Live a poetic existence. Take responsibility for the air you breathe and never forget that the highest appreciation is not to just utter words, but to live them compassionately.
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Pretty Things…


Lockets have been around for centuries. Through the years their purpose has changed, however their unique charm has remained appealing to anyone who wants to add a little Victorian charm to their jewelry box. Used for carrying powder or poison, keepsakes, hair, ashes, good luck charms and pictures, lockets are somewhat mysterious as its contents are only known to its holder.

I have always been fascinated with costume jewelry; pieces incased with seed pearls, gem stones in bright colors, diamonds with old miner’s cuts all cast in antique copper or brass are moments that capture the ornate and showy fashion of its time.
I found a wonderful website (www.etsy.com) where people showcase (and sell) their handmade creations ranging from jewelry, photography, art and vintage finds. Check it out; it’s a wonderfully inspiring site! I thought I’d share some lockets that caught my eye.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The Origin of Art in Paris


While reviewing the prints and patterns for spring 2010 I realized how much fashion reflects every era our earth has experienced; I am not talking just about the 20th century either. The faded colors of ancient etchings and paintings on stone, and the images themselves, are used constantly as inspiration for a unique fabric.
SO, in the midst of this revelation I discovered an interesting cave I wanted to share.

The Paleolithic cave paintings in Lascaux are beautifully crafted works of art that are said to be over 16,000 years old. In the southwest of France there is a complex of caves that consist primarily of realistic images of animals, humans and abstract signs that total over 2000 images.
Discovered in 1940 the cave has been open then closed, then open, then closed again due to damages by the public, air conditioning systems and high powered lights that were installed in the caves for tourists. In 2008 the cave had been closed for at least 3 months for scientific research and preservation.
The images are truly remarkable and varying in size and brilliant colors. The paintings origin are unclear, however, there have been theories ranging from the pictures being constructed from astrological mapping to visions experienced during ritualistic trance-dancing.