The Vision of Masters: a divine alchemy

I cannot say how thrilled I am to share with all who are passionate about the art of medieval illumination that my dear friends and mentors, Renaud and Mireille Marlier, have at long last created a website about their work.

Medieval illumination facsimile by Renaud Marlier

The site includes wonderful examples of his exquisite illuminations of both original designs as well as his facsimiles from many different centuries of sacred and secular themes.  His work is of the finest caliber and unparalleled in this modern age.

Both Renaud and his wife and creative partner, Mireille, not only execute works of art befitting the masters that they are; they also specialize in scientific research of materials used in medieval painting. Their research on the history and usage of natural pigments, binding agents, gold leaf and raised gilding, among many others, is extensive. Their new website is a treasure trove for those who are interested in using authentic materials in their painting or are simply fascinated with understanding medieval book illumination.

Part of a pigment chart by Mireille and Renaud

I encourage all who come to visit my humble atelier to travel on to admire the offerings of true masters.

They may be found at the link below.

http://enluminure-peinture.fr/

 

All photos are property of Mireille and Renaud Marlier.

Retrospective

2010 was a very challenging year creatively and practically. It brought with it much change and a chance to ground myself in a new reality. In honor of the new year breaking open to offer its new chances to dream, live and learn, I have decided to dismantle what has  hitherto been my only WordPress site: Atelier Pigmenta Peregrinae. That will remain but I would like to tease apart the different elements of my creative aspirations to give them ample room to fly.

This site will be dedicated solely to my illumination and bookbinding creations and pursuits. My poetry, literary critique and general blog will be housed at Butterflyweaver Press. Another new addition will be The Lepidopterarium which is where my silversmithing and ephemeral art will find a nice niche. Finally, The Habit of Silence will be a new thanatological journal that I am going to keep specifically addressing the work that I will be beginning at Covenant Hospice in January. Everything will be a wee bit chaotic as I move things about. The links will be in the sidebar to all the rest.

One lovely thing that happened in 2010 was the publication of two of my poems in The New Art Review.

Thanks to all who have visited and will visit these quiet realms of mine. I wish each and every one of you a wonderful new year of pursuing your dreams.

The Alchemical Pigmentation of Scott Marr

There is something ancient and alchemical about the artistic vision of Australian artist  Scott Marr. The natural world emerges with a wild dignified beauty in his work which resonates with something deep within me. The respectful and gentle manner in which he uses the collected gifts of nature is infused with an intuitive understanding of his natural environment. I, too, see landscapes in all of the parts of the whole… universes in the reflections of raindrops and land-maps etched into the underbellies of leaves. It is incredible how he sets those intricate dimensions free in his work, more dimensional than mere reality. I am sure I shall return many times to wander among the images of his world, seeking out treasures missed beneath my feet and finding worlds opening up in the intricacies of his irons and brushes… treasures which are earthbound yet utterly enchanting.

“We Are What We Eat” by Scott Marr

“It is unusual to see the skill, originality and aesthetics come together, especially in a young artist. Scott is intensely passionate and excited about his work and the direction in which it’s going. It is this unique blending of pyrography, natural pigmentation and nature-based material that I really like about his work.”

Warwick Fuller – Australian landscape artist

“Everything I touch and collect is real… The idea of beauty or whether it is well crafted – there are many aspects to that reality.”

“Another thing that I find fascinating, even when I’m down at the coast, is how closely related things are from the sea to things that are found in the bush. Essentially to me even a jellyfish is an entire landscape.”

http://scottmarr.blogspot.com/

Goldleafing a Dream

Goldleafing a Dream – by Phillip Wilcher – manuscript

Presentation

Goldleafing a Dream – Poem by Phillip Wilcher

initial sketch with first ink detailing

finished illumination

This is a project which was inspired by a musical composition entitled “Goldleafing a Dream” that Australian composer, Phillip Wilcher, wrote after viewing some of my illumination work. It has become a collaboration of music, text and imagery.

Please visit his website to learn more about his work and hear his exquisite compositions.

http://www.phillipwilcher.com/

Portrait of Anne of Brocéliande – by Richard Moult

Portrait of Anne of Brocéliande by Richard Moult

This portrait was done by an incredible artist and dear friend who inspires me and my work.

Please visit his sites to see his work and hear his music…

www.gazetree.com
www.myspace.com/richardmoult
richardmoult.wordpress.com