Winter Abides
“Though I wore heavy mittens, my fingers grew numb as I sketched this foggy, snow-drizzly scene onto a thick piece of wood.”—Meredith d’Ambrosio
The Disappearing Land
By Meredith d’Ambrosio
DUXBURY Massachusetts—(Weekly Hubris)—3/3/2014—
After a concert tour in France and Holland with “Haydn” (Eddie Higgins, my late husband), we took a side trip to visit with my sister and family in Verbier, Switzerland. I asked her to take me back to the hamlet she had shown me on my previous visit. Here was an opportunity to keep a self-made promise to return one day to the quaint and fascinating village of Verségères, snuggled high in the Alps. We’d walked through the ancient streets the first time she took me. Everywhere I looked was a potential painting. The most compelling views were glimpsed through narrow spaces between the log houses where, peeking through, was the snow-covered valley; the alpine mountain above it disappearing into cloud. You have not seen the last of me yet, Verségères!
For three consecutive years, Haydn and I went to Taos Ski Valley, where he played for five nights at a jazz party held in the Thunderbird Lodge. During the day, we would trudge along snow-packed paths and roads and explore for possible painting scenes. This watercolor is one of two completed paintings from the upper valley resort.
Though I wore heavy mittens, my fingers grew numb as I sketched this foggy, snow-drizzly scene onto a thick piece of wood. Beyond the bridge was normally bustling Watertown Square, but all one could discern was the faint outline of trees beyond the river’s bank.
Note: For more about Eddie Higgins, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddie_Higgins.
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Boston-born Meredith d’Ambrosio, a Renaissance woman whose creative work crosses many genres, has successfully combined careers in the musical and visual arts. In 1958, in Boston, d’Ambrosio began singing with small bands, accompanied by Roger Kellaway on piano. Although she has worked primarily as a jazz singer-pianist, she is also known internationally as a calligrapher, watercolorist, creator of eggshell mosaics, composer, lyricist, recording artist, and teacher. D’Ambrosio branched out into New York City in 1981 and, since then, has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe (view d’Ambrosio’s complete discography at www.meredithdambrosio.com). D’Ambrosio’s paintings, both watercolors and oils, may be viewed at www.meredithdambrosio.com, her multifaceted website, which covers her work as a musician, painter, and writer. (Author Head Shot Augment: René Laanen.)
11 Comments
Laura
Beautiful art !
We love Taos and I love to photograph that area :)
Eddie was a consummate pianist .
Elizabeth Boleman-Herring
Laura, I knew you’d be among the first to see this triptych by Meredith. She’s to have a big show, which you and Bubba must attend. Be in touch directly, as I don’t know how often she’s online. When she showed me the Taos paintings, I thought of you two. Thank you, Meredith! Elizabeth
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Laura,
Thank you for mentioning Eddie, and for knowing the beauty of the upper ski valley of Taos. It’s a breathtaking place. Did you have a chance to see Eddie and his quintet perform at the Thunderbird Lodge? It was one of his favorite venues.
Best,
Meredith
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Hi Elizabeth,
It warms my heart to receive a note from someone who is a fan of Eddie’s music. Does Laura live near New England?
Many thanks for the opportunity to share my paintings with others!
Love,
Meredith
Elizabeth Boleman-Herring
Meredith & Laura… Laura is noted jazz pianist Bubba Kolb’s wife, and they live in Taos/on Cape Cod/and in Eastern Florida. I know Laura will be in touch, but I must put all of you together via email! Best, Elizabeth
Nancy Sandberg
Dear Meredith,
So glad to hear from you. Mal and I so enjoyed seeing the glorious paintings of your special experiences with Haydn, especially Verbier and Taos. We’re happy to know you’re getting ready for your solo show in Duxbury in 2015!
We’re still here at the farm with Betsy, son Nick 16yrs, and wonderful husband and wetlands specialist just a mile down the road.
With love and fond memories of your visits,
Nancy
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Nancy,
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m very happy for your response. Hoping all is well on your beautiful farm. I have warm memories always of visiting with you and Mal there.
Love,
Meredith
Edna Goren
My dearest Meredith,
You are indeed most talented and fantastic painter!!!
Thank you so much for sharing with me!
I wish you the very best of health & happiness with everything you’ll do!
Lots of love and hope to see you sometime soon :-)
Edna xoxo
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Edna,
Many thanks for your sweet words. How is Israel? Hoping to see you one day again.
Be safe!
Love,
Meredith
Katalin Packard
Dear Meredith , thank you for sendin your most beautiful work. You certainly are most talented in the art of painting these gorgeous landscapes! And of course we enjoyed listening to the wonderful music you and Eddie played for us.
I often think of the happy times the four of us spent together,how much we enjoyed playing tennis, looking at your art work and listening to Eddie and you playing our favorite numbers.
Wishing you all the best, success with your exhibition fondly Katy Packard
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Katy,
Thanks so much for your lovely response to my paintings. Hoping all is well.
Much love,
Meredith