J.C. Leyendecker is considered one of the great artists of the Golden Age of Illustration—and this aesthetic inspired a new animated series.
When I was studying mathematics at college, I also took some design and photography courses because I love the connection between math, design and the universe. I made a list of my favorite books. I…
For her project, photographer Alia Ali communicated with textile artists who live in communities whose borders have been marked “by imprints of power and scars of destruction.”
A Printable Elementary Art Rubric is a valuable tool for both teachers and students to assess and evaluate art projects in a structured and objective manner. This rubric helps to provide a clear set of criteria and expectations for the different elements of an artwork, such as creativity, craftsmanship, and effort. Designed specifically for elementary school students, this printable rubric enhances their understanding of the subject and empowers them to take ownership of their artistic achievements.
Banksy is one of the today’s most prolific artists yet his identity remains unknown. Best known for his satirical street art, the artist debuted his first film, Exit Through the Gift S…
We had a lot fun studying real candy prices as our inspiration for our Pop Art Candy Paintings. Tempra paint and black Sharpie outlines adde...
A design by Ashari Architects for an architectural installation in Iran is a direct response to the need to reconnect with the senses. The project, a...
After a job.
In 1888 John Singer Sargent saw Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' with Ellen Terry as Lady Macbeth. He was so impressed, he was determined to paint her.
★ something funny ★
Marbre, cheval de 4 m et regard du David de Michelangelo trainant dans un coin. À la galerie Romanelli à Florence, on ne sait plus où donner de la tête.
(NOTE: I felt guided to write this because shame and the shadow side are a daily theme in my conversations with clients and with loved ones — as well as in my own inner dialogue. We often feel…
People the world over have been held, spellbound for centuries, by Indigo's potential for magical transformation. My soul is unleashed, when I think of how, the simple green leaves of the garden indigo plant, Indigofera Tinctoria, grown by nature and harvested by man, becomes one of natures colors, through alchemical processes. There are hundreds of varieties of indigo plants, each adapted to its own climate. Indigo dye has the ability, to transform simple organic fibers, into glorious textiles through creative human genius. But how did people know, that concealed with in the fibers of this green plant, contained deep and mysterious blues? The Queen of all dyes holds her mystery's, as the dye stuff itself, is actually invisible. The pigment is extracted by steeping the leaves and stems in a water bath and crushing them with stones. Once the dye is extracted, the fibers have to impregnated with the dye stuff and fixed to the fibers, it is insoluble and is transformed into a soluble substance in the dye bath. The soluble substance is once again colorless and it is the oxygen from the atmosphere, that will give it the final blue color. The whole operation is a chemical process, which entails breaking down the molecules and reconstructing them. It can sometimes, take dipping the textile 20 times, to achieve a desired rich dark indigo color. The story of the indigo plant is centuries old and weaves its way across oceans and global cultures. The indigo plant probably originated in India. Highly prized by European dye houses, whole industries, plantations, colonial merchant ships sprang up around the production and trade of indigo bricks and paste. While it was widely distributed for export, Indigo never was really embraced by the Indian culture. Indigo Blue, called Nila, is considered the color of Lord Krishna. It is also the color of mourning and is used for widow's saris. Because of the demand, Indigo was used to block print and paint cotton fabrics known as Indiennes, destined for interior decoration and dresses of European Nobility. These patterns were very popular in the west from the 18th century onward and reserved for export purposes. The indigo trail runs from east to west, Asia to Africa and follows the trade route taken by caravans transporting the precious pigment from India across the mountains and seas. Egypt, Syria, Persia, China, Vietnam, Mexico, Guatemala, Japan, Mali, Algeria, Libya, Niger, Tunisia and Morocco were among the many cultures with rich textile traditions held under the spell of Indigo. Each culture, impimented a distinct style of transforming textiles, with techniques ranging from batik, block printing, embroidering, weaving and shibori dye techniques. In the 1900's with the invention of synthetic dyes, the market for plant based indigo was dropped almost overnight. However, plant based Indigo traditions are still alive today in many cultures. In Africa, indigo owes it survival to women dyers that keep alive traditional handicrafts, ensuring the distinct African style of indigo textiles will be preserved. In southern Asia, women of the Hmong, are a rare tribe. As they are the last to entirely make their own wardrobe. Growing, harvesting, and weaving hemp. Growing indigo and making a dye bath, to then sewing the cloth into clothing. Indigo imparts and elegance and simplicity to their lives. This spring inspired by a beautiful woven striped Indigo from Mali and the batik indigo from the Hmong tribes of Southern Asia. Our Spring collection of Vintage Indigo pillows can be found in our Soft Landing section, under Vintage Textiles. Available, for a short time, in limited quantities, rare and beautiful vintage textile pillows will bring the soul of indigo to your home and life. Photo Links: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)
