Guild School 2013

Early June I attended IGMA's Guild School in Castine (Maine, USA). On return, last week, I suffered a jet leg like never before... On top of that I had to go back to working early shifts as well, so with nights of just 2 to 3 hours of sleep I felt like a zombie last Friday. Fortunately I've caught up on some essential sleep this weekend so now I can finally tell you all how wonderful it was!

This year I took an early flight with a stop over in Paris Charles de Gaulle. I wish I had more time to wonder around that airport because the design and architecture of the new parts really fancies me. Still, the parts I did see where very pretty. I was most intrigued by the green wall at my gate.








Next stop was Montreal, a great place to visit. Wished there was more time for that too because it has some of the charm of Paris as well :) 













Beautiful city but then it was of to Castine, with a charm all of its own!!!




A kind and proud owner taking a break to chat :)



The local library



I was mostly taken by the junior school in Castine, Adams School. I simply loooove how they put up each student with his or her's distinct quality. It tells them they are special in their own right and emphasizes each and everyones particular talent!




The local historical Society had just put up a new exhibit. They've done a marvelous job in telling about the early settlement at Castine and the importance of it to the region. Too bad you weren't allowed to take pictures inside and I wish i've had more time to take it all in, again.



Even on a gloomy day it looks spectacular...






some are house proud, and some cannot ;)


But the reason of it all were miniatures! I wish I could show you more of what was on display the first days, there was sooo much to take in. Some pieces I knew from the internet, but as is said so often before; nothing beats seeing them in real!!! There is so much talent! Here is just a small selection of what fellow students and teachers had brought along to share and enjoy; (forgive me for not having all the names and thus give credit to whom it deserves! If you know any missing names please mail me so I can put them up)


Lovely bird cage by Ursula Dyrbye-Skovsted


Intricate petitpoint by Sue Resseguie


A great and joyful scene which made me smile from ear to ear illustrates the theme of this year;
To Infinity and Beyond (Nell Corkin and...? )



Gorgeous dishes by Jane Graber. 


Fellow work by Phyllis Hawkes, congratulations! 



Another intricate petitpoint rug by...?


Cute little stool by Ann High

An array of food choppers by Bill Robertson, how many can there be?!  :)


Great achievement for Hellie Durant; she received a scholarship this year! Hurray!



Stunning life like leopard by Hiro Kimura


My own contribution ;)


Amazing gold fish which were a class subject as well, by Miyuki Kobayashi



Beth Freeman-Kane's tranquil garden scene


Back rest of a sgabello chair in the making, by Ann High


A very appropriate sample board of nautical knots by Bonni Backe


Highly detailed painting by Mary Grady O'Brien on a table by Mark Murphy



And to finish this incomplete selection of all that was on display; an adorable scene with a nut house, made by Nell Corkin.

Of course there was lobster night and it was said they were very good this year. As I only eat it once a year (here at Castine!) I can't really comment on it. But he/she was Yummy indeed! For the rest I tried to stay away from the opulent warm breakfast that was served each morning. Instead I went for the fresh fruits to start the day, which was delicious :) 

Now, for the classes I took. This year I got my first choice; a painting class with Mary Grady O'Brien and the carving class with Bill Robertson.



Only when I first came to Castine I got to discover Mary's work and talent and it was my wish ever since to attend a class of hers. I feel privileged I could this time, as I just love her work.  Her folk art is unpretentious and honest yet immaculately done. I've grown very fond of it. 



The project was to paint a games table and box to hold the checker pieces, in the early American Folk Art style. 





Mary had brought the most wonderful collection of reference books with her so we could all get inspiration and get a feel for the style. The first day was mostly spend on practice and figuring out designs for our box. The next day this book on the right was on offer at the silent auction. I did put in an offer but was over bid. Fortunately when I got back home, I found it online at a antique book store here in The Netherlands, so I'm thrilled I got the chance to purchased it this way. Not in the least cos it is packed with illustrations and covers a wide variety of folk art expressions. Paintings, sculptures, house decorations, textiles and many more...






Some of my fellow class mates who were all wonderful company. Thank you all for making it a great experience :)


Mary guided us all through the process and as ever she'd made sure our pieces were presented with gorgeous signs and boxes that fit her style and theme. 


Being European I'd mistaken the checkers for chess pieces, not in the least cos the board is just the same. Prior to coming I'd made a chess set, just for fun, to stage the table when finished but it turned out a fraction to big. Putting it on the painted table it was slightly cramped and it didn't do justice to both pieces. I wanted to leave it out but Mary suggested to put it up anyway, on it's own board. As if it was the start of a games collection ;) So now i've gotta make a backgammon table... and a cards table haha 




And there you have it. 10 Sets. I loved to see how each of us had a different hand at painting and as we went along the tables became more and more distinct. Most of all with the boxes. We were given total freedom to decorate them as desired. I recall walking into the class room for the first time and seeing a book on bridal boxes. It was in German, which isn't so strange when you think how German settlers brought their art and customs with them when they emigrated to the US. This american type of folk art also has many resembling features with old Dutch styles that can be found over here.

But i'm drifting here, the bridal boxes instantly gave me the idea to put a couple on the top of the lid of the box. It was narrow, yeah, it was tight yeah... But if i'd made them slightly anorexic I could make them fit. On the right half stage, on the left finished and aged.


And i managed :) It was the first time working with oil paints and with all the help and tips Mary gave us i've learned how to manipulate it and being able to work it on this scale. 


There is one funny thing to mention about the bridal box book from Germany. Mary didn't know German so she never noticed it but on these boxes were short motto's. Little quote's to enhance the meaning of the box; celebrate marriage. Daniela Kiefhaber who is German walked in one day and sat down to translate them for Mary. Cos they'd found out some of the saying were rather saucy and spicy. 

I hadn't even noticed it till that happened and as I can read German too we both sat down to read some more. Translating them to the class it made for lot's of giggling and ooh's and aah's :) For example, there was a box with a couple on it, underneath written; Ich Liebe Dich Mit Lust. Which means; I love you with lust. Or another one, where the lady pointed to the outside of the picture, saying; I'll be there in the garden... waiting for you.

It gave for so much joy I figured it would be neat to try to do the same, and put in a saying? Being a games table it would have to have a relation to that, it had to fit the lid ánd yet at the same time have a juicy wink. And then all of a sudden, Eureka! 


You can't read it when the box is closed so it is sort of secretive. But you know and i know, and that's all that matters ;))) 



Then there was my other class, carving a rococo frame with Bill Robertson. The objective was to get a feel for the style and 3-d carving as such. I totally enjoyed it. Although I've done some acanthus carving in the past his large examples were wonderful attributes to become more aquatinted with flutes and rocaille.  



Some of his technique involved the use of the flex shaft, something I hadn't done much before. It was soon obvious my flex shaft at home isn't half as accurate as those here at school hence my preference to hand tools in the past. But I've learned a lot just looking at his demonstrations and many more little tips on how to approach this type of work. 


Here's a look at his prototype, amazing what control he has over his moto tool.


I'd brought my own carvers and together with some small burrs in my hand vise (as apposed to a power driven one) i fiddled along pretty well. I loved the subject too, together with the coffee, music and relaxed chaotic atmosphere in the class room. 'Has anyone seen my jewelers saw?' 'I miss a jewelers saw, has any one seen it?' ;)





Caught on camera happily at work :)


And sort of finished by the end of the week.



Here's my fellow student Steve Davis of which I have great memories from the first year coming to Guild School. I can still remember his words back then; 'There is so much to learn and to take in, it is like trying to drink from a fire hose' And he's so right, back then ánd now :)




Finally here's a small selection of the other class results:
amazing what people are capable of! Admire & enjoy :)















And in a big BANG school was over... 


On the way back home we came across some wonderful estates, some that could use a little TLC, and some that had obviously received it.




And that was the end of an amazing trip. Again, we've learned new things, made new friends and made new memories, fond memories that will last me a life time. Thanks to everyone! 












Back home I tweaked some more on the mirror and finished it of with a coat of Danish Oil and a final buffing with shoe polish (thanks Josje, great tip!) It received a 1 mm mirror to fit and now I'm intending to make a complementing table for it. Because, if anything, Castine is always a huge inspiration :))

Thanks for reading all the way down, hope you enjoyed it.


ps. Remember all pictures can be poked (right click) to watch them in full scale for more detail.

41 comments:

  1. A wonderful post of your trip and Guild School. I am glad you finally had time to catch up on some sleep.

    I love all your school projects, your paint work is just wonderful and your frame looks great with the finish and mirror.

    It was great to see you at Castine and chat with you again.

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    1. It is lovely to read your reports too! You too had a lot to recover from :) Trips like these are always a lot to take in, but it was all gooooood. Meeting you too again, and sharing class. I loved your little bone chest, i can't wait to have a go at it too, in just a few weeks. And your little chest of drawers that you've showed during class was just adorable.

      I can't wait what inspiration will take you to make.

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  2. Merci pour ce reportage . J ai aimé chaque photo . Qu'elle chance d apprendre de nouvelles choses à chaque fois .
    J ai une préférence pour votre travail de peinture et les anecdotes sur les boîtes de mariage .
    Le miroir est magnifique mais je vous connaissais déjà ce talent . Alors je suis moins impressionnée .

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    1. Thank you Catherine, glad you like the pictures. The painting was a lovely adventure. and yes, the story about the bridal box just had to be told :))

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  3. What a great learning experience! I hope someday I might attend. Your projects turned out beautifully. Thanks for posting so many wonderful photos. --John

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    1. I wish for everyone who would like to attend, they'll get the chance at least once. It a wonderful opportunity to learn a great deal, and often way outside the box you thought you'd learn about. You know about their Scholarship program? If anyone feels they're held back because of finances there is the possibility to apply for one. And who know's... you might be granted one?!

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  4. Me parece todo una maravilla: la ciudad las cosas y todo lo que habeis realizado

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    1. Thank you Isabel. I'm pleased with my class results as well. And I agree, this little seaside village is a gorgeous setting! When the busy schedule permitted I just loved to stroll through the quiet streets to soak up the atmosphere and balance my energy.

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  5. Wow, all the artisan pieces are fabulous. I'd love every item you made plus all the display pieces. Such high quality work. Thanks for sharing your photos. I'm super jealous.

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    1. I was blown away too, each item was amazing. There's so much talent! And skills i can only dream of!

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  6. Oooh thank you for this wonderful post. I loved seeing all the photos.

    It is no surprise that you did such a beautiful job carving that mirror frame. ;-) Still I am sure you learned a lot in Bill's class. I am totally impressed by the fantastic job you did painting those words on the game pieces box. WOW!!!

    I just love those meat cleavers. It would be such fun to have five or six of them on a kitchen wall.

    BTW... What a GREAT picture of you!!! :-))

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    1. Thanks Catherine, pictures tell a thousand words, i always say :)
      I learned loads in Bills class, I don't think i'm even half way.! Although i'm no fan of power tools while carving i've learned they're a great aid when doing the roughening out. And having a tool that can get up to loads of rpm helps as well to prevent rip out or cut ups, would you get into more detail. My preference to carvers is they leave such a fine finish to the wood. But only small burrs can get you to work in the little nooks and crevices. But not only that, then there were all these little tips and tricks... sharpening, holding your piece, etc, etc...

      As for my portrait? Pfff, i look like an ecstatic fool, doing drugs or something haha. But then again, i was in miniature heaven :D

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  7. Debora your pictures are incredible! The wonderful miniatures, the scenery and the whole experience wow--thank you for posting so many great shots and I love hearing the narrative :) Your mirror came out perfect---

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    1. Thanks Linda, it was a thrill, in many ways, I just have to share it!

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  8. De magnifiques photos! Splendides réalisations! Merci beaucoup
    Amicalement, Dominique

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  9. As much as I love seeing the photos, it makes me realise just how much more I need to learn before I can say I'm accomplished at making miniatures. Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Thank you for letting us see the photos from your trip =0)

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    1. You're welcome Pepper. I feel blessed to be able to have visited such a beautiful place. And i mean that in many ways. The village is stunning as were the pieces that people have made. Coming there makes me sometimes think the same as you described. But that's good i think.it Taking for myself; it pushes me to do better each time i set myself to build something.

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  10. Debora again a wonderfull story, with lots of pictures! The quotes on the bridal boxes is another great story. By the way you did a wonderfull job on painting that little box!
    Thanks for sharing

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    1. Hi Jeffry, how are you doing on your mirror? Yes indeed, the bridal box quotes were so funny. Seemed that these Germans knew what it was all about, back in those days ;)

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  11. What fabulous work, you are all so talented and skilful. And thanks for the pics of that beautiful and historic part of the world, some of those houses are to die for.

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    1. Thanks Margaret, you're welcome. When i first came there i never really believed houses like that would still be out there. But they are there by numbers! Each one even more prettier then the previous. But i wouldn't want to paint them every other year. The sea climate is really harsh and moist so i've been told. Non the less, it makes for stunning pics. Enjoy!

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  12. Ongetwijfeld wederom een fantastische ervaring, Super om het verslag te lezen!!!
    groetjes Sylvia

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    1. Graag gedaan Sylvia :) 't Was superrrr. En nu maar weer gauw aan de slag, de inspiratie komt uit m'n oren :)))

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  13. Mooie, interessante post, Debora.
    En fijn dat je er zoveel foto's bijgedaan hebt.
    Wat een prachtige dingen laat je ons zien; je spiegel is hartstikke mooi geworden maar, heel eerlijk, die je eerder zelf maakte vind ik nog mooier.
    Je hebt het duidelijk goed naar je zin gehad, gelukkig maar, en mooie foto van je!
    Bedankt voor je verslag!
    Groetjes,
    Gee

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    1. Dank Gee, hou je ook zo van foto's? Heerlijk tòch? plaatjes kijken :))) Wat de spiegels betreft, over smaak valt niet te twisten. Ze 'hebben' allebei wel wat, vind ik. Maar ik zag net je 'games table'. That's coming on pretty nicely too! :) Ben heel benieuwd, ik vind dat soort meubels altijd erg leuk.

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  14. Zo, dat was even genieten zeg! Heerlijk zo'n lang verslag met veel foto's. Ik vind het zo leuk om te zien wat er allemaal gemaakt is en om hier en daar even mee te kijken in de klaslokalen.
    Je projecten zijn allemaal mooi -nee, prachtig zelfs- maar dat kleine kistje met het bruidspaar erop vind ik wel heel geweldig. Die tekst! Ja zoiets maakt me heel blij. En je hebt ook zo'n mooie schrijfhand. Dat is toch ook een kunst hoor.
    En zo genieten we allemaal een beetje mee :-) En met jouw opgedane inspiratie kunnen we binnenkort nog meer genieten.

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    1. Graag gedaan, Josje :) Het eerstvolgende grote project ligt sinds gister op de werkbank, verslag volgt gauw. En ik zie je ook weer gauw? Ik neem het kistje wel even mee, zo grappig om de binnenkant te zien :)

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  15. Ooohhh dat was genieten zeg. Zowel van de foto's als van je verhaal! Meid, wat beschrijf je alles goed! Net alsof ik er bij was.
    Ik blijf me verbazen over al die miniatuurtjes, stuk voor stuk juweeltjes om te zien. They are all amazing and I love it!
    XXX Lonie

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    1. Met jouw schrijfkunsten en stijl kan ik natuurlijk niet achterblijven, hè? Jullie ook genoten in Curaçao? Heerlijk toch, er even tussen uit, opladen en genieten :)

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  16. Debora, what a great experience! Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures and telling the story of your journey! I hope one year I will make it there too! Mini hugs, Natalia

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    1. I wish every one who wants to attend can make it at least once in their lifetime. Sharing it is the least i can do

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  17. Je découvre toutes ces merveilles avec un peu de retard! Belle visite de Casting et et de tous ces exploits réalisées par autant de passionnés!

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    1. It's never too late, thanks you for your response

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  18. ça doit être passionnant ces stages .Que de belles maisons .Toujours impressionnée par votre qualité de sculpteur.merci pour le reportage.

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  19. Thank you Catherine, school was very educational. So many different classes... And yes, the area is really something. The architecture is so pretty.

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  20. I have truly enjoyed reading every single word of this post. So many lovely memories (yes, I love the board of children's pictures with their attributes listed) and houses and even airports :). But looking at all the pieces of museum quality work really blows my mind. Congratz on a place with the best, Debora, your savoranola chair deserves every bit of that and more. I especially like the bridal box you made and the stories that you told with it.

    I had a thoroughly enjoyable time here.

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  21. Great photographs, what a location, thanks for sharing the area. The miniatures are just stunning, including your own.

    I like to see the work of Japanese miniaturists, as you don't come across their work easily. The shadow under the fish in the bowl, lovely detail! I will have to look him/her up (don't know if that is a female or male name :D)

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  22. the gorgeous dishes are by Jane Graber :)

    Debbie

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    1. Thank you Debbie, i've added her name straight away

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  23. Prachtig verslag en wat een prachtige inspirerende resultaten! Ik heb Guild School toch maar op mijn To Do lijstje gezet. Je weet nooit hoe een koe een haas vangt ;-)

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