Simple Pleasures & Lovely Things

My father has never been the best gift organiser/giver.  However, he recently returned from an overseas surfing trip with a bag full of amazing shells for my mum.  Some he found on the beach and some he bought from local men in dug-out boats.  My mother absolutely loves them and has placed them on a table in their entry with other lovely things she has collected over the years and some fresh flowers she picked from her garden.  These shells will certainly be the gift that keeps on giving as my mum will enjoy and cherish them forever.  Isn't it wonderful how the simplest things have made the most special and heartfelt gift.

Whilst browsing through Cressida Campbell's book today I couldn't help thinking how similar some of her vignette wood-block prints are to this vignette of mum's above.  As I have said before, there is something so familiar to me about Cressida Campbell's work.

I feel like I have lived in the rooms and spaces she depicts in her wood-block prints.  Maybe that's the charm.  Maybe her paintings make me feel at home.  She paints bowls filled with fruit, vases filled with flowers and it all looks so effortless and comfortable.  That's exactly how I want to live. 

image 1 & 2 - anna spiro, image 3 - photo taken by anna spiro of painting in cressida campbell's book