Small Temple Umbrellas

A few ideas on how to decorate with these fabulous little gems.  This is the third giveaway for The Loaded Trunks First year anniversary celebration.

 This wonderful spiritually sculpted table is from Bergdorf Goodman Decorative Home.

Photos from The Loaded Trunk

I will be busy this week doing a photo shoot for some new additions to The Loaded Trunk.  I thought it might be fun to hear from you!  Leave me your comments on what you would like to see the next giveaway be.  I will choose one and post it Sunday!

Can't wait to get your ideas!

Intoxicating Santa Fe

I spent an intoxicating weekend hobnobbing with some of the finest artists in the world at the Folk Art Market in Santa Fe.  I was truly in awe and inspired by the talent and diversity in the art and artists chosen to be there from all over the world.

Ebony and Silver 

The artist Elhadji Koumama, Niger

Weavings from Laos

The Artist/Weaver-Taykeo Sayavon

Hand Painted Camel Bags by Fatim Diallo from Mali

Ousmane Macina , incredible Jeweler From Mali

I usually travel to these countries on my own. The planning, hunting, the cultural immersion is food for me. So it was with trepidation and hesitation that I set off to Santa Fe.  There were crowds of people who I realized would see these countries only this way and others who were clearly fellow intrepid travelers.

I met old friends that I shared chai with while in the far corners of India.  An amazing block printer from Gujarat whose scarves I brought home in suitcases for the loaded trunk.  An exceptional woman from New Delhi, who has organized and encouraged artists of all mediums throughout India, that she tirelessly promotes throughout the world.

The incredible women of Kamala that I met on my last journey to India

The infamous Master Block Printer, Adul Razak Mohmed Khatri, 9th generation block printer that Ryan and I shared lunch and Chai with in Western Gujarat near the Pakistan Border

I also met Judy who selflessly promotes and coordinates an NGO, Kala Rashka, in the state of Gujarat that works to preserve the traditional arts of this region of India. You may still find a few of their fabulous bolsters in my trunk!

I met many new and intriguing artists with whom I look forward to working with.  These new friends have helped me carve out the path for my next journey.  Stay tuned!

Perfectly Perched

Hooray for the Indian Bangles winner, Lynn Klein. This weeks giveaway is a beautiful petite balinese umbrella.  Please remember that in order to be entered in the giveaway I will need an email address when you comment.

 Photo from the loaded trunk website 

Tedung in Balinese means “to guard,” remind us of the much larger ceremonial relatives of these umbrellas used in parades year-round.  Made from hand-dyed fabrics, they can be used as table accents in your home, in the garden or terrace, or for poolside entertaining.

Have a wonderful weekend. I will be back next week with loads of pictures from Santa Fe.

Unexpected Travel

Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.  said, "Unexpected travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God." I love this quote and think of it as I plan for my trip to the International Folk Art Market in Santa Fe, New Mexico this weekend. I am excited on so many levels.  I will be a volunteer and will working with an amazing textile designer from Mali, Aboudar Sidiki Fofana.

Photos from Santa Fe International Folk Market Website

I will be staying with an old friend, a painter, and I quote a review by the Santa Fe Reporter:" With an eye toward history, both in terms of technique and style, Pauline Ziegen creates layered modernist mythologies of the American West landscapes."  Her work is available through several galleries in Santa Fe. 

Photos from Pauline Ziegen

Lastly, I will be seeing several weavers and block printers that I met in Gujarat, India. They will be a part of a group of truly amazing artisans from around the globe gathering in this beautiful spot to celebrate their craft.  I am putting on my dancing shoes.

Adornments

Happy 4th of July!  In between a family get together, fireworks and loads of yummy food, I wanted to let you know what this next weeks giveaway will be.  You will be able to pick 6 of these embellished bangles I picked up on a recent trip to India!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and please make sure when you leave a comment I have a way to contact you if you win.

First Year Mark Giveaway Winner

Thanks to all who visited my new blog and a special thanks to those that commented. As you know this kicks off a month of weekly giveaways so please stayed tuned for more musings from the loaded trunk!
I used Random.org to choose the winner for the first giveaway. Below is the winning comment.

Anonymous said... One year down and a lifetime of memories collected,not to mention all the great treasures you bring back for us to enjoy here! Congrats! Thank you for sharing, rebathao@yahoo.com..........

Have a wonderful 4th and for a sneak peek of the next giveaway go to the loaded trunk!
Congratulations to our First, First year mark winner!

Roni

Along the way

In my wonderful and exciting time since beginning The Loaded Trunk I have met some extraordinary  people along the way who also share an appreciation for unique and beautiful things.

One of those people is my good friend Kelly Ludwig, AKA 'Queen of Design'. She’s on another road trip doing what she loves most — discovering talented, self-taught artists.  She has a huge collection of their work and has already published a book called Detour Art.

 Photo taken by Becky 

Her trip reminded me of the people, places and objects I’ve encountered along my journeys. Dao Anh Khanh, painter and performance artist, was one of these people.  It was one of those daring moments in Hanoi- I met someone who suggested I just show up at his home and ask to see his work. I jumped on the back of a motor bike and spent the rest of the day graciously being entertained by this eccentric and memorable man.  It is exactly this freedom and sense of adventure that I share with Kelly. 

 Dao Anh Khanh at home

Wall around his home

 

Sculpture on grounds

  Bedroom

 Studio

Photos by roni jaco

When I think of how I’ve changed and what I’ve learned over the last year or so, I think of Kelly and a quote she once shared with me:

"I get up every morning determined both to change the world and to have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning my day difficult." 
- E. B. White