Tiffany Glass

Anyone who reads this blog knows I go to many concerts. I have always loved the arts - music, dance, visual arts... Just this week I have been to three events: a concert led by Tanya Laperrière for Pallade Musica - of string quartets, the ballet Coppelia and then a concert by Les Boréades of Neapolitan Baroque music which was held in Salle Bourgie, part of the Musée des Beaux Arts de Montréal. The concert hall was once a church (the Erskine and American) and these windows were installed in the church, but restored when the museum renovated the building. I had attended concerts in the church. At one of the many memorable concerts, I sat in the front row  - the performer, Jordi Savall was almost in hand-shaking distance. It felt like he was playing just for me.

While I love to hear concerts by visiting groups, I am spoiled living in Montreal, where we have some of the finest musicians specializing in early music. I am doubly spoiled as many of them also teach at CAMMAC and I have had the privilege of being coached by many of them. In last night's lineup - 5 of the 8 musicians have spent Early Music Week there and I have had 4 of them as coaches. Knowing them as teachers, as friends adds to the pleasure of hearing them perform.

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About the windows from http://www.mbam.qc.ca/en/museum-district/claire-and-marc-bourgie-pavilion/

Eighteen of the twenty Tiffany windows were created during the heyday of the famous Tiffany Glass and Decorating Company in New York, between 1897 and 1904. The ensemble was one of only two commissions by Tiffany in Canada and one of the few surviving religious series in North America.

Unwinding

Unwinding, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

We're into renovations - so many decisions from paint colours, to lighting to tiny details. Heads spinning we decided to unwind at a local bistro. After we arrived the rain poured down, but we were in a mellow haze - good food, wine and a delightful atmosphere. My view - a reflection of things in the restaurant as well as the outdoors - perhaps a metaphor for my inner thoughts as a I deal with the outward realities.

Through the Window

Through the Window, originally uploaded by susanvg.

At my photo course this evening we were asked to go around the CEGEP (a junior college) and take photographs of each other with existing light. I can never resist taking photos of other things I see. This window just needed to be photographed.

The CEGEP is partly located in what was once a religious building - the mother house for a sect of nuns. However, most of the interior of the building has been totally stripped of any past architectural details. Florescent lights glare over nondescript hallways which branch out like a maze. Lighting was a challenge for our photographs as was finding backgrounds of interest. Too bad students have to spend their days in such lifeless surroundings.

July 13/10: Summer Rain

Summer Rain, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Distant rumbles announce the coming storm
The sky darkens
Rain, first light then pounding
A waterfall rushes from the roof
Cascading to the ground
Splashing into the pool that wasn't there before
Rivulets race downhill to the street
Summer rain

April 21/10: Contemplating Spring

April 21/10: Contemplating Spring, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I have used this window before to show the changing seasons - from autumn to winter. Now it frames the delicate spring colours. The wildlife is busy now. Robins gather nesting material. The air is alive with their songs. Squirrels are jumping from branch to branch looking for food. For my cats, this is a wonderful time to watch the activity - the window as a television set for them with a constantly changing program.

Jan 5/10: Looking In?

Jan 5/10: Looking In?, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Windows can give a glimpse into people's lives. Today's reflection rendered this one opaque, giving viewers a rearvew mirror. Different cultures have different customs regarding window covering. Some intentionally leave windows uncovered as a sign of welcome. I like to close my blinds as darkness falls, especially in winter; to hibernate in the coziness of home.

Daily shoot: Find a pool, puddle, or other body of still water and make a photo of a reflected subject today (none available so glass will have to do)

Day 334: First Snow

Day 334: First Snow, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Through the window the first snow of the season settled on branches turning the world white. Still ephemeral, as the day warms up the branches shed their ermine stoles. Each year the first snowfall is enchanting, a window into the fairytale of the snow maiden. December is coming.

Here is the same view at the beginning of the month.

Day 308: Through the Window

Day 308: Through the Window, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The early morning sun washed out the view a bit. The leaves, once green, then orange have faded. Only the oak hangs on to its bronze leaves, determined to be the last to reveal its naked limbs.

It's wonderful to have an office with a view to watch the changing seasons, to see the squirrels cavorting in the trees, to see the light change as the day goes by.

Day 290: Window-shadow

Day 290: Window-shadow, originally uploaded by susanvg.

This is actually two photographs that have been juxtaposed - though the shadows on the door were created by this window. I just liked the idea of the positive and negative. The sun was low on the horizon, casting a golden glow on the door, projecting stripes from the blinds. I find it interesting that the shadow made the lines more obvious whereas in the window the lines seem to fade, letting the outdoor scene take precedence.

Sometimes a shadow can seem larger than life - as when we let worry take over. The worry becomes larger than the problem. Perhaps we should keep this window in mind - that usually there is a way through to the other side of problems and issues if we just look through them instead of focussing on the shadow the problem casts. It takes a lifetime to learn.

Day 48: Spring Flowers Behind Glass

Day 48: Spring Flowers Behind Glass, originally uploaded by susanvg.

On a lovely day in February, I passed this shop. Spring flowers blooming, teasing all who passed with a burst of colour. Spring is a long way off here, but the sun felt warm today. While the February skies can be bright blue and the air feels crisp, the main colours outdoors are white and grey. So I had to stop and admire the bright reds and blues.

Day 25: Watching the world go by

Day 25: Watching the world go by, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Often when I walk, I pass this house with these two "ladies" watching all the passers-by. No matter what the weather or time of day, they pass judgement as the world goes by. The stories they could tell....

I live not from from a high school. Most of the students are well-behaved; a few use their lunch hour to find any unlocked cars and steal what they can. I am sure these women have been witnesses.

We have a local dog walker - no matter what the weather he passes several times a day with an ever-changing pack of dogs. They know he is the alpha dog and all walk obediently around him. This too they have seen.

I wish I could know their story. They have certainly witnessed some of mine.