Art and the Biennale

 Medusa : Venice, IT

The Arte Biennale is an every-other-year event in Venice. This year is the 55th Biennale and we glanced in on one of the exhibits featuring an artist from the Republic of Slovenia. The photo above is of a wood carving and modern interpretation of Medusa. It was actually in a gallery and probably not part of the Biennale, but it was a good kick off to then stumbling upon the exhibit featuring art from Slovenia.

Custom wallpaper and fabric in the exhibit for the Republic of Slovenia : Venice, IT

Photo copyright: Janet M. Kincaid, 6/2013

Seattle Totem

Totem : Pike Place Market : Seattle, WA

This totem sits in a park at the north end of Pike Place Market. I don't know what story is carved into it, but I'm sure it's something about the blessed fabulosity of Seattle or some such thing...

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 2/12

Torino 1.3 : Eclectic Energy

Woodcarved ceiling medallion : Torino, IT

Our tour guide for the weekend was Maya's father's cousin, Mariangela. In addition to the many book shops and il Circolo dei Lettori, she showed us so many different sights, I can't remember half of what we say. Here are just a few pictures.

Detail on the medallion : Torino, IT

The top two photos don't do it justice, but these are photos of a woodcarved ceiling medallion that was absolutely exquisite in craftsmanship and detail. I wish these photos did it justice.

Woo-gah Doo-gah Boo-gah : Chanting Masks : Torino, IT

I can't remember where this exhibit was, but it was a plaza full of mask that chanted and were lit up by changing lights.

Christmas at City Hall : Torino, IT

Over the plaza near the old City Hall, the city has strung up Christmas colored lights. It was rather festive and fun and lots of young people were hanging out here, enjoying the pleasant weather and each others company.

Decked out with Constellations : Torino, IT

Where other European cities hang up lights related to Christmas and the upcoming holidays, Torino strings up random motifs. We also saw neon swimmers and birds on other streets. This street features the constellations.

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 11/11

100 Strangers: Woodcarvers

Master woodcarver Ruth Fischer works on a new carving : Brienz, CH

One of the last places we stopped in Brienz was H.Huggler-Wyss Woodcarvers (H.Huggler-Wyss Holzbildhauerei AG). At one time, the company employed 20 master woodcarvers. Today, there are only six.

 Master woodcarver Hanspeter Stähli plies his craft at his workbench : Brienz, CH

Two of them are Hanspeter Stähli and Ruth Fischer. We met them the day we were there and they graciously allowed me to photograph them at work.

 Carved and painted figurines depict some of the traditions and costumes of the Bernese Oberland : Brienz, CH

Hr. Stähli and Fr. Fischer and their fellow artisans carve and paint wooden figures depicting traditional Alpine life in and costumes of the Bernese Oberland. They also make beautiful nativity creches. If you're looking for a uniquely Swiss gift, this is the place to go. They're located on Hauptstrasse 64 in Brienz.

Close-ups of Fr. Fischer and Hr. Stähli : Brienz, CH

Photo copyright: Janet M Kincaid, 2/10

Ribeauville in Detail

Pied Piper at the Patisserie : Ribeauville, FR

These are the last of the pictures I'll feature for Ribeauville. Like Bergheim, I have so many I could show, but I guess I have to draw the line somewhere, right? So, here are three more and a slideshow. The carvings and signs around the Alsace were charming and added to the timeless atmosphere so many villages in Europe possess.

Rouge et Bleu : Ribeauville, FR

This photo is for my friend, Scott, who wanted me to see and photograph this scene. I'm not sure I managed to do as well as he hoped, but like him, I liked the contrast of the pink and blue buildings.

Ave Maria Gratia Plena : Ribeauville, FR

That's it for Ribeauville. Tomorrow: photos from Basel, Switzerland!

Photo copyright: Janet Kincaid, 05/09