This is probably my very favorite post. This is definitely my favorite poem. I love the moorish setting, but the green fairy? Not so much because I don't want to see Christmas (as we say in the South).....Put on some drawers, Honoré! What an amazing work of art. It deserves its own shelf! I love the little chandy. It's so cute!!! And the library is stunning, too. I would love to have a little library like the one that Méa made. It's so me! I might print your poem and put it up in my art studio. It's my favorite one so far!

    xo,
    RJ

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  31. I loved reading the story of what is going on! The work is amazing by the artist and designers and you have a great way with words!

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  32. ...just back by to read all this beautiful and fun post again and to look at all the photos...sometimes, just one time isn't enuf to gather in all the treasures in your posts....so delightful.
    xo

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  33. Hi Vera, Le Salon is VERY magical!! You are an amazing story teller, the mice had me laughing so hard!! What a fun and playful piece of art you have. Thank you for sharing with us :)

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  34. Dear Vera, wishing you a Happy Easter. Nel is making my mom's famous enchiladas tomorrow, along with a ham. Jess is sick with a cold and bad cough, so won't be able to join us.

    with love,
    ~Sheri

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  35. Vera,
    My computer was down for about a week.. I wanted to thank you for coming over to see the roses in bloom.. When they all explode I will share.
    Wishing you a beautiful week.
    blessings,
    Penny

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  36. Vera,
    My computer was down for about a week.. I wanted to thank you for coming over to see the roses in bloom.. When they all explode I will share.
    Wishing you a beautiful week.
    blessings,
    Penny

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  37. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your comment at Lakehouse, Vera. My recovery took longer than I thought.
    Your post is truly entertaining, and inspiring. I love the whole concept, and artistic presentation. You are a wonder, and so gifted, Vera. Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of us.
    It's always a delight coming here!
    Also, thank you for your thoughts, and comments you leave at my blog. I appreciate you, dear friend.
    Debbie
    xo

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  38. La Salon is completely enchanting, so beautifully made and your words equally so! Have a great day!

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  39. Vera,
    Was that funny or what! I can't really be angry with Ethel, I just love the bunnies, but I wish she would find something else to do. I am anxious to see if she is there in the morning.
    Thank you so much for visiting.
    Oh my, I must see your cherry blossoms!
    Sending you a gentle hug
    Penny

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  40. You are a trip dear one! :) Your friend Mea is very talented and I think it's perfectly appropriate that Le Salon is in your home. The hookah made me laugh! And I certainly needed that. Your home, your creativity and your writing are all amazing!

    xo
    Pat

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