The Jaipur Journey - January 8th - 18th 2019. Part 1.

The 2 sisters, June and Joyce, on their elephant at the Amer Fort Palace.

 Having met the group at Heathrow we flew to Mumbai airport then onto Jaipur.
 Mumbai is a beautiful modern airport, the roof is just FANTASTIC. Seeing it was a great start to our design based course.


 The Jaipur Journey Colouricious Holiday was planned by Jamie and myself to be quite different to any previous Colouricious holiday. Jamie and I had handpicked each venue that we visited. All were chosen for their particular design and or colour inspiration, as you will see. This was not the usual block printing holiday, though we did have one or two sessions that were great fun. I wanted time for the group to absorb and just be . . .  in these beautiful places. Have time to draw what they see and take photos. 

 Our first day had two quite contrasting venues. The Amer Fort Palace which is very ornate and highly decorative. Contrasted with a visit to Jantar Mantar which is full of very simple massive shapes and lines.

 The Amer Fort Palace is the most remarkable series of buildings. A must every time you visit Jaipur. This was my third visit and I saw so many new aspects to this stunning place. You could never be bored in such a beautiful and inspirational palace.

 These are series of images showing a few of the amazing shapes and decoration.

 Wonderful arches and ceilings.

 A wonderful pop of colour.

 There is exquisite mirror and tile work.

 Even drain holes are interesting.

  . .  corners, easily missed.

A note about the elephants .  . on a previous visit I have visited the farm where the elephants are looked after by their human families - very well. The elephants that walk up and the road to the fort only work from 8 - 12. I have also been part of a group that paints the elephants. I still cant decide whether it is gratuitous entertainment. The elephants certainly don't suffer, are well fed and seem to be having a great time. In any group i have been in, there are several that won't go near the elephants, for whatever reason. Because of this - I don't have any elephant 'entertainment' on my holidays with Colouricious. 
Something for you to bear in mind if you are thinking of coming with me on my next trip in January 2021. You will have the choice to ride on an elephant up to the palace - or go up in a jeep.

 
Elephants walking up and down the road to the Amer Fort Palace. 
A wonderful sight, such beautiful animals.

 
There are beautiful gardens and fountains at the Amer Fort Palace. 

 
 It has to be done. Our very informative and humorous guide took our group photo.

 ***

In the afternoon we visited Jantar Mantar. Another must see as far as I am concerned.  It is an observatory as you have never seen before. Again, this was my third visit and I was still excited by the huge forms and shapes. The lack of colour helps not to distract you from these amazing buildings. I really love this place. Do look at the website if you would like to know a bit more. The buildings were built around 1724. Just remarkable.
 http://www.jantarmantar.org/

 Jantar Mantar is a huge park in Jaipur. The cool, calm massive structures help rest your senses after the madness of driving around the city.
 
 
My favourite structure. Such and exquisite curve.

 
These deep curved instruments are just wonderful. So simple.

This was just the first day, getting the group to start thinking about line, shape and form. Such a treat. We had 3 days to get everyone thinking about design in general and of course, enjoy the stunning pink city that is Jaipur, before we started to create the Journeys. I will write more in the next couple of days.

***

Work is continuing in the new studio. Insulating, painting, electrics and of course . .  sorting out my STUFF.  I hope to be in there and working by the beginning of April when the season starts out here. I have had several inquiries about one to one workshops with ladies from America and Australia who will be traveling in Ireland in the summer. This is very exciting and not something I had considered. I live and learn. 

www.kimthittichai.com 

It is very cold here at the moment - but no snow.
My friend Jayne came over to smarten up and update my website with my Irish teaching and generally organise me. We are nearly there with the Scrumptious Spunbond online workshop. The inspiration book has just gone off to be printed. We hope to have it up by the end of the month. 
We had several new students enrol on various online workshops last week. I look forward to working with them. I will show you some of what they create, on here at a later date.

 Poppy loves Jayne - Jayne is still not sure.
Pops does love digging in the sand.

Jayne and Pops having a sedate wander on Carrigaholt beach while I was taking pictures of  . .  stones!!

 ***
 Yesterday I was in Cork for the AGM of the Cork Textile Network. I am a new member and am very excited to be part of such a diverse group of talented artists. You may have seen the 'Heads' exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching Shows last year on the Cork Textiles Network stand. They have now returned to Ireland and are hanging in Bishopstown Library.
http://www.corktextiles.com/


 It is good to see all the heads again and back in Ireland.

***

That's it for now, I am going to cuddle up in front of the fire with Poppy
I hope you are enjoying the end of your weekend. Whether you're freezing cold in Europe or boiling hot in Australia, Have a good evening. 

x x x


Comments

  1. SheilasEmbroidery3 February 2019 at 18:13

    Well such a great time everyone had in Jaipur, it makes me want to go back again on a Colouricious holiday. �� and namaste ��

    ReplyDelete

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