Lo, in the east is a glamour and gleam, Like waves that lap on the shores of a dream, Or voice their lure in a poet's theme! - L.M. Montgomery
Maple Moonrise is a neo-goddess; Canadian born simultaneously on the Pacific beaches of British Columbia and Atlantic shores of Prince Edward Island.
Maple Moonrise throws her beams on the all of the arts: poetry, story telling, painting, drawing, music, dance, sculpture, and more.
She decrees – Make Art not War!
It is in this spirit of arts appreciation, and a desire for Peace on Earth, that she is dedicated to Rebecca Budd.
The Making Of
It began when I opened a gift box & found 4 massive lace curtains. From the colour, fabric & finish, I’d date it mid-late 70’s.
The box arrived while I was preparing the post – La Belle Époque .
The drawing of Rebecca I was working on came to mind. The fabric was draped over it, a pic was taken and an Art Gown idea was born.
As you can see, the fabric arrived after the sketch was done, but before the colour was added.
There were 4 panels, all the same. They were 56″ wide & at the deepest points 115′ long.
As you can see from the drawing of the panels, there are no cut ends, so these pieces were custom woven.
Selvages were woven into a geometric picot.
The ends were scalloped. The scallops were scalloped. The lace is a floral repeat pattern, not overall. There’s a mesh type drop out with 3 solid lines at about the 3/4 point.
The fabric was one sided. Although the pattern showed on both sides, when light hit – one side shone, the other died.
There were several pieces of older, varying in shades of white, acetate satin & one piece of nasty modern poly satin in the stash baskets.
Those were pinned to Judy and the lace was thrown on top.
Test shots were taken.
Sometimes the lace lit like various shades of maple syrup: a light golden to dark brown to shades of reddish brown.
The fabric of 3 panels was cut across the mesh drop out.. A skirt was draped from these. The scallops were used to trim the gown’s tail.
There’s nothing like a creative mess!
The last panel was cut up for the bussell, and the picot selvage was used to trim the bodice.
The tail is asymmetric due to the shape of the last large scrap of fabric. No waste here!
The left over satin became bows.
Her self adorned beauty …
… tried a small bow.
… and a Big Bow
Then a tassel got involved.
The bows and the tassel decided to work together
One bow said to the other bow, “at least we’re not tied up in knots! Even the tassel is hanging around.”
The tassel, dangling a truth, thought;”I’m so glad they’re ribbon each other, because they just drain the colour out of everything when they tangle.!”
Attempts at Novelty Shots & Outtakes
Front lit w/warm floor flood
Back lit w/warm floor flood
Front lit w/ sunny window
Back lit w/ sunny window
Red & blue gels over warm light
Red & blue gels over warm light
Blue gel over warm light
Lucy Maude Montgomery (1874-1941) is still inspiring 118 years after Anne of Green Gables hit the stands. Her poem was the final inspiration that pulled together the many ideas for naming Maple Moonrise.
Harbour Moonrise
There is never a wind to sing o'er the sea On its dimpled bosom that holdeth in fee Wealth of silver and magicry; And the harbor is like to an ebon cup With mother-o-pearl to the lips lined up, And brimmed with the wine of entranced delight, Purple and rare, from the flagon of night.
Lo, in the east is a glamour and gleam, Like waves that lap on the shores of a dream, Or voice their lure in a poet's theme! And behind the curtseying fisher boats The barge of the rising moon upfloats, The pilot ship over unknown seas Of treasure-laden cloud argosies.
Ere ever she drifts from the ocean's rim, Out from the background of shadows dim, Stealeth a boat; o'er her golden rim; Noiselessly, swiftly, it swayeth by Into the bourne of enchanted sky, Like a fairy shallop that seeks the strand Of a far and uncharted fairyland.
Now, ere the sleeping winds may stir, Send, O, my heart, a wish with her, Like to a venturous mariner; For who knoweth but that on an elfin sea She may meet the bark that is sailing to thee, And, winging thy message across the foam, May hasten the hour when thy ship comes home?
-Lucy Maude Montgomery
About Rebecca Budd
Of the many blogs Rebecca has and has had over the years, I find myself drawn to her Reading Room, Chasing Art blog and her her podcast –Tea Toast and Trivia.
Via the colour or other comparable aspect of the gown &/or painting – I will first pair a fine art painting from Robbie’s collection, then one from my collection, .
White Gowns
Jeune Femme se Poudrant – by Berthe Morisot – French (1841 – 1895)
Berthe Morisot‘s only daughter, Julie, inspired the many paintings, which documented the lives of women. The painting below is one of those paintings. It hangs in the Musée d’Orsay, Paris.
1887 – Oil on Canvas
Fortunate to have a genuine art education, Morisot studied under Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. In the 1860s, Morisot became a professional friend of Edouard Manet.
From1864 – 1870, she showed regularly at the Paris Salon.
In 1874, Morisot exhibited with the Société Anonyme des Artistes-Peintres, Sculpteurs, Graveurs, the first Impressionist exhibit.
In December, 1874 she married Eugène Manet (brother of Edouard Manet).
Achieving significant recognition during her lifetime, in 1887 her work showed at George Petit’s International Exhibition in Parisand Paul Durand-Ruel’s exhibition of Impressionist painting in New York.
Mrs. Wells as “Hebe” – James Northcote – British (1746 – 1831)
James Northcote was a writer as well as a painter of predominantly portraits. Largely self taught, he studied under and worked for Sir Joshua Reynolds. He became a member of The Royal Academy in 1787.
1805 – Oil on Canvas
At this time in history, allegorical artworks portraying people as mythological or historical figures were the height of fashion.
Mrs, Wells as “Hebe”features British actress Mary Wells (1761-1829), immortalizing herself via this painting.
Zeus’s daughter – Hebe, goddess of youth & cupbearer of the gods, was also the young bride’s patron goddess.
A Child’s Gown
Portrait of Clara Alewijn – Dirk van Santvoort – Netherlands (1610-1680)
Dirk van Santvoort was a prominent painter of children circa the mid seventeenth century. Clara Alewijn, the subect of the portrait below, was van Santvoort’s sister.
Oil on canvas – 1644
He likely studied under his farther – Dirck Pietersz. Bontepaert. None of the father’s work weathered time. After becoming wealthy, Van Santvoort ceased painting. He became the Dean of the Painters’ Guild and was an assessor of paintings.
Portrait of a Young Girl with Carnations – Jan Albertsz. Rotius – Netherlands (1615-1674)
Jan Albertsz. Rotius (aka Rootgies) was a portrait and still life painter
Oil on Canvas – circa 1663
He had 7 children, of which only 3 survived to adulthood. His son Jacob Rotius, became a successful painter of flowers.
Feels Antediluvian
Venus and the Three Graces Presenting Gifts to a Young Woman – Sandro Botticelli – Italian (1445-1510)
Botticelli, a draughtsman and painter, began painting religious frescoes before opening his own studio circa 1470.
Fresco – circa 1484
Prior to opening his studio he apprenticed in the studio of Fra Filipo Lippi, then worked with Antonio del Pollaiuolo. Botticelli spent most his life in service of the Medici family and their clique.
Aka Gioo degli Albizzi Receiving a Gift of Flowers from Venus, this fabulous fresco resides in the Louvre since 1882.
Found again in Italy in 1873, it is believed he used the patron’s daughter, possibly on her wedding engagement, for this allegorical image.
Botticelli’s name almost vanished from art circles until the late 19th century. At that time an esteem for the Florentine arts and culture renewed a look at his creations.
Initiation to Study – Two Young Ladies – Odilon Redon – French (1840-1916)
Bertrand-Jean Redon was a Symbolist painter, as well as a print maker.
At 15, his father made him switch from drawing to architecture. Later, he enjoyed sculpture and was instructed in etching and lithography by Rodolphe Bresdin.
He joined the army during the Franco-Prussian War, putting his career on hold.
Redon was still mostly unknown until in 1884, when a novel by Joris-Karl Huysmans titled, À rebours, featured a debauched aristocrat who collected Redon’s drawings.
A catalogue of his etchings and lithographs, published in 1913, caused his popularity to increase.
“My drawings inspire, and are not to be defined. They place us, as does music, in the ambiguous realm of the undetermined.” – REDON
The Lady Wears Black
La Dame aux éventails – Édouard Manet – French – 1832-1883
Manet emerged from wealth. He studied at the studio of artist Thomas Couture, then began copying paintings at the Louvre. Manet, inspired by the work of Spanish painter Diego Velázquez, chose a non academic free manner of loose brushwork.
He married Suzanne Leenhoff in 1863. She modelled for at least 13 of his paintings, but not for Olympia. Exhibited at the 1865 Salon, this parody of the classic Venus created a vicious scandal, making Manet the de facto leader of the avant-garde.
Oriental Poppies – Laura Muntz Lyall – Canadian (1860-1930)
Born in England, Laura Muntz Lyall immigrated to Canada at the age of 9 years. The first Canadian artist to receive honourable mention at the Paris Salon, she is also the first female Canadian Impressionist artist to have her work become part of the National Gallery of Canada.
Oil on Canvas – circa 1915
Laura Muntz-Lyall studied in London, Toronto and Paris. She supported herself in Paris by teaching English. Prior to moving to Montreal in 1906, where she ran a prominent studio at Beaver Hall Square, she taught art at Toronto’s Havargal College.
The Red Gown
The Jewish Bride aka Isaac and Rebecca – Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1609)
Rembrandt attended Leiden University. Here he studied literature and history. He learned painting from Jacob Van Swanenburgh, then apprenticed in Amsterdam with history painter Pieter Lastman.
Oil on Canvas – Circa 1665-69
Later in his life, Rembrandt’s wife and some of their children died, leaving him in a state of loss. Demand for his work declined, and he declared bankruptcy.
This canvas, which he said brought him to tears, was painted later in Rembrandt’s career, when he was considered in artistic decline.
Ironically, this era yielded many of his most revered works, when rich earth tones ran from thinly painted areas to thick impasto.
“…Hang this picture in a bright light and in such a manner that it can be viewed from a distance. It will then sparkle at its best. “ – Rembrandt
I’m Half Sick of Shadows, Said the Lady of Shalott – John William Waterhouse – English (1849-1917)
John William Waterhouse was born in Rome, prior to his parents moving back to England in the 1850’s. His paintings’ early classical themes gave way to genre paintings in the late 1870’s.
Oil on Canvas – 1915
By 1888, Waterhouse’s paintings reveal a growing interest in Pre-Raphaelite themes. He developed a penchant for ladies of tragic circumstance or femmes fatales. In 1901 he joined the St John’s Wood Arts Club. Here he served on the Art School advisory council.
Based on Lord Alfred Tennyson’s poem – “The Lady of Shalott” is from the legends of King Arthur and his court at Camelot. The Lady of Shalott, aka Elaine Astolat, suffers a curse. Trapped in a tower, she may not look out the window. She observe’s the world through a window-facing mirror, weaving what she sees.
Waterhouse and his wife, Esther, married in 1883. She outlived him by 27 years.
“I’m Half Sick of Shadows, Said the Lady of Shalott” is inspired by the first 2 verses in part II.
PART II
No time hath she to sport and play: A charmed web she weaves away. A curse is on her, if she stay Her weaving, either night or day, To look down to Camelot. She knows not what the curse may be; Therefore she weaveth steadily, Therefore no other care hath she, The Lady of Shalott.
But in her web she still delights To weave the mirror's magic sights, For often thro' the silent nights A funeral with plumes and lights And music came from Camelot: Or when the moon was overhead Came two young lovers lately wed; "I'm half sick of shadows," said The Lady of Shalott.
A prolific creator of art, poetry and prose, Robbie is the Bloggers’ Blogger. Her 2 blogs Roberta Writes and Robbie’s Inspiration will not just entertain, but sweep you around the blogiverse, where she shares a multitude of topics with her many blog pals. – Resa McConaghy
Harriet Boulton Smith (1825-1909) willed her art collection and residence, The Grange – “to serve as the first home of the Art Museum of Toronto. Built in 1817, the Grange is a national historic site,” – now part of the AGO
Please click on the below painting by Louise-Adéone Drölling, to view all research links.
NO AI was used in the research or preparation of this post.
It was the social event of the season. Announced in all forms of media, it would raise a lot of money for GIFFT (Global Initiative for Flora & Fauna Trust).
How could that have happened? Simple. Dorinda pointed out to the board that their smash hit act, THE MIRROR, was drawing in hundreds every night.
Dorinda, wearing a vintage hand crocheted dress, told the board to think of all the money their act could generate. That was all the board needed to headline the 2 girls.
When the hoi polloi found out that Suzette was doing hair and make-up for the girls, ticket sales soared.
It was near impossible to get a beauty appointment at Suzette’s Pink Place, as she only took 2 each week, tops.
Special Thank you to Holly Rene Hunter for her contribution of poetry for this post. I love the way her poetry and my gowns work so beautifully together.
Please note: GIFFT (Global Initiative for Flora & Fauna Trust) is a fictitious charity!
The Art Show was a success, a thrill, and a joy. This was Diana’s 8th showing. It was my first, marking it as a personal milestone.
Asian Beauty – oil and sparkles – Diana Ladyshewsky
The Artists
Resa above and Diana below
One day Diana (a hair stylist to the stars I know from working in film) took me to an empty store, and drew a mental image of an art show we could have.
She said we can turn this empty space, into a showcase place for our art.
Above is before and after. The after shot is not quite the finished space, but close. I did change light bulbs from halogen to warm white led’s.
Diana took one side. I took the other. Diana got her paintings hung up in no time at all.
Mine were still along the floor. Then she hung mine up in no time at all.
She came up with the welcoming furniture.
I made a slide show that was projected on the screen at the back.
Diana paints with oils, sometimes adding sparkles or gems. A self taught artist, her spirit resides with notable self taught artists: Frida Kahlo, Henri Rousseau, Grandma Moses and Jean-Michael Basquiat and others.
Irish Bride
Blues Singer
Frida Goes to New Orleans
Unnamed
Resting Angel
I adore her & her art, and will be doing a more comprehensive article on this artist in the near future.
She is fine like Dynasty porcelain. Her words are the chimes of a host of carillons that ring True and wise, clear as bells. Her hair is a storm Of Harlow platinum eyes, a deluge of diamonds. Not to give into Winter She winks over her shoulder, saunters Emmy's catwalk adorned in Chanel and Lavender.
Queen Isabella
Inspired by & dedicated to Isabella (RIP)
Thank You Tim!
SURPRISE!!Timothy Price (Off Center Not Even) sent $$$$ to my PayPal, to help with costs. Although the space was free, there were lights to buy, photo cards for handing out, diesel gas for Diana’s truck, a deal we worked out with the restaurant beside us for wine and pizza and more.
My Art Gowns Art (photo prints on canvas with iridescent paint hand detailed on top,
It’s hard to take pics of iridescent paint
…and Rock Legends made the wall.
A few posters were made up to sell.
I’ve always had a penchant for Bugs Bunny feet.
Wrapping out was a sweet sorrow.
From the top and bottom of my heart – Thank You, Diana!
Robbie Cheadle made a fun and gorgeous wedding post on Latinos USA with Art Gown Victorian Sonnetand her fabulously creative cakes. Pop on over for a taste of beauty!
By the way,
As a guest artist at my friend’s Pop-Up Art Gallery Show, I have space to show 2 Art Gowns.
A few Art Gowns pics printed on faux canvases, then painted over selectively with iridescent paint, will also be there.
Additionally, five portraits will be on a slice of wall. The 4 below are now framed.
One of the drawings below will be the 5th. If you’re leaving a comment, let me know which one you’d pick!
This is my first time showing in public, and it is a small sample try. If you are already in Toronto, pop by if time allows!
While we are celebrating the Holidays, pop over to Gigi’s for an Art Gowns’ Fashion Show of all original designs, created especially for CHICKMAS at The Coop!
This book of poetry is luscious, rich with words and resplendent with photographs.It inspired me to draw.
Sister Songs
This was the first poem that I remembered when I finished reading the book. It’s not long, and Merril was kind enough to send us a recording of her reciting it. So, let’s listen to it, instead of reading it!
I sent a few photos of the drawing, to Merril. Photos of art are difficult to take. They never look exactly like they do in real life, they change with the light.
Merril – It’s gorgeous in any light! Thank you so much!
Merril -One thing–that you could not possibly know–for me, the poem has three figures. That’s just me, and of course, you wouldn’t know that. [My younger sister, my niece who is like my sister, and I spent a lot of time caring for and coordinating the care for my mom.]
Resa – That’s …. beautiful. Your mom was so loved.
Time – Passing, Cycling, Enduring
This next drawing is representative of many poems in the book. Merril depicts time through nature; its seasons changing, dying and renewal, family generations, birds, waves, clouds, storms coming… going.
In this regard, she speaks much of the beauty of life. To depict that, I have drawn a beautiful woman, in an earthy gown. The gown turns into an upside down tree. Its branches depict the changing seasons, time.
Question for everyone! I’d love to see some answers in comments.
Spontaneously – What is the colour that comes to your mind when I say TIME?
Think more about it! – Now what colours do you see?
Merril – Well, you’d probably guess that I said blue.
Resa – Yes…I did figure blue!
Merril – Then I see blue–various shades, ombre kind of thing– then darkening with shimmery stars and pops of red and yellow–like space. Like a movie of space.
Resa – I asked a good friend. He said blue. Then, a few moments later he blurted out, green. Later he said he saw time as a sandy colour… not quite gold, but earthy.
Merril – I get what he said, too. I like that his changes, too, because time moves.
Clasped and Cradled
(inspired by “French Lavender Head,” an art piece by Karen Pierce Gonzalez)
In her hands-jolts of electric blue-- The incense of ocean and earth, lavender and brine, seaweed and peat. A pop of red chilies, some saffron, spring greens, roses-- this is my world, she thinks, clutches it tighter.
Resa – To me, a fascination lies in “art inspiring art”. In the case of “French Lavender Head”, the art inspired a poem, then the poem inspired art. It’s cycling:Art to poetry to art.
Merril – I like the idea of circling inspiration–art to poetry to art. Isn’t that the way? We’re all inspired by what we see, hear, smell, taste, read about. . .and then each individual interprets these things, that then get reinterpreted, and on and on.
Stormy Spirit Conundrum
The first image I drew was this flying woman against an unknown mystery background. It’s inspired by a feel in the book, and of specific lines, but not any 1 poem.
but my ancestors spread wings that covered centuries to catch me, guide me,
You can, they said, as they showed me that I have my own wings- unfold them, fly. This, too, is part of the pattern.
I took the shot on a cloudy day and closed the aperture to get a mystery feel.
Crushed beneath an un-mooned sky black shapes drift inside of grey
who finally see the shadows like storm clouds-and the bitter rain, a tidal surge,
Then I thought, but it’s too dark. People will get the wrong impression. After all, there’s lots of light in this book.
There are days I want to remember I-we- are made of starry specks, stellar dust, and feel the light we carry within.
So, I opened the aperture on a sunny day, and took more pics. Nothing seemed like “stellar dust”, so I did editing until:
Then I thought, “that’s not it either.” Having taken shots in different light, then editing all the different shots… I ended up with a couple dozen different versions of the same drawing.
Then I realized why I couldn’t get a grip! Time slips through our fingers. Only time can hold time, within its folds.
CHANGING SPIRIT OF FLYING WOMAN SLIDESHOW
Psychedelic Spirit
Blue Spirit
Periwinkle spirit
Sun Spirit
Iced Spirit
Warm Spirit
In the Mood Spirit
Natural Spirit
Dark Spirit
Time moves on, and things keep changing, changing, changing…. That is why my flying woman kept changing. She’s flowing with the spirit of this book.
About Merril D. Smith
To learn more about this amazing writer & poet, just click on her pic below and go to her website.
Art Gowns 
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