After nearly 2 months of wandering, I am home again in my cozy niche of the thumb of Michigan.
I feel the breezes cooling the passion of summer and drawing nearer a new chapter.
It definitely did not take long for Corolla, North Carolina to capture my heart. Music, heat, laughter, beach, and an ocean horizon that stretches for days barely skim the highlights of this little place. Corolla is a beautiful town on a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic inside of what's known as the Outer Banks. I called this home for the past month working at the wonderful Tomato Patch Pizzeria.
For those of you who know me best, know it wasn't all easy. At first I dug my heels in and was afraid to abandon the pain I knew Corolla to be. I am positive this experience has strengthened me in ways I can not describe. Proudly facing my fears, I know I am a better person for it. And thankfully have met some truly genuine people and seen sights I will carry with me always.
On our way home, we decided there's no time like the present to finally visit Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. I am so grateful that we did. We stayed at this aged,charming bed and breakfast that was actually a stop for the underground railroad during the times of the Civil War. We made our way over to the Brandyvine Museum to drool over the many Wyeth originals. As most know, the Wyeth family was full of talent, and the museum showcased work from N.C., Carolyn, Henrietta, Andrew and Jamie. Also was a great collection from the father of illustration himself, Howard Pyle.
I grew a great new appreciation and love for the work of N.C. as we visited. The thick oils spread confidently on huge canvas's gave way to a light I had not thought of through his work. Showcased were his pieces from Treasure Island, Robin Hood, King Arthur and many others. Listening to his stories and viewing his studio gave me a feel for the type of person he was and made me more comfortable with my own assumptions of illustration after hearing his.
Visiting the Wyeth family home instantly struck a chord with me. The love the family felt for their home, for the land surrounding them resonated and echoed through the walls and the hills of this enchanting town. A stone path lead up to the isolated, and peaceful studio of N.C. Wyeth. True to it's natural state, the family roped off his workplace after he had died in a tragic car accident, that also took his grandson's life over the railroad in Chadds Ford. Even his last painting and mural stood upright as the day he left it. I am envious of this gorgeous studio space, you have no idea!
Although the entire tour was amazing, the true reason I wished to visit Chadds Ford lied in the fields leading towards Kuerner's Farm. Hundred's of sketches, watercolor's, and tempera's were envisioned over this land in the mind of Andrew Wyeth. Words can not describe how it felt to be standing in the rooms of that home he wandered for years. That eerily, starch farmhouse with it's German family working vigorously about it captured Andrew, and it is by no wonder why.
A wonderful surprise was as we enetered the Kuerner's farmhouse, the Kuerner family was seated in the living room for an interview; recalling old stories and perspectives of their dear friend Andy. Karl and Anna Kuerner's son, daughter, nephew and grandson sat around discussing how common it was for Andrew to be still in the shadows of their home on a daily basis.
They recalled the paintings of their father,Karl, Andrew did as Karl's life was slipping away. Andrew painted "Spring" before Karl's passing, and the family had mixed feelings toward it. His daughter spoke of opening the town paper, seeing this piece with her father dead, lying in a snowbank on a hillside. She was crushed. They said Anna was silent toward's Andrew's paintings, although an unhappy and listless tone fell throughout due to the subject matter.
What I found most interesting was their reaction to the mentioning of Helga, as well as the locals view on her. The Helga Pictures are by far my favorite portrayals of the figure and portraiture through any artist.
Eight or so sobering hours of driving later, brought Aaron and I wearily back to the mitten where we are rounding our way back into the old swing of life. I have since caught myself three interviews for local jobs, and my eye on a new car. Yes, summer has faded. And the real world beckons.
stay tuned for photo's of my journey soon!
4 comments:
Wow, still can't believe how you were there in Chadds Ford, while I was in Cushing! Haha, now we gotta swap!
I stumbled on your blog thru Google search. I am headed to Chadds Ford at the end of Oct. and am interested in tips you may have for accomodations as well as drives to capture photos of the Wyeth inspirations.
No problem- I would suggest definitly going through the Brandywine Museum for your sight seeing. The tours include the Wyeth family home, studio, and of course Kuerners' farm. And luckily for you, Andrew's granddaughter will be available at that time to give you the tours herself. I also would suggest the wonderful bed and breakfast where I stayed, The Pennsbury Inn. We loved our visit so much we are also thinking about returning this winter to Chadds Ford! You really can not go wrong in this little town. I hope you have a wonderful trip- and here are some websites to make reservations and research :)
www.brandywinemuseum.org
www.pennsburyinn.com
Thank you so much for responding. I did try to get reservations at the Pennsbury Inn, but there were no vacancies. Had to settled on the Hilton Garden Inn. Yes, we will get a tour by Victoria and I just discovered Longwood Gardens has a fabulous glass in the garden exhibit. Did you eat at the Blue Pear or Hanks? Do you have any other dining recommendations? A friend gave me a wonderful book,
Andrew Wyeth, autobiography,intro by Thomas Hoving. It contains Andrew's works with Andrew's comments on the paintings. I highly recommend it for someone who loves the Wyeths as I do.
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