Opening at the Taj Restaurant
April 8th, 2008 - 08:18 AM
All the time and work for the opening was well spent I think. About fifty people came. There were potato pakoras and Indian spiced tea. I had about thirty paintings on display. There was a nice sign announcing my Share in an Art Adventure program (read about that in a previous blog). We had some very nice publicity also so many people showed up that I didn't know, as well as many of my friends came. When things slowed down a bit I painted henna designs on people's hands. This photo was taken after everything was set up, looked nice and only a few people had started arriving.
The opening was also a great opportunity to wear my new silk saree from Varanasi. Varanasi is famous for its silk weaving. Since there is no electricity in the city from 9 a.m. to about 2 or 3 p.m. much of the work in Varanasi must either be done by non electric machinery or after 3 p.m. or with the use of noisy gas generators. The silk weaving therefore is done on the jacquard looms. The thread is extremely fine, it rivals the modern microfibers any day. This particular saree was woven black in one direction and burgundy in the opposite direction which is called "shot" silk. The effect is that as the fabric moves or where it folds you will see it changing color from black to burgundy. The bottom has a broad band of gold thread woven throughout. This particular saree also has a matching blouse.with gold embroidery on the sleeves. The end of the saree is known as the pallau and it has the most beautiful embroidery there since the pallau is pleated and then falls over the shoulder in a most graceful and dramatic way. If you get a chance to buy one of these sarees, please do. The work is very labor intensive and as more women go for the machine made, polyester sarees that are cheaper and easier to care for, the silk saree manufacturers are going out of business. It is not a lost art yet, but it could become so. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I was too busy to remember to ask some one to take my photo in this saree.
If you live or are visiting in the area of Holland, MI please come down to the Taj Restaurant and view the paintings. They will be on display indefinitely. In late May I will switch out some paintings for others and probrobably will do so again in August before I leave for my painting around the world trip. The restaurant is located at 91 Douglass Ave on the northside of Holland, next to where the old D & W used to be,
Blog: #7 of 14 by Art Nomad Sandra Hansen
Comments
04/08/2008
10:57 AM
Santa Maria, CA
Wow! Great job! Do you get to sell the paintings or are they sold to the restaunt? Either way is great exposure! Make sure to have some brochures or business cards there for future potencial clients!!
04/09/2008
12:38 PM
Havre De Grace, MD
Hi Sandy, here we are both of us loving the sight of plump, delicious smelling blossoms! Our harbinger of spring and the gift of outdoor freedom. Loved your painting and what prompted you to paint it. Smiles: Sharon
