Update on October Bead journal Project

Let's keep smiling

Here is an update on my october page. I don't know if it's finished yet.

October 2008 will probably be remembered in History as "black October" or something similar since the World economy is now rocking seriously. On the ecology side, we learn many bad news everyday ; icecoat melting, toxic gas spreading and animals disappearing. Many of my friends and family members have had a hard time in October - and me too...

And so what can we do ? "Let's keep smiling...." as Mr Chat seems to suggest :o)

Rock Art /Art rocks

When I got interested in Shamanism again, I first began to read about American Shamans. Then I found out that the word "Shaman" itself was first used in Siberia, and in a negative way. I began wondering what had become of the European Shamans. I had always though the modern Druids of Brittany were a bit of a joke. I suppose it's always easier to get interested in faraway places and folks than in our next door neighbours... :o)

Anyways, "from thread to needle" as we say in French, I got interested in the Barbarian tribes from the steppe and then on to the various invasions that plagued Europe for centuries and that produced amazing art. The Huns, the Vikings, the Celts, the Saxons... you name them...

True, our parents took us to see various archeological sites throughout Europe and it had deeply impressed me, for years I even told everyone I would become an archeologist when I grew up and play the lyra. And I have been strongly drawn to rocks recently (including graffitis). But yesterday, thanks to Marija Gimbutas, I found out about the site of Bohuslän in Sweden, which is protected by UNESCO and I'm really excited about this ! These carvings/paintings are 4 000 years old !

Both photos (c) A. Lecus Objectif Suède

While on the subject of rock art, I have read that C G Jung had a rock art phase while he was discovering a new way of healing people. I seem to recall that in his memoirs he claims that this saved him from collapsing.

Update

At the moment I am fascinated by all the interdictions that seem to pop up in everyday life in my country. All alcohol beverages now bear a sign representing a pregnant woman in a "forbidden" circle. Each time you see an add on TV related to food or drink, there is a text urging you not to eat to much fat, salt, sugar and to go and get some exercise... One of the funniest message I saw recently was on a packet of British cigarettes : it said in very large black letters "smoking causes slow painful death" (well maybe I made up the "slow"). Well, I have to laugh not to scream. Health is important, but this is harassment. In this context, I was striken by the above sign, found at the entrance of the newest public garden in Paris. I must say I am not even quite sure what it is you are forbidden to do.

Fortunately, look what I found on the roof of the largest fabric store in Paris. It is Mr Chat (mister Cat), a street art figure that Parisians have been meeting here and there since 2000. His creator is called Thoma Vuille.

You can see more photos of Mr Cat here.

* * *

We have just celebrated Alice's 14th birthday. I gave her a simple stringed necklace with a medal for her zodiac sign and Swarowsky cristals.

Her little sister gave her this necklace, which she designed on her own. I helped with the focal bead. I think she did a really good job, especially as she gave up some of her favourite beads for this project.
I have been experiencing a lot of frustration with my August BJP page, which is about "one step at a time" and funnily enough I have finally found comfort in painting my brand new shoe cabinet in green and gold. Inspiration works in weird ways, doesn't it ? :o)

Controversial art

Have you ever wondered what graphic artists do when they're bored ?

The answer is here :

http://www.glumbert.com/media/graphicartists

Here is a link on Sarah Lucas. We saw her work at the Tate London a few years ago and I like her very much. She is funny and agressive, she's a modern feminist :

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A6641318

And here is another link on Banksy :

http://www.banksy.co.uk/indoors/index2.html