In the Labyrinth

And Other Fantasies -- Dreaming in Lingerie

One of the most successful ad campaigns (which ran for over 20 years!) was created by Maidenform Bras -- which involved surreal dreams of doing all manner of activity half undressed in one's highly constructed brassiere. You can find examples of them all over the internet of course -- and they really are "fantastic." But I have to say, this one is my favorite because it involves masks and masquerades....and there is something really alluring about a scantily clad woman with an animal head mask. (Click on the image to get a larger view)

Seamus Heaney: St. Kevin and the Blackbird.

I love this beautiful poem by Seamus Heaney, "St Kevin and the Blackbird," and think it appropriate for a weekend that will specialize in Irish saints -- though perhaps with more "spirit" than reverence. Still ...enjoy this recording of the poem. The art above, "St. Kevin and the Blackbird" is by one of my favorite painters, Clive Hicks Jenkins. Stop by his website and have a look at his stunning work -- especially Angels and Prophets and Saints and Beasts.

Here is a video of the poet reading the poem...

 

A Woman's History in Self Portraits.

Illustration Art has a gorgeous post on the life of Russian artist, Zinaida Serebriakova, whose life spanned a revolution, and two world wars. Under incredibly difficult circumstances, she continued to paint, work as an illustrator, care for her children, and paint at regular intervals self portraits. Her work is lovely -- and her self portraits incredibly uplifting. I highly recommend having a read through the post.