Sunday, January 27, 2008

VENICE: City of the Liquid Light

Liquid Light

She's hung suspended in a watery light for centuries, secretive, mysterious and incredibly beautiful, a city to inspire art and artiface in a world seemingly removed from time and space. Visiting just once is a little like dipping a toe into a puddle in hopes of understanding the ocean -- but at least a first rendezvous introduces the subtle mystery of this enchanted city.

My visit to Venice in the autumn of 07 was to plan the sidebar excursion for Knitaly08. It would be my second toe dip, one where I continually ask myself 'What would be the best way for a group of knitters to experience a city like this in only four days?'. My friend, Jackie, who had been on Knitaly07, joined me and, together, we approached Venice as all knitting bead lovers would do: with intense cravings for a little bit of everything along with a whole-body immersion into anything beaded, intensely colored, heart-achingly beautiful and sublimely unique.

Afterall, Venice is known for the art of capturing liquid light inside glass. Murano's glowing, light-filled glass beads have entranced the world for centuries and Jackie and I were two bead afficiandos interested in jewellry as well as knitwear. So, in Jackie's company I traced a path along which to lead this years Knitalyers: along the canal-side streets, over the little flying bridges and into some of the city's most inspiring bead and yarn shops. Along the way, I have restaurants, cafes and historical perspectives plotted out to stir into the magic brew all situated in one of the world's most glorious cities. Here lies a taste of light to come:

The Grand Canal swims in the autumn Sun

The glory shops: inside Venetian Dreams

Jackie and the artist of Venetian Dreams

We stumbled upon Venetian Dreams shop half by accident. Situated as it is among the tiny alley-streets connecting San Marco Square, the sight of seed-beaded coral stems, strands of artful necklaces strung with the city's magic combined with intriquing purses, bags and wallhangings festooning the windows managed to attract our attention despite countless competing distractions. Inside we found an artist at her work and, lo and behold, when I introduced myself, Marisa had heard of me (I blusheth)! As a result of that calling card, Jackie and I were treated to glimpses of a rare and special collection of beads unearthed recently from a warehouse on Murano, all tucked away in Marisa's drawers of private stock beads. Oh, world of wonders!

A silk velvet purse from Venetia Studium

Besides this special shop, we foraged for many others, all perfect for the bead afficiando desiring a cache of glowing orbs for her very own. But, for the fiber-loving souls nesting deep within, we also discovered Venetia Studium, the shop where the magic of Fortuny's silk and velvet masterpieces still live on. Do not expect to step into this shop without gasping. In my case, I nearly crumpled with some kind of color lust. Imagine wall after all of silk and silk velvets dyed in 10 shades of every possible hue, hand-stamped in gold, bronze or silver, embellished by glass beads with bronze caps, tassled in silk, threaded in wonder. Imagine holding a piece of velvet so fluid, it pours over the arm in a cascade of compounding color. And imagine a price worthy of princess though you may be feeling quite the pauper. Now picture the shop attendants' gazes of practiced nonchallance while you sob into your buddie's shoulder overcome by color lust.

Warning all Knitaly08ers: I am a cruel woman. I intend to take you here!

Silk velvet stamped with gold...