Friday, April 25, 2008

Mom's Cup and Saucer

 

My sister is going to be visiting me this week. She now lives with her husband on Vancouver Island, but there was a period of time when she, my parents and I all lived in Calgary. Our mother had a small collection of beautiful cups and saucers which she would bring out for special occasions and serve strong tea with homemade lemon loaf. I received several of these heirlooms after Mom died, one of which is this bright pink one. I did this painting for my sister's birthday, because I know she loved having tea out of the fine china, and because each cup and saucer is so unique and gorgeous. As well, I know it will remind her of our mother, who was one of the most kind and generous people you would ever want to know. I hope my sister likes her gift.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, I love this cup and saucer painting! What a wonderful gift to your sister. I'm sure she'll love it. I also love the idea of having tea and having special cups to use for special occasions. It's something I don't really get to do but would love to do. Have fun with your sister. ;-)

Paz

Unknown said...

Paz,
I love it when you visit me -you are always so positive in your comments!!
There is something about taking out those set apart objects for friends or for a special occasion that says "you are valued"...I suppose that is why we attach such sentiment to these cups and saucers.
Thanks again for stopping by! Have a great weekend.

Michelle Wiebe said...

What a beautiful cup! Even more, what beautiful memories attached to it. :) Your sister will love this.

Unknown said...

Hi Michelle,

This is not my normal "cup of tea" for painting - and the gold rim proved challenging, but I think the value of this painting is in the memories it stimulates. Thanks for your continued support in this adventure of painting!

Dave Peters said...

Great idea for a gift, Joanne. When paintings bring back warm memories they become extra special.

Unknown said...

I agree, Dave - it is the memories that create that "connectedness" with the painting! Not only does the person receiving the painting feel differently about the piece, but I find that when I have special memories of places or things, I paint differently as well. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment... is your snow gone yet? Ours is melting today, and tomorrow is to be warm again, but I hear rumors of more snow on its way for Wednesday. Imagine getting snow in May!!! I am so ready for rain! The roads the last 2 weeks have been some of the worst I have ever driven on. SIGH! Have a great weekend, Dave. Talk to you next time...

Anonymous said...

I know this one! I even remember the sound of the clink it makes when you set the cup down on the saucer. I always loved how it sat a little taller than the other teacups. Just like how we all felt at Nanny's when she would serve us from the cup we wanted...Good memories.

Cheryl said...

Hi Joanne,
Found you through Michelle W. I too am in Airdrie - so hello art neighbor friend. Had to comment on this one since it also reminded me of my mom. She too has cups just like this and pulls them out whenever all her "Bridge Girls" come over. Tea is always better in a china cup according to her. I'd have to agree even though I love my pottery coffee mugs. Reading your post made me tear up, since it could be me painting this for my sister to remember my mom. Such parallel lives we live. Fortunately for me, my mom is still here and your painting and post remind me of how precious our time together is. Blessings to you for sharing and for this gift to your sister - I can imagine how special it will be to her.

Unknown said...

Hi Cheryl!
It is nice to "meet" you - I have heard wonderful things about you from Michelle and Veronica. In visiting your site, I can see what a talented artist you are in many different mediums!!!
I am glad that you see your time with your mom as precious. It is easy to get caught up in the pressure of the "immediate" and forget that people are the most important aspect of our lives.
I look forward to having more conversations with you, Cheryl. Till then, I wish you many happy hours in your artistic activities. :-)