Out and about in Seoul

February 20th, 2009

the-birth-of-venus

Ever considered taking your kids to a museum or art gallery?   Its something I enjoy, but had always put off bringing the kids cause “they are too noisy, boisterous, they’d be bored”. But the other day while waiting for a doctors appointment T, (now 3.7) spent ages staring at The Birth of Venus by Botticelli, so I decided maybe it’s time we ventured to a gallery…I would love my children to like art as much as myself but at the same time I do not want to force my likes too much…

We set off for the Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art. Firstly, I decided to only go to the contemporary art section. It started outside with Japanese artist Tatsuo Miyajima’s  work Transended Setion at the entrance. Is it a contemplation on time, or reincarnation, life and death with bright aqua LEDs endlessly changing from numbers 1-9. When the number reaches 0 they turn off and restart. The numbers go at varying speeds…suggestive of the speed we live our lives and how often do we pause for thought. “through this random method, Miyajima wanted to show how time is felt differently by different individuals” to quote the museum guide.T  had a great time jumping over them and shouting out the numbers whilst in the act.

He wondered why in Sam Taylor Woods  piece Soliloquy “they have nothing on mama” yes they were naked. But he was drawn to it and told me he liked it.

Rebecca Horn’s feathers were a big hit, watching both the feathers and their shadows move…

Anish Kapoor Untitled stainless steel piece, shiny purple spoon according to T, as he waved his little hand at me. And yes he loved Damien Hirsts  “The Dance of Death” pills…an artist I have a great fondness for myself. “Looks nice mama, all the colors”

But the highlight of his day and mine was Louise Bourgeois. She is one of my favorite artists.  He looked so tiny beside the colossal frame of both spiders, and excitedly told me there were eggs in the Mama’s tummy. T and Maman

 He happily explored the Eye Benches although the smoothness of the granite proved too tempting a slide for him… 

All in all a lovely afternoon out in a nice museum including setting the alarm off 5 times and a few visits from Leeum Samsung museum security! And I think we will visit again..

Cassie Caterpiller

February 17th, 2009

cassiecaterpiller12  Cassie Caterpillar

Cassie is one hungry caterpiller.  Most of her time is spent eating.  Eating fruit, vegetables, leaves anything she can find, but she never seems to feel full.  On her way to find some nice leaves to eat, she met Sydney and Ellie.  They were on there way back from the waterhole.  They talked a bit, but all the time Cassie’s tummy was grumbling.  At first Sydney thought it was Ellie, as  the noise was so loud.  But Ellie acted like she could not hear the loud noises.  As the noise got louder it was impossible to ignore so eventually, (very politely) Sydney asked what the noise was and where was it comming from? 

Cassie started to laugh.  She was a little embarrased to admit that her tummy was making all those loud grumbling noises. She was the smallest there, but Cassie explained that when a caterpilller starts to grow up it needs to eat and eat until it finally feels full. Then they go for a long sleep, wrapped in a cocoon (a type soft blanket).  When Cassie eventually wake up about 2 weeks later she will have changed into a butterfly.  She will have beautiful wings and antenne and will fly around to explore the world. 

What do you know about caterpillers? To make your own caterpiller, look in “look what I made” and follow the instructions. (Don’t forget to ask for help if you need it).

 

Sydney

February 7th, 2009

Sydney the Spider

Ellie and Sydney met yesterday at the waterhole.  Lucky for Sydney, as he got stuck in the mud.  It started to rain, gently at first but the drops got bigger and came down faster and faster, eventually he was swimming.  This is very difficult if you have 8 legs and are very tired.  You end up swimming round and around in circles and going no where.  But luckily Ellie stopped by the waterhole for a drink and saved Sydney.

Would you like to make a spider like Sydney.  Have a look in “look what I made” and follow the instructions. (Don’t forget to ask for help if you need it)