Art
March 8, 2021

5 Contemporary Textile Artists to Celebrate During Women’s History Month

Textiles have a long place in art history. The combination of textiles and art can be traced back to ancient times when it was primarily used to clothe people or keep them warm. But as trade routes were established and production techniques improved—particularly during the Industrial Revolution—artisans and artists began experimenting with creative expression with the likes of fabric, thread, and yarn. Many artists who create groundbreaking textile work are women.

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History
March 7, 2021

Get To Know F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Legendary Author Responsible for ‘The Great Gatsby’

Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda were the darlings of the Jazz Age—late nights, lots of liquor, and brilliant wit to match. The young author saw early success but struggled in later life in a remarkable parallel to the course of American history, which fell from the sparkling roaring twenties into the Great Depression and World War II. Fitzgerald dreamed of being a romantic figure from a young age.

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History
March 6, 2021

Behold the Bonsai: Learn the Ancient History and Meaning of This Miniature Tree

Bonsai trees have a strong association with Japan. But did you know that the art of growing miniature trees actually originated in ancient China? By 700 CE, the Chinese were using special techniques to grow dwarf trees in containers. The practice became known as “pun-sai” (or “penzai”) and was originally only cultivated by the elite in society. It wasn’t until the Kamakura period (1185 to 1333) that growing miniature trees inside pots were introduced into Japan.

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Embroidery
March 6, 2021

Ethereal Embroideries Stitched on Transparent Tulle Float In Wooden Hoops

Is it floating in the air? That's the question you have to ask when viewing Russian textile artist Katerina Marchenko‘s ethereal tulle creations. She stitches surreal designs filled with colorful thread and shiny beads onto transparent fabric, creating the illusion that the embroidery hovers on its own. Although she was always drawn to different artistic mediums, Marchenko only recently discovered embroidery.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.