Artnotes: Oyster Stew

 

Winter Foliage in Italian Pitcher  Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/ paper 17 x  23.5"   43 x 60 cm   275.00 We spent a week of rain and sun in Roccamalatina, Italy.   Normally, we are in the Rome area at this time, but with Berlino’s leg repair and my tooth/jaw ache, we’ve been up North.  Doctors are traditionally better in this area -- in Bologna, particularly.   The University of Bologna and its medical school was founded in 1088,  the world's oldest university in continuous operation.   Nicolaus Copernicus went to school here.   Bologna’s medical school dissection theatre was operating in the 16th century (under the eye of the Inquisition, to ensure no funny business).  Blair received some of the first monoclonal antibodies administered in Italy at the hospital in Bologna in 2021.   We just got our new medical card here, good for 6 years.

Acqua Alta Venice  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas   10,5  x 14"   27 x 35 cm   475.00 We’ve been out collecting rocks by the Panaro river this week.  Berlino has dug some extremely large holes and we try to fill them with rocks before adding dirt.  I can never tell where the dirt goes – one minute there’s a normal lawn and then there is a hole, but no corresponding dirt.  One of life’s mysteries, I guess.  We get 80 liters of soil for just 16euros.  It’s about 60 pounds as near as I can calculate – liters to pounds is a complex equation, requiring knowledge of density x volume. Bulk Carrier   Blair Pessemier   Acrylic/canvas  32.5 x  21.5"  82 x 56cm   575.00 I am selecting some of the river stones for stepping stones to approach my soon-to-be meditation chapel.  It’s non-denominational, or maybe I should say multi-denominational.  I am selecting my favorite religious themes, from Buddha to Mary, and a Chinese shrine thrown in.  It’s a question of beauty, relaxation and knowing I am part of a bigger scheme.  I  like the story of the loaves and fishes, and the wedding feast at Cana, too.   There will be candles (don’t worry, the building is all stone with a terra cotta roof).  Right now it houses out of season tires and a rusty push lawn mower.  This is higher  and better use.   The world can use a little spirituality at this time.    Yellow Roses (collage) Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/ paper 17 x  23.5"   43 x 60 cm   275.00 I froze 8 cauliflower I got (for a total of 3.80 euros) from the market this week.  Sadly, I am using my last can of smoked oysters for lunch today (I am no good multiplying loaves and fishes).  Smoked oysters are almost impossible to find in Italy, or even Europe – on Amazon they are 8 euros a can, with 30 more euros for shipping, if they have them.  I have located smoked mussels in Germany, but it really isn’t the same.  So, if you’re coming to visit and want to bring something, SMOKED OYSTERS (in olive or sunflower oil, per favore).   I make a mean oyster stew. Creation Myth, Seattle (Raven and (oyster?) Shell)  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas  20 x 16"  50  x 40 cm  475.00 Sign up for Artnotes by contacting me at lfpessemier@gmail.com INVITING All Artists to present their Work:   Paint, Literature, Crafts, Food.... Pessemier's Sunday Salon Weekly on Sunday  No Reservation Necessary   How it works: Bring a piece of your ART: that could be visual, like painting or printmaking; or literary, as in poetry or prose; or crafts, like metalwork or knitting; or food, or music.  Something you made, or feel particularly inspired by.  You have about 5 minutes to present, and we'll ooh, ahh, or answer questions you have.  You can also come and see how we work before diving in.  Just show up on Zoom at a minute or two before the hour.    No selling, no networking until after everyone has presented.  NO POLITICS please. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093708954?pwd=M04zNHB4dFZkREp3bThweUd1YnVDZz09