stolen apples for karen blixen

The most interesting retrospectives and compilations (for me) are those that contain contact sheets, sketches, letters, diary excerpts etc - anything that reveals something "secret" or that offers an insight into an artist's process. In trying to get my own creative kick-start at the tail end of this seemingly endless winter, I've been going back through my notebooks in search of a scribble or half-baked idea to get me started again. (The truth is I know exactly what I should be doing but since it involves a fair amount of work, I've been lazing about hoping something easier falls into my lap.)

During today's prolonged procrastination session (or research as I like to call it) I came upon a quote I jotted down from one of Karen Blixen's many notebook and diary entries on display at her home in Denmark.

"To imagine the possibility of something actually happening one needs imagination of the finest and rarest sort."

Considering the source, it's both inspiring and daunting.

Check out this 1973 super 8 film by Derek Jarman. "Stolen Apples for Karen Blixen" is both inscrutable and familiar.

Stolen Apples For Karen Blixen, (Derek Jarman)

del bellavista and other coastal delights

We took a time-out from spotting design classics to venture up the 'danish riviera' and take in a few iconic sites. First stop, Klampenborg to check out Arne Jacobsen's "Bellavista" housing complex, next to his eponymous cafe.









Next stop in Klampenborg was to see Finn Juhl's house - unfortunately it was closed that day. We tried to peek in but were thwarted by a photo crew using the house for a fashion shoot. Images of the interior here.



Onwards to Rungsted to see Karen Blixen's danish estate, now a museum. The best part of the visit was walking the grounds - 40 acres of forest and gardens that she had turned into a private bird sanctuary before her death in 1962. She's buried under a stately old beech tree on the estate. Also enjoyed reading excerpts from her notebooks and the handwritten note from Denys instructing her sternly on how to operate his new motorcar. It was lovely to complete the pilgrimage but the interior was definitely more sterile than the warmth of her Nairobi house.








Last stop up the coast was to the marvellous Louisiana Museum of Art. Founded by Knud Jensen in memory of his three wives - all named Louise. Unfortunately it gets dark here by 3:30 pm so it was hard to fully take in the surroundings. Quite an impressive museum - even the cafe (well worth the $16 sandwich). Took in the Eve Sussman and the Rufus Project exhibition. That deserves a post unto itself - save it for another (rainy) day.

(photos from museum website)