This is an overview of my recent trip to the art school in Olhoa, Portugal – http://www.artinthealgarve.com. It was an extremely interesting time, emphasising once again how small our world is and how interconnected we are.
Those following my blog will know that, David Clark, founder of the school recently died, and so it was comforting to find the School filled with his spirit. As Margarida said…’he is still here with us’.
Margarida, and David’s two daughters along with the rest of the team will continue to grow the school – so that David’s legacy lives on.
I took this picture of Margarida…looking down from one of the upper levels. A beautiful Frida Kahlo look alike🙂
More exciting news is the arrival of Joanna’s twins – a beautiful little boy and girl. Joanna will be back working in the school at the start of next year’s art sessions…..
The two little angels in their pram outside the school…….
Joanna looking very well….and is clearly enjoying her new role as a Mother.
I will be featuring the inspirational artists and fellow tutors I met on this trip in separate blogs during the coming week.
First, Tessa Pearson. Tessa in her studio making one of her glorious prints.
Although Tessa and I knew of one another’s work, this was the first time we met in person. I had no idea that up until recently Tessa and her family lived just down the road from me, close to Hampton Court Palace. She is also Chair of The Fountain Gallery, which is on Bridge Street, in Hampton Court. A small world indeed.
Tessa’s husband Michael, another fascinating artist (they met at the Royal College) also joined us, contributing to much stimulating conversation.
Then artists Peter Griffen and Denise Lithgow arrived. Two wonderful Australian artists. Peter, a dynamic painter, and Denise an amazing Textile artist…..Again I will feature them in separate blogs.
I took this picture of Denise and Peter while waiting for the boat to beautiful Armona Island.
More interconnections. The day before I flew to Portugal, I received an e mail from Jude Flemming, saying that she was, (and this could be the title of a book:) Marooned in Marocco……
Jude Flemming now safely back home in Australia…..
Jude was artist in residence at the Olhao school for the past six months – (I wrote a blog about jude and her new collages in July).
She took a side trip to Morocco thinking that she would be back in plenty of time for her last week at the school, however, her visa would not allow re-entry into Portugal! Long story short, Jude stayed in my flat in London until her flight back to Oz….and was of course dearly missed…..The best laid plans of mice and men.
Jude is friends with Peter Griffen and Denise Lithgow and they all knew David.
Then one more lovely interconnection. Before I left I suggested that Jude visit the Boathouse Studio in Hampton and meet up with artist, Kevin Chapman, originally from New Zealand….and wouldn’t you know they had friends in common…..and so it goes.
Tomorrow’s blog will feature Tessa Pearson.
A Bientôt
My Life as an Artist (2) 