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There is a group here in Humboldt---the China Painters. When I first heard about them I thought "how quaint". I know that china painting was a craft that victorian woman took up---some were better than others, but I thought the craft had fallen out of favor and was not done anymore. Well, here in Humboldt, the craft has not only hung around but flourished. The China Painters group is made up of a certain type of woman. I can't really put my finger on it, but they all seem the same. Quiet, sophisticated, self assured. They don't strike me as artists per se, no quirky clothing, hair or glasses. They paint their china, beautiful beautiful things, for their daughters, sisters, friends or to sell at this group sale.
The china painters had a sale today at the Methodist church here in Humboldt. I heard through the grapevine you had to arrive early in order to get a painted china egg. I went with my friend Marilyn and we were the first in line. When we were allowed to enter we rushed toward the egg display and grabbed any that caught our eye. Well, I didn't really know what I was looking for but I did end up with one that had a chickadee on it, another with a rose and a smaller one with violets. I am happy with them. Once I paid for my eggs I had time to look at the displays. Each artist had a display of their work. Pretty things, not all victorian, some more modern, some just beautiful. I especially loved a tea set with violets painted on each piece. It was so pretty, but the price was $80. A bargain really, but too much for me. They served us tea or coffee using real silver pots, there were cookies and bars for us to eat, and punch being served out of a painted china punch bowl. We sat at round tables, each with a small maypole in the center and painted china mugs surrounding it. I loved it!!
It surprises me that I actually like these eggs. I am not a Victorian person, my house is decorated in a more colonial or traditional style. But these eggs are a little bit of Humboldt and I like the idea of that.
