As I slowly settle in at El Castillo – our new home in Chapala – I have an overwhelming urge to Start Something New. Thankfully, I don’t have to look far for ideas. El Castillo came complete with a huge dose of Kitchen Inspiration!
Kitchen display nook in El Castillo
The kitchens in Mexico are very different than those back in Minnesota. Instead of hiding all the dishes away in cupboards, the dishes here are on display. And what lovely dishes they are!
Painted plate: Leaves or Feathers?
There are all manner of plates, platters, bowls and trays in a huge array of designs. The previous occupants of El Castillo were definitely not matchy-matchy folks. A little of this, a little of that seems to be the order of the day.
Painted Plate: a mix of motifs
The dishes are mostly Mexican Majolica. They are commonly called “Talavara,” but that name is technically reserved for goods from specific workshops in the city of Puebla. Whatever the proper name, I love them!
Serving Tray: more flowers and leaves
I’m fascinated by the individual motifs in the designs. Many are familiar. Simple flowers, lovely scrolls that look like the feathers we use in our quilting.
Painted water base: The more the merrier!
One of my favorite pieces is the base that holds the huge bottle of water for the kitchen. There are an amazing number of designs in just this one piece!
Water base lid: If there’s a space, it’s full of color.
Even the lid for the water base is packed with color and design. It’s fantastic!
I’m not quite sure how all this kitchen inspiration will make its way into my fabric art, but I’m thankful to have a treasure trove of beautiful designs right here in the house.
Your Turn
Do you have things in your home that inspire your work? Leave a note below. I’d love to hear your stories!
Linda L Vopat11111 says
March 2, 2017 at 10:27 amWow! The things are beautiful.
ShellyStokes says
March 2, 2017 at 12:21 pmThey really are lovely, Linda. Design ideas up the ying yang! 😉
Jan ostridge says
March 2, 2017 at 11:25 amLucky you!
ShellyStokes says
March 2, 2017 at 12:22 pmThanks, Jan. I think I’m the luckiest woman on the planet right now. Life is even better now that Telmex has installed my internet service!
Jane Lillestol says
March 2, 2017 at 12:15 pmI am living vicariously through you, and can hardly wait to see how all of this incredible visual stimulation begins to express itself through your art!
ShellyStokes says
March 2, 2017 at 12:23 pmThanks Jane! You MUST come for a visit sometime. With your friends in Ajijic, you have double the reason to fly South!
Candy Fullaway says
March 2, 2017 at 12:29 pmLove the dishes! The movement, the colors and joyful design. Looking forward to seeing how that inspiration seeps into your work.
ShellyStokes says
March 2, 2017 at 3:24 pmThanks, Candy! Joyful is a great word to describe Talavara and Majolica tableware and pottery. I believe most of it is still hand painted, so the designs are never precisely the same from one piece to the next — or one section to the next. Lots of wabi-sabi, but very pleasing.
Barb Thorkelson says
March 2, 2017 at 10:50 pmI agree with Candy. And so many of the designs have the same principles as the designs we’re trying to do in your class. There aren’t many spaces in the designs, tho. Lots of ideas to learn from.
ShellyStokes says
March 8, 2017 at 11:57 amYou are right, Barbara. Many Talavara patterns are suitable for Design Magic. They have to be modified a bit, but the inspiration is endless!
Eleanor Cerny says
March 2, 2017 at 7:31 pmThank you for showing us your new home. I am looking forward to seeing more of it. I collect Talavera dishes and I do not stick with any one design. I could not possibly choose between all the ones available. We only use them at Christmas but since we retired I am putting them in a more visaable space. I feel happy when I look at them.
ShellyStokes says
March 8, 2017 at 11:55 amYou are most welcome, Eleanor. I look forward to using a lot of Talavara motifs in my art work!