I've always been fascinated by the work of Dutch artist M.C. Escher - his intense perspectives, metamorphoses, infinite loops, impossible shapes. If you're not familiar with the name, you've no doubt seen some of his optical illusions. I had the opportunity to visit his new museum in Holland yesterday. It's in a house in The Hague where Queen Emma formerly lived and it was inspiring by itself. Here's a few photos, but you can see much more in GALLERIES at: http://www.mcescher.com/indexuk.htm
There were displays including many of his original woodcut plates and chisels
This is a really cool old hotel on the boardwalk called the Kurhaus - the inside dome ceiling was an unbelievable set of frescoes and ornate iron and woodwork. Unfortunately, my camera battery died before I could get pics. The North Sea is about 50 feet behind me........
[ February 04, 2008, 01:49 AM: Message edited by: Sonny Franks ]
Posted by Darcy Baker (Member # 8262) on :
What a treat to have a visit.His work is fascinating.I used to study his work for hours.Great trip Sonny.Thanks for the links.
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Sonny, what an experience you are having! M.C. Escher IS a big deal; his art has changed my life since high school when I discovered him with his "moonbirds". He is my "favorite" artist in the world. I wish I were around when he were alive, as many of the others in that era. You lucky dog, you, Sonny! Did you wear your sunglasses when viewing?? ) THANKS for the treat! Posted by old paint (Member # 549) on :
one of my al time fav o rite artists.....so much to see in his work.................one of the few full color plate books i have ALL OF HIS WORK.....never tire of lookin at em....
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
OMG!!! You're in Holland??? Can you bring me back something from one of the coffee houses? Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Sorry, Ricky - I'm afraid the coffee would be cold by the time I got back.
We were only there for 23 hours, but I did manage to stop in for an expresso........ Posted by Jon Jantz (Member # 6137) on :
quote:Originally posted by Sonny Franks: an expresso
Ummmm.... yeeaahh... an 'expresso' Posted by Larry Ware (Member # 7352) on :
yeah, I hear those coffee shops have good "baked" goods...
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Thank you Sonny, my favorite is the Waterfall, it really plays tricks with your mind. Bill
Posted by Brian Diver (Member # 1552) on :
I was in Borders Books last night and picked up an Escher book in the bargain rack for 7.99 and it has about 50 plates (prints). From wood cuts to regular drawings. Pretty cool as my college roommate had a few of his posters on the wall. Quite amazing.
Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
I knew there'd be a lot of Escher fans in Letterville. Bill, Waterfall is also one of my favorites - here it is, never ceasing to boggle the mind:
Deb, you guessed it - the shades never come off:
The columns on the middle level of this one will really play with your head:
And this is Escher's last piece, done in 1969 - absolutely amazing detail......
Posted by Frank Magoo (Member # 3950) on :
I'm w/ Bill, "The Waterfall" is possibily his best work, which really opens an opportunity for debate as all his works are just beyond the "bubble"...I've been enthralled by his work for decades, I "blame" him for my artist balance, sure learned alot from his works.....another favorite is the "Lizards"....and of course, "Metamorphcis(sp?) which adorns the upper wall of the Smithsonian.....what can I say, he's one of the "greatest"....love his insight...and outsight, especially in light of his vision on "The Globe", an inner veiw of you and the world around you....magnificent....
Posted by Deb Fowler (Member # 1039) on :
Woohoooooo!
Posted by Ricky Jackson (Member # 5082) on :
I've been a huge Escher fan for years. Escher was obviously a huge fan of the coffee houses there in Holland, LOL.
Posted by stein Saether (Member # 430) on :
A cig and an Echer
occupied for hours
Posted by Frank Smith (Member # 146) on :
Escher's one of the main influences on my art. I remember my grandma showing me the waterfall one before I could even read and she showed me how the water goes around and around forever. As a teenager, I admired Escher's work and was inspired by the effort he put into rendering so much meticulous detail. His results proved that such painstaking work was worthwhile.
This is an acrylic I did a few years ago. Posted by Sonny Franks (Member # 588) on :
Frank, that's really cool - nice work......
Posted by Frank Smith (Member # 146) on :
Thanks, Frank, if only it paid the bills...
I plan to start posting on the Portfolio Table soon, time permitting, but first I want to see how it's done, learn the etiquette.
Posted by Darcy Baker (Member # 8262) on :
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