The Merchant of Venice

I got up this morning with absolutely no idea what to make or talk about for today's post. Once grandson no. 1 is off to school with enough packed lunch to feed an army I like to have a coffee or three and peruse Facebook to see what's new. What should pop up in my memories of 12th June but the Instagram photos I took in Venice this time last year. Seems ages ago I was there. 

On every corner of the city you can see street vendors selling carnival masks - cheap holiday souvenirs of Venice's iconic imagery. But wander into the back streets behind Piazza San Marco and find the real mask shops - traditional, hand made from papier mache and hand painted. Here you will find the most amazing works of art - especially in the back rooms, where the assistants wear white cotton gloves to show you, and they cost thousands, ready to be loaned out at Carnival time each February.

 

So I decided to give you a preview of a pair of earrings I had planned for my next joint show with Helen Backhouse, Lucy Haslam and Jeni Houser Alasad. On 24th June, we've called it 'A Midsummer Night's Dream and other Tales from The Bard.' I love working to a theme, and these are, of course, to represent The Merchant of Venice.

I had ordered the fabulous beaded masks from Ellie Bead and wasn't disappointed.  Perfect little Venetian masks, all scarlet, gold and black. The lampwork beads (aka pound of flesh, sorry if you're squeamish!) are from Kimberly Rogers, and the black chalcedony represents Shylock's black heart.
Aha, you say - but was Shylock wholly to blame, or was he the victim of cultural and religious discrimination in 16thC Venice, merely fighting his corner? Shakespeare students, discuss.

 

Anyhow, they'll be available at our show in TheVery Nice Group on 24th/25th June, along with other Shakespearean themed delights - hope to see you there. And in the meantime, arrividerci Venezia!

 

 

 

Lindsay x

 

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