I spend far too much time sifting through on-line art galleries and images. We have unprecedented access to these things as never before in history. I recommend, for your sanity, take a little time to use these resources and exit from the world of sensational news and other half-cocked garbage spewed out by the electronic … Continue reading Interior with Fisherwives
Category: art
“The Travelling Tinker” by John Burr
A painting by the Scottish artist John Burr (1831-1893). Tinkers were originally tinsmiths or "tinners". One of many itinerant jobs pursued by a class of casual laborers. These were mostly skilled and specialized crafts like basket making, shoe repair, leather work, and metal work but many poorer workers were migrant farm labor picking hops and … Continue reading “The Travelling Tinker” by John Burr
Wandering Minstral
Here is a painting by the Scottish artist John Burr (1831-1893) of an itinerant fiddler playing for a family in a Scottish lane probably trying to make enough money to eat or maybe even receive some food for his entertainment. I can't help but think the father looking out has a skeptical look; possibly wondering … Continue reading Wandering Minstral
Art and Craft Fair
I would not have ever thought myself a craft fair kind of guy yet here we are... Last year, our local community center hosted an arts and craft fair as a way to bring local artisans together and raise money for public programs (art classes, GED education, computer skills, tax assistance, etc.). Being new to … Continue reading Art and Craft Fair
The Chart of Hand Tools
I rarely (I mean almost never) go out of my way to endorse a product of any kind but while considering the upcoming holidays I came across this link I saved a while back. I think it would be perfect for the workshop and is a work of art in its own right. I can … Continue reading The Chart of Hand Tools
Far, Far Away…
The Musician – 1887
By Léon François Comerre, French Academic School. I think this familiar looking instrument comes from Africa via the Arabic world and is generally called a tanbūr. A sort of distant uncle to the modern banjo, America's African instrument. The only thing missing is the drone string.
A Carpenter’s Workshop
Someday, I'll have one this nice again... Click the image for a much larger version.
The Golden Rule of a Minimalist Homestead
“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Wise words from William Morris. This is the mantra that drives the entire vardo project. I try to keep this in mind for every thing I add and every part I build. Otherwise, isn't it just junk?
More Historic Caravans in Art
Here are a couple final Alfred Munnings images of Romani caravans in an English countryside. As a keen observer, he definitely caught the important details of each type of caravan and the essentials of camp life. The watercolor above is somewhat unusual for Munnings as it shows no animals, people, or campfire. Above is a … Continue reading More Historic Caravans in Art
Historic Romani Caravan Paintings
These images might whet the appetite for summer days, picnics, an caravanning off into the great unknown; or it might just be a bunch of pretty pictures if the former isn't your cup of tea. Anyway, these are generally labelled and classed as Gypsy images although we know that this is often seen as an … Continue reading Historic Romani Caravan Paintings
The Wheel House
A ‘tender, post-apocalyptic love story’... I want to revisit this minimalist performance art piece with you for the weekend. Extremely clever, "acrobatic virtuosity," street performance. https://vimeo.com/109732643 from the Acrojou website: "A tender post-apocalyptic love story..." - Kate Kavanagh, review, The Circus Diaries A gently comic dystopia, set in a different time where everything has a … Continue reading The Wheel House
The Graces of Archery
Satire on archery from 1794. More at the British Museum.
Singing Cowboy
Painting by American Realist Thomas Eakins 1844-1916.
Luigi Prina: A Fantasy Artist of Straight Out of My Dream World
I was thinking last night about a remarkable artist I first read about in The Blinking City, Luigi Prina. I posted about him before but his work never ceases to amaze me. Mr. Prina has been an architect for over 50 years but his model building is a real combination of inspired art and fantasy. … Continue reading Luigi Prina: A Fantasy Artist of Straight Out of My Dream World
Salmon Fishing the Old Fashioned Way
Salmon fishing in Scotland romanticized by R.R. McIan, mid-19th century.
Archery, Art, and Mythology
Happy archery Sunday. Diana on a rock with bow, arrows, quiver, and very little else. More posts about ARCHERY here.
Hardship and Destiny
“Hardship often prepares an ordinary person for an extraordinary destiny.” — C.S. Lewis
A Spot of Art
I like everything about this painting. Eduard Charlemont is an easy one to spot. Generally, his subjects are flamboyantly dressed, generally holding a drink, and often have a musical instrument; even if it's just a drum. I think I'm ready to be this guy. And note the excellent little tusk-tenon bench.
Woodworking by Mike Jarvi
This video has it all; raw logs, chainsaw, lumber mill, cutting, chopping, steaming... It's a remarkable process to watch. http://youtu.be/q3utt2Y5aH0 See more of his work HERE: http://www.mikejarvi.com/ WARNING, LOTS OF NOISY POWER TOOLS!
Preindustrial Craftsmanship 