Monthly Archives: October 2015

Eternal Spring

 

 

Odilon-Redon---Tutt'Art@-(33)

‘Two girls among flowers’ – Odilon Redon

 1909

 

 

Barbara Dunshee---a-contrast-of-movement-and-structure

Barbara Dunshee jar with curly handled lid

 

 

Elusive spring :

 

Spring has been a little bit erratic and evasive of late, hijacked by both Winter and Summer. Just thought I would add some art to fill in the lapses.

 

 

Birds ‘n’ Spring

The poem below is by the comedian Spike Milligan, who was prone to recite it at odd moments and for no particular reason.

 

Spring is Sprung

Spring is sprung, the grass is ris.
I wonders where the birdies is.
They say the birds is on the wing.
Ain’t that absurd?
I always thought the wing was on the bird.

The late Spike Milligan moved from the England to an Eastern coastal town in Australia called Woy Woy, which I thought was appropriate because he was known to look at the sky and exclaim Why Why?  The Aboriginal meaning for Woy Woy is ‘deep water’. “But which Woy means deep and which Woy means water ?”, was a question Spike liked to ask.

 

 

Spring (Again)
Michael Ryan

The birds were louder this morning,
raucous, oblivious, tweeting their teensy bird-brains out.
It scared me, until I remembered it’s Spring.
How do they know it? A stupid question.
Thank you, birdies. I had forgotten how promise feels.

 

Jasmine

spring is poppin’
bunnies are hoppin,
birdies are chirpy
felines are flirty
frogs are burpy
squirrels are gnawin
the ice is thawin’
magnolia hues intoxicating
jasmine scents un-abating
smiling muscles they’re hurtin’
coz that sunshine keeps burstin’

 

 

“Come you lost Atoms to your Centre draw,
And be the Eternal Mirror that you saw:
Rays that have wander’d into Darkness wide
Return and back into your Sun subside”

The Conference of the Birds, Sufi Poems of Farid ud-Din Attar

 


Surreal buds flourish atop sturdy stoneware, blooming in brilliant hues - Amazon Dreams Pitcher - anthropologie

Amazon Dreams Pitcher – Carmen de Viboral, Colombia

Antropologie

 

 

Michael-Leunig

Michael Leunig

 

 

Vase-With-Snails-by-Greg-Payce,-1990

‘Vase With Snails’ by Greg Payce

1990

 

 

 

wall-pocket-vessel-by-Cathy Kiffney

Cathy Kiffney  – ceramic wall pocket

 

 

 

 totem sculpture by mudgoddess, etsy

Ceramic Totem – ‘The Cardinal’ – Mudgoddess, etsy

 

 

 

Ardmore floral decorated ceramic lidded jar

Lidded vessel with floral decoration – Ardmore

 

 

 

Ana Tzarev - Flower Power crimson sculpture flower

Ana Tzarev – ‘Flower Power’

75-year-old Ana Tzarev is installing a collection of sculptures of brightly coloured 15ft flowers in  seven different countries around the world. Croatian-born Tzarev claims the flowers, which when taken as a whole will become the world’s largest sculpture, and will be placed in areas where millions of people will be able to see them as they go about their daily lives.

 

 

 

Andrea-Gill abstract styled vase

Andrea Gill vase

 

 

 


Andromeda---Odilon-Redon,-c.-1912

‘Andromeda’ — Odilon Redon, c. 1912

 

 

 

 

Art-Deco-Vase-by-Sabino-14inches with dancing relief figures- PAUL STAMATI GALLERY

Art Deco Vase by Sabino- height 14 inches

PAUL STAMATI GALLERY – 1stDibs

 

 

 

Astrid-Riedel ceramic sculpture vessel

Astrid Riedel

 

 

 

Edward-Maracek-Starlight-Star-Bright-1950

‘Starlight Starbright’ painting –  Edward Maracek

1950

 

 

Carnival-Paper-(paper-sculptures)-by-Carlos-Meira-for-an-exhibition-called-'Folia-de-Papel'

Carnival Paper (paper sculptures) by Carlos Meira

 

 

 

Yellowstone-Horizon-1,-copper,-enamel,--silver-by-Harlan-W-Butt

‘Yellowstone Horizon 1’ , copper, enamel, silver by Harlan W Butt

 

 

 

Rare-vase,-signed-Loetz-Austria - gold and turquoise

Loetz vase, Austria

 

 

 

Carol-Gouthro ceramic pod

Carol Gouthro

 

 

 

CATTEAU-Charles-(1880-1966),-Kéramis-vase-earthenware-and-enamel

Charles Catteau floral vase

 

 

 

Charming-Art-Deco-Signed-Figural-Dancing-Ladies-Lamp-with-Original-Flame-Shade

French Art Deco Signed Figural Dancing Ladies Lamp with Original Flame Shade

circa 1920-1939

Mars Palm Beach, FL

 

 

 

Wings-of-Joy---Ginger Gilmore

‘Wings Of Joy’ – Ginger Gilmore

 

 

Edouard-Cazaux,-La-Varenne-Saint-Hilaire-50,s - large bird motif

Edouard Cazaux, La Varenne Saint Hilaire

50’s

 

 

Cypress-Cutout-Pedestal-Vase---Bonnie-Belt in green and gold

Cypress Cutout Pedestal Vase – Bonnie Belt

 

 

Boch-Frères-Kéramis-ceramic-vase-by-Charles-Catteau-with-hand-painted-floral-decoration-in-bright-blue,-green,-yellow,-red,-and-fuchsia,-ca

Boch Frères Kéramis ceramic vase by Charles Catteau

 

 

Denise-Romecki-Ceramic-Sculpture

‘Spotted Venus’ – Denise Romecki

www.deniseromecki.com/

 

Detail_of_the_gold_mosaic_floor---Walter-Crane

Mermaid mosaic frieze — Walter Crane

Based on designs from the palace at La Zisa in Palermo, Italy.

Leighton House, Kensington

 

 

Eugene-Rousseau-(1827-1913)-Leveillé-ernest-(1841-1913)-large-vase-horn-opening-forming-lozenge-marmorean-multilayer-crystal-polychrome

Crystal glass vase – Eugene-Rousseau and Leveillé Ernest

 

 

 

Janet De Boos vase with blue birds

Janet De Boos vase

 

 

Jenny-Orchard

Nature vase – earthenware with glazes and enamels – Jenny Orchard

55 x 24 x 24cm

Beaver Galleries

 

Jenny-Orchard-Baby-and-Mum---2012-Hand-built,-multi-glazed-ceramics-45-cm-high

‘Baby and Mum’ – Jenny orchard

 

 

 

Dragon Wall_Clock,_c._1880,_probably_made_by_Escalier_de_Cristal,_Paris,_bronze_and_enamel_-_Art_Institute_of_Chicago

Dragon Wall Clock probably made by Escalier de Cristal, Paris, bronze and enamel

Art Institute of Chicago, c. 1880

 

 

 

Irina-Kotova - red haired girl on a swing

Irina Kotova

 

juillet99-3

Art Nouveau vase – Emile Galle

Chrysler Museum, Norfolk (photo by JE Berger)

 

 

 

Kasia-Polkowska-Spring In The Mountains

 ‘Spring In The Mountains’ – Kasia Polkowska

 

 

 

Nguyen Tuan Khanh- Eva eternal spring Painting of a nude female on a lotus lake

Nguyen Tuan Khanh-  ‘Eva Eternal Spring’

 

Laurie-Shaman dragonfly and fish vase

Laurie Shaman

 

 

Lorenzo-Quinn---Tutt'Art@---(49)

Lorenzo Quinn

 

 

 

magic_hand glass--mosaic-Swan-Mosaics

‘Magic Hand’  mosaic vase – Swan- Mosaics

 

 

 

earl_jack-glazed_ceramic_sculptural_vase~

Jack Earl

 

 

Marissa-Motto-Ceramic garden totem

Marissa Motto

 

 

 

Mata-Ortiz-Hand-Coiled-Indian-Pottery

Mata Ortiz hand coiled sgraffito ola

 

 

 

English Moorcroft-Pottery-Willowherb vase - pink flower motif

Willowherb – Moorcroft Pottery vase

 

 

 

Niki de Saint Phalle - Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles-france-amerique-com

Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture – Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles

france-amerique.com

 

paper-doll-sculpture - lady wearing an apple tree patterned own ----KATYA

Katya paper mache doll

 

 

Peter Voulkos abstract ceramic sculpture

Peter Voulkos

 

 

Wheel-thrown-bowl-with-sculpted-Heron-attached-on-a-rock-with-reeds

White Heron bowl – Bonnie Belt

 

Erte Heat sculpture lady in a red gown relaxing on a tree

‘Heat’ – Erte

 

 

 

Nesting-Great-Egrets-by-Guy-Schmickle-on-Flickr

Nesting Great Egrets by Guy Schmickle on Flickr

 

 

 

 

Amazing-Gourd-Carving-Art-by-Marilyn-Sunderland

Gourd Carving Art by Marilyn Sunderland

 

 

 

 

English_ceramic_shoes,_Bristolware,_1768_-_Bata_Shoe_Museum_Toronto,-Ontario,-Canada

English Bristolware ceramic shoes, 1768

Bata Shoe Museum – Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Daderot – Wiki Commons

 

 

Lona-Hymas-Smith--Horizon-Fine-Art-Gallery

Lona Hymas-Smith

Horizon Fine Art Gallery

 

 

 

Nancy-Keating ceramic mosaic bottle

Mosaic bottle – Nancy Keating

 

 

 

zdravkoni---etsy---metalwork sculpture of a dragonfly

Dragonfly – zdravkoni—etsy

 

 

 

Royal-Dux-Porcelain-Figural-Compote-Dancing-Lady-Figure-heght-20

Figural compote – Royal Dux

 

 

 

sweet_dream_vaso-Roberto-Giannotti,-2005

‘Sweet Dream Vaso’ – Roberto Giannotti

2005

 

Vase-by-William-de-Morgan,-Fulham,-England,-circa-1888-1898

William de Morgan vase, Fulham, England

circa 1888-1898

 

 

Vipoo-Srivilasa-For-the-Future

Vipoo Srivilasa – ‘For the Future’

 

 

 

Wedgwood-lustre-tall-vase V&A

Tall lustre vase – Wedgwood

V&A

 

 

Cherry-Blossom-Dragon-eggshelllady - Linda Biggers Mixed media mosaic, eggshell, seed beads and polymer clay.10" daimeter

‘Cherry Blossom Dragon’  – Linda Biggers Mixed media mosaic, eggshell, seed beads and polymer clay.

10″ daimeter

 

 

Fons-Bemelman-_sculptures_artodyssey-(5)

Fons Bemelman

 

 

 

William-Welsh,-Spring,-1931

‘Spring’ – William P. Welsh

1931

 

 

French-Art-Nouveau-Glassmaker,-Emile-Gallé,1846-1904

French Art Nouveau glass vase  – Emile Galle

 

 

 

Pink-gumtree-flowers

Gumtree in pink bloom

 

 

 

‘Garden’ – C Duncan

 

 

 

‘Bring Me Joy’ – The Layabouts – Portia Monique

 

 

 

 

Modern Italian Mosaics Design – SICIS

 

 

Luxus Stuhl 'a heart so big' large mosaic wall panel

 Mosaic mural with matching pink velvet heart chairs – SICIS

 

 

The decor panache of SICIS :

 

Since its beginning in Ravenna in 1986, SICIS has been on a mission to merge the art of the ancients in the craft of mosaics, with modern industrial techniques. Incorporating SICIS’s diverse glass mosaic collections, which include transparent, iridescent, mirrored, and textured materials, it has flourished to become a premier mosaic innovator. Flamboyant, exuberant and fearless in the implementation of ideas has been an enduring feature of Italian design, especially since the post war modernist resurgence. Sicis is continuing this adventurous tradition, offering modern mosaic concepts that capture a contemporary realm of design, taking the rich, classical Italian mosaic art of the past to new captivating levels. SICIS is a factory of artists, mosaic innovators, interior designers and glass makers who research, create, interpret and revitalize. They cater for a diverse range of clients producing monumental murals, bathroom and living space wall panels, mosaic sculptures, mosaic floors/rugs, mosaic jewellry and furnishings.
The city of Ravenna is filled with exquisite works that adorn the monuments, historic buildings and interiors of Ravenna’s churches, dating back over 1500 years. The mosaic medium made a considerable addition to the arts that reflect the might of Christian rule within the Roman empire. In the 5th – 6th century AD there were notable contributions from the Byzantine rulers and Theodoric, who decorated the holy buildings of Ravenna in glittering mosaics.

 

The-Magi- - Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna by travel photographer Kathryn Burrington

Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna, Italy

 

Manufacturing its own “tesserae” directly in Ravenna has given SICIS a lot of flexibility with colour, texture and styles to develop innumerable patterns and palettes in their custom designs of figurative and abstract murals and floors. SICIS has also made a foray into the design of furniture, lighting fixtures and other interior design accessories to support their philosophy of ‘elementi decorativi’ to create integrated outcomes. The longevity of Ravennas steep history in the mosaic arts. is guaranteed with the inventive, pioneering flair and dedication of SICIS.

 

 

SICIS--Original-mosaic-execution-inspired-by-a-carpet-Savonnerie-of-the-XIX-centuryConstable

‘Constable’ Mosaic Rug – the design is inspired by the carpet Savonnerie, XIX century

 

 

 

Exotic-Furniture-Design-Moi-Et-La-Rose-Sicis-Next-Art by SICIS

‘Me and Rose 1 Sofa’ – SICIS

 

 

Flower-Power---Collections---Mosaic wall art with floral designs

SICIS – ‘Flower Power’ Mosaic Collections

 

 

ipix-2013-SICIS mosaic wall art Vie En Roses Ballerina dancing with mosaic rose art

‘Vie En Roses’ – Salmon – SICIS

 

 

 

ipix-2013-catalog-Ocean Blue mosaic wall mural

‘Ocean Blue’ mosaic wall mural – SICIS

 

 

Italian-house-mosaic-Sicis-together-with-Christian-Lacroix-created-a-new-line-of-furniture

Mosaic Byzantine style panel of the 6th century portrait of Justinian’s wife, the  Empress Theodora, to compliment the Christian Lacroix furniture collection for Sicis

 

 

 

sicis_Mosaic-Factory-Ravenna

SICIS factory, Ravenna

Italy

 

 

Mosaic---Savoir-Faire---World-of-Sicis3

Mosaic artist at SICIS

 

 

SICIS----Flo 1c mosaic floral mural

SICIS –  Flo 1C  – Mosaic Flower Power panel

 

 

 

SICIS contemporary mosaic floor in red and white

Red and white mosaic floor – SICIS

 

 

 

SICIS---Colibri-Altea wall mosaic art in deep greens

SICIS—Colibri Altea mosaic mural

 

 

SICIS---Colibri Cheviot Art White mosaic bath on white and gold mosaic floor

Colibri Cheviot Art White – SICIS

 

 

 

SICIS---Colibri--Circlex wall mosaic

Colibri – Circlex wall mosaic – SICIS

 

 

Sofa Madame Butterfly 1 - blue and whits sofa with butterfly wings

Sofa Madame Butterfly 1

 

 

 

SICIS-mosaic floor

SICIS Wheel Neoglass mosaic floor

2015

 

 

SICIS-Diana-Amethyst decorative High Heeled Shoe

SICIS @ Penthouse · Miami, USA – ‘Diana Amethyst’

 

 

 

sicis-flower-power-2009-09-FLO-12C

Flower Power mosaic – Flo 12C

 

Black-cosmati-collection SICIS

‘Cosmati’ Mosaic Floor Tile Collection -SICIS

 

 

 

Itlaian SICIS---Hedonism wall mosaic

SICIS – ‘Hedonism’ mosaic

 

 

 

Sicis-lif-essence-Klimit 2013

Sicis lif essence -‘Tribute to Klimt’

2013

 

SICIS---Colibri-Dalia-Grananda orange and yellow wall mosaic

SICIS — ‘Colibri Dalia Grananda’ mosaic

 

 

sicis-lif-essence-2013-66-638

SICIS · Lush leaf armchairs · Blue Papillons 1

 

 

 

Mosaics SICIS-Baeza-Heno

SICIS mosaic bathroom

 

 

sicis-lif-essence-2013-

SICIS @ Sicis Showroom · New York, USA

 

 

 

sicis-lif-essence-2013-148-638

SICIS @ Design Hotel · Cosmati Collection

This Project has been inspired by the original floor pattern in St. Marks Church, Venice

 

 

 

SICIS-Skyline-Bridge-05--

‘Skyline Bridge’ mosaic- SICIS

 

 

 

SICIS mosaic wall mural --Showroom-Milan-2015j

SICIS mosaic showroom, Milan

 

 

sicis-sici-stone-2012-Irbolarius-Namibia

SICIS @ Private House · Los Angeles, California, USA

 

SICIS---NextArt-Salone-del-Mobile-2015--

Mosaic fireplace – SICIS

 

 

sicis-sici-stone-2012

SICIS Polished Sicistone : Collection Red

 

 

 

SICIS--Sketch-Red mosaic wall in red and black

Contemporary mosaic wall – ‘Sketch Red’ – SICIS

 

 

Sylvan-Blue botanical theme wall mosaic

‘Sylvan Blue’ – SICIS

 

 

 

sicis-sici-stone-2012-lr-79-638

SICIS @ Private House · Cote d’Azur, France –  Lifessence 2013

 

 

SICIS-Skyline-Gothic wall mosaic - tall skyscraper building wall art with batman window

‘Skyline Gothic’ mosaic – SICIS

 

 

SICIS-Skyline-Dream-11 mosaic wall art

‘Skyline Dream’ wall mosaic – SICIS

 

 

SICIS---The Rug-Argentario Original mosaic execution inspired by a Byzantine carpet of the VI Century

Mosaic Rug- ‘Argentario’ – SICIS Bisanzio Collection

Original mosaic execution inspired by a Byzantine carpet of the VI Century

 

 

 

Mosaic_SICIS---I-Romantici-Collection---Lancet-mosaic-rug

I Romantici Collection – ‘Lancret’ mosaic rug – SICIS

Original mosaic execution inspired by a carpet from Agra ( Taj Mahal ) of the XVIII century

 

 

SICIS---The One Marble circular mosaic patterned floor

SICIS mosaic floor – Meeting Room – DM1 Headquarters

 

 

indoor-mosaic-wall-glass-textured-Derby - Pinup-mosaic-collection SICIS Italy

‘Derby’ from Pinup mosaic collection SICIS

 

Italian Acero-Rosso-Armchair-2---SICIS - pink/crimson modernist furniture

‘Acero Rosso Armchair 2’ – SICIS

 

 

SICIS---TheOneMarble HOTEL TERME MANZI · ENTRANCE HALL · ISCHIA ISLAND · ITALY

Hotel Terme Menzi entrance hall · Ischia Island · ITALY

 

 

SICIS---Giardini Collection - Lagav Black Flower Power wall mural

SICIS—Giardini Collection – ‘Lagav Black’ mosaic floor rug, Flower Power wall mural, Sultan bath

 

 

 

SICIS---The Rug--realistic looking mosaic floor rug

‘Boucher’ mosaic rug – I Romantici Collection

www.sicis.com/catalog/SICIS-TheOneMarble

 

 

SICIS---Mosaic Rug-Bisanzio Collection - mosaic rug prepared in the factory for installation

SICIS Bisanzio Collection – factory assembled, Raverna

 

 

 

SICIS---The Rug-Cezanne-Brown

‘Cezanne’ mosaic rug – SICIS

The foyer of the Wisconsin Electric Power Company building, designed by Zimmermann Design

 

 

 

SICIS---Mosaic Rug-Signac

‘Signac’ mosaic rug – SICIS

www.sicis.com/catalog/SICIS-TheRug

 

 

SICIS---ArtGallery---The-Book-of-Genesis-mural

Working on Moses for the Book Of Genesis mural

 

 

SICIS---The Rug Teoderico Original mosaic execution inspired by a Byzantine carpet of the VI Century

SICIS—The Rug ‘Teoderico’

Original mosaic creation inspired by a Byzantine carpet of the VI Century

 

 

 

SICIS---Mosaic Rug-Trotter-Grey

‘Trotter Grey’ mosaic rug – SICIS

 

 

Italian Sicis ming mosaic panel

SICIS · 3D Artistic Mosaic

 

 

SICIS-Skyline-Venice mosaic wall panel depicting gothic arches

SICIS – ‘Skyline Venice’

 

 

sicis-lif-essence-2013-Private House Doha Qatar - purple and white mosaic wall panel

Sicis lif essence – – Private House Doha Qatar

2013

 

 

Pink velvet Kundalini-spiral-chair-sicis

Mosaic and velvet ‘Kundalini’ chair – SICIS

Chair whose back is a spiral, a whirlwind of light and vibrations, splashes of colour and dazzling lights, recalling Oriental energy.

 

 

Between-2nd-half-of-17th-century-1st-half-of-18th-cent-artisans-specializing-work-on-semi-precious-stones-in-Venice

Venetian mosaic of precious stones, Venice

Between 2nd half of 17th century and 1st half of 18th century

 

 

 

Christ-in-Glory,-St-Vitale,-Ravenna-mosaic

Basilica of San Vitale

Ravenna, Italy

SICIS website

 

 

Mystical gardens and sculptures tour

 

Garden sculptures of heightened spirit Downunder

 

All of the three following gardens are located on the outer Eastern fringe of Melbourne, Victoria.  Each garden is approximately one hour travel time from the centre of Melbourne with an additional 45 minutes of travel between them.

 

 

Australia Garden :

Cranbourne, Victoria

 

Contemporary landscape garden, Melbourne

Queensland Bottle Trees in a rock landscape

Contemporary Australia Garden, Cranbourne, Melbourne

 

The bold, sweeping contemporary botanical gardens at Cranbourne were created from a former sand quarry. It was designed to allow visitors to follow a metaphorical journey of the movement of water through the Australian landscape, from the desert to the coastal fringe. Via innovative artistry of landscape design, this integrated landscape brings together horticulture, architecture, ecology, and art to create the largest botanic garden devoted to Australian flora.
The first half of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne was completed in 2006 and Stage 2 was completed in Spring 2012. The stylized native landscape gardens showcase the diversity of environments found on the Australian continent along with much of the exotic and wonderful flora which may be found there.

 

Orange-red Grevillia flowers  -- Australia Gardens, Cranbourne

Grevillia flowers  — Australia Gardens, Cranbourne

Spread out over 15 hectares and inspired by Aboriginal art forms, the highly landscaped gardens use colour selections of clusters of native plants to sculpt shapes onto the landscape. Lots of open spaces are given consideration between the designed elements to replicate the vast open expanses of the Australian landscape.
Also known as the ‘Australia Garden’, it presents sequences of original sculptural and artistic landscape experiences modelled into precincts such as the Gondwana Garden, Red Sand Garden, Ephemeral Lake, Serpentine Walk, Vine Garden and Eucalyptus walk. Included in the gardens are a rich variety of native plants which include the Albany Daisy, Kangaroo-paw, Pincushions, Pineapple Bush, Rope-rush, Popflower, Snakebush, Mat-rush, Grass tree and other fascinating rockery plants.
The unique Australia Garden is designed to be a companion piece to the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens and is in contrast to its European botanical features. The layout utilizes 170,000 plants across 1700 species all adapted to this challenging site condition, with species selected not only for their suitability to low organic media, but also their adaptation to low water utilization and drought tolerance.
The young gardens are still evolving and has free entry and can be witnessed from the elevated Boon Wurrung Cafe. Visiting these gardens is a journey that becomes a choreography of movement balancing abstraction, metaphor and landscape poetry through the combination of ancient native plants, rocks and water with space.

 

Botanical-gardens-Cranbourne

Rock garden – Australia Garden

 

 

Royal-Botanic-Gardens-Cranbourne--Australia---large lake

‘Melaleuca Spits Lake’

 

 

Blue Wren on rocks

Blue Wren – Australia Gardens

 

 

Stylised landscape garden Cranbourne

Rock garden built with Castlemaine stones

 

 

Cranbourne Botanic-Gardens---Lily-Pad-Bridge

‘Lily Pad Bridge’ – Australia Garden, Cranbourne, Victoria

 

 

 

Cranbourne Botanic-Gardens---Castlemaine-rocks

Cranbourne Botanic Gardens—Castlemaine rocks

 

 

Ephemeral-Lake at Cranbourne Botanical Gardens - metaphorical sculpture

‘Ephemeral Lake’ at Cranbourne Australia Garden

Sculptor Mark Stoner in collaboration with Edwina Kearney

Highlighted by white ceramic elements, the work is predicated on the idea of the presence and absence of water and the horizontal nature of its dispersal across the arid zones of Australia. Viewed as a meandering rather than a direct flow pattern. This requires a certain way of movement, a linear sensibility. This allows a rhythm and tempo in the work, a quietness, a distillation of time and space. Ephemeral Lake introduces the narrative of water in this ancient, degraded, arid and flat continent.

 

 

Cranbourne Botanical Red Sand Garden

‘Red Sand Garden’

 

 

 

Contemporary-Australia-Garden aerial view

Red Sand stylized garden

 

 

 

Aerial view-Cranbourne Botanical Gardens

Australia Garden – aerial perspective

Maybe because the aerial configuration of the gardens look like an abstract painting, to me the gardens felt like a living, breathing sculpture. Traversing the gardens was a grounded, immersive experience that felt vibrant and refreshing. As you enter the gardens, the first thing you witness is the huge, minimalist Red Sand Garden, an immediate statement of scale and conceptual intent for a botanical garden you haven’t seen the likes of before.

 

 

Johnsons Grass Trees with their spectacular flower spikes

Flower Spikes on Johnson’s Grass Trees

Australia Garden, Cranbourne, Victoria

 

 

Bush-Ranger-(Anigozanthos) red Australian native flowers

Red Bush Ranger (Anigozanthos) – Australian native flower

 

 

 

Cranbourne Botanical Garden - photo by Craig-Ward

Contemporary landscape gardens, Cranbourne

 photo by Craig-Ward

 

Royal-Botanic-Gardens-Cranbourne--Australia---red bush-gumnut flowers photo by DancerAustralia

Flowering red gum nuts

 

 

Cranbourne Botanical Gardens - photo Roger-Nelly

Cranbourne Botanical Gardens – photo by Roger Nelly

 

 

 

Royal-Botanic-Gardens-Melbourne-

Native plants in a contemporary setting at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Cranbourne

 

 

 

Australia-Garden sightseeing

Sightseeing buggies at Australia Garden

 

 

 

Royal-Botanic-Gardens-Melbourne

RBCG – Royal Botanical Cranbourne Gardens

 

 

 

RBGC_Australia_Garden abstract outdoor sculptures

Australia Garden water course sculptures

 

 

Australia-Garden-lakes

Melaleuca Spits – Sculptured lakes – Australia Garden, Cranbourne, Victoria

 

 

Queensland Bottle Tree - Australia Garden - large yellow tree with bottle shaped trunk

Queensland Bottle Tree – Australia Garden, Cranbourne

 

 

William Ricketts Sanctuary :

Olinda, Mount Dandenong

 

William Ricketts Sanctuary is nestled in the Dandenong Mountains in a lush fern forest, in a natural setting of beauty and tranquility. It is an ideal location for Ricketts mystical sculptures, which merge naturally with the ferns, along enchanting pathways. William Ricketts, an Australian potter and sculptor, began creating his sculptural odyssey in 1934, making his visionary pieces from clay and kiln firing them before attaching them onto the natural rock formations.
Having spent 2 years in India at the Sri Aurobindo spiritual center in Pondicherry, and making frequent trips into Central Australia to live with Pitjantjatjara and Arrernte Aboriginal people from 1949 to 1960, his works express a spiritual resonance reflecting his empathy with Indian and Aboriginal spirituality and philosophies. His sculptures were inspired by the cultures and ancient traditions of the Indigenous Australians and their bond with the earth. Torsos of men, women and children covered in moss protrude from tree trunks and boulders. Winged sculptures reach heavenward and others embrace protectively, reinforcing their family bonding. His kinship with the Aboriginal peoples and love of the Australian landscape has translated into a collection of over 100 forest sculptures, which amount to a life long mission, to promote and immortalize the deep spirit of the ancient Australian cultures.

 

Indigenous Elder waterfall sculpture at Ricketts Sanctuary

Indigenous Elder waterfall sculpture at Rickett’s Sanctuary

 

 

Aboriginal-angel-sculpture-Mount-Dandenong

Winged Aboriginal boy sculpture

 

 

William-Rickett sculpture with lyrebird tail feathers

William Ricketts self portrait sculpture with totem Lyrebird tail feathers

 

 

Entrance to William Ricketts Garden Sanctuary with two aboriginal busts

Entrance sculptures to William Ricketts Sanctuary

 

 

Clay-aboriginal-sculpture

Ricketts Sanctuary entrance rock sculpture

 

 

 

Rock sculpture of Aboriginal elder

William Ricketts sculpture of an Aboriginal elder

 

 

 

This-is-William-Ricketts-Sanctuary-Victoria

Rock wall sculptures under native ferns

 

 

 

William_Ricketts_sanctuary_Aboriginal earth mother

A William Rickett’s ‘Earth Mother’ sculpture

 

 

 

William_Ricketts_sanctuary_7_by_jakwak

Three Aboriginal angels sculpture

Photo by Jakwak

 

Ricketts-rock-sculpture at the Dandenong Mountains

Unique sculpture garden of rock and moss

 

 

William-Ricketts-(1898-1993)-by-Ern-Mainka

William Ricketts – (1898-1993)

Photo by Ern Mainka

 

 

William-Ricketts fern forest sculptures

Mountain fern forest Aboriginal sculpture

Ricketts Sanctuary

 

 

Aboriginal-stone-circle-sculpture-William-Ricketts-Sanctuary

Stone sculpture with concentric circle motif

Inscribed on the Sculpture :
Beyond organized religions, Beyond man’s institutions
Is the true state of being
Essence
That Thou Art – Tat Twam Asi

 

 

William Ricketts bush sculpture of Aboriginal children

William Ricketts sculpture of aboriginal children

 

 

 

William-Ricketts--1899-1993--terracotta-sculpture…---Ricketts--William---Ceramics---Carter-s-Price-Guides-to-Antiques-and-Collectables

Terracotta sculpture by William Ricketts

Carter’s Price Guides to Antiques and Collectables

 

 

William-Ricketts-earthenware-plaque-modelled-as-an-Indigenous…---Ricketts--William---Ceramics---Carter-s-Price-Guides-to-Antiques77-and-Collectables

William Ricketts earthenware plaque modelled with an indigenous Australian motif

 

 

 

William-Ricketts--large-unglazed-earthenware-sculpture--c1978…---Ricketts--William---Ceramics---Carter-s-Price-Guides-to-Antiques-and-Collectables

Unglazed earthenware sculpture – William Ricketts

 

 

William-Ricketts-Sanctuary-aboriginal children sculpture

Ricketts Sanctuary

Olinda, Mount Dandenong

 

 

William-Ricketts-Sanctuary - Bearded aboriginal elder sculpture -photo-Chris Wang

Moss covered,  bearded Aboriginal elder sculpture

 

 

 

William-Ricketts-Sanctuary----Indriati-Naland

Wall relief and inner sanctum –  William Ricketts

Google Earth photo – Indriati Naland

 

 

 

William-Ricketts-Sanctuary-Earthly-Mother with family

Earth Mother by William Ricketts

 

 

 

William-Ricketts-Sanctuary-----image from Google Earth

Sculpture of an aboriginal seated on a rock ledge with hands reaching up from the earth.

 

 

 

William Ricketts rock sculpture in a fern forest

Rock sculpture immersed in the fern forest

 

 

 

Bruno’s Art and Sculpture Garden :

Marysville, Victoria

 

Bruno Torfs grew up in South America and moved to Australia as an adult. One of the first places he visited was the mountainous Marysville, which he interpreted as a kind of Middle Earth location due to its natural splendor, mystique and beauty and he immediately felt an affinity with the rugged and graceful landscape. After acquiring an established art gallery there he began creating his sculpture garden full of artworks of Celtic, European and Russian influence along with Australian aboriginal art. Assisted by his wife Maureen, he expanded his garden over several years to include over 200 sculptures and paintings. The lush rainforest embraced his sculptures like they always belonged there, even after they were confronted with the misfortune of a dreadful bushfire in 2009 that destroyed most of the town including his home and some of his artworks.

As a professional artist he believed that the universe supports you when you follow your passion so he continued. He also viewed the event as a cleansing and rebirth for himself and the environment and entered a new phase for his fantasy garden project. His clay sculptures are quite often constructed outdoors and kiln fired on-site. Through his diverse talents and a spirit for adventure, Bruno has kept creating his unique sculptures full of culture and character and his wonderful garden is on the way to a full recovery.

 

maiden-riding-a-unicorn Bruno Torfs garden

Girl Riding a Unicorn sculpture – Bruno Torfs Garden

 

Bruno Toff in his garden at Marysville

Bruno Toff in his garden at Marysville

 

 

Queen Bee sculpture - Bruno Torfs

Queen Bee sculpture

 

 

Bruno-Torfs--sculpture-garden

Bruno Torfs Garden sculptures

 

Bruno-Torfs---Seated Goddess on her throne in a fern canopy

Seated Goddess on her throne in a fern canopy

 

Surviving Goddess sculpture from Marysville bushfire

After surviving the Black Saturday bushfire. A close call, some of the sculptures were crushed by falling trees.

 

Bush fire at Bruno's sculpture garden

Terracotta statues intact after the raging furnace

 

 

Bruno Torfs sculpture in a razed bush landscape

Sculpture of a man and a boy in a fire ravaged landscape, curiously in synch with the environment

 

 

Surviving sculptures after the bushfire at Bruno's garden

Another surviving sculpture in synch with the event.

 

 

 

 embracing couple sculpture in a forest after a bushfire - Bruno's garden

A sculpture of an embracing couple in a razed forest

 

 

 

 tree carved sculptures after bushfire

Scorched tree carved sculptures at Bruno’s garden

 

 

 

Bruno Torfs large hand sculpture fountain

Large hand sculpture water fountain – Bruno Torfs

 

 

Aftermathll- Bruno Torf with surviving art from bushfire

Bruno Torfs holding a painting that avoided destruction

 

 

 

Forest Flute player at Bruno Torfs gardens

Forest Flutist sculpture

 

 

Brunos-Art-and-Sculpture-Garden-in-Marysville-Victoria-Australia-3

Robed female sculptures – Bruno’s Garden

 

 

 

brunos_sculptures_Gum tree elemental figure

Bush forest gumtree elemental sculpture

 

 

Bruno-Torfs,-sculpture-garden Sculpture of a woman coiled in a snake

Coiled snake woman sculpture

 

 

 

Bruno-Torfs,-sculpture-garden---by-Gavin-Anderson

Sculpture on a bed of moss – Bruno’s art and sculpture garden

 

 

 

Bruno-Torfs-sculpture bearded Sadhu sculpture

Bearded mystic sculpture

 

 

 

Sculpture of a bearded man beneath a Gumtree meditating

Bush meditation sculpture against a gum-tree trunk

 

 

 

Sculpture-Garden-Bruno-Torfs - Girl playing with wombat sculpture

Sculpture of girl with forest wombat

 

 

Sculpture-Garden-Bruno-Torfs Boy in forest with owls sculpture

Sculpture of a boy in the forest with owls

 

Sculpture-Garden-Bruno-Torfs - Bush forest minstrel sitting on a tree stump

Forest minstrel on a tree stump sculpture

 

 

Mermaid sculpture in a mountain stream

Mermaid sculpture in a mountain stream

 

Garden sculpture of a seated man with a crow

Talking to a crow – Bruno’s Garden

 

Wood_Sculptures of Aboriginal with didjeiradoo

Sculpture of an Australian Aboriginal with Didgeridoo

 

 

The forests of the above 2 gardens are home to the remarkable Lyrebird, capable of a diverse range of bird calls and mimicry

 

 

 

 

 

Ceramic Narratives

 

Zografos-Gallery---Minoan-Urn-II with blue and red dolphins

Minoan dolphin urn – Zografos Gallery

 

Storytelling with pottery decoration allowed many ancient civilizations to record unique and revealing narratives of their lives, as a means to record and reinforce their cultural beliefs for coming generations. This was usually integrated into a decorative theme and expressed creatively. Around the 3rd millennium BC in Uruk, Mesopotamia, ceramic mosaics depicted images of their culture from battle scenes to hunting .The ancient Minoans were one of the first to record distinct aspects of their culture in their pottery arts around 1900 BC. Their dependence on the sea for their diet and trading was well in evidence, with many instances of sea creatures being carefully illustrated on their pottery in a creative decorative manner. The matriarchal structure of their society was also ever present in the Minoan arts, with the ceremonial and temple worship by their women being depicted in beautiful detail along with the important symbols of their culture like the Labrys.

Their sophisticated illustration was very unique for this time and their extensive seafaring and trading helped to promote this pottery art. Surrounding cultures like the Myaceans, Syrians, Greeks, Italians and Egyptians were all influenced by their decorative arts, but their free illustrative style eventually became executed in a more rigid manner as it was adapted into a more geometric and ordered layout. Warrior, military, hunting and sporting themes became more popular, along with depictions of deities, Gods and mythical stories.
Meanwhile the Chinese, Japanese and Koreans were also busy recording details of their culture with their pottery arts, expressing reverence to their Gods and deities along with scenes of everyday life. The Silk Road trade route ensured this was witnessed up into the Middle East and eventually Europe. The Persian and Islamic arts were also influential along this route.

 

Italian-Majolica-plate

Aeneas and his companions at the tomb of Polydorus – painted by  Xanto Avelli da Rovigo

Commissioned by the Pucci family (coat of arms in center of plate)

1532  Florence

 

During the Renaissance, a more diverse range of colours were introduced which were further enhanced by the use of majolica glazes, which supported greater decorative detail and brilliance of the lustre. This lead to a pivotal shift as more painters were attracted to the sphere of pottery decoration, especially in Spain and Italy, where it reached a new level of perfection. The decorative language attained a greater level of realism in the 1500‘s, originating in Faenza with the Istoriato style. The illustrative art applied to majolica wares were comparable in seriousness to the Italian Renaissance easel paintings. The technical excellence of the pottery decoration matured at the right time to meet the demands for a high quality narrative art, being demanded by clients as a statement of prestige. The artists, being dependant on these commissions, willingly obliged. The delicate majolica had subject matter that included historical, mythological and biblical stories, all featuring artistic perspective and depth to enhance the realism. This hadn’t been executed to this degree in any previous pottery decoration. In some instances, exact copies of paintings by famous artists like Raphael were produced along with artistic interpretations. The decorative virtuosity included musicians, ladies, poets, lovers and social gatherings.

 

 

Albarello-(pharmacy-jug)-with-the-Depiction-of-a-Woman,-Italy,-ca1500

Albarello pharmacy jar, Italy, Circa 1500

Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg

During the Renaissance, women used turmeric to dye their hair, as can be seen above. The painting on this piece is performed in blue, yellow and green paints. It is known that in majolica painting over unburned glaze, only several paints were used: white, violet, brown, cobalt blue, yellow and copper-green.

The “Belle Faenza” (Faenza ladies) of the 16th century was also a popular subject and were given reverential attention. The romanticism of the era was expressed with depictions of women in all their finery, with exquisite robes, gowns and hats, generous cleavage, voluptuous curves and a captivating beauty. Other European pottery centers were influenced by this decorative style, especially in France.

 

Gubbio,-Italy,-ca-1535-40.-Tin-glazed-earthenware-with-yellow-and-gold-lustre.

Majolica plate –  Tin-glazed earthenware with yellow and gold lustre.

The head of a young lady with the inscription ‘Amaro chi me amara’; I will love whoever will love me.

Gubbio, Italy, ca 1535-40.

The highly ornate decorative wares have continued since but the innovative designs and industrialization of the 20th century have replaced the use of so much detail, along with the introduction of modernist simplicity to carry the message. Contemporary decoration rarely touches on mythical or religious themes these days, but more edgy urban styles have emerged.

The pieces I have selected in this post have innovative imagery skilfully combined with perspective and pottery shapes to enhance the narrative and impact.

 

 

Lasino-Carlinetto,-1960-V.-Mazzotti-Albisola

Mazzotti vase

Albisola, Italy

 

 

 

259

Vase decorated soccer players –  Charles Catteau

1946 – Height 40cm

 

 

 

Anna-Lambert flying swallows cup

Anna Lambert

 

 

Antique-Japanese-Pottery-Sumida-Gawa-Vase-Early-20th-Century

Japanese Sumida Gawa vase – a man playing with his bulldog

 

 

Rene Buthaud vase with large female motif

Rene Buthaud

 

 

BUTHAUD-Rene-vase-with-straight-neck,-Camard-&-Associés,-Paris

Rene Buthaud

A vase with the free spirited narrative of  Rene Buthaud – many of his works were populated with naked frollicking females.

 

 

 

Chandler-Swain - black and white glazed black bird pitcher with chequered background

Chander Swain

 

 

 

Christy-Keeny ceramic bust

Christy Keeny

 

 

 

CIBOURE-drawing-DIEGO-GARCIA

Ciboure pottery painted by Diego Garcia

1950

Typical Basque scene is depicted with a relaxed village ambience.

 

 

 

Vase-de-Ciboure-en-grès,-décor-Basque

Ciboure and Richard Le Corone (designer) – Basque scene

 

 

 

CONTINENTAL-HAND-PAINTED-EARTHENWARE-VASE,-circa-1880

Handpainted  vase 1880

Height 13inches

 

 

 

Europa-and-the-Cretan-Bull-ceramic

‘Europa and the Cretan Bull’  – Richard & Carol Selfridge

( – a  nice touch integrating the bull horn with the handle )

Height 20.5 inches

 

 

   

Diego-Romero-(1964,-USA)EarthGoddessAtDelphi

‘Earth Goddess At Delphi’ – Diego Romero

 

 

 

 

Susan-Fowell--The-Birth-Of-The-Cron-Maiden

‘Birth of the Corn Maiden’ by Susan Folwell (Santa Clara) and Les Namingha (Hopi-Tewa/Zuni)

2015

 In The Birth of the Corn Maiden, Ms. Fowell and Mr. Namngha’s creation, the central figure’s face is clearly influenced by the Botticelli painting (of Venus).  This debt is slyly acknowledged through the Corn Maiden’s shell earring.  Here the goddess bears a corn snake on her head, her hair suggestive of corn leaves.  To the left are three badgers as well as two katsina heads, which similar to Zephyrus, blow the breath of life towards the Corn Maiden.  According to Ms. Folwell, “The imagery I chose was my two clans as well as the one to which Les belongs.  The badger clan is my grandfather and corn is my grandmother’s.  Les’ family is also corn clan, hence the corn snake.”  The jar was made by Mr. Namingha and painted by both artists.

 

 

 

Corn-Maiden-canteen-by-Susan-Folwell,-Santa-Clara-Pueblo,-Native-clay,-10inch-diameter-(2014)

‘Corn Maiden Canteen’ by Susan Folwell, Santa Clara Pueblo

Native clay, 10” diameter x 4” (2014).

 

The artist reinforces the metaphor of women as sacred vessels in her Corn Maiden canteen.  This iconic shape is rife with symbolic meaning since it, too, resembles an expectant mother and the form’s original purpose was to carry life-giving water.  For thousands of years, corn has been connected with the fertility of women among Native Americans.

King Galleries

 

 

 

Francesco-Nonni,-Damina-with-Pierrot,-1923,-majolica,-the-International-Museum-of-Ceramics-in-Faenza

‘Damina with Pierrot’ – Francesco Nonni

1923

International Museum of Ceramics, Faenza

 

 

Gerardo-Monterrubio-2014 ceramic sculpture

Urban theme centred around three couples, a cityscape and a wrecking ball – Gerardo Monterrubio, LA

2014

 

 

 Gerardo Monterrubio, LA edgy urban ceramic art

Urban decay of an addict – Gerardo Monterrubio, LA

Gerardo Monterrubio website

 

 

 

Hautin-Boulenger-HB-&-Cie-Choisy-le-Roi-Japanesque-vase

Hautin Boulenger & Cie Choisy le Roi – Japanesque vase

 

 

 

Grayson-Perry's-work-looks-pedestrian-or-folksy-from-a-distance

‘We’ve Found the Body of Your Child’ – Grayson Perry

From a distance the vase looks benign and folksy, but with closer examination a more macabre message emerges

 

 

 

Inkwell-with-the-representation-of-the-Judgment-of-Paris-.-Faenza-,-the-end-of-the-fifteenth-century-

Inkwell with the representation of the Judgment of Paris .

Faenza, Italy –  end of the fifteenth century .

 

 

 

ISSUU---INTO-Ceramics--by-Deon-de-Lange

Four footed vase, fish handles – Deon de Lange

 

 

 

Satsuma--vase a geisha and a samurai

Satsuma vase – Samurai warriors, Geishas, Japanese gods and dragons were popular narratives for the Satsuma wares

 

 

 

Jessica_Julian vase with a barn in a field decoration

Jessica Julian

 

 

 

French Porcelain red, gold and lacquer jug with gold pagoda and palm tree

French Porcelain gold and lacquer jug with gold pagoda

Paris, c.1810

 

 

 

 

Limoges-Vase-Seagulls

Seagulls vase – Limoges

France

 

 

 

Kaiser-Germany-Porcelain-THEBEN-Series-TUTENCHAMUN-Vase

Kaiser Germany Porcelain Theben Series – Tutenchamun Vase

 

 

 

Kiss-1httpwww.franciskylegallery

‘Molly’s Odyssey – There’s nothing like a kiss’ – Claudia Clare – my version of Molly’s soliloquy – the last chapter of James Joyce’s Ulysses.

2013 – height 80cm

 

 

 

Kiss-2-(1)Molly's-Odyssey-There's-nothing-like-a-kiss-Claudia-Clare

‘Molly’s Odyssey – There’s nothing like a kiss’ – Claudia Clare

2013

 

 

Claudia-Clare Molly's Odyssey - There's nothing like a kiss

‘Molly’s Odyssey – There’s nothing like a kiss’ – Claudia Clare

2013

From the Jumping For Joyce exhibition at the Francis Kyle Gallery

 

 

 

Last-Day-of-Summer-(front)-by-Irina-Zaytceva - footed vase with female motif and botanical decoration

‘Last Day of Summer’ (front) by Irina Zaytceva

 

 

 

Leda-and-the-Swan,-1931-1932-designed-by-Viktor-Schreckengost-(American,-1906-2008),-made-at-Cowan-Pottery

‘Leda and the Swan’ – designed by Viktor Schreckengost (American,-1906-2008), made at Cowan Pottery

1931-1932

 

 

 

Longwy-France spherical vessel with theatrical decoration

 Boule Coloniale – Commedia Dallarte – Longwy

 

 

 

Lidded-Jar-with-relief-decoration.-Olive-green,-cream-and-brown-colored-glaze - Copy

Lidded Jar with relief decoration. – Jais Neilsen for Royal Copenhagen

11 inches – 1965

www.freeformsusa.com

 

 

 

Lidya-Buzio---XIX--1985----Artsy - Copy

Lidya Buzio – 1995

 

 

 

Kurt-Weiser-Red-Queen,-2008;-porcelain,-china-paint;-18-x-10-x-8-in

‘Red Queen’ – Kurt Weiser–porcelain, china paint

2008;– 18 x 10 x 8 inches

After Kurt Weiser made the shift from black and white to using more colour in his decoration, he also began to indulge his narrative impulses by incorporating figurative elements, drawn both from fantasy and art history, into jungle and nature scenes. Weiser’s figures, often nude and distorted across the planes of his vessels, move through steamy, Eden-like landscapes, interacting with the natural world they encounter. Themes of lust, predation, scientific curiosities, and the vulnerability of both man and nature abound in these scenes, resonating curiously with the cultivated vessel forms and refined medium Weiser has chosen. Detailed depictions of tropical splendor become wayward reveries as radiant colors and subtle distortions transform classic porcelain vessels.

 

 

 

Kurt-Weiser_-porcelain globe

Rotating porcelain pear globe – Kurt Weiser

 

 

Kurt-Weiser_-Ceramic--Europa

Kurt Weiser rotating Europa globe

Referential narrative : In Kurt Weiser’s Europa, a gourd shaped ceramic form is held at a tilt by a curved metal bar, that allows it to turn like a globe. On the piece is a detailed china paint illustration of a moment in the Greek myth of Europa. In the story the princess Europa is abducted by Zeus who disguised himself as a tame bull. The bull wins the princes’ affection and when she decides to try to ride him he takes her down to the ocean and swims to Crete. Zeus reveals his true self to her there and, among other things, makes her the first Queen of Crete. On the piece there is only an image of Europa riding a bull in the water, but it is not hard for a person who is familiar with the narrative to fill in the rest.

Art55

 

 

 

Lonnie-Schang narrative vase

Lonnie Schang

Writing on vase – Mother, he’s not a carney. Vern is a entertainer…he is an alligator wrestler. It’s a real profession and he works really hard at it. I love Vern and I’m going to marry him. He’s outside practicing….Hold on mum, Vern’s coming

 

 

 

Large-vase-'Women-on-clouds',-1923-(conceived),-1924-1925-(executed),-maiolica-painted-monochrome-blue

Large vase ‘Women on clouds’ – Gino Ponti – Italian Futurist

1923

 

 

 

Majolica-montelupo,--boy-and-flag,-1620-40-.

Majolica Montelupo,–boy and flag

1620-40

 

 

 

Mesoamerican,-Zapotec-Mexico-(Monte-Albán)-Urn-with-Human-Figure,-300-B.C.---A.D - Copy

Mesoamerican, Zapotec Mexico (Monte Albán) -Urn with Human Figure

300-B.C.—A.D

 

 

 

Michael Kay-Leda and the swan

‘Leda and the swan’ – Michael Kay

 

 

Kalahari-Studio-Signed-South-Africa-Hand-Crafted-Pottery-Platter - hunters with an elephant

Platter with hunters – Kalahari Studio

South Africa

 

 

Polia-Pillin-Rectangular-Vase-Mid-Century

Polia Pillin  Rectangular Vase Mid Century

 

 

 

Rare-geometric-shape-vase-with-polychrome-decoration--Very-unusual-geometric-form.-Polychrome-repetitive-design-with-stylized-birds,-magpies

Geometric Art deco bird decoration vessel – Charles Catteau

 

 

 

The-Whaling-Vessel-by-sarahogren-on-Flickr - sailing ship on the seas

‘The Whaling Vessel’ – Sarah Ogren

 

 

 

Zsolnay-Mermaid-vase-

Mermaid vase – Zsolnay

 

 

 

 

chichipan-plate2-large

Large folk art dish by Natalio Chichipan Estrada – The designs come from imaginations and memories of the Purépecha culture

Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán, Mexico

 

 

The Mango Pickers Ingrid_Saag Large vase with nude woman

‘The Mango Pickers’ – Ingrid Saag, UK

2011

 

 

Victoria-Sexton Piedmont Craftsmen

Victoria Sexton, USA

Piedmont Craftsmen

 

 

Nightwalker-Claudia Clare - adventures of an Iranian limo driver in London

‘Nightwalker’ – Claudia Clare

This vessel documents the struggles of a Kurdish-Iranian refugee limo driver in London, with metamorphosed images from Russia and cryptic messages.

more here

 

 

Nightwalker-2

‘Nightwalker’ – Claudia Clare

 

 

Couples-But-leave-room-in-between-your-togethernessAnd-let-wind-and-sky-dance-between-youKGibran-Maria-Luise-Bodirsky

Couples–Maria-Luise Bodirsky

‘But leave room in between your togetherness. And let wind and sky dance between you’ – K Gibran

 

 

 

Virginia_Hottinger landscape bulbous vase

Virginia Hottinger

 

 

Rudy-Autio

Modern figurative sculpture with seamless integration of imagery onto form by Rudy Autio

De Young Museum, San Francisco

 

 

 

Running,-red-earthenware-vessel,-Jitka-Palmer-2012,-www.jitkapalmer.co

Running, red earthenware vessel, Jitka Palmer

2012

www.jitkapalmer.co

 

 

 

Exotic sculptural gems collection

 

The discreet Rainbow of Africa Museum, located in the English countryside outside London, gave the curators from the USA Heritage Auctions the surprise of their lives when they witnessed the quality and uniqueness of this substantial collection. The African themed Museum of Warren and Di Taylor, located in the basement was filled with cabinets displaying a mind boggling collection of rare African gems. These were amassed over a span of 50 years and three generations, sourced from all corners of Africa, stretching from Namibia across to Madagascar, up to Morocco and down to S.Africa.
Warren Taylor first began collecting with his father, Morton Taylor, and eventually refined his focus on a diversity of colours and exotic gem crystals. The whole collection of around 345 gems will be presented for auction in New York on October 15, 2015, with the original Rainbow Museum being recreated with the original cabinets.
I’m showcasing the gems which are in their natural uncut formation because I’m fascinated by the instrinsic sculptural textures, colours and forms of these rare gems. Included are some sculptures crafted from combining gemstones, some faceted  pieces and other gems from outside of Africa.

 

Gem collection –  Rainbow Of Africa

 

Link to full collection here

 

 

 

Smithsonite-on-Mimetite.-Level-33,-Tsumeb-Mine,-Tsumeb,-Otjikoto-Region,-Namibia.3.9-x-2.8-x-1 - Heritage Auctions

Smithsonite on Mimetite – Tsumeb Mine, Namibia

 

 

 

 

Very-Rare-Gemstone--Cerussite---430.21-Ct..-Kombat-Mine,-Kombat,-Grootfontein-District,-Otjozondjupa-Region,-Namibia.-

Very Rare Gemstone – Cerussite – 430.21 Carat.. Kombat Mine,

Namibia, Africa

 

 

Azurite.-Easter-Pocket,-1994,-8th-Level,-Tsumeb-Mine,-Tsumeb,-Otjikoto-Region,-Namibia - Heritage Auctions

‘Azurite. Easter Pocket’ 1994,  Tsumeb Mine, Namibia.

 

 

 

Calcite-'Flower'.-Tsumeb-Mine,-Tsumeb,-Otjikoto-Region,-Namibia.5.2-x-5.1-x-3-

Calcite ‘Flower’ –  Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia.

5.2 x 5.1 x 3.4 inches

 

 

 

Labradorite-Antsohamay Quarry, Tulear Prov., Madagascar. Height 6 inches

Labradorite  – Madagascar

height 6 inches

 

 

 

Lapidary Art- Exotic Desert Plants. Artisan crafted in Namibia.

‘Exotic Desert Plants’ – Lapidary Art – crafted in Namibia.

 

 

 

Bicolor-Fluorite---193.86-Ct..-Garuzo,-Manica,-Mozambique

Bicolor Fluorite –193.86-Carat.. Garuzo, Manica, Mozambique

 

 

 

Liddicoatite.-Sahatany-Pegmatite-Field,-Vakinankaratra-Region,-Antananarivo-Province,-Madagascar-3.4-x-1.5-x-2.4-inches

Liddicoatite. Sahatany Pegmatite Field, Vakinankaratra Region, Antananarivo Province, Madagascar

3.4 x 1.5 x 2.4 inches

 

 

 

Calcite gemstone - . Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Calcite –  Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Rainbow of Africa Collection

 

 

 

Dioptase-&-Calcite.-Level-30,-Tsumeb-Mine,-Tsumeb,-Otjikoto-Region,-Namibia.4.1-x-3.5-x-2

Dioptase & Calcite –  gem crystals, Namibia.

4.1 x 3.5 x 2.3 inches

 

 

 

Mimetite-Epimorph-on-Cerussite.-Tsumeb-Mine,-Tsumeb,-Otjikoto-Region,-Namibia

Mimetite Epimorph on  Cerussite, Namibia, Africa

2.7 x 2.1 x 1.4 inches

 

 

 

Cuproadamite.-Tsumeb-Mine,-Tsumeb,-Otjikoto-Region,-Namibia

Cuproadamite – Namibia, Africa

 

 

 

Rhodochrosite. N'Chwaning I Mine, N'Chwaning Mines, Kuruman, Kalahari Manganese Field, Northern Cape Province, South Africa

Rhodochrosite Northern Cape Province, South Africa

 

 

 

Scheelite.-Natas-Mine,-Natas-Farm-220,-Gamsberg-Area,-Khomas-Region,-Namibia.3.1-x-2.6-x-2

Scheelite -Khomas Region, Namibia, Africa

3.1-x-2.6-x-2 inches

 

 

 

Rhodochrosite.-N'Chwaning-Mines,-Kuruman,-Kalahari-Manganese-Field,-Northern-Cape-Province,-South-Africa

Rhodochrosite, South Africa

 

 

 

Tiger's-Eye-Horses-.-Artist-Luis-Alberto-Quispe-Aparicio.-Stone-source-South-Africa

Tiger’s Eye Horses . Artist Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. Stone source South Africa

 

 

 

 

Cuprosmithsonite-Epimorph-on-Tennantite Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia

Cuprosmithsonite Epimorph on Tennantite – Namibia, Africa

 

 

 

Rare-Gemstone--Pezzotaite---9.81-Ct..-Sakavalana-Mine,-Ambatovita,-Mandrosonoro-Commune,-Ambatofinandrahana-District,

Rare Gemstone – Pezzotaite – 9.81 Carat

Ambatovita, Madagascar

 

 


Vanadinite-on-Baryte.-Mibladen-Mining-District,-Midelt,-Khénifra-Province,-Meknès-Tafilalet-Region,,-Morocco

Vanadinite on Baryte.  Midelt, Khénifra Province, Meknès-Tafilalet Region,, Morocco.

 

View whole Rainbow Of Africa Collection

 

 

 

2015  October 4th –  Nature & Science Signature Auction – Dallas

 

See Nature & Science Collection here

 

 

Apophyllite on Stilbite - Momin-Akhada,Rahuri,-Ahmadnagar-Dist

Apophyllite on Stilbite – Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra, India

 

 

 

Amethyst . Graf Claim, McTavish Township, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Amethyst Heart – Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

 

 

 

Ametrine Dragon Sculpture . -Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. Stone -Bolivia & Brazil.

Ametrine Dragon Sculpture . -Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio. Stone -Bolivia & Brazil.

 

 

 

Tiger-Iron-Bowl-.-Mt.-Brockman-Station,-Pilbara,-Western-Australia.9.0-x-7.8-x-3

Tiger Iron Bowl – Mt. Brockman Station, Pilbara, Western Australia

9.0-x-7.8-x-3 inches

 

 

 

Chalcopyrite on Quartz. Piaotang Mine, Xihuashan Ore Field, Dayu Co., Ganzhou Prefecture, Jiangxi Province, China.

Chalcopyrite on Quartz –  Jiangxi Province, China.

 

 

 

 

Malachite-on-Native-Copper-Malachite-'Mushroom'

Malachite on Native Copper – Malachite ‘Mushroom’

Arizona, USA

 

 

 

Tiger Iron Natural Slab . Mt. Brockman Station, Pilbara, Western Australia.33.0 x 29.0 x 1.0 inches

‘Tiger Iron Natural Slab’ –  Pilbara, Western Australia.

33.0 x 29.0 x 1.0 inches

 

 

 

Classic-Tiger-Iron-Sphere-.-Mt.-Brockman-Station,-Pilbara,-Western-Australia---6

‘Tiger’s Eye Sphere’ – Pilbara, Western Australia

6.4 inches diameter

 

 

 

Violin-Frog-.-Artist--Luis-Alberto-Quispe-Aparicio - stone from Russia

‘Violin Frog’ by Luis Alberto Quispe Aparicio

Stone source – Russia

 

 

 

Sphalerite-&-Quartz.-Shuikoushan-Mine,-Shuikoushan-Ore-Field,-Changning-Co

Sphalerite and Quartz – Hunan Province China

 

 

 

 

 

Azurite.-Bisbee,-Warren-District,-Mule-Mts,-Cochise-Co.,-Arizona,-USA

Azurite -Bisbee, Arizona, USA

 

 

 

 

Baryte-on-Orpiment.-Cut-62,-Twin-Creeks-Mine,-Potosi-District,-Osgood-Mts.,-Humboldt-Co.,-Nevada,-USA

Baryte on Orpiment – Nevada, USA

 

 

 

 

 

Azurite.-Bisbee,-Warren-District,-Mule-Mts,-Cochise-Co Arizona

Azurite  – Arizona, USA

 

 

 

Blue-Mauve-Star-Sapphire---10.76-Ct..-Sri-Lanka

Blue Mauve Star Sapphire – 10.76 Carat .. Sri Lanka.

 

 

 

Chalcopyrite-on-Calcite.-Fengjiashan-Mine,-Daye-Co

Chalcopyrite on Calcite – Hubei Province, China

 

 

 

FLUORITE,-BARYTE,-SPHALERITE-&-CALCITE.-Elmwood-Mine,-Carthage,-Central-Tennessee-Ba-F-Pb-Zn-Dist.,-Smith-Co.,-Tennessee10.5-x-9

Fluorite, baryte, sphalerite, calcite – Tennessee, USA

 

 

 

Fluorite-on-Quartz.-Ruyuan-Fluorite-Mine,-Ruyuan-Co.,-Shaoguan-Pref.,-Guangdong-Provence, China

Fluorite on Quartz – Guangdong Provence, China

 

 

 

Lapis-Lazuli-Sculpture.-Afghanistan - deep blue

Lapis Lazuli Sculpture – Afghanistan

 

 

LINARITE.-Sunshine-No.-1-Adit,-Blanchard-Mine,-Bingham,-Hansonburg-Dist.,-Socorro-Co

Linarite – New Mexico, USA

 

 

 

Large & Impressive Amethyst & Rose Quartz Macaws on Tourmaline & Albite Base. - Peter Müller

Amethyst & Rose Quartz Macaws on Tourmaline & Albite Base. – Peter Müller

 

 

 

Morrisonite-Jasper-'Twist'.-Sculptor--Perry-Brent-Davis

‘Twist’ – Morrisonite and Jasper- Sculptor –sculpted by Perry Brent Davis

 

 

Green-Fluorite-on-Quartz-.-Piaotang-Mine,-Xihuashan-Ore-Field,-Dayu-Co.,-Ganzhou-Prefecture,-Jianxi-Prov

Green Fluorite on Quartz – Ganzhou Prefecture, Jianxi Province, China

 

 

 

Malachite-on-Native-Copper.-Cole-Shaft,-1300-Level,-Bisbee,-Warren-District,-Mule-Mts,-Cochise-Co.,-Arizona,-USA

‘Malachite on Native Copper’ –   Bisbee, Arizona, USA

7.8 x 5.5 x 2.5 inches

 

 

Native-Gold-on-Quartz - from California

Gold on Quartz – California, USA

 

 

 

Apophyllite-with-Stilbite.-Jalgaon-District,-Maharashtra,-India

Apophyllite with Stilbite natural crystal – Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India.

 

 

 

Celestine.-Newport-Quarry,-Newport,-Monroe-Co.,-Michigan,-USA

‘Celestine’ – Newport, Michigan, USA

 

 

 

 

Polished-'Gem'-Red-Dinosaur-Bone-Slab.-Jurassic,-Morrison-Formation

Polished ‘Gem’ Red Dinosaur Bone Slab. Jurassic, Morrison Formation

Utah, USA

 

 

 

Plumbogummite-&-Pyromorphite.-Yangshuo-Mine,-Yangshuo-Co.,-Guilin-Prefecture,-Guangxi-Zhuang-Autonomous-Region,-China

Plumbogummite & Pyromorphite – -Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

 

 

 

Rhodochrosite.-Wutong-Mine,-Liubao,-Cangwu-Co

Rhodochrosite – Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

 

 

Selenite. . Pernatty Lagoon, Mt. Gunson, South Australia

Selenite. Pernatty Lagoon, Mt. Gunson, South Australia

 

 

 

Unusual-Gemstone-Libyan-Desert-Glass-(Tektite)---206.85-Ct.

Tektite – Libyan Desert Glass – Western Desert, Egypt

 

 

 

Rhodochrosite-Cockatoo-on-Tourmaline-&-Quartz-Base.-Peter-Müller.-Stone---Argentina-&-Brazil

Rhodochrosite Cockatoo on Tourmaline & Quartz Base  – Peter Müller.

Stone – Argentina & Brazil.

 

 

'Sonora-Sunset'-Sculpture.-Milpillas-Mine,-Sonora,-Mexico.12.3-x-8.3-x-4

‘Sonora Sunset’ Sculpture – Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico.

12.3-x-8.3-x-4 inches

 

 

TOURMALINE-with-QUARTZ-&-ALBITE-on-LEPIDOLIT--'BIG-BEAUTY'.-Burkhard's-Pocket,-2006.-Pederneira-Mine,-São-José-da-Sa-11.0-x-7.8-x-11

” Big Beauty” – Tourmaline with Quartz & Aldite on Lepidolite

2006 – São José da Sa, Brazil

11.0-x-7.8-x-11 inches

 

 

 

Wulfenite.-Jianshan-Mine,-Ruoqiang-Co.,-Bayin'gholin-Autonomous-Prefecture,-Xinjiang-Autonomous-Region,-China

Wulfenite – Xinjiang – Autonomous Region, China

 

 

 

Quartz-Agate-Tabletop-.-Rio-Grande-do-Sul,-Brazil.23.7-x-23.2-x-1

Large Quartz Agate Tabletop – Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

23.7-x-23.2-x-1 inches

 

 

Crystal-King

Crystal King Quartz – 8510 carats

 Museum Victoria

 Alex Amess selected a 14-kilogram crystal, 25 centimetres high clear quartz crystal from the Crystal King Mine near Tallangalook in the Strathbogie Ranges of Victoria, Australia to work on. Setting all the facet angles by eye rather than machine was painstaking work, with the cutting and polishing taking 200 hours over three and a half months.

 

 

 

Shattuckite-Octagonal-Box.-Artist--Konstantin-Libman

Shattuckite Octagonal Box by Konstantin Libman