Buenos Aires: Felt, food and friends far away.

 Waiting for my flight in Terminal 3 at Pearson Airport in Toronto. Met a nice Geological engineer from Turkey. I told him I always seem to meet a geologist/geological engineer..he says it is because they travel so much. makes sense.

 Time to settle in...10 hour flight to Santiago.

 The Andes are SPECTACULAR

 My seat mate from San Francisco (Hey, Dan) was unimpressed with the fog.

 Considering I had no idea we were landing in Santiago, this was a "treat"....my ticket says "Buenos Aires", but we must deplane, clear security, get finger printed, smile for the camera :o) ...and get back on board the same plane.

 Welcome to BA...a city of over 10 (yes, ten) Million...

 The view from my apartment kitchen window...it is winter here now, but with the sun today, you would not know it!

 Ready for day one of teaching in a beautiful gallery that supports the exhibition of the work of traditional weavers in remote areas of Argentina.

 The women arrive...lots of kisses in South America.

 First dinner out...baby Argentinian beef, wine, arugula. Fantastic. The best tasting meat here.

 My teeny tiny elevator...room for 2.

 My starting point each A.M.was the Starbucks. I have a food allergy and while away and solo, I  need to stick to what is predicable. A Starbucks Latte is a safe way to begin...not to mention delish and a great place to people watch with doggies and winter coats.

 My corner in my hood.

 the best part...the feltmaking!!

 Lots of fabulous pods. These are all made with 100% Argentinian merino! I really love this wool. So happy to have been able to use it.

 Next workshop...making our prefelt...I can tell who are Julia's students...excellent layout!

 and exciting accessories!!

 Vessels in progess...

 A night time tour...traffic in a very, very, big city...to China Town for fish!

 Hmmm.

 squidy things.

 What you looking at?

 Starbucks not open yet...switching it up at the cafe.

 on my walk to "work"

 Argentinian spirit getting ready for the World Cup Match...

 Results from the vessels workshop...I allowed some freedom and love the results..these students were ready for the creative challenge.

 Lovely women

 excitement over the results!

 My beautiful host, Julia Rossi and I.

 a free day and a walk about to the mall and such...

 Swanky shops (picture of purchase to follow)

 Celebration!

 Required attire for lunch out durring world cup soccer in Argentina!

 Mmmm, Milenese. SO good!

 selling flowers on the street...

 Palermo

 Cafe...

 Condiments in squeeze bags. So sensible.

 Really affordable, good wine...like $2.50!

 A mix of old and new...love that...French architecture.

 The Presidents house...pink.

 Gallery...

 Love to stop and take it all in and then one by one cover the bases.

 Ruben Santantonin. Cardboard, glue, fabric and paint.

 Diego Rivera

 Frida Kahlo

 Pastries!

 Luch on the roof with my students on a day warm enough!

 Hola, Kitty!

 Susanna challenged me with a creative question...I helped her with the process.

 At work

 Landscapes and texture...so many variations.

 Happy, happy

 Waiting for the doggie walker.

 Wool shops with U.K. feltmaker, Karen Ombler living in BA.

 A charming path (this is the jacket purchased from swanky shop)

 getting ready for the next game!

 Sweet shops with lovely things.

 Lunch out with Julia and my wonderful translators, Mirta and Sil and Julia! A round of beer with each goal by Argentina!

 Back to work with a new group.

 Most cars have crumpled spots :o)

 Markets and doggies.

 My students have to coolest shoes and jewelry. I always leave with a list of designers!

 Stash!

 Fun results!

 Cold day, but the sun is shining!

 last night and a lovely surprise and a gift from Mirta..handmade by her from paper and linen. Love it.

 Julia made me delicious empanadas for the flight which I enjoyed with wine and a move. Thank you, my dear.

It is late and I cannot sleep...but I am headed home so no worries. I have returned full of gratitude with lots to process. I will keep you posted... :o)

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

On the move again...

Next Stop:

 Feeling all better. All packed. I'll keep you posted!

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Curve Ball

The day begins slow. Getting out of bed was a chore  and I have a task at hand.

I need  to complete the text for a video I will be in, to be shot by my long-time pal, Alec Ross, for a company in Toronto...Alec shot my statement for my piece "Cleaning House" and I love his humour and approach so asking him was an easy decision! I think we are a good team.

I am battling a scratchy throat and looking at my planner grateful that Argentina (YAY! Argentina) is a few days away. It is now mid afternoon...clock ticking on that text deadline.


Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Königswinter!

A tiny car packed full of wool and basil and we were on our way meet Ricarda...

Andrea Noeske-Porada and Ricarda Aßmann were my generous hosts in the charming and curious town of Königwinter. I know I keep saying how amazing all these places are and I am not one to dish out gratuitous compliments or gush about much...That said, I did fall in love with this little town and am putting things in the works to return for a spell. It is a town along the Rhine that buzzes at times with tourists and seems to be a town on the cusp of some exciting renewal. Only there a short time, I feel the need to find out more about the towns history and people.

Once through the tangled greenery and up the mossy back steps, we enter our accomodation for the next few days. It is a space owned by the city used for visiting artists.

A comfortable place to return to at the end of the day!

 Downstairs is a small studio space and a huge window to showcase the work of visiting artists.

I loved the view from the window down to the pedestrian street. I am a big people watcher!

 This is the out side of the space where I taught my workshops. It is another space subsidized by the city to provide studio space for artists. It is a really great space with a kitchen and studios. Our had big windows, and gorgeous paneled walls. A dream space to teach in with lots of room and light.

 The first morning sun was warm on the cool mornings and throwing open the windows to the street below and feeling the breeze was a great way to begin the day.

 My students came well prepared with materials and lots of enthusiasm. There was lots of laughter and conversation and a skilled group of makers which makes teaching a real joy for me. Everyone managed to understand me with a bit of translation assistance.


 
See this ingenious little shaping tool?! If you would like to buy some contact Andrea

 

My workshop sample was wild and colourful with an array of techniques and some tall legs. 

 I love the light in this stairway...

 ...and Ricarda's  collection of vintage cases.

 ...a nice place for the group shot.

 Andrea and Ricarda and I took the tram ride up (and up) the hill to see the view.

 Past the haunted castle (next time I am in Königswinter, I am going in!) and up some more.

 The Rhine...there is a convent on the island and a story of lost love!

 A perfect example of so much of the old meets new in Germany.

 My 2 lovely, talented and warm hosts...

 One evening we went to Cologne to see some sights, walk across the bridge and experience some beer at...that place people go have beer in tiny glasses that they fill up many of :o)

 The dome was really too much for words...

 

One of the most exciting things about being in Königswinter when I was, was that Andrea and Ricarda officially begin working together in a beautiful new studio/work space with their new fibre art company!!

I took pictures inside as well, but you will have to travel to see them and the line up of artists from many disciplines that will benefit the fiber artists privileged to attend. This will provide unique opportunities and challenges to creative students. For information on potential enrollment, contact Ricarda

  I headed back to Wiesbaden for a night and had an evening with some charming, smart young people,  great food (Spargle!!) It was a perfect send off and concluded over 2 weeks away leaving me with plans for my return. Perfect.


Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com

Wiesbaden!

 My transit from Amsterdam to Germany had a bumpy start..strange language, asking lots of questions of an annoyed attendant as to be certain I was boarding the correct train. Someone in my seat and nowhere to stow my massive suitcase. Finally I got situated and spoke with a nice young man from Spain...a computer programmer. He did not need to tell me. I could tell by his hands.
He said he was from a part of Spain that is like Italy, "...but the food is better". I know a few Italians that would contest that passionately!

 Empty stations leaving me wondering if I am in the right place.

 Miraculous scenery. I am stunned by the beauty of this country. I had no idea and feel a fool! Random castles. Old and new. Industrial and residential. light spilling over the hills and reflecting on the Rhine. Wow.

 My wonderful hosts, Andrea and Wolfgang treated me to a special trip to a vineyard as the sun set across the hills, hot air balloons in the distance. I opted for traditional German fare of Sauerbraten and red cabbage with my Pinot Noir (Wolfgang's selection for me :o). Lovely beyond words.

 Spectacular.

 After dinner we wandered down to the banks of the Rhine to the "wine barrel" for another glass of local wine.

 Warning: Confession time

Remember when I decided to quit drinking coffee?
I forgot too. This was too easy and too good.
(I am back to my green tea at home now!)

 Students settling in for a 2 day pods workshop. Smaller scale, working quickly all was achieved!
So grateful for those that traveled a long way to see me!

 Steaming soup, cheese (oh...cheese, I love you so) and lots of goodies to keep us fortified to continue our work.

 Had lots of this (yet, not enough!). Big white asparagus "Spargel" steamed with butter and sea salt. Need I say more? I think my blog should be titled "Food and Felt". I am shocked to return home the same weight I departed!

 ..okay more food (with cheese...see the cheese?)

 Ah, now we return to soap instead of soup. Equally delicious.

 Final finish!

 The line-up...can you identify the suspect?

 As the week progressed these beautiful blooms opened more each day growing more fragrant and beautiful. I enjoyed them over breakfast and conversation. Upon my return, prior to my journey home, they had begun to brown and the soft petals were dropping from the stems, but were just as beautiful in this state.

Visit my site www.andrea-graham.com