What a genial looking chap – though I understand from his biographer that he was a complete rascal ! I spent a morning in Oak Park exploring the unique style of this architecture. His use of space and light and design are quite extraordinary. I then discovered that one of his houses was on the […]
The Cambrian Academy
Posted on by James Woodward
Those regular visitors to my weblog will know of my interest and enthusiasm in and for Art. A correspondent friend of mine reminded me of how elitist art can be – and I agree – making art accessible (and affordable) is a moral and social challenge. I would like to see a permanent […]
In Praise of…..
Posted on by James Woodward
Kyffin Williams Born on Anglesey, Sir Kyffin Williams is probably one of the most famous of all Welsh painters. Educated at the Slade School of Art in London he had a fascinating career. His death in September 2006 has given rise to an interest in his work. I first came across a pen and […]
Marc Chagall
Posted on by James Woodward
On my living room wall above the study in Temple House I have some lithograph reproductions of four biblical scenes by Marc Chagall. These were produced in large quantities in France and I picked them up there very cheaply in a shop in Paris. They are wonderful prints. While on sabbatical they have been some […]
Painting the Ordinary
Posted on by James Woodward
In the Art Institute of Chicago there is the largest collection of French Impressionist paintings outside France. I spend some time getting to know the Impressionists. Here is one you might remember: (Degas) The impressionists record the desire of the passing moment. Many of their pictures represent the subjective in the visual experience. […]
Painted Glass
Posted on by James Woodward
You might remember my writing about Washington National Cathedral last month. I was reminded of a funny conversation that I overheard. I should say that it is not difficult to overhear conversations – they speak so loudly here! Referring to the glass a lady asked ‘Do they have to paint the glass every so often?’ […]
St James’ Cathedral Chicago
Posted on by James Woodward
Woken early by the extraordinary amount of rain falling from the sky – and three hours later it is still coming down. I thought it was supposed to be wind on Pentecost Sunday ? I pop upto Starbucks for my morning coffee and look out over the wide roads and cars struggling with the water. […]
Cloud Gate
Posted on by James Woodward
I wrote on the 6th May about the Millennium Park in Chicago. Its highlight for me and many others is this sculpture by British Artist Anish Kapoor – his first public outdoor work installed in the United States. A 110 ton elliptical sculpture is forged of a series of highly-polished stainless steel plates. In it […]
Lunch in Marshall, Field and Co (MACY’s)
Posted on by James Woodward
I have been waiting to catch up with Sam, an Episcopalian priest friend, and we decide on lunch in the large department store in the centre of town – Macys – on the fifth floor in a restaurant called The Walnut Room! It is good to chat about the sabbatical, church life, ministry and its […]
The Art Institute of Chicago
Posted on by James Woodward
Not quite the full picture of this spacious building but an impression for virtual visitors – you could, of course, visit the web site and never move from the living room chair ( if you have a lap top) – if this is you preference the ignore the following and visit www.artic.edu ! I […]
Color as Field – American Painting from 1950 to 1975
Posted on by James Woodward
A decision to escape the activity of a community for a more solitary pursuit paid great dividends today in the shape of the discovery of Color Field painting. I travelled into he city to enjoy the National Portrait Gallery and its majestic space and exhibitions. Wandering is a good time to think and […]
Earth Day
Posted on by James Woodward
On Sunday morning I travelled to Washington National Cathedral ( ee 9th of April) for the Morning Eucharist at 11am. I would have guessed at 2,500 people or perhaps more – for worship that was much more than a spectator sport. The fact that I couldn’t see very much didn’t matter – it was […]
Creative Ageing and learning new tricks!!
Posted on by James Woodward
Be careful – learners around here! They are a hospitable, open, positive and friendly lot the Americans that I have had the joy of meeting so far. On Tuesday (yesterday!) I took the Metro train out towards the National Cathedral to meet Dr Gay Hanna. She is the Director of the National Centre for […]
Washington National Cathedral
Posted on by James Woodward
This building took nearly ninety years to construct – and the picture hardly does justice to the experience of its vast sense of space and beauty. The energy and craftsmanship that created such splendour are testimony to faith. It is all on such a scale that I will need another visit to absorb its treasures. […]
In Praise of
Posted on by James Woodward
Art. Knowledge of the world is derived by observation, experimentation and rational analysis. Science, for many, is the best methodology for determining this knowledge. While acknowledging that we should recognize the value of art as a source of knowledge. Art mirrors reality. It can offer us a way in to understand the world and our […]