This is the page I was testing them on in the shop; at least two people tried to have a go as well when my back was turned thinking it was the communal pad of paper.. er no.  Anyway I like the confusion of colour – if I tried to plan a jumble like this it wouldn’t come out the same.

Some more doodles once home (something about the blue girl reminds me of Tom Cruise).

This was the final drawing in the exhibition, Portrait of a young woman in profile to the right by Titian.  Artists at that time tended to use men as models for female characters, I guess because nude female models weren’t the done thing.  So the women often looked a little (or a lot) masculine.  But not in this drawing.  You really need to stand in front of it to see – it’s lovely.

Here is a lovely example of weaving, bought from the Allyus Ecológicos artisans’ cooperative in Cusco.  All natural fibres and dyes.

A close-up:

This is a fabric made by women of the Shipibo tribe, in the northern Peruvian jungle.  The ink is from the fruit of the Huito tree and when first applied, it’s clear, but after a while turns dark (hence also used for temporary tattoos).  The women create this pattern from experience, ie knowing where to lay the dye.  I totally love it.

And lastly this was a present for my mother.  It’s a little gourd, minutely etched into by the master artisan Oswaldo Osores Medina, who is from a town called Cochas Grande in the district of Huancayo (the only place to produce etched gourds).  After etching they rub oil and charcoal over it to bring out the picture.  The detail and lightness of touch is amazing – the woman I bought it from only had 2 of his pieces and said they were difficult to come by (although he’s still alive).  It’s quite moving to look upon such patient, devoted workmanship; apparently the younger generation aren’t that interested, so who knows what will happen to such a special art.

What an incredible country, to produce such a fine level of design and craftsmanship in all these different forms.

[vimeo]http://vimeo.com/4505537?pg=embed&sec=&hd=1[/vimeo]

Also while wandering around on YouTube I found this collection of videos of artists’ sketchbooks from the Moleskine City Notebook Exhibition 2006.  Sketchbook heaven – the one this links to, by stage designer & painter Stefano Faravelli, is kind of amazing.

Am also v impressed by this guy, Chris Dent. He is a patient man.  For more of these go here.

Hanging baskets in the hotel Daddy Long Legs, Cape Town.  If you’re going to visit this is the hotel you should stay in – every room was designed by a different artist.  http://www.daddylonglegs.co.za/

Our room, which was designed by graffitti artist Mak1One..

Honestly it was really restful.