191 And Going -The Farmers Almanac

July 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment

2007_old_farmers_almanacIn 1818, a young editor from Morristown, NJ would come up with something that would make American history, though at the time that thought never crossed the mind of David Young.

The publication he created would serve farmers and housewives even today, which has made it the longest running American publication.  This marvel of literature is none other than the Farmer’s Almanac.

David Young’s publication was known for weather predictions a year in advance.  It would predict the moon’s phases, temperatures and possible rain which turned into a valuable tool for colonial farmers, even if the information was a hit or miss. The almanac was invented two years after the “year without a summer,” an ecological disaster that destroyed many farmers. Ironically, the periodical was almost extremely accurate with astrological and long-range weather predictions. 

The Almanac wasn’t just for farmers.  It added some features such as comedy and news that would interest a larger range of people, not just local neighbors.  The almanac gave great cooking, gardening, conservation, fishing, and sustainable living tips for its readers.  Many of what they included in the publication turned into “wives tales.”

In 1851, just ten years before the America Civil War, Samuel Wright took over the editing and publishing of the Farmer’s Almanac for David Young.  Over the 191 year span this publication has been active, and it had only seven editors!  The longest running editor was Ray Geiger (1934-1994) who stepped down shortly before his death, and gave the helm over to his son Peter.  Peter gave the title Managing Editor to Sandi Duncan and with this title, she became the first woman editor in the publication’s history.

The art of the book really comes in two stages: one, it’s still in publication and boasts an 85% accuracy rate over the 191 year span.  Any publication that can do something like that is an art form in itself; it shows the publication does a phenomenal amount of research and is run by some amazing publishers.  Two, the magazine has more than just weather and astrological predictions; it has stories about real life instances, comedy, drama and fables that can entertain just about anyone that cares to pick up the periodical.  On the other hand it contains well researched and thought out cold remedies, house hold tips and tricks to make the homemaker’s life easier.  This should not surprise you but most of these tips and tricks work wonders.

This book we call the Farmer’s Almanac should be an inspiration to us all.  It’s survived the Civil War, the Great Depression, and it’s seen all the American presidents assassinations.  Not to mention, it’s surviving in these economic tough times and they still have yet to miss a yearly publication.  It just goes to show you that with a good heart, a will to succeed, and good old-fashioned values, anything you as artist or writer does can become a success and flourish decades past your life.  Don’t let tough times stop you from achieving your dreams and successes, and if you feel you  are slipping towards that path, just pick up the Farmer’s Almanac and let it re-inspire you.

Filed Under: featured, Literary

Art For Your Head

July 31, 2009 By Leave a Comment

3672507761_c95db63231_mIn 2004, artist Adrian Rasmussen decided to create wearable art.  He wanted something unique and original, and what could be more so than a custom painted hat.

Rasmussen’s art business, Painted Hats, has become popular.  It’s no wonder, as the artist behind the speciality hats is quite talented.  At 27 years old, Rasmussen was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California and has spent many years perfecting his craft by learning and developing different skills.  Rasmussen considers himself to be a mixed media artist who uses a variety of mediums including pens, paints, inks and airbrushing.  To Rasmussen, art is a combination of many different things. Expression, concentration, and relaxation are just a few ways he uses art.  However, the skilled artist also is influenced by color, which to him, ignites emotion.  Rasmussen, in addition, uses the fluidity of lines to express his stream of concentration, and words to encourage different trains of thought.

“Art for me is much more than just the finished product,” explains Rasmussen.  ”It is the process which I use to express myself, therefore the expression is in the doing, and the finished product is the imprint of what I was going through at the time.” Rasmussen further goes on to explain that life itself is his art.  ”I create art out of life.  I find myself exploring personal growth and reflection of this modern world, in contrast with the serenity and knowing, which we all possess.”

 3673314988_957802c20f_mThe artist offers many different hat designs on his website.  You can choose from a sinister skull design, or something less severe such as a floral print.  There is something for everyone on Rasmussen’s site.  If you don’t see the design you’d like, simply e-mail your idea to the artist and he will customize your hat any way you want.  All of Rasmussen’s designs are beautifully painted with rich, deep colors.  The airbrushing and intricate detail work on each hat reflects Rasmussen’s amazing artistry.

Rasmussen isn’t the only artist at Painted Hats, however.  He is joined by several other talented designers.  Each hat is labeled with an original art piece as well as a website of the artist who created that particular hat.  Rasmussen says that this greatly benefits each individual artist that provides work for Painted Hats.  ”This way if people really like the hat, then they can learn more about the artist who created it.  The more orders and sales, the more well paid artists we can support,” explains Rasmussen.  This is his ultmate goal-to create well paying jobs for artists, and to support their careers in the arts.

So, if you are looking for a unique gift for someone, or simply want a hat of your own, go to Rasmussen’s website today.  You will not be disappointed in this great collection of art for your head.

 

You can find out more about Adrian Rasmussen and see the collection of hats on his website:  www.paintedhats.com

If you have an idea for a hat, would like a custom size, are interested in artwork that is no longer available, or need a specific project done, please e-mail Rasmussen at:  contact@adrianrasmussen.com

Prices for custom hats range from $25 to $50.

If you are a store owner and would like hats for your store, they are available for wholesale.  Please contact Rasmussen for more information.

In addition to the hats on Rasmussen’s website, he is also beginning to paint fedoras.  Contact Rasmussen for more information.

Filed Under: Fashion & Design, featured Tagged With:

Fly Like An Eagle – John Audubon

July 31, 2009 By 2 Comments

150px-JJAudubonBird watching has always been a hobby or activity humans have partaken in since the earliest of times, to sit back and enjoy natures wonders and beauty and also to relax from the everyday stress.  Birds are one animal that has no boundaries; for instance they can walk on land, swim and fly.  Birds are not bound to the limits we as humans have put on ourselves, unjustly; they are free to fly and explore the world from above.  When birds fly, they look down and see land and mountains and water; they don’t see state lines.  That’s something we as humans have tried to replicate and why we find the grace and beauty of a bird so mezmerizing and relaxing. 

For one man, this thinking turned out to be something he never dreamed of and would never see the full results of his labor; but his work lives on today and stands as the most revered art of birds in catalog form ever. 

John Audubon

In April 1785, a man born of French-American blood would forever change birding as we know it, his work would set the world standard of birding and the art of aviary drawings.  That man is none other than John James Audubon.

John-James-Audubon-Snowy-Heron-10079Like most people in the early 1780s he grew up in a humble environment, his father was a French naval officer and privateer, his mom, a chambermaid from Louisiana.  He was born in St. Domigue, Haiti, which is now known as Les Cayes.  He was an illegitimate child of his father, which upon the death of his mom, his father took John and his sister back to France after being imprisoned by the British during the American Revolution.

In 1789, Jean adopted John and named him Jean-Jacques Fougère Audubon.  In 1803 at the age of 18, Jean-Jacques boarded an immigrant ship to the new United States Of America, and changed his name to John.  Despite the new life he would have, his father sent him here to avoid the Napoleonic Wars, and obtained a false passport to get him here.  Upon arrival in New York, John caught yellow fever and was quarrantined.  His start in America was already on a bad foot, but John would make wine out of the grapes he was given.

John moved to his father’s sugar plantation just a few miles of Valley Forge, which he considered paradise.  It was there that he honed in the love he had for hunting, fishing and birds.   He set out to study birds in more detail, and use his artistic genius to capture a more realistic portrayal of these species he studies, than other artists have in the past. 

The Legacy

John was a master artist, he would set out across the United States studying birds in their natural habitat. 

He would carry around this portfolio which contained his amazing photos.  He would then name and catalog each species in this sketch pad.  His portraits of these species were amazingly lifelike and portrayed the life and unconfined spirit of each bird.

John-James-Audubon-Roseate-Spoonbill-10078His work captivated people for years to come, they grew more and more interested in birds, and bird watching.  His prints were not worth much financially while he was alive, but in death, his prints became very valuable.  Today his art can be seen in reference books, museums, on decorative plates and kitchenware, and many other places.  If you happen to have an original drawing, you are sitting on a small fortune.

John’s drawings inspired so many people that the National Audubon Society was created in hopes to protect our natural wildlife from birds all the way across the board.  They wanted to preserve the habitat to look just like his drawings and keep this great planet the same way it was then, for generations to come.

The Audubon Society today has become more of an environmental activist group, fighting to keep our forests, preserve the wildlife and speak on behalf of the habitat which can’t speak for itself.  They have chapters in every single state of the country, and some world wide.  It’s a wonderful organization with tons of bird watching and naturists from around the world, with one common interest, the love of nature.

If you would like to see some of John Audubon’s work, you can, just go to the National Audubon Society’s web site www.audubon.org/nas and there you will find a link to John’s amazing life like catalog of his work.

John Audubon died in 1851 but even 158 years later his work is still one of the most talked about in history. John’s art which inspires grew into an empire that still portrays his ideals and values keeping him alive today in spirit. When ever you see a bird or nature, there you will find John Audubon.

Filed Under: featured, Fine Art Tagged With: ,

One Life To Live 7-24-09

July 24, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The Rex and Gigi plot was disgusting these last few weeks, Stacy taking advantage of Shane’s illness to break up Rex and Gigi to fulfill her own needs… I was sickened watching it and couldn’t wait for it to end.  Last week it did, finally, I really thought it was over.  Now, the show makes it even more sick and twisted for these two.  It appears Stacy is pregnant with Rex’s child and she is going to use that to destroy her sister, break up Rex and Gigi again, and live happily ever after… she doesn’t care if it hurts Shane or not.  What a nasty Aunt.  Its sick that Rex would have a baby with Gigi’s sister, that is almost as close to inbreeding as it comes without actually sleeping with a family member, that baby would be Shanes (Brother/Sister) cousin!!!!

Personally though I think Stacy “Thinks” it’s Rex’s and will move on it sending us into 9 months of disgusting hell, and tearing up the family again.  Rex won’t go to Stacy though, I am sure of it.  He will think the baby’s his and will support her.  However, I can remember just about 2 months ago, right before this fiasco took place, Stacy slept with Finch.  There is no way, in less than a week, she would have a developed small fetus.  I bet in the end this baby is Finch’s. 

Matthew is actually suing his family for the right to get the surgery, despite his parents dismay.  There isn’t much they can do, and Tea is one tough lawyer who has repeatedly defeated Nora.  Matthew’s case has now made Clint and Nora possibly postpone the wedding, I think Nora is using this as a crutch to avoid marrying Clint.  I would expect to see Nora and Bo get back together soon.  It’s rumored that Rex will tell Bo not to wait on telling Nora how he truly feels.

Dorian is so disgusted with Todd sleeping with Blaire, she is inviting Tea to stay at her house with Todd.  The plan is to sicken Blaire to finally leave Todd for good.  I think we are going to get one nasty cat fight on our hands.

Filed Under: One Life To Live Tagged With:

The Lighthouse Collection – Alan Sundal

July 22, 2009 By 6 Comments

fOne of nature’s wonders are the vast seas, spanning across the globe, containing many different species of life from tame fish to the vicious great white sharks to the great blue whales.  The sea can put anyone in awe over its grandeur, but ask any sailor and you will see that the seas are not always kind; they have taken many a life with their great might.

That statement has been known to sea travelers for centuries, in fact, one of the worst places for a captain is near shore.  As they say, “Accidents tend to happen close to home or your destination.”  When ships would come into port, they don’t always know where the shallow water is, or where hazardous waters lie. To avoid such problems, man created the lighthouse. 

Lighthouses emit a beam of light that shines into the horizon warning sea captains that shore is near or dangerous waters lie ahead as you come to shore.  These nautical tools have saved many a boat and crew on their journey, while standing for security, peace of mind and are beautiful works of architectural art.

Since the late 1960s on, former US Navy seaman Alan Sundal has been painting the majestic sea and its marine life, taken from the experiences he saw at sea and from the pictures he took on his journeys across the world.  

If you remember The Expressionist Magazine featured Sundal last July, and since then, his work has been a consistent focal point in our magazine.  People want to know more, and therefore we feel it would be notable to feature this artist again, with the lighthouse collection by Alan Sundal.

gOver the years of 2003 to 2006 I had the esteem pleasure to work with this amazing artist one on one.  I got to see the vast library he has of the marine art he produced, and one collection caught my eye in particular-his lighthouses.  Sundal showed me all the photos he took over the years of these beacons that line our seacoasts including the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Gulf Of Mexico and even the Great Lakes.  He told me about the many adventures he had at these lighthouses and how important they were to sailors.  It was only right to make a collection out of them.

Sundal showed me his lighthouse collection.  Do you know that he has every lighthouse on the coast of Florida, even some that don’t exist anymore.  Through intense research, he accurately marked the lighthouses with the original stripes and colors as they were first commissioned with.  Some over the years have changed, so if you see his work, it may not match simply because he took the lighthouse as it first looked.  Some of the more notable lighthouses in the collection include St. Augustine, Pensacola, the Dry Tortugas, Cape Canaveral, and every reef lighthouse off the Atlantic coast of Florida. 

If you don’t live in Florida, don’t worry, Sundal has every lighthouse in New England and the Middle Atlantic states down to Georgia on the Atlantic coast, as well as many of the lighthouses that surround and protect the Great Lakes.  When I asked Sundal about the West Coast lights, he said he has some, but they were not demanded like the East Coast lights were.

This amazing collection of Sundal’s surpasses the one hundred piece mark.  He even says if there is a lighthouse he doesn’t have, or a period marking you prefer that he doesn’t have, if you commission the piece you can have it.  He will research and paint you the lighthouse in the year you wish, at the time of day and season you want.

So why are the lighthouse markings so important to Sundal when he paints?  The markings of the lighthouse  helped the sea captain identify where he was, since many of the lights were similar in design.  For instance, the markings on the St. Augustine lighthouse are very similar to one in New Jersey, but if you saw the red light mast and the black and white spiral you would know you were in St. Augustine.  These markings also mark an era for the lighthouses, however, as he pointed out some have never changed.

Sundal’s collection of lighthouses got me hooked on these architectural works of art, so much so, I had to travel to see them in person.  Many of the lighthouses are still in commission, and can be climbed.  When you see his collection, then go and see these structures and you will see how true to life Sundal was in his paintings which shows the level of professionalism out of this soon to be legendary marine artist.

Filed Under: featured, Fine Art Tagged With: , ,

One Life To Live 7-20-09

July 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Rex caught Stacy red handed with the blood for Shane in a store closet for people’s fur coats.  Rex completely lost it with Stacy, saying that he never wanted to see her again, he never hated anyone more than he hated her right now, then Stacy grabbed the blood.  Rex tried to negotiate with her and tell her why this will never work, basically because it’s based on lies.  Stacy then asks Rex to sleep with her and she will give him the blood.

Rex tries to get out of it, saying it means nothing and makes her no better than a tramp.  Stacy surrenders and gives Rex the blood, before completely breaking down on the floor.  Stacy now has more things coming to destroy both Rex and Gigi, the next step is saying she’s pregnant.  She could be from the one time fling at Ultra Violet, but I can’t see them making Rex have two kids, one with each sister.  I think she will fool them all the way.

Matthew Buchannan is suing his parents to be emmancipated.  Being upset with their decision to not allow the surgery that could get him walking again, Matthew needs to be emmancipated so he can accept the surgery himself.  One idea is to get him married for a speedy judgement, and Destiny is lining up to do it for him. Tea is on the case and this will get ugly.

Blaire and John signed the divorce papers and are officially not a couple anymore, but will John get Marty the way he wanted?  Marty has some serious issues to work though and I feel things won’t be the same between them.  He may have given up the best thing in his life for something he once had.

Filed Under: One Life To Live Tagged With:

Comedians For Breast Cancer

July 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

TommyBlazeWebSide Splitter’s Comedy Club sponsors an event with comedian Tommy Blaze to raise money for the Breast Cancer 3-Day event.   Reservations required.

A veteran of the comedy stage, Blaze has appeared in every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse, and doghouse in the country.

In addition to comedy clubs, private corporate events, casinos, cruise ships and colleges, Tommy was series regular on the nightly comedy series The Newz, appeared in the hit show Friends and has starred in the movies Rumpelstiltskin and Viewer Discretion Advised.

His comedy is opinionated, thoughtful, controversial and admittedly one sided. If you are married, single, divorced, parents, gay or lesbian, confused, young, desperate, misguided, lost or easily offended then you need Tommy Blaze to straighten you out.

Where:  Side Splitter’s Comedy Club Tampa
When:   July 23-26th
Event:  July 25th (Fund Raiser night)    6PM for fund raiser
Tickets:  $15.00 in advance at www.sidesplitterscomedy.com or $20.00 at the door.  JULY 25th only, regular pricing on other days.

JokesandJugsLogo

Filed Under: Events Tagged With: ,

Unforgettable Productions

July 20, 2009 By 2 Comments

LlohThere’s no doubt about it, Lindsay Lohan is definitely unforgettable, espeically with those outlandish parties and her ghastly behavior that has made the tabloids rich.  The Expressionist thought that Lohan just needed something to believe in, and when that came, she would rise to glory again.

It seems that day has come.  The starlett already was an entrepreneur with a spray tan product and leggings, but now it appears Lohan will be teaming up with the head of her 6126 fashion brand and will take television by storm, creating her own production company, “Unforgettable Productions.”

She already did a TV movie for the Family Channel, one of the first television roles she’s had since her meltdown.  It appears that her hand in television won’t be performing, instead it will be production, a faux-reality series and a dating show.

This appears to be a step into the right direction for this troubled child star, and though history we see many child stars went down the same path she did.  So congratulations to Lindsay Lohan; we can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next.

Filed Under: Celebrities Tagged With:

Paula “Done” With Idol?

July 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

paula-abdul-picture-2Paula Abdul is very upset with American Idol, the show she’s helped judge for the past eight seasons.  While contract renewals have been in the works with Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest, Abdul has yet to be even approached.

It doesn’t surprise us here at The Expressionist, we knew Kara Dioguardi was eventually going to rule out Abdul and take her spot.  That’s what Abdul thought too beginning last season, but dismissed the notion before the start of the season saying “the fourth judge will help American Idol.”  She is probably wishing she never said those words.

Randy Jackson finished his contract deal right after the end of Season 8, and is locked down till 2011 (so that’s good news for Idol fans; the show is scheduled till 2011 at least.)  Ryan Seacrest signed a 45.6 million dollar deal making him the highest paid reality TV host in history.  Kara Dioguardi signed up last year for four seasons, bringing her to the 2011 season.  Simon Cowell is in contract negotiations, but there is a lot of talk in the tabloids, E! TV and other sources saying that he will not return, and he’s not putting that fire out either.

This season could prove to be completely new on the judges table, if Abdul isn’t there to lift the spirits of those with a bad performance, they are subject to the wrath of Cowell (if he returns), a more harsh Randy Jackson, and the claws of the fierce Dioguardi.  If Cowell and Abdul for some reason don’t return, I would say we can kiss this show goodbye, because many people tune in to watch Cowell despite how arrogant he is, he is usually right.

Idol has gone through some major drama over the last few years, some including Abdul who was accused of sleeping with one of Season 2′s contestants.  The people are still outraged over Clay Aiken, Chris Daughtry and now Adam Lambert’s losses saying they were fixed.  Maybe it is time for the show to be in the archives, or maybe they just need to get it right.

If Abdul isn’t back, the show won’t be on much longer.  I personally think they wanted someone to tear the kids apart, and they wanted someone younger with more sex appeal, hence the bikini stunt on the finale last year.

Filed Under: American Idol Tagged With: , , , ,

One Life To Live 7-19-09

July 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Rex followed Stacy from the hospital and caught her red handed with the blood.  Stacy tries to lie her way out of it, when Rex shuts her up.  He said he’s never been so disgusted and hated anyone more than he her right now.  He accused her of breaking up the family and using Shane’s life to do so.  He said he always loved Gigi and that what they had was based on lies and never existed.  She is still dillusional thinking this is OK, Rex should still love her for what she’s done.  Rex had the blood unfortunately, Stacy snatched it back and is now trying to force him to sleep with her one more time.  It will be an interesting Monday for sure.

Tea runs into Todd and Blaire having sex in the cabana house and freaks out.  She says she never wants to see, hear or know of Todd again.  She allows Todd to explain himself, but still hits the road after his explanation, which Todd follows suit.  Todd goes to his house where he expects to find Tea, only to find Shawn and he isn’t telling Todd where Tea is; instead Marty come over and confronts Todd saying he is still ruining his life and Todd asks if she still loves him.  Todd is completely caught in this vicious love triangle of all these women he’s destroyed, however none can give him up.  Meanwhile, at the shooting range Tea is trying to shoot a picture of Manning when John McBain walks in.  He gives her some tips on how to shoot the picture.  Tea proceeds to tell John about what she walked in on, and John gets pissed; however he shouldn’t because he made it very clear he wants to be with Marty.  John after the practice shows up at Dorians and is about to talk to Blaire.

Destiny is angry her brother is leaving town and runs to Matthew’s side.  They decide to go get a burger and fries at the Buenos Dios where they run into Shawn, Matthews Sister and Destiny’s brother.  He says he’s going to stay in Llanview to be around his family, but I feel he is going to try to steal Shawn’s girlfriend (Matthew’s sister) and that is the ONLY reason.

Filed Under: One Life To Live Tagged With:
« Older Posts