Julie

Astronomy

Stunning solar eclipse on 10th of June 2021

We recently saw a 'Super Blood Moon' event, and on the 10th of June 2021, some parts of the world will witness another astrological event. Image: Britannica.com

Celebration

John Winter Pickup OAM Investiture 12 May 2021

Australian artist and "Brushmen of the Bush" John Pickup received an OAM in the 2020 Australia Day Honours. Today he brings you his account of the investiture at Government House, Brisbane, Qld on 12 May 2021. Image credit: scottrileyphotography.com

Birds

Bird dances to make you smile!

Today we look at some of the showy, but very funny, courtship rituals of a few birds, just to give you a smile. Image: BBC/YouTube.

Pottery

Royal Albert fine china – Refined and prolific!

Today we look at a bone china brand which still features at refined High Teas around the world today - Royal Albert. Even though there were over 1,000 patterns produced it is instantly recognisable for the consistency of its production for over 125 years. Image: chinasearch.co.uk

Pottery

Royal Doulton: Recognised and Respected

Many of us may be familiar with Royal Doulton, Royal Albert and Bunnykins china, but Doultons initially earned success and recognition by Queen Victoria for their part in solving a very big problem in London. Image: Vauxhall history.org

Challenge

More microscopic marvels by David A Lindon

Today we return to look at some of the latest creations of David A. Lindon, a man who makes truly amazing tiny sculptures in the eye of a needle or on the head of a pin! Image: David A Lindon, Micro Art, Facebook.

Astronomy

Look out for a Super Blood Moon!

There will be a special lunar event tonight, the 26th of May 2021 - a combination of a Super Moon and a lunar eclipse. Depending where you live, you may be able to see this phenomenal event! Image: reddit.com

Pottery

Magnificent Minton - Part 2

Today we return to look at some of the Minton innovations and the different styles of pottery, initiated under the guidance of "Herbert Minton" and his heirs, working with many other talented designers and artists. Image: My photo at NGV Victoria.

Pottery

Magnificent Minton - Part 1

Today we look at the beginnings of Minton, a Staffordshire pottery founded by Thomas Minton in 1793. It is a brand well known for its many innovations, from perfecting willow ware through to unique floor tiles in prestigious buildings. Image: aoc.gov/Wikimedia

Pottery

Spotlight on Spode

Today we learn about Josiah Spode, who, like his friend Josiah Wedgwood, also created a famous Staffordshire pottery brand, perfecting Willow ware and fine bone china. Image: Spode Museum Trust

Collector

The enduring legacy of Josiah Wedgwood

Today we look at the founder of the iconic Wedgwood brand, where a disability enabled a man of science and innovation to follow his a passion for excellence, leaving a legacy which endures today. Image: Wikipedia

Sculpture

Wondrous wind walkers.....!

Today we marvel at the huge, clever sculptures of Theo Jansen, which combine art and engineering to "walk" along the beaches of the Netherlands, and are now also exhibited around the world. Image: YouTube.

Pottery

The Staffordshire Potteries

It seems there is more to ceramics, pottery, earthenware, porcelain and fine bone china than meets the eye! Today we look at some of the variations made in the Staffordshire area of England in a proud history of over 300 years. Image: thepotteries.org

Flowers

The art of sustainable floristry

Today we hear from a florist in Melbourne who was recently featured in a segment on the Australian television programme, Gardening Australia. She is passionate about making her floristry business as sustainable as possible. Image: Courtesy of Feldmann flowers, Facebook.

Ceramics

Imp Hung: Tiles and Challenges

Continuing our exploration of the ceramic tiles being produced by Imp Hung from Taiwan who adapts famous paintings as a backdrop for Abe the Black Rabbit who challenges us to think about the original painting. Image credit: Imp Hung

Ceramics

Imp Hung's Enchanting and Challenging Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are often decorative but never have I seen work such as being produced by Imp Hung - a Taiwan artist enchanting and challenging us with artistic creativity. Image credit: Imp Hung

Impressionsists

A rare work of art from a chance meeting......

Today we have special permission from two sisters in California to showcase a very rare, very beautiful portrait of their French mother by Julie Manet - the little known daughter of French Impressionist Berthe Morisot. Image copyright: Chantal Sagouspe and Claudine Mariscotti.

France

The picturesque scenery of the Basses-Pyrenees of France

Today we take a look at the beautiful scenery of the Basses-Pyrenees, to set the scene for a very special post tomorrow.... Image: Lonely Planet

Celebration

Celebrating Easter in Africa

As the sun rises in Africa on Easter Sunday about 70 million Christians in Africa will start a big celebration including decorating the churches with butterflies and singing Christian hymns to the beating of African drums. Image credit: Andy Brunner/Unsplash

Reflection

Paixão sexta-feira

Christ the Redeemer, the statue which stands above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil offers a timely reminder to stop and reflect on the great losses the world has suffered over the past year. Time to reflect and thank all those who have sacrificed so much for so many. Image credit: Robert Nyman/Unsplash

China Ware

Is "Famille Jaune" familiar?

Today we examine the wide variety of "Famille Jaune" Chinese porcelain, produced in the Qing Dynasty and still widely sought after by collectors today. Image: Christie's

Sculpture

More UooUoos

A few weeks ago we introduced you to UooUoos - a mythical creature designed for an Art Trail In Melbourne and fund raiser for the Royal Children's Hospital 150th Anniversary.

Embroidery

Botanical artist..... "or barking mad?!"

Today we meet a botanical artist who started making flowers when she was studying embroidery and design at TAFE and now concentrates on making beautiful Australian flowers using digital sewing machines she has programmed herself. Image: bloomingthreads.info

Celebration

Happy St Patricks Day!

Today is St. Patrick's Day. This is well known day of celebration for Irish people around the world. Today we bring you a number of traditions associated with the day that you may not know the origins of! Image: The Guardian

China Ware

The ever popular Willow pattern

Most of us have probably seen it or may even own a piece or two, or at least our mothers, aunts, grandmothers did. The Willow Pattern was popularised in the late C18th - C19th. But do you know the story of the legend behind it? Image: housebeautiful.com