November 2023 : The Artistic Divas World

The Artistic Flight of Chinese Kites: A Cultural Treasure

We are currently doing a series about various art forms around the world. I am really enjoying this series and learning so much about other types of art. I hope you are also enjoying this series. In case you missed some of the posts in this series, here are the links to read later: The Artistic Soul of Clay: Why Pottery is Celebrated as an Art Form, or this one, The Power of Street Art: How Murals Can Transform Communities, and this one, Kintsugi: The Art of Golden Repair That Unites the World. There are a few more, if you care to check them out also.

This blog post is about Chinese Kites as an art form. I learned so much that I did not know while researching this post. I know that I love looking at these kites and watching them fly, but I was totally unaware of the symbolism or history of the art form. So, that said, here it is:

In the vast and diverse world of art, few forms are as visually enchanting and culturally rich as the traditional Chinese kite. These kites, more than just objects for play, are a fusion of China’s artistic heritage and historical ingenuity. Let’s explore the intricate world of Chinese kites, understanding their history, artistic significance, and why they are considered a profound art form.

The History of Chinese Kites:

Chinese kites, known as ‘Fengzheng’ in Mandarin, have a history that dates back over 2,000 years. According to historical records, they were initially used for military purposes, such as sending messages and measuring distances. However, over time, their role evolved from practical applications to aesthetic and recreational purposes. The Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) marked the golden age of kite making, where they became popular for leisure and were celebrated in festivals and ceremonies.

Artistic Elements of These Kites:

1. Design and Craftsmanship: Traditional Chinese kites are renowned for their elaborate designs and intricate craftsmanship. They often take the shapes of mythical creatures, animals, flowers, and characters from Chinese folklore, each symbolizing different cultural values and stories. The making of a kite is a meticulous process involving bamboo framing and silk or paper coverings, often hand-painted with detailed brushwork.

2. Symbolism and Color: The artistry of Chinese kites is deeply embedded in symbolism. Dragons, for instance, represent power and good fortune, while phoenixes symbolize grace and virtue. The colors used are also significant, with red for happiness and gold for wealth and prosperity.

3. Cultural Integration: Kite making and flying in China are not just an art; they are a part of the cultural fabric. They are often used in festivals, especially during Qingming (Tomb Sweeping Day) and the Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolizing good luck and the warding off of evil spirits.

Why Chinese Kites are an Art Form:

Chinese kites are considered an art form because they encapsulate the essence of traditional Chinese artistry. They are a harmonious blend of painting, calligraphy, and sculpture, all woven into a single object. The skill and creativity involved in designing and flying these kites are akin to those of a painter or sculptor, making them not just toys but pieces of art that soar in the sky.

The art of Chinese kite making and flying is a captivating blend of history, culture, and artistry. These kites are not just objects tethered by a string; they are stories and traditions floating in the wind, a testament to China’s rich artistic heritage. As we watch these kites dance in the sky, we are reminded of the beauty and depth of traditional Chinese art.

I hope you found this post about Chinese kites informative and inspirational. There is so much that is wrapped into each kite that it makes you wonder how they ever get one made. I, for one, would love nothing more than sitting on a hill and watching these kites soar.

Resources:

Chinese Kites — History and Culture

Kites Rise on the Wind: The Origin of Kites

Technology of Ancient China

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Making Jewelry at Home

1 Comment / Art, Crafts, Making Jewelry / admin

Here on this blog, I try to balance fine art education, exploring mediums, and crafting. We talked about using cardboard for art here, and we talked about homemade Christmas cards here. So I think it might be time to explore another craft, and this time I want to talk about making jewelry. Making jewelry is not only easy, but it is fun and relieves stress. The physical act of using your hands helps to calm the mind and gives it space to think and just be.

Have you ever looked at a beautiful piece of jewelry and thought, “I wish I could make something like that”? Well, I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can! Jewelry making isn’t just for the pros; it’s a super fun hobby that anyone can dive into. It’s all about letting your creativity flow, enjoying yourself, and expressing who you are through unique, wearable art.

Why Jewelry Making is Awesome for Everyone:

You know what’s great about jewelry-making? You don’t need to be an expert or have any fancy skills to start. It’s all about using what you’ve got lying around—maybe some old necklaces that could use a new life, a handful of beads, or even cool stuff you find in nature, like stones and shells. And the best part? You can make anything from earrings to bracelets—your imagination’s the limit!

Getting Started:

So, how do you jump into this? First, just gather some basic stuff like wire, beads, clasps, and maybe a pair of pliers. Then, look around for some inspiration. It could be anything—a walk in the park, flipping through a fashion magazine, or scrolling through Instagram. And don’t worry about the how-to; there are tons of free online tutorials that’ll show you the basics, like how to string beads or make simple loops with wire.

One of my very favorite items for making jewelry is paper. I love rolled beads made of paper, I love layered thick paper, and I love using paper to accent your jewelry. Paper is available to you everywhere. You don’t even need to look far to find a beautiful piece to use.

Tips for a Fun Jewelry Making Experience:

Here’s my advice: start with something easy, like a beaded necklace or cute drop earrings. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try different materials and styles. And hey, why not join an online community or a local class? It’s a great way to meet people who love making jewelry just as much as you do.

The Joy of Creating:

The real magic of making jewelry is in the making part—using your hands to create something gorgeous. It’s so therapeutic and rewarding. You get to boost your creativity and end up with this amazing sense of achievement.

Jewelry-making is a hobby that’s open to everyone. It’s not about being perfect or having professional skills; it’s about having a blast and enjoying the creative process. So, why not grab some beads and wire and see where your creativity takes you? The next piece of jewelry you fall in love with might just be one you’ve made with your own two hands!

Resources:

Top 5 Ways to Make Jewelry for Beginners

Making Jewelry at Home Read More »

Acrylics: Why They Shine Above Other Art Mediums

1 Comment / Art, Art mediums, Painting / admin

So far in this series, we have looked at the art medium of pastels here.

The History of Acrylics

Now let’s explore using acrylics as a painting medium. First, let’s talk briefly about the history of acrylic paint. It was originally created in 1934 in the hopes of finding a cheaper and safer way to apply paint to cars, but it was not until 1940, however, that the paint we know today was actually developed. This paint did not gain popularity with artists until sometime around 1940. But by 1960, artists everywhere had embraced the use of this medium.

The Enticing Qualities of Acrylics

Artists loved the ability to clean brushes with soap and water. They loved the quick drying time that allowed them to paint numerous layers in a single sitting. They fell in love with the vibrant colors available in this medium. The use of acrylics changed the way some artists painted completely because they could now do things in one day that used to take weeks due to drying times between layers. They come in a variety of forms, such as fluid acrylics, heavy body acrylics, and the regular type that we are all familiar with. They come in matte finishes as well as gloss finishes, so you have to decide ahead of time what look you are going for.

One of the reasons that acrylics were such a hit is that you can control the opacity of the paint with water, so you can mimic watercolors by thinning a lot, and you can mimic oils by using directly from the tube. Artists were delighted by this ability to make different styles of paintings using the same medium, which in turn saved them money.

As I said before, the vibrant colors were delightful, but the reason artists loved the paints was that when they dried, the vibrant colors remained the same. Watercolors change as they dry. Oils change as they dry. So an artist had to plan for the change in colors before painting. Now, with acrylics, there was no need for this type of planning, and painters were able to become more spontaneous.

So let’s compare acrylic paint to other mediums:

Acrylics vs. Oil Paints:
- Drying time (acrylics dry faster).
- Ease of modification (acrylics are more forgiving).
- Odor and toxicity (acrylics are less toxic).

Acrylics vs. watercolors:
- Opacity and coverage (acrylics are more opaque).
- Surface versatility (acrylics adhere to more surfaces).

Acrylics vs. Pastels:
- Permanence and durability (acrylics are more durable).
- Color blending (different techniques).

Reasons to Try Acrylic Paints

Acrylic paints are good for anyone who wants to paint. They are beginner-friendly, easy to learn to use, and easy to experiment with. Artists use them when they need professional, high-quality work. They are widely available and very affordable. One of the benefits of using acrylics is the ease of mixing colors and mediums. You can also incorporate textures into the paint. Artists everywhere love to experiment with different techniques using the medium, such as glazing and impasto. This medium is truly flexible and useful.

So, I hope this has encouraged you to try your hand with acrylic paint. You can get vibrant colors and textures in your work to satisfy your need to put your feelings on paper. You will enjoy the ease of use as well as the ease of clean-up since you wash your utensils with soap and water. There is no toxic materials to deal with, and there are no strong odors to irritate you.

I’d like to invite you to share your experiences painting with acrylic paints with me here. Send me pictures of your art, please. And if you enjoyed this blog post, please subscribe to the blog for more art-related content weekly. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

If you want to learn more about this topic, here are some resource links for you to click on:

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The Artistic Soul of Clay: Why Pottery is Celebrated as an Art Form

1 Comment / Art, Fine Art, pottery as art form / admin

This post is about pottery. We are in a series about the various art forms that you may or may not consider to be part of art. We have talked about Mexican Folk Art, and we have talked about Japanese Kintsugi, and we just talked about street art murals as an art form. You can check each of those posts out if you missed them. There are many who do not consider pottery to be an art form. The belief is that pottery is a functional art, only for making utensils for food and drink. This could not be farther from the truth. Clay is a very expressive medium, and potters around the world find satisfaction in manipulating it into works of art.

Pottery, one of the oldest human inventions, is often seen cradling the intersection between functionality and artistry. From the coiled clay pots of ancient times to the sleek designs of modern ceramics, pottery has evolved while maintaining its status as a profound form of artistic expression. Here are several compelling reasons why pottery is revered not just as a craft but as a bona fide art form.

1. A Canvas of Infinite Possibilities

At its core, pottery is the art of turning earth into art. A potter starts with a lump of clay—a raw, malleable substance—and, through their skill, turns it into a unique object. The clay can be shaped into any form, textured in countless ways, and finished with a myriad of glazing techniques. Each choice reflects the artist’s vision, making every piece of pottery as distinctive as a fingerprint.

2. A Dance of Elements

Pottery involves mastering the four classical elements: earth, water, air, and fire. The earth is the clay itself; water molds it, air dries it, and fire transforms it. This elemental dance is not just a process; it’s a collaboration with nature. The kiln-firing process, in particular, is a testament to the potter’s artistry, where the high temperatures can both realize and radically transform the artist’s intentions. The unpredictability of the firing process means that each piece of pottery bears the marks of a journey—a narrative that’s both controlled and serendipitous.

3. A Historical Tapestry

Pottery is a thread that runs through the fabric of human history. Each archaeological shard offers a story, a glimpse into past lives and societies. The styles, methods, and purposes of ancient pottery inform us about the culture from which they emerged. As such, pottery is not just an art form; it’s a historical document, a cultural artifact that artists continue to contribute to, connecting our present to a rich and textured past.

4. A Symphony of Skills

Creating pottery requires a diverse skill set that takes years to develop. It demands an understanding of materials and chemistry, particularly in glazing, where the interplay of minerals and heat can yield a spectrum of colors and finishes. It requires physical skill and precision in shaping the clay on the wheel or through hand-building techniques. And it calls for an artistic eye to balance form, function, and beauty. The synthesis of these skills is what elevates pottery from mere craft to art.

5. An Emotional Resonance

Like any great art, pottery has the power to evoke emotion. The weight of a mug in your hands, the texture of a vase against your fingers, the colors of a bowl holding your meal—these are sensory experiences that connect us to the object and, by extension, to the person who created it. Pottery can convey the artist’s emotions and thoughts, from the gentle curves suggesting serenity to the jagged edges that speak of tension or conflict.

6. A Reflection of Individuality

No two potters will create the same piece in the same way. Pottery reflects the individual’s style, their personal touch, and their artistic philosophy. It’s a medium through which artists can express their individuality, leaving a part of themselves in their work. This personal connection is what makes pottery so special and so varied across different creators.

7. A Medium of Sustainability

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of sustainable practices, pottery stands out as a form of art that emphasizes longevity and durability. Unlike disposable items, a well-made ceramic piece can last for generations, reducing waste and fostering a culture of permanence and value. This sustainable aspect is a testament to the art form’s respect for resources and its role in promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle.

The Essence of Artistry in Clay

Pottery is an art form that encapsulates human creativity, skill, and emotion. It is a testament to our ability to transform simple materials into objects of beauty and utility. The art of pottery invites us to explore the depths of our history, the breadth of our cultures, and the intimacy of our personal experiences. It’s a craft that has grown into an art, one that continues to captivate and inspire both creators and admirers alike.

As we continue to shape clay in our hands, we are not just making vessels; we are creating a legacy—one that speaks of the timeless human urge to create and to find beauty in the earth beneath our feet.

Here is a video that explores the same question.

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