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Posts tagged ‘Christmas’

Jan 2

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Natale Italiano | Photography Focus – Christmas Lights of Italy

If I could point to one event in my life which changed my entire outlook, totally revolutionised my innermost creative soul and ultimate appreciation for art and aesthetics, and instigated my love for travel and gastronomy, it was my art history trip around Italy in my gap year of 2001/2. Travelling from Venice, to Verona, Florence to Siena, and finally Rome and Naples, my eyes were opened to an art historical universe the surface of which I had previously only scratched. But despite the very obvious attractions of those travels, one element I really loved was the fact that it introduced me to Italy in the period immediately before Christmas. In doing so, it transported me to a world whose Christmas celebrations lacked the commercial exploitation of the UK or the US, and which retain a certain charm and unique family-aspect which I just adored. While not religious myself, there was something about the fusion of those stunning candlelit churches packed with some of the world’s most famous renaissance art together with the essence of the true Christmas story which struck me as being ultimately and authentically festive, and whenever I now consider Christmas, I often look back on my time in Italy with the greatest fondness.

So when the opportunity arose this year to spend Christmas in Italy, part visiting my partner’s Tuscany-based family, and part travelling to a few of the country’s most attractive cities, I jumped. And what will now follow on The Daily Norm are a plethora of Italia posts which will explore my incredible Christmas travels across Venice, Rome and Naples. With much to explore, and yet the Christmas period fast running out, I thought I would start this set of posts with the most Christmassy of them all (lest that by the time I otherwise reach it in the ordinary chronology of things, it may already be mid-January and the thought of Christmas would be as welcome to my readers as an out-of date chocolate bar) – the Christmas lights of Italy!

DSC01326 DSC00814 IMG_7088 DSC01212 DSC01341Yes, there was never going to be a chance that the super sophisticated cities of Italy would do Christmas without introducing a fetching spray of lights to buildings and monuments, bringing a whole new veil of elegance to their already astonishing city facades. But tacky Santa’s and red-nosed reindeers these are not. When Italy does lights, it gives us elegant shopping streets strung with uniform and co-ordinated white lights, whose subtle sparkle reflects gloriously in the glossy facades of designer stores and boutique hotels. When Italy does trees, it brings us large Christmas trees tastefully lit and situated before some of the most recognisable monuments around the world – St Mark’s basilica in Venice, the Spanish Steps in Rome, St Peter’s in the Vatican. And when Italydoes novelty decorations, its offerings remain inexorably sophisticated, like the illuminated oversized baubles in streets and piazzas in Naples, whose glorious halo of coloured light could be seen for miles. As this photographic post hopefully shows, this is Christmas done with style.

All photos and written content are strictly the copyright of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown © 2013 and The Daily Norm. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 

Dec 25

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Composition No.12 – Christmas Dinner

A crispy skinned, moist roast turkey, its skin alive with the unctuous effluvia of hot meaty gravy; accompaniments of smokey soft sausages wrapped in bacon and carrots caramelised in honey, crunchy steamed sprouts and sharp cranberries; and a dessert of sticky-sweet Christmas pudding, drizzled with creamy custard, and served alongside the buttery pastry of mincemeat filled pies – this is the feast that Christmas days are made of; the abundant dinner which sits at the heart of the festive celebrations, and with which I wish all readers of The Daily Norm a very happy Christmas this Christmas Day.

Composition No. 12 (Christmas Dinner) (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, gouache on paper)

Composition No. 12 (Christmas Dinner) (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, gouache on paper)

Yes, painted some weeks ago, when the spirit of the festive season began to seep into my bones and inject an energetic spring in my step, this 12th composition of a gouache collection started this summer marks the culmination of my year’s creative efforts. In style it mixes both a focus on realistic figurative efforts together with the overlapping transparencies which have characterised a lot of my “compositions” work. Thus while one brussel sprout is depicted realistically, the others around it are semi-transpararent reflections on a theme; shades of green darkening and lightening depending on their surroundings. Added to a scene complicit with Christmas spirit is a whimsical nutcracker together with the hearty walnuts it has been cracking, glasses of wine adding cheer to the dinner, and finally a cosy candle, providing warmth and intimacy to this festive scene.

It’s a scene that I hope is being repeated the world over this 25th December as we all celebrate this festive event, a time of togetherness, of socialising and of hearty indulgent feasting.

Happy Christmas everyone!

© Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm, 2001-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. For more information on the work of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, head to his art website at www.delacy-brown.com

Dec 24

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The Norm Nativity | Jesus Norm is Born

And so it was in a little dirty stable on the outskirts of the small town of Bethlehem that Mary Norm gave birth to a baby Norm called Jesus Norm. And at that moment all of the heavens broke forth into song; the stars across the globe grew brighter, and one dazzling star in particular guided the most eminent of guests to pay homage to this new King of all Norms, including, in particular, the Three Wise Norms from afar. And so upon this first Christmas Day, which Norms all around the world now celebrate, this little dazzling baby-Norm was placed in a cosy hay-filled manger, while before him the local Shepherd Norms and their little sheep looked on, awestruck by the glory of the occasion; besides him Nancy the Donkey and a charming Ox called Oliver provided comfort and warmth; his daddy Joseph Norm gazed upon him full of pride; and the Three Wise Norms brought forth their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Hallelujah! Jesus Norm is Born!

The Norm Nativity: Jesus Norm is Born! (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen, ink and gold paint on paper)

The Norm Nativity: Jesus Norm is Born! (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen, ink and gold paint on paper)

So that is the end of our story; a Norm Nativity told through pen on paper with lavish layers of gold paint. What was to come of Jesus Norm you may well ask? Well, we’ll leave the answer to that question, perhaps, for another time.

Until then… a Very Merry Christmas to you all, from me, and from the Norms everywhere.

© Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm, 2001-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. For more information on the work of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, head to his art website at http://www.delacy-brown.com

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Dec 23

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The Daily Norm’s Christmas Tree of the Week | No.4: Traditional Glamour

It’s appropriate, I think, that the last of my four Christmas trees to be featured on The Daily Norm should be the most traditional and glamourous of the lot. For in these final days before the great day of Christmas itself, what better way is there to reflect on the abundant design bounty of the season than to revel in decorations which are, in their traditional character, a real nod to the lavish spectacle which sits at the centre of this season of plenty.

Yes, my final tree is the tallest of the lot – at just over 7 ft it almost touches the ceiling of my modern flat, and leaves no space for a fairy to sit atop. But asides from this notable absence, the tree is in every way a homage to the traditional colours and exuberance of Christmas, while retaining a sleek and at times eccentric twist. The design of this tree is very much dictated by its location. Set within my hallway, it has to be narrow enough that it does not become un-passable in the fairly tight space of my hall. But it also has to be big enough and abundant enough that it impresses upon a guest’s arrival – after all, it is the first sight which will grace visitors to my home in this merry season.

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Meanwhile, the design of my hall also leans towards the traditional, with its broad book shelves, floor to ceiling art work and framed old adverts, and various paraphernalia which would suit the most traditional of studies – an antique typewriter, a leather arm chair, a barrister’s wig and so on. So in attempting to fill my space with Christmas cheer which fits seamlessly within the scheme of my hallway, I have not only gone for the traditional Christmas colours of red, green and gold (which also feature in the surrounding artwork); I have also matched up the library theme with the addition of some very quirky little decorations such as gold stags heads, armchairs and even this year’s magnificent addition – baubles shaped to look like a framed Da Vinci (thanks Liberty’s!). These slightly more unusual features are then filled in with plain sparkly baubles in shades of rich forest green and perfect berry red, while the whole tree comes alive with glittering gold baubles and tinsel.

Despite being a tall narrow tree, this vertical pillar of festive abundance is probably my favourite of the lot, because in being almost overloaded with bauble after bauble of glittering glass spectacle, it is as over the top, as plentiful and as generous as the season it is dressed up to celebrate. Happy Christmas everybody!

All photos and written content are strictly the copyright of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown © 2013 and The Daily Norm. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 

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Dec 20

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Friends, food and fancy: The Sensational Season of Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy, for every little girl and every boy… so go the words (or variations thereof) which pepper the variety of children’s stories written around the theme of Christmas; stories like Snug and Serena at the Rose and Crown and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, where a child’s eyes are widened in anticipation of the pure excitement of the season, and of course a visit from Santa, while at the centre of those stories, families gather in social spirit, to make joy and be merry at Christmas time. Happily for most, the warming conviviality of the Christmas season is not just something confined to the pages of a children’s story, and just as soon as the festive season comes upon us, so too do the party invites begin flying out to all and sundry.

This year has been a particularly manic one for me, with some 8 parties attended over the last 7 days alone, many of which left me wanting in the sleep stakes, but very much over-indulged in food and wine. But the one thing that struck me across all of the parties, weddings, dinners and lunches I attended was the overwhelming capacity of the season to bring people together in happiness and appreciation, the opportunity for guilt-free indulgence, and the occasion to reconnect with friends and colleagues who the busyness of the year has kept apart.

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This post, and these photos pay homage to the delightful jovialities of the season, the latter manifesting as often blurred shots taken in the low lights of winter, but all the more atmospheric, at least to my mind, as a result. Here are my photos of the flickering candles which so effectively create the intimate setting for a chilled party or dinner; the pecan pie which the delectable Cassandra made from caramelising crème fraiche; the purple lit ice rink of Somerset House buzzing with whizzing skaters; the Christmas tree silhouetted against a rosy morning sky. Here too are the jellies and desserts which make us happy and fat; the gingerbread man sat upon a burst of fresh Christmas foliage; the fairy lights, the cheese board, the gifts under the tree; the red leaves, the boxed panettone, the friends who make me happy.

This is Christmas…and I love it!

All photos and written content are strictly the copyright of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown © 2013 and The Daily Norm. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 

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Dec 19

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The Norm Nativity | Visit of the Three Wise Norms

The Shepherd Norms weren’t the only Norms heading towards the stable in Bethlehem. Three exceptionally wise Norms who each in turn lorded over little glittering neighbouring kingdoms in Eastern Normland had heard about the birth of a new King of Kings, a Norm to save all of the world, and decided that it was only right and proper that they visit this future great Norm a visit. And how to find this little Norm who had been born in a mere stable without an address? Well luckily an ever brightening star had appeared before their path, and guessing that the star was acting as a kind of celestial guide towards their destination, the three Wise Norms followed the star towards Jesus Norm.

The only problem was that the star kept on moving, and as it did so took the Wise Norms over fields and mountains, rocky plains and wide expanses of perilous sandy desert. Luckily they were not on foot, travelling instead upon the seated humps of their trusty camels, ensuring that not only their lavish persons remained clean and unweathered by the journey, but also that their presents of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh remained safely installed above all of the sandy terrain. Let’s hope they make it to Bethlehem safely…

The Three Wisenorms (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen and gold paint on paper)

The Three Wise Norms (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen and gold paint on paper)

Come back next time, to see where both the Wise Norms and the Shepherd Norms ended up! In the meantime, here is Matthew’s account of the Magi’s visit, the only one of the gospels to mention it.

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.'” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another path.

Matthew 2:1-12

© Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm, 2001-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. For more information on the work of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, head to his art website at www.delacy-brown.com

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Dec 18

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The Daily Norm’s Christmas Tree of the Week | No.3: Parisian Masquerade

Some people think that black Christmas trees are morbid, but as this tree scheme will hopefully demonstrate, a well decorated black tree can be anything but. Characterised by its sparkling silver masks and its twinkling Eiffel Towers, my Parisian Masquerade tree is a nod to the glamour, elegance and spectacle which France’s capital city exudes in bucket loads. Yes, this week’s Daily Norm Christmas Tree of the week is the third tree out of four in my scheme of plenty, and is perhaps the most tightly co-ordinated and unceasingly bejewelled of the lot.

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Matching perfectly the black and red colour scheme of my lounge (with its dark leathers, urban metals, large mirrors and glass surfaces and splashes of red in the furniture and accessories), my black tree both complements and enhances the interiors, with its baubles of ruby red glitter, black and white patterning and polished silver, while red tinsel adds shape and consistency to the scheme. Meanwhile, the little Eiffel towers, to be found in both metal and blown glass form not only signpost the major theme of the tree, but also reflect the large Eiffel Tower silhouettes which adorn the walls of my lounge. But perhaps the best representation of the spirit of Paris is not in the Eiffel towers, but the undeniable glamour which is manifested in the little glass chandeliers which hang intermittently amongst the baubles – a touch of ballroom elegance for the masquerade which is dancing its way across the branches of this tree.

So for those doubters amongst you who think that a black Christmas tree is better suited to Halloween, I would ask you to reconsider. For in my Parisian Masquerade I believe I have created a scheme which represents the most festive facet of all the season – a representation of the parties and the glamour which Christmas so proficiently entails.

Join me next week for the climax of my Christmas tree review – Number 4!

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Dec 16

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The Norm Nativity | Angels visit the Shepherds

In the last installment of the Norm Nativity, we left poor Mary Norm and Joseph Norm upon their arrival in the little town of Bethlehem. With not a room to be found in inn nor hotel, they were facing a night out sleeping rough – hardly the best conditions for giving birth to the promised one. Luckily for them, the surprisingly sharp intuition of Nancy the donkey led them all to a far warmer and cosier alternative (if a little pongy) – a stable on the outskirts of town, where soon enough Mary Norm lapsed into the inevitable agonies of labour, and gave birth to a darling little Norm baby who they called Jesus Norm, who was very soon comfortably installed on a bed of hay in a manger.

The birth of Jesus Norm very soon caused waves of celestial excitement. Above the stable, a particularly bright star grew even brighter, and in the stars around it, angel Norms started gathering to celebrate the birth, flying then from place to place to spread the great news. One of the first places they visited was a nearby field, where a group of shepherds sat about having a little evening supper after a hard day looking after their not insubstantial flock. When the shepherds caught sight of a group of angels coming towards them, they almost collapsed in shock – their poor little sheep didn’t know what to do with themselves and promptly hid behind their shepherd masters. Only when the excitement of the news relayed by the angels sunk in did the shepherds (and the sheep) begin to settle, jumping up with some excitement and declaring that they must visit the baby forthwith!

So unto Bethlehem the shepherds headed then, to see little baby Jesus Norm in all his glory. Join the Norm Nativity next time to see who else is making their way to celebrate the birth.

Angels visit the Shepherd Norms (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen and gold paint on paper)

Angels visit the Shepherd Norms (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen and gold paint on paper)

In the meantime, here’s how another writer, one Luke, described the angels’ visit in the bible:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”  When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 

Luke 2: 8-15

© Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm, 2001-2013. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicholas de Lacy-Brown and The Daily Norm with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. For more information on the work of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, head to his art website at www.delacy-brown.com

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Dec 12

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The Norm Nativity | Journey to Bethlehem

In the last instalment of The Norm Nativity, we left Mary Norm just as she had learnt the startling news, from her visitor Angel Gabriel Norm, that she was due to give birth to a son called Jesus Norm. The visit from a flying angel would have been startling enough, but the news that Mary was somehow inexplicably become pregnant despite being an untouched virgin was enough to make the hardest of souls go soft in the head. But not Mary Norm. Strengthened with the affirmation that the baby Norm she was carrying would one day be a saviour of the world, she was determined to do this properly. And so, having told her then boyfriend, now hubby Joseph Norm the rather stunning news (and having finally got over the months of arguments when he accused her of having an affair – it was inevitable I suppose), Mary Norm and Joseph Norm set out on their old little donkey, Nancy, and made their way to Bethlehem, the city of Joseph’s birth and thus where they were required to register the oncoming birth of their child.

As Luke more eloquently tells us…

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.  
This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
And all went to be registered, each to his own town.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,
to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

Luke 2:1-5

Journey to Bethlehem (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen and gold paint on paper)

Journey to Bethlehem (2013 © Nicholas de Lacy-Brown, pen and gold paint on paper)

So over hostile terrain they travelled for days, their worldly possessions, and the heavily pregnant Mary Norm pilled upon poor Nancy’s back, trekking across dessert and wide open plains until finally they could see the little town of Bethlehem glittering like a mirage in the distance. But their relief was short lived, for no sooner had they made out the outline of the city than they had caught sight of various road-side advertising posts advertising hotels and inns – yet all of these adverts bore the ominous news that all of the accommodation was booked up! (Well, it was Christmas I suppose…) What would Mary Norm and Joseph Norm do? Find out… next time!

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Dec 11

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The Daily Norm’s Christmas Tree of the Week | No.2: Citrus Sunshine

Designed to complement the sunny orange shades of my office which is appropriately named “The Orange Office”, this week’s Daily Norm Christmas Tree of the Week is a burst of citrus sunshine bringing with it all of the essence of a sunny mediterranean shore in the midsts of an otherwise wintery Christmas season.

With its vivid yellow and orange baubles, this christmas tree scheme sits well within a season whose cuisine is alive with spiced citrus scents, but loses none of the vibrancy and freshness of a summer’s day. That nod to the summer is referenced in the hints of cerulean blue, reminding of a clear summer’s sky and the vast blue waters of the mediterranean sea, but the orange and yellow sparkling glittery reindeers nod back to Christmas again, in an evocation which is the height of festive kitsch. The playfulness introduced by my reindeer is accompanied by the jovial multi-coloured forms of metalic robots, only to be offset by the rich regality of purple flashes, which reflect the wealth and abundance of the Christmas season. And all this is tied together upon the branches of a contemporary black tree, sparkling under two sets of yellow flashing fairy lights, and balanced out by ample strings of glittery yellow tinsel.

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My “citrus sunshine” tree is a perfect example of how both playfulness and modernity can be achieved within the traditional Christmas season, lending a contemporary air and so blending perfectly with the sleek surroundings of an office environment. Of course such a traditional set up will not be suitable for every setting, in the same way that a traditional fir tree may look out of place in a modern flat. But the best thing about Christmas is its ability to adapt its joy-giving decor to all environments, ensuring that wherever you go or live, Christmas need never be absent.

All photos and written content are strictly the copyright of Nicholas de Lacy-Brown © 2013 and The Daily Norm. All rights are reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of the material, whether written work, photography or artwork, included within The Daily Norm without express and written permission from The Daily Norm’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. 

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