http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Sat, 27 Aug 2005 15:41:29 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/08/27/154129.php Neil RalleyIn recent years the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh has achieved a level of acclaim which, sadly, it was denied in his lifetime. Mackintosh developed a unique style which combined elements of traditional Scottish baronial architecture with art nouveau floral motifs and some Japanese art. However, like his contemporary Frank Lloyd Wright, Mackintosh was more than just an architect and his creativity extended well beyond the bricks and mortar into interior decor, stained glass, wall coverings and furniture.Some Mackintosh-inspired items have recently become available on Amazon; they fall into two categories - architectural models and stained glass.For anyone not familiar with them Timothy Richards architectural models are miniature works of art. Using traditional materials such as plaster, lead, glass and etched brass Tim creates the most incredibly detailed models of buildings and architectural details from buildings. These models are made so that they can be used as bookends but some of the more detailed and upscale ones are far too delicate and fragile to be functional and these are really purely for show.Tim has created four models based on Mackintosh works, three have details from the Glasgow School of Art which many believe to be his 'Magnus Opus' and the fourth is a pair of bookends which together make up the double doors of Queens Cross Church. Timothy Richards models are far from cheap. He has some limited edition pieces which sell for literally thousands of pounds although the four Mackintosh models are not in that league. They really are works of art and anyone who is serious about the work of a particular architect or an architectural style is likely to appreciate the workmanship and incredible detail.The stained glass by Winged Heart is something entirely different. There are over 20 panels of varying shapes and sizes ranging from 6" roundels to similar sized squares and rectangular panels and a few larger versions of the same designs. Most of them are priced around $30 and even the larger ones are still under $50.The designs are quintessential Mackintosh. Not all were produced by him as stained glass, some are from murals and other decorative finishes but without exception they look very beautiful when hand painted onto glass. These are great gift items for anyone who appreciates modern design or leans towards Art Nouveau.This serves as a reminder that there is far more to Amazon than just books and DVDs, there are all kinds of gems like these hidden in the jungle! Culture34908@blogcritics.org Sat, 27 Aug 2005 15:41:29 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/23/181805.php Neil RalleyAmazon.com is best known as being the place to go to find books, dvds and music. It is less well know as a great place to shop for just about anything, including museum-quality reproduction statuary.Whether you are shopping for yourself or buying a wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation, Bar Mitzvah, Mothers Day or Fathers Day gift, if you dig around you will find some neat items. Here are a few that I like:The New York Public Library Lions, Patience and Fortitude, make fantastic bookendsThis one is known as Cathedral by Auguste Rodin, and it is an amazing and inspiring workThis statue of the Prophet Isaiah is from an original work by Moissaye Marans, often known as "The Sculptor of Peace" This is one of several versions of Degas' famous dancer statues Creating Memories by Alice Heath captures something of the Mother/Daughter bond. The Age of Bronze is a classic figure study by Rodin Brancusi's 'Kiss' is very popular as a wedding gift Rodin's 'The Kiss' is much different but is also a popular gift for weddings and other romantic occasions Nike Winged Victory is an altogether different work Last but not least, Rodin's classic "The Thinker," which is made in two sizes. Sci/Tech28556@blogcritics.org Sat, 23 Apr 2005 18:18:05 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2004/07/24/111623.php Neil RalleyThe Glassmasters company in Richmond does not have a high profile but they have been in business for over 30 years and make really good stuff. If you have seen their products first-hand it is likely that either you have bought or been given a piece or you have seen them in the gift shop of a major art gallery or museum. Their range includes approved reproductions of original works in many major galleries but what many people don't realise is that they also do other works, including a few works of fantasy art which I particularly like. These may be found and bought at StainedGlassPhotography.com but here is The Magical Bubble Fairy as an example This one is from an original work by Josephine Wall and there are two other Glassmasters pieces based on her works. These make really great gift items. The manufacturing process involves the application of many layers of colour onto the glass, each one followed by a firing in an oven, culminating in a final "bake" at over 1100 degrees which ensures that the colours are totally fused and will not fade, no-how. For about the same price as a delivery of flowers you can buy your loved one something which will last a lifetime. Culture17788@blogcritics.org Sat, 24 Jul 2004 11:16:23 EDT