Monday, February 28, 2011

Personal Wall of Art

All week I have been seeing new art categories added to a few of my favorite websites .  Apartment Therapy  has a great post showcasing hot artwork and display ideas. Recently my daughter and one of her cousins have had a Facebook posting war showing whose wall of art is bigger and better. Here are the contestants:

If you want to get some affordable art to begin or add to your wall here are some new additions from a wonderful artist from Chiang Mai, Thailand to watch for at The Loaded Trunk. Hitting flea markets, garage or tag sales are a great way to find frames for your newly acquired art work.
(photos by the loaded trunk)

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Beauty of the Streets: Vietnam + Thailand

I did not blog as much as I wanted. Traveling for one of my buying trips takes a toll on my time. I was lucky enough to have had the company of one of my children on my last couple of trips. Having someone to collaborate with helps document in a more timely manner!

I arrived back in the US last night and wanted to share some more of my experiences in Asia. Fewer words, more photos and videos of another memorable trip for The Loaded Trunk.
Hotel in Phuket, Thailand

Border check?
My lovely friend Flower, who owns an amazing Gallery called Tribal Arts in Hanoi. A must when shopping for Hill tribe art. Be prepared to dig.

Early morning fun at Chatuchak market.



Dinner with Mark Rapoport of 54 Traditions in Hanoi who co-owns this gallery in Hanoi, Vietnam. It focuses on the antiques, artifacts and art of Vietnam's 53 minority groups and the Kinh majority people. It is a fantastic place to begin your educational journey into this areas complex and quickly disappearing cultures that 54 traditions is helping preserve.


Hanoi corner.


A little Bangkok traffic.

View from the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok


Wat Arun

Old Hill tribe piece from Vietnam


Having necklaces made in Bangkok.

Having old glass bird necklaces made.

Wonderful hosts, plying me with almonds + tea.

Beautiful table surface.





Chao Phraya River



Wat Arun




Proof I was on this trip!

View from the top of Wat Arun.



Views from the top of Wat Arun ( favorite temple in Bangkok )




Thanks for coming along!
Roni

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Calligraphy: A Tet Tradition In Hanoi


The ong do (calligraphy scholar) is a symbol of Tet. Traditionally, when the Tet holidays approach, one of the Vietnamese customs is writing "nice" words in calligraphy with the hope of bringing good luck to the home. A visual writing art, Calligraphy first appeared as early as feudal times and reflects Confucianism. Several days ahead of Tet, especially around the Hanoi Temple of Literature and the HCMC Cultural Youth House many ong do artists, young and old, male and female (I did not see any women), in traditional long dresses and caps, gather to paint calligraphy for residents and tourists.

At Tet, people often ask ong do to write lucky words such as Phuc (happiness), Loc (prosperity) and Tho (longevity) or poems or proverbs with meanings of good health, good luck and prosperity for the new year.

The work is done on paper and usually hangs like a scroll attached to bamboo rods. During Tet Calligraphy is given as gifts to friends and colleagues. Therefore, ong do must not only be decorative but must also know many meaningful poems and proverbs to suit the buyer’s fancy.

I spoke with many of the Calligraphers and was particularly taken by a passionate young artist who is also a classical pianist. His sister who just completed her degree in International relations spoke terrific English and was able to describe in detail the emotions behind the work her brother does. One of the scrolls he painted took him months and includes in the smallest writing all of the poems written by Ho Chi Minh during his time in prison.

Along with my purchases this lovely artist wrote in English the key words used on brown paper for me to keep. I think I will put these in a large contemporary frame to remind me of my visit.
Young Calligraphy artist and his work above. The poems of Ho Chi Minh are painted on scroll above.
Photo's by The Loaded Trunk
 Happy New Year!