Friday, October 31, 2008

théâtre de la vie

Years ago, there was a girl, (we will call her The Performer), who landed the leading role in the theater.

National Theater of Iceland courtesy of Didaskalia
Not only did she get the lead part, she got Producer, Director, Casting Coordinator and Prop Master.
The only thing she was given was the title of the play.
The title was, and is, "Life".
No limits, no boundaries... only complete
freedom in how she chooses to act out this story and
communicate it with her audience.


Like the renaissance troupes before her, there have been times when she shields her face by masks. Once the masks are touched by "the Performer", they become props, material objects used to enrich the storyline and add character,(Untouched, they simply remain set decorations).

The Performer likes to touch, therefore she has many props. Most of her props are French Antiques. Like the Greek masks of comedy and tragedy, French Antiques help her enrich her story. They are props that communicate emotion and without emotion, there is no life.


She wants to know the gift of the blind. . .
For her fingertips to act as eyes and feel more than just the uneven grain of an old plank antique floor. She wants to touch more than the expression, on the chiseled face of a marble bust. She wants to be connected to the beautiful thoughts of the creator, who can only enrich her spirit and in the end, that is all she has to give.



Her hand will graze the plaster walls and she will know the stories held within their age. She will take in the curved lines and decorative motifs of the Louis XV furniture, and sense the influence of Madame Pompadour. You see, these props of hers, help her to tell a more intimate side of her story.

Her hand will follow the stitches entwined with love, that are passed through generations and remind her that joyous moments live forever and when shared, are doubled.

These props, they give her the means for self reflection, they remind her she is the director and the performer. She chooses how long to hold up any mask before her face. (look closely, do you see the reflection in the floor)?

As not to fall into the vast sea of sameness, her creativity needs not set decoration, but props. The performer is of the belief that her spirit carries with it, something that is greater than self. It is not something that can be seen, only touched.

She often contemplates her story and carries with her pieces of the past, to form the present.

These French Antiques are not just material things to her. They become props in her Theater of Life. A means of helping her express who she is and what she feels.



This is just a random page from "The Performer's" play.


Set location photos are via Shootfactory, a wonderful site I found via Di at DesignersBlock

Bisou and Happy Halloween

27 comments:

Free Art Printables said...

coool. Is that reflection a lady's face on the lower edge??Kind of spooky and cool.... Great post. Great pics.

sandra/tx said...

Beautiful. I especially love the kitchen with the skirted cabinets.

Villa Anna said...

Once again Shawn you completely captivated me. Your breathtaking images never disappoint. Every single one of them had me sighing out loud.

Anna :)

Country French Antiques said...

Jen..That IS a ladys face!
I had to do a doubletake when I saw it. Strange indeed

LiLi M. said...

Love the story and as always I love your pics. Love the blog of Di as well. Have a great weekend!

Miss Kris said...

Beautiful images, I love the soft hues. I always look forward when I see you posted something new. Such wonderful stories!:o)

carolyn peeler said...

ooo..those photos are stunning! Thanks for sharing them. I'm seriously in love with the kitchen shot with the 3 hanging lights and skirted counter-top.

Hope your Halloween was nice

Velvet and Linen said...

So beautiful.
I have save these images in my inspiration folder.
So fantastic. So romantic.

Brooke

Chris said...

Shawn,

What a gorgeous post! I loved every photo!

Can't you just imagine stepping into that kitchen, home from la marche with your arms laden? Or awaking to the sun in any of the bedrooms?

Here's to such a beautiful life!

Chris

Lisa & Alfie said...

Wonderful tour today here Shawn. I love that daybed with the iron grill peeking through the french doors. Scrumptious as usual.
Lisa & Alfie

Ana Balbinot said...

Dear Shawn,
I am a fan of your blog and today I posted my 100 post. I choose some beautiful images that I found in Blogland since I beggin my blog, and as yours is one of my favorites, theres a picture from your blog. Please come to see! I will love your visit and comment.
Have a nice week!

Millie said...

Another beautifully told story Shawn - & as always, such exquisite images to accompany the words. Merci, merci.
Millie ^_^

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bonjour Shawn!
I absolutely loved the kitchen with the little skirts under the counters! When I was a wee one my Aunt Edie had skirts under her counters and I didn't realize how chic and clever she was on her small budget back then. She was a grand lady in my eyes!
Au Revoir! Sherry

Tea Time With Melody said...

Except for the first picture that scared me....lol the rest are amazing. You seem to find the most unique images.

Love Your Homes said...

Dear Shawn, thank you for paying me a visit and your kind words.
I always enjoy reading your lovely posts.
Ingela

Di Overton said...

I agree with every word. I just love working with props or wandering around props studios. Thanks for the mention I did the same today :)

My lovely cottage said...

wow, these walls look gorgeous!! that's how i want mine.
thanks again for sharing with us.

yvonne

Ann said...

What an engaging post and so lovely images. What an adorable kitchen.

Mélanie said...

Wonderful post! images and words left me breathless

Visual Vamp said...

What a beauitful and imaginative post.
I love so many of the images - the bedroom with the penimento walls, the small "under done" kitchen, the worn floors, the old textiles...
You're the best Miss Shawn!
I really hope my travels take me to visit you one day sooner than later.
xo xo

Bethany said...

Love what you wrote...but gasp!!
Oh the photos esp. the first 4-5!!

Oh what a dream...beautiful as usual :)

Kathy said...

GORGEOUS!!! G.O.R.G.E.O.U.S.!! I already have my wish list: trio of beaded glass lights, two of the daybeds, chairs, and on and on.....
happy Day!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely love your blog and the other blogs on it!! I hope you will have a look at mine, especcially since we have some things in common...

Coty Farquhar said...

Hello,
What a beautiful blog you have, I love your images, I have added your blog to my favourite list of bloggers from around the world.
Regards,
Coty Farquhar, Australia

marga said...

Beautifull pictures!!!!!!!

Lisa & Alfie said...

Hi Shawn,
I am sure you, as I am, are entering your busiest season. Are you doing anything unusual for the holiday season at the store?
Lisa & Alfie

Anonymous said...

Beautifully done!