I've
noted in past posts and shown a few pictures of the tile work in
Portugal and so I quickly became particularly attracted to them on
the houses and shops early on taking more than a few pictures not
only of the tiles in situ but close-ups of the tiles themselves. I've
created a Pinterest gallery of most, if not all, the pictures I took
and you can see them all here-tiles or
here-tiled buildings but
here are a few examples...
and some of my favorites...
Hard
to pick just a few.
So,
Friday, Denise and I walked to the National Tile Museum Museu
Nacional do Azulejo which is housed in a former convent founded
in 1509 and chronicles the culture, history, and art of tile making
in Portugal from the 15th century to modern times. The
azulejos (link to a brief history) are a big part of Portugal's
national identity and they are still being used and designed by
contemporary artists in urban development.
Hard
to pick just a few.
the
convent chapel
The
museum is also working to categorize all the boxes and boxes and
boxes of tiles in storage and actively restores tiles and tile sets.
Looking
through the glass walls at the work areas...
I've
saved this post for last because of all that I saw and experienced in
Portugal, I think the tile will be the thing that will impact my
work, maybe the way I approach my work. Anyway, I have a few ideas
that I want to pursue if Rocky ever gets done. He has shown up this
week, work a half day but he was trying to finish up what he was
working on. Hopefully I'll have his full attention Monday.
previous:
These are simply mind-blowing. Thank you for taking the time, the photos, and for sharing.
ReplyDeleteJust gorgeous. I don't think they get hail in England with all those glass orangeries and in Portugal with all the tiles.
ReplyDeleteI too have been fascinated by the intricacies of the tile makers art. We have a few places here in Albuq where artists have been given the joyous task of creating public art with tile. Glorious but nothing compares to the wonder of your photos of the tiles of Portugal
ReplyDeleteI think I would have been entirely overwhelmed on all sense-levels. The sea, the light, the art, the tiles, the food, the people. Cripe-o! I can't wait to see how all of this wonder will affect your art. Thank you so much for taking us along - and for all of the wonderful, wonderful photographs!
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful there are old tiles that can be used to restore. I've seen (and even purchased) some modern tiles at art shows. Small renditions. I am overwhelmed b the work of sorting through stored tiles to recreate the huge patterns.
ReplyDeleteGiven the effort that you've put into selecting tile for your house, in addition to your glass-sculpting, I'm not surprised that you found the tiles so interesting. They ARE amazing and a very unique part of Portuguese culture.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing the evolution of your art!
ReplyDeleteAwesome tiles! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLike the convent chapel the best. I greeted a set of nuns every day for a long time before I heard they had taken a vow of silence
ReplyDeleteWhat a great series of posts from your travels. I enjoyed it so much!
ReplyDeleteOccasionally we visit a Portuguese bakery here, licking our fingers after eating too many pasteis de nata and shaking from the very strong coffee. Must go again soon.
OH ELLEN, If this is your final post of Portugal, I want to you to get on the next flight out and do it some more. Such a feast for the eyes!
ReplyDelete