Ephesus

I have just returned from a trip to the Meditereanean. I will be posting about some of the highlights in up coming posts from a muralist, faux finish, and decorative artists point. Of view. Today I post on a spiritual point of view. I had done minimal research on one of our ports, this was Kusdasi, Turkey. I didn't know what to. Expect except lovely bneaches and lots of shopping so when I heard some of the oldest and best ruins to be seen in all of Europe were here naturally I planned a visit. What I also found exciting was a chance to visit that actual, last home of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Both the ruins and the home of Mary are located. In Ephesus, a scenic short taxi or bus ride rom the port. The home of Mary is located at the top of a mountain that is secluded and set into woods. The smell of floral was overwhelming on the 95 degree July day. Oddly the secada bugs got louder and louder as you walked to the top and got near the house. The house itself is a small clay brick modest house with two small rooms. Now there is a shrine with candles and a statue of Mary, as well as an area where Joghn Paul the second left his offerings to her. As I approached the candlelit statue I was overcome with emotion. Hoards of people were there with me all denominations, races and ages, quietly bowing, kneeling and praying. Outside the house. Is a natural spring that has free flowing blessed holy water. For those who wish to fill a bottle and take it home its advised for its healing properties. A walk down the hill and you are ebntering the ancient city of Ephsus where Alexander the Great, Constantine and Cleopatra all rode their mighty chariots through the gleaming marble streets. What was so extroidinary about these ruins were that indeed the mosaics were preserved as well as friezes, bass relief and full statues still stood tall and proud. One. Of thge first amphitheater ever was built, we went one of us climbed to the to pas the other stood center stage and talked, the acoustics were pretty amazing! A 2000 year old library facade is the relic cherry on the cake so to speak, the facade with its two stor arches, niches and columns still stands mostly complete in the blaring sun. A few statues fill in the niches. Walking through the streets you will see pipelines, these people had running hot and cold water! Imagine 2000 years!! I have things that are ten years old that are defunct!

A decorative painting event!

This year has been a world wind of fantastic opportunities for. Faux painting and murals. In May I had the unique opportunity to join 50 other decorative artists from around the globe for a week long mural, and faux painting extravaganza in the first ever decorative arts convention in Japan. This years annual Salon of Decorative painters was held in Tokyo,Japan. Hosted buy the dynamic and gracious Yaeko Kurimata . The week long event showcased the talents of select participants. Each. Artist was able to display a finished panel as well as participate in the community mural as well as work on their own demonstration pieces. The theme "East meets West " sharing, encompassed many traditional examples. Of decorative arts, like wood grain, and marble as well as gilding, and grottesca. The exhibition offered many opportunities for the artists to get to know one another on a more personal level which is what makes the annual event such a wonderful opportunity. Salon 2014 will take place in Seattle, I hope to see many old friends and make new friends next year. I look forward to the techniques that are shared each year, going to the event offers my the opportunity to share these skills with my clients here on Long Island.