Tag Archives: Wood

Strolling Around Bruges And Surroundings

Posted on May 11, 2022 | Leave a comment

A Huge Need for Beauty And Culture

At the beginning of spring, it was freezing cold and I walked for a long time in the historic center of Bruges without any real goal, just the huge need for beauty and culture. Cobbled streets, old buildings and the Reie river. Following the inspiration of the moment, I follow the narrow passage that opens onto an interior courtyard with a pretty garden. Continuing, near the canal, small bridge probably dating from the Middle Ages extremely curved and slippery. I observe the old stones steeped in history. And it’s off again to get lost in a maze of streets until nightfall. Walk, stroll and visit a museum!

In the city of chocolatiers, I finally tasted the famous chocolate (with hazelnuts) from Dominique Persoone, star chocolatier. Its chocolate is fine, subtle and tasty, without fuss: such a treat! I think the decor of his shop doesn’t represent well to the finesse of his creations. Close to the Ellis Gourmet Burger: very good burgers with quality meat. After many feasts (lololol), I finally head the Groeningemuseum to discover eminent Belgian painters over six centuries, starting with the Flemish masters Jan van Eyck (15th century) and Pieter Bruegel the Elder (16th century). The museum is not huge, but there are many major art works. A really exciting visit, collections absolutely to see!

The big breath of fresh air : on the way to Bruges, we made a detour through the landscape park of the Bulskampveld castle estate. The tour started with the Herb Garden (herbs that can be purchased from a vending machine; bring change). Then the Paths through the water: soothing landscape, even under a threatening sky. We continued into the nearby woods. Very pleasant walk without great difficulty, beneficial for both the mind and the body. As a reward for these 10 km walk: my first homemade ice cream of the season!

                                The day trip in pictures below

Stroll Through The Old Bruges

Flemish Painting, Chocolate And Hamburger

Bulskampveld

Maison & Objet: Young Talents From Japan

Posted on October 1, 2011 | Leave a comment

Maison & Objet, September 2011, Jeunes Talens à la Carte‘s exhibition, young talents from Japan. Unforeseen meetings and snapshots with some designers of this selection : a creativity full of Japanese folk and skills passed down from generation to generation. Like Kiyotaka Tsuyuki, a cabinet maker designer (pictures 2) uses secular rare trees. In this exhibition, no stylistic revolution from the working drawing empire, only beautiful master pieces I’d like to bring back home. Picture above : the young artist Kosogawa Runa, awared many times in Japan. When I met her, she was with the gifted kimono painter Chie Miyajima (picture 3). Of course you know how much I’m crazy about kimono! I had the fantastic opportunity to meet in Kyoto, one of the court masters weavers (a coming up post promise!).

Picture above : the designer Kazuyuki Kawase works for the Design Ken Okuyama firm, here with “Liana”, his room light. Let’s have a walk in woods, while faires are around! And what about changing our Chrismas tree this year (picture below)! Lovely scenography of the fashion designer, Kazuaki Takashima. In this installation realted to the deaster of Fukushima, he to wonders about links between men and nature. A fairy world falsely naive and childish… Last picture : I have fun with the Magma chaos. It changes from the boring correct “refine design”. It’s unpretentious, with a bit of self-mockery. A kind of deep breath after giggling! All the things misses in today contemporary art, but of course I might be strongly wrong, lol! Enjoying, breathing, having fun!