Tag Archives: paintings

‘Backyard’ treasures…part 2

Although John Nava’s  amazing tapestries lie 90 miles to the south in the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles,  a full size test for the north wall 5 tapestry, along with  small survey of John Nava’s work has been on display at the Santa Paula Art Museum.

The test tapestry from the Communion of Saints Tapestry Cycle measures 192 x 82 inches.

stunning, moving, captivating

IMG_1475

Nava, a graduate of the UCSB College of Creative Studies, went on to earn an MFA in Florence, Italy.

Commissioned to do the tapestries, teaching himself to work in a new way, he paints his subject, then sends the image to be loomed in Belgium.

IMG_1474

IMG_1473

IMG_1472

IMG_1471

IMG_1470

Although the exhibit ended on November 8th, Nava’s tapestry “Lizzie with Knit Cap” has been sent to a permanent home at the Museum of Art, Design & Architecture at UCSB. 

Well worth a visit to see this extraordinary art!!!

 

1 Comment

Filed under Art, Travel

Living with what you love

Translation:  living with what he loves.  He spent the first eighteen years of his life in Alaska.  His parents were considered pioneers having arrived in the second decade of the twentieth century, his mother spending her first winter in a tent cabin with her parents and sister, his father working  44 years for the Alaska Railroad.  

IMG_5444

Many things about Alaska are bigger than life, including the lingering attachment to its beauty and life style.  Surrounding himself with Alaskan art, literature and other memorabilia keeps the legacy alive for him and children and grandchildren.

IMG_5417

IMG_5420

IMG_5428

recognizing Alaskan statehood with a 49 star flag

IMG_5422

IMG_5416

IMG_5436

this flag has a story for another time

IMG_5414

IMG_5430

shelves and shelves of books collected by his father

IMG_5440

IMG_5441

all incredibly beautiful and meaningful, especially when kept

all in his room!

IMG_5435

IMG_5438

Leave a comment

Filed under Art, Family history, Interiors, Nature, Travel