A few weeks ago we were in the middle of a packing frenzy
and preparing to move out in order to begin our home renovation.
I had thought that discovering
my grandfather's oil pastels
my grandfather's oil pastels
and his studio handbook
was treasure enough.
But oh was I in for a huge surprise
when my parents returned recently from visiting my aunt in Atlanta.
when my parents returned recently from visiting my aunt in Atlanta.
They had gone through an old box of Pop's (my father's father/my aunt's father)
and discovered treasures far better than gold.
I wept in joy over these findings and am honored to own them now.
They found his notes from art classes at Emory, hand written in 1930.
yep, a m a z i n g.
tied together with colored thread.
yep, a m a z i n g.
tied together with colored thread.
timed drawings, sketches of nudes, color studies,
notes about shades, design, lettering, perspective,
landscapes, his hand-carved ink blocks,
his hand-made Christmas cards, and more.
Absolute treasures to me and I'd love to share them with you.
If you are an art lover, you will appreciate this
and if you love your family, which I am sure you do...
you will understand just how special these are.
Isn't it amazing to find things from the past?
I found myself pouring through these again today.
Smelling the papers, analyzing his handwriting, mesmerized by his sketches...
wondering what he was thinking
wondering what he loved to draw and create the most
wondering what inspired him
wondering what he dreamed of
wishing he was still alive and could spend a day in the studio with me...
just the two of us talking art and creating something beautiful together.
nude sketches...
I even love his mess ups...
The next two are William's favorites and will be framed soon in his new room!
designs in progress...
oil on linen...
original sketch before he carved his own ink block...
images of my dad and aunt as children singing Christmas carols
Oh what a treasure this is!
and the final prints he inked and created as Christmas greetings...
so, so, so grateful to have these treasures!
I wonder if long from now my grandchildren or great grandchildren
will look back on any of my art with a smile as big as mine right now?
Blessings,
Caroline
Just found you today...oddly enough, through the Tervis site :-) Awed by the richness of your work in so many mediums. So happy for this wonderful find of family history and art.
ReplyDelete-Christine
Hi Christine...many thanks for your kind comment here. I feel so fortunate to do what I love. I currently license my art to 13 companies so you will hopefully start seeing it around on many products (in gift shops and on line)...everything from Tervis tumblers to fabric to garden flags to furniture and wall decor. Many thanks for saying hello!
DeleteBlessings, Caroline
Caroline,
ReplyDeleteWow. How very special these treasures are... I am so glad that your Aunt Aleene and I found and opened the box! They rested so long because they have been waiting there just for you! I feel that Pop is so proud of you and knows what you do every day. I think he approves of your work and your passion...
Love,
Pop 2
Caroline, So happy for you! What a wonderful heritage of creativity. I have my grandma's hand painted china and feel the same about that. I think that somehow these early influences shaped our lives and brought us down the creative path. Blessings, dear friend, as you continue to comb the world for His handwriting. May we both continue to find blessings in our work and home lives and especially our quiet private times with Him, the fuel behind everything else. Much love from your friend, Sharyn
ReplyDeleteOh, Caroline! What a treasure! Not only because they are beautiful, but because they are a part of him, you, your children, and theirs that follow. A gift beyond words!
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you, and I do hope your renovation is going well!
ginny
Oh, my, tears, tears....your beautiful blog meant so much to your dad! What a special tribute it was. And how very excited he would be about you and your business and your talent and your gifts for sharing your faith and on and on. Isn't it interesting that as we age, we wish for those who came before us to be a part of our journey? Especially those we feel connected to in more ways than others. I still feel that they are watching and enjoying from above...makes me feel better that way!
ReplyDeleteLove you so much,
Mom
Tooooooooooooooooooooooo cool!
ReplyDeleteLillian
Absolutely! Beautiful beyond compare! Anyway you could have an entire massive wall of art history framed floor to ceiling of your fabulous finds in your new house with picture lights ?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Elise
I get goose bumps looking at all of that!
Love and adore. Special beyond words.
ReplyDeleteLove, Katie
Oh how you and all of us have been blessed seeing all these treasures!!! And to see where you got your talent!!!!I look forward to your "Designing for the Soul" every day!! You are a true blessing Caroline!!
ReplyDeleteIn His Love, Joy and Peace
Anita
"Love the Lord and follow His plan for your lives.Cling to Him and serve Him enthusiastically!"
Josh.22:5
I can only imagine the tears and goose bumps you felt! How rewarding and what motivation to keep you going on days you might feel defeated. Thanks for sharing with all of us.
ReplyDeletethank you sweet Erica! xo
Delete