Nicola Holden Designs

Art

Posted on 26th November 2009 by Nicola Holden

I popped into the Sheridan Russell Gallery in Marylebone the other day, and promptly fell in love with a large and very beautiful painting by a Korean artist, Kitty Jun-im McLaughlin, which is, unfortunately, slightly beyond my budget. I did, however, discover that this gallery participates in the Own Art scheme. This scheme is run by the Arts Council England, and provides an interest-free loan of up to £2,000, repayable in 10 monthly instalments. What a wonderful idea, and a fantastic way to make it affordable for everyone to buy original, high quality contemporary art. So, if anyone is interested, please do let me know and I will help you to source a piece of art that you too will just fall in love with.

“In art the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can inspire.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Posted in Art | 1 Comment

Multi-cultural weekend

Posted on 23rd November 2009 by Nicola Holden

Saturday started off with a bang at the Swedish Christmas Fair – a compulsory date in the diary for all the London based Swedes – one of whom is my partner’s mother. The Swedish Church, where the Fair is held, contained a veritable smorgasbord of Scandinavian treats – from Swedish delicacies such as rose hip soup and pickled herrings to fabulous handmade wooden decorations, all very red and festive – and of course plenty of candles to light up these dark northern hemisphere evenings. All of this was washed down with a much needed glass of glögg (their turbo-charged version of mulled wine)!

Then, it was on to the Barbican Centre to see ‘Mama Africa’, a tribute to Miriam Makeba, curated and presented by Angelique Kidjo. I have seen Angelique a few times before, and she has an amazing voice and brings such energy to her performances. This was a refreshing and much needed dose of African to my blood – great fun. I’ve attached a clip of Angelique’s version of the song ‘Malaika’ meaning Angel in Swahili, as this is such a beautiful song, and as Angelique sang it on Saturday night I could feel the tears pricking my eyes.

Posted in Culture, Music | 1 Comment

Beginnings

Posted on 15th November 2009 by Nicola Holden

Well, here it is – my induction into the world of blogging. Here we embark upon a journey into my life and the world of Nicola Holden Designs. A world where the imaginations of my clients are turned into a reality, and the fun and inspirations involved in that process.

As the days turn colder, and the nights draw in, I’ve found myself spending more time sifting through the thousands of photographs I have taken on my travels, and putting together a book of memories. And, whilst doing this, I have realised how important art and design have been, for the past tens of thousands of years. I thought I’d share just a few of these photos with you now.

San Rock Paintings - Zimbabwe
San Rock Paintings – Zimbabwe