I’ve been hoping to gather some spare moments lately to share some of my new adventures, discoveries, creations and inspirations with all of you. This week I’m going to attempt to spill all, working my way backwards from this weekend just past, to the one prior.
Starting with this weekend just past: It was an ‘open studio’ weekend in the north of amsterdam which means that many private art studios are open to the public for two days only. Just like Paris, Amsterdam is filled with artists. The open studio weekends are a great way to see a part of Amsterdam in more intricate detail, meet well-known and upcoming dutch artists, and get a glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors… and you all know how much I love peeking into artist’s studios!
So, on Sunday I went with Yvette to visit her sister Sophie who is a wonderful artist and illustrator and who was part of this particular open studio weekend. Little Marie (remember our photoshoot helper?) tucked herself up against my leg in the car and then once outside, showed us the way to her aunty’s beautiful studio …
Marie led us over bridges, past quaint dutch houses, and down a beautiful cobblestoned pathway…
…straight to Sophie’s studio, filled with incredible illustrations and portraits. I was mesmerized, not only by her stunning work but also her beautiful home…
On saturday, dear friend Zoë, French Boy and I went to more of the ateliers, catching a ferry from centraal station and working our way around with the aid of a map made just for the occassion, as well as following little signs and flags. We met lots of wonderful artists, and discovered a whole part of Amsterdam that we didn’t know existed…
…including a beautiful forest lined with little private gardens. We were able to walk along the pathway and take a peak inside the gorgeous plots with their tiny tucked away sheds and glass houses…
I was in heaven – can you imagine how giddy I was after a weekend filled with inspirational artists, a peek inside their private studios, a wander through private gardens, and a stroll through nature?
Amsterdam, oh how I love you so!
looks like such a lovely weekend…and what amazing photos!
June 16th, 2009 | #
That looks like so much fun! You’re making me have a hankering to get to Amsterdam!
June 16th, 2009 | #
I do not know whether to smile or cry…but it would likely be coming from the same place of envious JOY, Pia! This is charmed beyond measure! 🙂
June 16th, 2009 | #
Oh, I love Amsterdam…my husband lived there for 6 yrs. (early 90′)during the time we were dating and from Vondelpark to Koncertgebouw I’ve been with him all over the lovely city and beyond! Strolling along the Amstel and Grachten, oh, you get me sentimental! But I am a painter too, so it’s nice to see how you support the arts and enjoy all the nooks and crannies, hidden and at the same time open to all!
I love to follow your musings…:) Victoria
June 16th, 2009 | #
Next time, take your bikes and ride a little further to Durgerdam. It´s a gorgeous bike ride. The surroundings are beautiful and you can drink your tea next to the water looking out on a windmill. Dutch as dutch can be.
June 17th, 2009 | #
pia, i’ve been reading and so enjoying your blog and now facebook. maybe you could help me with something. i’m taking my first trip to europe in a few weeks, solo also. i will have been in italy at a cooking school and have a lay-over in paris from evening to the morning on my trip back home. suggestion of a simple but safe place to stay? i just can see a bit of paris, rest and leave in the morning and i’m a bit nervous being on my own. thanks!
June 17th, 2009 | #
what a neat place to visit!
i commented on another one of your posts, thinking it was your latest…
simply gorgeous though!
June 17th, 2009 | #
Oh pia, u know im forever expressing my love for holland and amsterdam, this just wants me to jump on a plane and go there right now! haha! Please could u record some more soundscapes from ur boat and ur piano! Pretty please Pia! hehe x
June 17th, 2009 | #
wow… looks like heavan to me!
June 17th, 2009 | #
All is beautiful! I’m going to Amsterdam this summer for the first time and I’d like to visit the same place. What is the name ?
June 17th, 2009 | #
Gorgeous photos, as usual. Yours turned out better than mine! And it sounds like we might have to go back and find that windmill Hedy suggests! A great day.
June 17th, 2009 | #
Beautiful photos. Wish some place remotly similar to that where could work.
June 17th, 2009 | #
oh how I love you so, too!!
cuanta belleza!!
just perfect for me
June 17th, 2009 | #
you are making me way too excited for our trip to amsterdam (and then prague) in july. it can’t be here fast enough!
June 24th, 2009 | #
wow, these photos are gorgeous!
June 25th, 2009 | #
An amzingly serene portrait of Amsterdam…I am moving there in September and would love to get some hints/tips on the nooks, crannies, artshops and grannies I should visit. Glad to have found this site before moving there.
X
June 28th, 2009 | #