Thursday

This month’s sidebar worth mentioning



One of the reasons I have selected Ingrid Dijkers as this month’s featured artist of the month is that her work appeals to me on several levels. Her exceptional artistic qualities, craftsmanship, stylization consistency, and the work is mostly gender neutral, as well as not stuck in a Victorian time-warp as so much of other artists journaling imagery is.


One of the reasons I have selected Ingrid Dijkers as this month’s featured artist of the month is that her work appeals to me on several levels. Her exceptional artistic qualities, craftsmanship,  and stylization consistency, the work is mostly gender neutral, as well as not stuck in a Victorian time-warp as so much of other artists journaling imagery is.



Ingrid’s first Coptic book “A Small Town”
Made from many “parts” of reclaimed books


Her work encompasses complexity and simplicity, a delicate balancing act in which the two dance in a visual performance of colour, composition and visual creativity to delight the eye. The artwork is filled with a richness of imagination, luring the viewer with her magic, telling a tale to delight the child, as well as the adult. Stories that will ignite into dreams of their own, to all those who let their mind wonder down the rabbit hole.



“Glass House”
Constructed of collage elements and mounted between glass


Ingrid’s artistic repertoire is not limited to just art journaling, rather it is rather extensive, ranging from ATC, collage, altered books, wearable art known as ‘SteamPunk’ jewlery, and contemporary dolls, a true mixed media artists who is also very accomplished in her photographic skills.



Various pages from altered books


It should therefore come to no surprise to anyone, but Ingrid’s art and creations have been widely published in magazines like ATC Quarterly; Belle Armoire Jewelry; Cloth, Paper, Scissors; Art Journaling; Somerset Studios and most recently in the premiere issue of Jewelry Affaire. Her blog is also listed as one of the top ten by The Art Journal Caravan Navigation Guide.



Prototypes for “The Bug Collection





Flight to the Garden
Clay and cloth construction figure riding a paper maché Pterodactyl.


Though here blog is chuck full of beautiful imagery of her art, I do recommend a visit to her official website for a greater in-depth view, as there her years of work is excellently catalogued, making it easy to navigate about.  So pour yourself some hot tea or coffee and be prepared to be lost in a magical world of Ingrid’s art.



When I saw you
Wearable collage made from kiln fired clay, glass, solder
and various small charms contained within.

Full quote reads
"When I saw you I fell in love and you smiled because you knew

— — —






March 17 thru June 13, 2010


This is the first exhibition outside Denmark to focus on the paintings of Christen Købke (1810–1848). Emphasizing his exquisite originality and experimental outlook, the exhibition focuses on the most innovative aspects of his work – including outdoor sketching, his fascination with painterly immediacy, and treatment of light and atmosphere.


The exhibition features around 40 of Købke’s most celebrated works, spanning a variety of genres. Works include landscapes, portraits of many of his family and closest friends, and depictions of Danish national monuments using his charming and unusual sense of perspective.



Christen Købke, 'Self Portrait', about 1833
Statens Museum for Kunst, Copenhagen


Købke was born in Copenhagen, where he trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts from 1822 to 32. From 1825-8 he was a pupil of the portrait painter C.A. Lorentzen, then studied under C.W. Eckersberg until about 1834.


In 1838 he travelled to Italy via Germany where he visited the painter J.C. Dahl in Dresden. He stayed in Rome, Pompeii and Naples, but spent much of his time sketching outdoors on the island of Capri.





The Northern Drawbridge to the Citadel in Copenhagen, 1837


Købke was a pre-eminent painter in his country and arguably one of the greatest talents of Denmark’s Golden Age. With the exception of one journey to Italy, he spent almost his entire life in and around the Citadel in Copenhagen, where he found the principal themes of his art.


Købke’s work demonstrates his ability to endow ordinary people and places and simple motifs with a universal significance, creating a world in microcosm for the viewer.



Exhibit catalogue


Christen Købke died at the early age of 37 with a career that barely spanned 20 years, nothing in his formative years as a painter were exceptional to that of his contemporaries which highlights his talent as all the more remarkable. His modest and unassuming nature make him an instantly likeable character. Although his working life was tragically short, he was inventive and extremely productive and this catalogue gives an overview of his entire career.


The exhibition is organized with the National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh,
where it will follow from 4 July–3 October 2010.


Supported by The A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation, Copenhagen

— — —





The previous week we experienced spring but as of Monday it was a throw back to winter with cold temperatures and snow falling around 2000 foot elevation. Our cherry tree just outside of the kitchen has passed its prime and with the return of the rain, the fragile petals have fallen like tears and lay scattered about the ground like a dusting of fresh show.


I wish to express my sincerest gratitude for your many inquiries and support regarding my health. In brief, I am doing a little better since one of the medications was dropped and shortly I will be entering into a three-month cardiovascular rehabilitation, which should help improve the current situation. There still remain unanswered questions regarding the future and this is still unsettling as it is distraction. So I continue to accept each day with its gifts as well as its faults, not thinking about tomorrow, as the moment is more precious than an unknown future.



I thank you for your visit
Egmont




22 comments:

Jeanne Henriques said...

Egmont, very thoughtful post. I enjoyed reading and seeing Ingrid's work. I am not familiar with her so it is an extra special treat to read about her. The Christen Kobke exhibit sounds fascinating. I will keep an eye out in case the exhibit travels to London.
Glad to hear that your health is improving. I like you attitude towards life....every day is a gift:)
Take care
Jeanne

Seth said...

I like Ingrid's work as well so it is nice to see it highlighted here. She has a unique style and the depth and breadth of her artwork is quite amazing.

Silver said...

I read through this post and your older ones with interest.. the pictures you have attached are gorgeous.

~Silver
Reflections

Jala Pfaff said...

Best wishes for your health! May spring return!
Thanks for the spotlight on these two artists.

layers said...

hello. I have been away teaching a workshop and then home to some huge deadlines and am now slowly getting back to the blogworld. You have featured some wonderful artists here which I will link to to see more of their work.

sophie munns said...

dear Egmont,
I hope you are enjoying the aster weekend. it is lovely and quiet here which is a pleasurable expereince living in a city!

Interesting presentations on artists from different times and places - its always excellent to be taken into different realms to explore.

Sounds like neither of us should be thinking about Education systems... but your comments were of course greatly appreciated.

You have many sending good wishes Egmont, which reminds me we all must try to treasure each moment...for so many reasons we so easily forget!

A lovely post - thank you!
Sophie

ruma said...

It is the full bloom of a very pretty flower.

I thank for your always admiring my calligraphy.
I am glad that I was able to meet a good understanding person you.


From the Far East.
Best regards.
ruma

JRonson said...

I'm totally in love for that Pterodactyl :)

Celeste Bergin said...

thanks for introducing me to these two artists..great choices. I hope you are feeling well..I am always thinking positive thoughts for you! You are a very strong man and you can handle set backs---much better than the average joe. Looking forward to your next post. :)

D said...

Dear Egmont,

I saw you at Edith Hope's blog and decided to pay a visit, and so happy to have done so. I have spent a considerable amount of time perusing your work here: you words are as poetry and your photos most enjoyable!

We wish you a blessed Easter. Diana

HeARTworks said...

Thank you for highlighting Ingrid's work- I went through her blog and I'm so entranced with her work, so varied!

~*~Patty Szymkowicz said...

always a treat and lovely to stop by for a visit Egmont!

I learn so much and leave inspired ... your recent cherry blossom photos are brilliant ... their blossoms, like so many others are such a treat that we will wait an entire year to see again ... all the best to you ... sending healing energy and Brightest of Springtime Blessings this Easter Day!
oxo

Gaby Bee said...

Ingrid's art work is truly amazing. I adore her work as well, especially her art journaling.
The Christen Kobke exhibit sounds marvelous, Egmont.
Happy Easter to you and all your loved ones! Gaby xo

Luzia said...

Lieber Egmont, vielen Dank für diese Informationen zu Indgrid´s Kunst, die ich sehr bewundere. Eine ganz außergewöhnliche Künstlerin mit zahlreichen Talenten und Fertigkeiten. Ich hoffe, dass sich Dein Gesundheitszustand stabilisieren wird und Du jeden Tag genießen kannst. Herzliche Grüße von Luzia.

Anonymous said...

I enjoyed reading this post Egmont. Ingrid's work is varied and interesting. Thank you for introducing me to Christen Købke as I have not come across him before - his works seem indicative of a gentle soul. I trust you had a wonderful Easter. Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your comment. Have a wonderful day. Cheers.

Anonymous said...

I love Ingrids work.
Looking at the timing I may catch the Christen Købke exhibit in Scotland this summer (going home to visit mum).

nancy neva gagliano said...

nice to be back for a READ...fabulous article and featured pieces. full of energy, beauty, insight. all the best!

Ange said...

I too found Ingrid's work most inspirational - and inspiring. I shall enjoy going to find out more about her and her fabulous works on her website. Thanks Egmont! Love your photos as well ;...

SIGRID said...

Thank you for your nice comments.
I will be a visitor and reader of your blog.

Laura said...

Your last sentence resonates deeply in my heart, dear heart.

I seem to have developed tendonitis or some kind of over use injury in my left wrist and hand...making typing painful for me...so I might not be blogging as much for a while... this includes commenting on your amazingly inspiring blog-and this is soooooo hard for me. (this is kind of a form message I've typed and am copying and pasting at all my favorite blog hangouts. Sorry it must seem completely random in relation to your post) I can still read your posts- I will be present to you in a quiet way-reading and viewing your words and images, and leaving a simple ☺
to let you know I have dropped by and am thinking about you.

Gentle steps,
Laura

Sharon Lovejoy said...

My dear Egmont,

Thank you for your comment about teaching art to children. That is exactly what I was doing and they shone with their joy and talent.

I LOVE INGRID's WORK and as soon as I return to California I will delve deeply into it. I can't thank you enough for providing another facet to my life.

You are a treasure.

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

rivergardenstudio said...

Dear Egmont, thank you so much for sharing Ingrid's work with us. It is beautiful and full of mystery. And I am so glad you are doing better. I love the way you see each moment as a treasure. You are a treasure! roxanne