A to Z Abroad: Rodin’s Treasures

Since 1919, the Rodin Museum has preserved and displayed the prized works of Auguste Rodin. Housed in Rodin’s former workshop, the museum harbors a collection of 6,600 sculptures, 8,000 drawings, 8,000 old photographs and 7,000 art objects.

Among the most famous of Rodin’s sculptures is The Kiss. I must have stood in front of this piece for far longer than what would be considered polite in a museum. There is something ethereal, soulful, and breathtakingly human about the emotional embrace depicted. I’ve seen images of this sculpture many times, but seeing it in person is something else entirely.  Rodin somehow made marble express what it feels like to be in love.

The Kiss at the Rodin Museum
Photo by: c.b.w. 2003

Interestingly, the museum displays several bronze sculptures outside in an elaborate garden of fountains, flowers, and manicured hedges. A lovely break from an enclosed space, the garden offers a breath of fresh air while viewing extraordinary works of art.

Sitting on a tall pillar is one of Rodin’s masterpieces, The Thinker. This sculpture has been recast and reproduced multiple times, but the piece on display in the garden is the original. I never expected to find such a famous work of art outside, but I suppose it makes sense as the garden is often a place of contemplation.

The Thinker at the Rodin Museum
Photo by: c.b.w. 2003

Throughout the gardens, bronze sculptures dot the landscape and adorn fountains and ponds. A day could easily be spent among the green and graceful lines of Rodin’s aesthetic.

Garden green at the Rodin Museum
Photo by: c.b.w. 2003

From one garden vantage point, the Eiffel Tower pokes through the skyline!

Garden view of the Eiffel Tower
Photo by: c.b.w. 2003

The Rodin Museum may be small, but it’s treasures are immeasurable. Art lovers and those who could never pass up an afternoon surrounded by beauty are sure to enjoy this Parisian haven.

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This is my 500th post! Yay!

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Part of the A to Z Challenge!

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c.b.w. 2013

A to Z Abroad: Opera in Beijing

While in China, I had the unique experience of attending a performance of the Beijing Opera. To Western ears, this art form may sound a bit strange at first, but an open mind can turn a series of odd sounds into something really beautiful.

The musical accompaniment is decidedly different from the Western model of opera in that it relies more on the rhythm of percussion and has a smaller emphasis on stringed instruments. In addition to music, Beijing Opera includes a combination of vocals, mime, dance, and acrobatics. Instead of utilizing elaborate set-pieces, the stage is purposely sparse, so it becomes the job of the actors to portray the illusion of place and action. For example, if part of the story involves rowing a boat, the actors mimic the movements of rowing a boat.

Beijing Opera – Movement is everything!
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

Actors are judged on the beauty of their movements more so than creating realism. Each movement has meaning and helps the audience decipher the plot of the opera. The music also aids in this by increasing and decreasing tempo. Ultimately, the entire performance is rooted in symbolism. I can personally attest to the effectiveness of these techniques. Despite the language barrier I was able to follow the story quite easily.

Beijing Opera – Using the power of color to tell a story
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

Prior to the show, I had the privelge of going backstage to watch the performers put on the elaborate make-up and costumes that are essential to the pageantry presented onstage.

Beijing Opera – The elaborate art of face painting
Photo by: c.b.w. 2005

Masks plays an integral role in Beijing Opera. Each color has a different meaning and is used to signal the audience to a character’s role in the story or the emotional state of the character.

• White – sinister, evil crafty or suspicious. Usually associated with the villain.
• Green – impulsive, violent, no self-control
• Red – brave and loyal
• Black – rough, fierce or impartial
• Yellow – ambitious, fierce, cool-headed
• Blue – steadfast

Face make-up derives from the ancient warrior tradition of painting the face prior to battle. Often those with painted faces portray warriors in the story.

The bright colors and artistry of Beijing Opera is a feast for the eyes, but it also provides a unique insight into the heritage and cultural values of the Chinese people.

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Part of the A to Z Challenge!

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c.b.w. 2013

In Between

Photo and words by c.b.w 2013

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c.b.w. 2013

Poeticals VI + Photography

It’s been a while since an end cap at the bookstore has inspired me, but this week a few words reached out and tickled my muse.  Coupled with a little photography, these words have found a home beyond adorning book covers.

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Photo and words by c.b.w. 2013

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Fearless story
gratitude’s edge
Ignore we must
darkened skies
Find the sun
unleash your leap

Photo by: c.b.w. 2013

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c.b.w. 2013

Christmas Wisdom

With Christmas Day upon us, I hope the holidays bring you and your family many moments of joy, love, and bright memories.

Every year, I revisit the timeless tale of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. While the last line is the most famous, there is another one that resonates with me the most . . .

Photo by: c.b.w. 2012

May we all find laughter in our hearts this holiday season. To you and yours Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and everything in between.

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c.b.w. 2012