Oh Sew Blue!

Random photos of Swedish doors...each so unique...

Drove to Laholm today and visited the Teckningsmuseet, http://www.teckningsmuseet.se/. This "Museum of Drawings" is the only of it's kind in all of Scandinavia. The gallery resides partly within the Old Laholm Fire Station, built in 1910. The newer portion of the gallery is unique in that it was constructed only by the hands of women. The Norwegian born architect, Jörgen Michelsen, created an environment where the art lends itself into the hands of nature...simple & bright. You can't miss the view of the Lagan River.

So, why drawings? They mention that drawings have been one of the most important forms of human communication for thousands of years. Simple enough, right? I was thoroughly amused by the comedic drawings by Lasse Lindqvist who correctly captured in one drawing the humoursly chaotic cubical life in the employment setting. I haven't ever laughed so hard at a gallery!

The women working at the gallery were incredibly friendly and recommended that I visit another local installation representing the works of many within the Halland region of Sweden. There I fell in awe of the work of Annlis Kruger (http://www.annlis.se/). Her work is completed all on sewing machine. Again, she brilliantly captures the humor in life! Upon seeing my excitement at this incredible work, the lady managing this exhibition recommended that I visit Annlis' home studio in Veinge...I was actually on my way to a castle but decided that I'd rather see more of this unique work. I hopped in the Nissan Almera and off I went to Veinge to the Bla Hus (Blue House).

Annlis' work is amazing...the studio set within the Blue House is brightly lit and again exhibits the standard simple Swedish modernism that I've come to love. I was excited to meet Annlis (in photo with my print) and had a great 30 minute conversation with her and she explained the concept behind my favorite series. She also showed me photos of portraits she has done of Queen Elizabeth & Tony Blair as well as President Bush...so funny! I purchased a print that is actually 1 of 4 in a series...so I told her that I must return to Sweden 3 more times so I can purchase the whole series! Here's the story of the 4 in summary: Picture #1: Woman catches man with her fishing net; Picture #2: Man is lifeless so she plants him in a pot and nurtures him with "love" water; Picture #3 (my purchase): Man grows into "love herb" and women blush when catching his sight; Picture #4: One female plant leaves her pot to live in with him...

Earlier in the day I got my Kosta Boda fix...well, at least for the day. Here are some photos of more Swedish glass...

Drove back to Knäred, walked in the house and could smell Swedish meatballs immediately. Too bad I can't yet eat them! Spent the evening relaxing, writing postcards and figuring out the plans for Stockholm tomorrow.

Craving of the Day: An extended stay...