The Beauty of Earth and Thought

       This is a dynamic design of a dragon and the ocean,seemingly riding the waves of a tempest storm. It is regal, as the dragon symbolizes. My eyes were first drawn to the lines of blue and the lines of white that gives this design shape. It is almost like an incredible painting that has been transferred to the clay.  I love the shape of the stem, decorated in flowers and organic swirls of blue. How amazing this was crafted by a masterful guild. No wonder they wanted to keep the formula of it's creation a secret.

        The book doesn't tell us the size of this flask and it makes my imagination curious. I always revere the skills of an artist, especially in ceramics. It's basically a three dimensional painting with flawless perfection of a concept. This artifact provides a glimpse into the past as an example of a civilized society. Only a civilized society could have given birth to something this planned and thoughtful of an accomplishment. Clay from the earth and design from thought. Beauty from both.      

Figure21-7, Adam and Eve,Albrect Durer

     Albrect Durer was 32 years old when he engraved this piece. It illustrates his incredible skill as an artist, which was the result of early childhood education. He studied woodcuts, goldsmithing, painting, and stained glass design. What a childhood that must have been. Can you imagine how fun that would be to study artistry and increase your skill? No wonder his techniques are so amazing. He also traveled, which must have been exciting too. I guess he felt a calling inside of him to discover and create. 

       This engraving carries many symbols and hidden meanings. It is a beautiful rendering of Adam and Eve at the edge of a forest/Garden of Eden. The trees are meticulously engraved to show depth and atmospheric perspective. Eve's hair resembles the technique of drillwork,from earlier Roman sculpture,where the flow of her hair is defined as overflowing and textured. The soft shading of darkness on their bodies does look sculptured and another example's of Durer's skill. I'm amazed that the engraving can be so precise and measured. It's a religious theme which makes one question-was Eve framed?

Church of San Lorenzo, Florence

      I am always drawn to the beauty of symmetry. Geometric precision is not a stale form and I also appreciate the skill and genius of a master in stonecraft and architecture. This church has exquisite designs of arches and columns. You can see the visual representation of the harmony of man and the divine. How many men did it take to build this holy site? I wonder where the quarry was that the sandstone came from and how difficult it was to transport. And how do you quarry stone without electrical tools? 

      The lighting is incredible. I'm sure that Filippo Brunelleschi studied the science of light and it's reflection. I cab actually sense the presence of Divine in this photograph. Things this beautiful are not unnoticed by the Creator, I believe. What an accomplishment of foresight and planning. There are some works of art and architecture that absorbs a part of you, for a little while, as you look at the creation.  I am a little entranced by this particular church. Perhaps I will be lucky enough to visit here one day in the future.
      

Welcoming knowledge

Art history is a joy to study and recognize skilled artisans of the past. The dynamics of art history are eternal and studying great achievements of the past and present produces wonder. These blogs are a great way to learn and discuss personal reflections.