Once upon a time, there comes a night that wholeheartedly affirms why one does what one does every day. For the past five years it has been my mission to support and champion the astoundingly talented Fantasy and Visionary Artists around the globe, including those that we are lucky enough to have here in the UK. Therefore, to be guests at Wendy and Brian’s stunning ‘Sylvan Spirit’ Exhibition private view recently was a real delight. Being among, and observing, the wonder and rapture of the folk around me was a fascinating experience in itself, let alone getting to witness first hand the beauty and majesty of the original work of the godparents of contemporary Faerie Art. Drew and I were lucky enough to also visit this gallery (tucked behind our favourite Royal Academy) last winter and see Wendy’s first Showing, where I felt like a young girl in a beloved toy shop - I really wanted to take All her precious dolls home so that they could live and play in our cottage! As the air in the place imperceptibly stirred, the gossamer hair and delicate fabric of some of the faeries gently moved and it was breathtaking, they held me in total rapture. Wendy’s exquisite sculptures bring faerie right into our world and I’m very sure that once all the visitors have left, much mischief is had… So this year was an extra special treat to see Wendy’s wonderful creations surrounded by Brian’s amazing work, our capital city never had it so good! The atmosphere was even more magical as it became clear with the evening’s progression that many of Brian’s muses were also in the room, as their family and friends had all come to celebrate with them and share the joyous occasion. (I just have to mention here, that on both of these gallery visits I have had the distinct impression that it is not really us mortals who are there to catch a glimpse of the Froudian world but, as is often the way with Faerie, we are gathered together to be inspected by the characters and visual representations of these two inspired imaginations - exactly who is watching who…) This cherished couple, who hold in their awesomely talented hands the stimulation for so many willing spirits, have had an arduous schedule this past year and yet always warmly greet every single person as though they were the only one there, with time, energy and a big smile! How does one say Thank You to such unique people, and how truly grateful we all are for everything they do, their talent, their willingness to share and encourage and all done with such generous grace. These two treasured people with such a great sense of fun, seem to live, breathe and sleep Faerie and we are blessed indeed to walk a little of this path with them. In Brian’s brilliant and delicious new ‘World of Faerie’ book, he mentions, “Does it matter if you believe in faeries? Well, I can only answer that the world feels like a much better place when you do. It becomes a place imbued with a glorious sense of enchantment and connection.” Here, here!
In Faerie Magazine’s Winter Issue, especially for our new Uniting Kingdoms section, Wendy has very kindly written for us her own special column relating her and Brian’s experiences from the exhibition - these words are, as always, an enchanting journey in themselves… Thank you dear Wendy.
Some important THANK YOU'S before the New Year gets too carried away! I will also eventually say Hello and Thank you personally to Everyone here on EF and I’m sorry that it’s taking me so long. I am extremely grateful for all your lovely comments and heartfelt thoughts, they really make each day magical and bring many joyful smiles. Please know that I also always read everyone’s blogs and have included a special appreciation to you all at the end of this piece.
I thought I would blog my quarterly IDB letter here (usually written for Faerie Magazine) as the happy memories will help cheer me up on the day our boys go back to college - I always dread the end of school holidays and Miss them so very much especially as we were actually able to have a few consecutive days off together this Christmas, just the four of us with no work to do except tend the fire in the woodburner, cuddle the dog, pass the chocolates round and watch all three extended LOTR's DVD's - perfect! We were all aware that this was the first time our family had had a peaceful break like this all year and truly treasured every moment. For me, being a mum is the most privileged and best job in the world, even if my sons are now towering over me in height! I am so thankful for our beautiful boys, I love them so much, with their wonderful energy, humour and gentle, caring presence – it will be a sad time soon when they finally leave home on their adventures…
“As Drew and I travelled over to stay with Faerie Magazine in the Fall, we were lucky enough this year to be able to witness mother nature showing off her most enchanting colours on both sides of the Atlantic and arrived amongst a riot of colour and more pumpkins than I’d ever seen before in my life! At home in England, autumn is often drizzly and cold with the threat of the long winter ahead ever present, so it was a real treat to escape to Baltimore for ten days where we were once again warmly enveloped by Kim and Mary and their wonderful family and friends. Some of this same gorgeous group - Yama, Matt, Sarah and Ceara once again worked valiantly to support FaerieCon in Philadelphia, which also became a great opportunity to meet up with our beloved Artists, make new friends and spend a little time with those we hold so dear. I think the extremely charming Charles Vess deserves a medal for driving there and back with us, as no one had warned the gorgeous chap how much I can natter! The Faerie Magazine booth was magical and welcomed everyone so beautifully, including our dearest Linda and Jo with their handsome hubbies John and Bob, whom we had invited over from the UK. The special folk from the Spoutwood Farm Fairie Festival and especially Lynne, Bibi, Posie, Missy and Sweet Pea thankfully brought their earthy elemental energy with them, making us all feel much more comfortable and we were both in tears when the Beloved Order of the Greenman, led by Rob and Shane, honoured Drew by surprising him with membership, before blessing all the vendors attending, as is their marching custom at the Mayday Festival! There are so many wondrous people to mention, including some of our Enchanted Folk - it meant so much to us when EF members came to the Faerie Magazine booth to find us - thank you to dear Sarah Costanzo, Giovanna, Ash Evans, Judy Mastrangelo, Sue Miller and the beautiful Dancing Hands. A Big Thank You to Everyone who joined in the fun with us and to Robert, Emilio, Kelly, Kimmy, Norm and the adorable Ari for organising this new event. It was such a busy weekend, that we only managed flying hugs with some of the special guests, Wendy, Brian, Kinuko, John and Caitlin. As we flew past Jasmine and Matty for a quick catch up, both of us instantly decided that we wanted to adopt that cute couple! Through the three days we rocked our faerie socks off, especially to The Gypsy Nomads - Scott and Samantha’s music still thrills our old cottage. Jess was stunning as always, beautiful Brigid, Jane SW and Linda B were delightful company once again and dear Dorothy Wallace, Suzanne Farmer, Renae Taylor and Stephanie Pui-Mun Law’s elegant art was even more fantastic to see up close. If I’ve missed mentioning anyone, Please forgive me and to everyone who travelled so far, dressed up for the Balls, played so amazingly and worked so very, very hard – you are really appreciated and made happy memories for us all to treasure, for which we are enormously grateful. We spent the following week with Faerie Magazine, planning the year ahead - including the launch of Uniting Kingdoms - and managing to celebrate Drew’s birthday in memorable style with our very dear friends. Soon after arriving back in the Cotswolds, we turned hosts ourselves, holding another gathering in our home for the UK Artists over a weekend that felt more like a family retreat, and was even blessed by visitors who had flown over from the States. To the Falling of the Leaves, our special ceremony blessed and bound us together once again with much merriment, mischief and magic to see us through the wintertime…”
As we begin a new year, this Enchanted Folk social network site continues to bring together the FaeSpace Community online and it is thrilling to see all the friendships being made as people celebrate, support and encourage other like-minded souls. Like our adored Faerie Magazine, Enchanted Folk is becoming a beacon for believers to belong to. Both are places where we can escape, reflect, connect and create - Drew and I feel deep gratitude for all these glorious gifts of comfort and inspiration and wish all you dear Enchanted Folk, your families and friends, a wonderful year ahead -
Keep Living in the Magic and Thank you Always for your Belief, Be
