Exactly where would you go to see traditional folk art in Europe?
On a trip to the Netherlands, in a village in the north, I discovered traditional folk art that inspired me to return home and create my own version of its simple but beautiful designs and colour schemes.
Guitarists often practise daily out of sheer joy Developing Muscle Memory for Photography Who would have thought muscle memory had anything to do with photography? Scott Bourne explains that, just like musical ability, practising with one's camera is vital in aiming for that perfect shot, or lots more perfect shots! Scott explains: During the pandemic,… Continue reading Friendly Friday Photo Challenge – Practice
Ever heard of Hallingdal Rosemaling? Did your family come from Southern Norway? Rosemaling is the traditional decorative art that is timeless, and unique. Hallingdal is but one of the various styles with a long history.
Tapping into the creative or right hemisphere of the brain can allow us to visualize and draw shapes, contours and lines better. This exercise helps do all of that.
There are a variety of elements used in every artistic design or piece. Principles applied to the elements bring them together in an eye-pleasing cohesive unit. Knowing this can make the difference between being able to produce an attractive or disjointed piece. A design challenge can improve your skill level, inspire you to extend yourself, and give you confidence in your designing skills. My focus is on traditional art but this challenge could apply to any artistic pursuit.
Traditional Tuesday is a way to highlight the sometimes forgotten artwork.
Traditional Tuesday examines a beautiful old porcelain technique developed near Moscow in the 1800's. Although Stoneware had been produced in this region since the 1400's, it wasn't until 19th century that the Russians perfected Chinese porcelain techniques in Gzhel. This traditional legacy continues today.
Now situated in modern day Poland, Bolesławiec was once part of the Prussian empire, and the centuries long tradition of painting earthenware, with traditional patterns, is very much tied to the cultural history of the town.
Easter has been an auspicious time for many countries and traditions. This festive time of the year is marked by a a different kind of egg - one that has a long and interesting history.
What is better than a boring grey steel box? A bright colourful one, of course! It might be a little distracting to drivers, but when sitting waiting for the traffic lights to change at an intersection, it chases away the boredom.
When it comes to darning socks, almost no-one does it anymore. Cheap items and time poor couples with high disposable income, have relegated simple repairs to low priced essentials, to the pages of history books.
Shouldn't we be overjoyed that we are freed from the yoke of menial tasks?
The beauty of the traditional arts is that they are by ordinary folk, untrained and unskilled. The techniques used, are taught, from family to family, father to son, mother to daughter. Their charm and naivete belies the history, long tradition and meaning in the work.
The vibrant colours and cheery designs are a way for the peasants to brighten up their daily lives.
No matter where you travel, in the world, within each region you will find examples of innovative forms of folk art. These are not completed by the skilled artisan, but rather by the common person, often with little training and few tools, simply decorating their homes and surrounds. Historically, an itinerant artist might travel from… Continue reading Traditional Art forms – The Omnipresent Tulip
Something to Ponder About 
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