Sunday, January 15, 2012

Spain and the Sardine

In researching festivals in Spain, I came across the "Entierro de la Sardina" translated the Burial of the Sardine which is in February the day before Ash Wednesday. Well, I thought this story very funny but also there is an edginess to it. You can read about the version I decided on here. I also found some images of a festival here. The Spanish painter Goya did a painting with the title of this festival and it is very eerie. There is also some controversy has to how the festival began. I liked this version because it made me chuckle but doesn't denigrate the others.

Since Maddie is a fabric designer, I thought I'd try that direction. I was getting too fussy with the fish (the other side of this one is silver and looked too fake...hahaha) so I turned it over to use my initial "what does a sardine look like sketch" and decided to use it. I also think I'd like the background to be black to represent the "male tearful 'widows'" instead of blue. Or maybe just leave it as is.





Maddie's note to Ruth reads: Dear Ruth, Madrid is beautiful. Festivity everywhere! Of all things today "Burial of a Sardine" Viewing it all from my balcony. Colors, music, costumes, revelry. Did some sketching of a large sculpture of a sardine. What a great way to be remembered! What a great way to go out...ha! Giant party. Sending you something for your hat.
Creating, Maddie

13 comments:

Å olanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Love finding out new information about Spain this weekend. :) Sardine looks great on her colorful background. :)

Sunshineshelle said...

Yum sardines, I keep expanding my knowledge & delighting myself by visiting places (like your blog) I've never been :)

Jen said...

So interesting. The sardine looks so good on that vibrant blue background.
Jen x

San @ Made in Hem said...

Great colorful postcard! I would keep it on blue. There are several Spanish artists who used those bold drawings and lots of colors. It feels genuine to me! :)

WrightStuff said...

They do have some odd festivals in Spain!

Janet said...

Barbecued sardines - yummy! Great postcard - full of Spanish sunshine.

Janet xx

Darcy Marshall said...

I like the colourful background, its a happy card, a black background would make it more arty maybe? so 2 completely different looks. If you have an editing programme why not try blacking the background out on a photo first?

CRAFTY WOMBLE said...

So many new fab things learnt again this week. I like your card, sure it would be striking with a black background.

Tammy Freiborg said...

The background would make a great fabric pattern. Love the information and the actual celebration pictures which were definitely filled with happiness. Made me smile.

donnalouiserodgers said...

ah yes, fresh sardines in any port are fantastic, barbequed within the hour of being caught...delicious, will read up your links too,

Dx

The Dolphin Inn said...

What a great twist on the subject, love how you researched and came up with something totally unique xxx

miniroses said...

fabric designs-what a creative approach! Really like both fish designs, but still in awe of the lace.

Unknown said...

This postcard is brilliant. Just so great. I like your illustration style so much. Looking forward to seeing more of your work as the adventure continues. *smiles* Norma