Aonghus Gordon’s Place, Craft, and Neurodiversity is an ambitious exploration of education as a transformative process that redefines traditional concepts of human potential. With the Ruskin Mill approach at its core, this book weaves together philosophy, pedagogy, and neuroscience, establishing a profound dialogue between place-based learning, the importance of craft, and the inclusion of neurodiverse individuals in … Continue reading Mindset Monday Book Review: Place, Craft, and Neurodiversity: Re-imagining Potential through Education at Ruskin Mill by Aonghus Gordon
Artwork Wednesday Book Reviews: Toulouse-Lautrec 1864-1901 by Mathias Arnold
In Toulouse-Lautrec, Mathias Arnold embarks on a journey to explore the life, artistry, and cultural milieu of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a figure whose work not only defined but also immortalized the bohemian spirit of 19th-century Paris. Arnold’s biography, both richly detailed and thoughtfully constructed, offers readers more than just a chronological narrative of the artist’s life; … Continue reading Artwork Wednesday Book Reviews: Toulouse-Lautrec 1864-1901 by Mathias Arnold
Weekend Book Reviews: “Special Education in Canada” by Alan Edmunds
Alan Edmunds's comprehensive exploration of "Special Education in Canada" offers a deeply insightful analysis of the educational landscape for students with diverse needs across the country. Through a meticulous examination of policies, practices, and the evolving role of educators, Edmunds provides a nuanced understanding of both the successes and challenges within the Canadian special education … Continue reading Weekend Book Reviews: “Special Education in Canada” by Alan Edmunds
Weekend Book Reviews: “Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes” by Jenny Dean
Jenny Dean’s "Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes" is a comprehensive exploration into the art and science of natural dyeing, offering both practical guidance and a deep appreciation for the natural world’s vibrant palette. From the outset, Dean establishes herself not only as a skilled practitioner but also as an … Continue reading Weekend Book Reviews: “Wild Color: The Complete Guide to Making and Using Natural Dyes” by Jenny Dean
Weekend Book Reviews: “Wabi-Sabi Workshop” by Serena Barton
Serena Barton's "Wabi-Sabi Workshop" invites readers into the serene realm of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of growth and decay. Through this book, Barton not only elucidates the essence of wabi-sabi but also offers practical guidance on how to incorporate its principles into one's artistic … Continue reading Weekend Book Reviews: “Wabi-Sabi Workshop” by Serena Barton
Strange Folk – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards
Inspired by People Are Strange by The Doors and the haunting sounds of a travelling carnival’s weathered calliope. Re-imagined in what I think Tom Waits might have done, had he wrote this song. Well, there's something about folks, don't ya see, They're mighty peculiar, just like you and me. Their faces are masks, hiding secrets … Continue reading Strange Folk – Lyrics from Outcasts, Rebels, Hobos and Bards
The Gifting – A New Abstract-ish, Neo-Expressionist-ish… well you decide…
In my last post on this, I started stating this piece is almost un-original in the borrowing of styles, isms, and possibly even components from other artists... well my brain is so full of art that I just let it roll with whatever comes out... I'll worry about defining it later. I decided. to. start … Continue reading The Gifting – A New Abstract-ish, Neo-Expressionist-ish… well you decide…
Sawsan’s New Elephant – baby steps
In case I didn't state it in my last post on this new painting, I'm still thinking g of making this mostly monochromatic... mostly meaning it will be deeply layered overweigh greys and whites... we shall see if I change my mind, but for now, I started as I intended ... with some undercoats of colour. … Continue reading Sawsan’s New Elephant – baby steps
A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
A few years ago I painted an elephant for my wife, Sawsan. It's her favourite painting. It forced me out of my comfort zone to paint in that style and I've wanted to return to it ever since... plans for finishing a teaching degree, relocation to another country, selling house, moving around, and finally settling … Continue reading A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
I feel that I became interested in Picasso's Guernica way before my time living in Spain. However, that might be where my obsession with it began, as I spent nearly every other Sunday in the special gallery for this painting at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. I believe it was there in 1996 … Continue reading An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
The New Renaissance Mindset 