Archive for the ‘Art Foundation’ Category

PostHeaderIcon Cheaper Rugs

Cheap Rugs is at Superior Rugs. We feature area rugs in Persian and Oriental, affordable area rugs at discounted prices! The area rugs in Superior Rugs are beautifully designed and are sure to become valued treasures in your home. Regardless of your budget, size requirement, or colors you are looking for we have area rugs that would be perfect for you. Superior Rugs is a division of Superior Importers Co, one of the largest manufacturers of Oriental Rugs and Persian area rugs. Superior rugs have been a leading supplier of area rugs and distribute our rugs around the world. When you order an area rug from Superior Rugs you are buying area rugs right off the factory floor. Here area some of the most popular discount area rugs out there today.

Order Area Rugs now because quantities are limited. These items will change daily as they are sold. These cheap area rugs and discount area rugs are setup to be an excellent value while still being light on the budget. These rugs will change daily as they are sold, so don’t miss out on the right Oriental rug for you.

We have been manufacturing high quality Area Rugs for over 20 years and stand behind every area Rugs we sell. Most online web sites only back their rugs for 15 days; however Superior Rugs backs all our area rugs for a full 30 days plus an additional 60 days for manufacturer defects. We also carry lines exclusive to Superior Rugs only. You will not be able to find a better deal with our line of rugs. For the further information and order please visit our website at: superiorrugs.com.

PostHeaderIcon A Japanese Martial Art – Kyudo

What is kyudo?

Kyudo is the term for the traditional practice that uses the Japanese bow as a way for selfexamination and understanding. In this practice, the relationship between physical action and the practitioner’s feelings makes this a very personal experience, not unlike a form of meditation – many popular activates, such as taichi or yoga have this holistic approach to body/mind development.

Kyudo is “The Way of the Bow” When the bow became obsolete as a weapon the spiritual aspect of archery was developed as a discipline for peace and self-cultivation.This was achieved by uniting the vigor of the warrior tradition with the dignity of the ceremonial. As a path for personal growth and development, the concept of Reisetsu – respect for the other, became the moral discipline which united these two aspects and formed the foundation for the practice of Kyudo. In meeting desire, negative thoughts, and physical difficulties the practice of Kyudo offers the individual the opportunity to meet their limitations, and to enjoy the challenge of this confrontation. One soon realizes that the problems faced are not to be found in the bow, or the immovable target, but in oneself. If this is accepted and the practice is carried out sincerely then the energy of the shooting begins to enrich one’s life. Technique cannot be considered without an understanding of spiritual energy. Neither aspect can function without the other. The acquisition of technique grows with the increase in body-mind awareness to form a harmonious working together of the bow, body and spirit.

Is it a Martial Art?

Traditional Japanese sports because of their origins are often know as martial arts. But this is often a simplistic and misleading description, and can confuse these practices with combat or fighting arts. The Japanese term for these practices is budo which means a way to remove conflict and seek harmony. Practices like kyudo are about seeking harmony and peace within the individual and contributing to a peaceful society, which is far removed from the popular image of a martial art.

Traditional practice facilities

The practice place for kyudo follows a traditional design and format, and in Japan is supplied by the local municipality, university, or school. It is known as a “kyudojo”. It has an interior shooting area with height for raising the bows (over 4 meter) and a wooden floor that allows for the performance of ceremonial shooting where some kneeling movements and a smooth walking surface is required. The target butts are housed in a special sand mount at a distance of 28 meters. The building is usually part of a sports complex.

Safety

In analyzing possible risk, it should be made clear that UK kyudo has a 30 years unblemished record of safety, performing public demonstrations both indoor and outside in public parks, and open situations, as well as the regular indoor practice groups that use sports facilities.
During indoor practice sessions, only supervised public access is allowed, and spectators must remain in the spectator area above the shooting line. To enter below the shooting line for arrow collection and for other reasons, the safety procedure must be followed, and this is supervised by the group instructor(s). The whole area below the shooting line must be closed off for entry during the session. Instruction for safety are posted and all members are made aware of the safety requirements.

Safety control Measures

The main factor in terms of safety control is the strict conditions of training that assure a very controlled release, and the inherent factors within kyudo that allow for a predictable arrow path. The shooting layout and target housing has been found historically to be the most effective in terms of safety.

PostHeaderIcon The History of Van Briggle Art Pottery

his pottery looks like Colorado, the area where it is made. Yes, it’s still made in Colorado Springs today, and pieces that will accrue in value can be obtained there. I have a collection of pieces from the early days and more recent ones that I picked up at the pottery. However, the truly valuable pieces are from the early years of the company and can sometimes be picked up when the seller is not aware of their worth.

History

Artus Van Briggle, a potter and artist, came to Colorado Springs in 1899 and began to experiment with the clays of the area. He was a master at blending clay and glaze and turning it into works of art. He also had the artist’s grasp of form, design, and color. All his pieces have a soft-toned glaze and the colors are the colors of Colorado-turquoises, greens, roses, browns, and purples.

Artus descended from Flemish painters. He was born in 1869 in Felicity, Ohio, and is said to have demonstrated artistic abilities when he was quite young. He began his studies in Cincinnati and eventually apprenticed at Avon Pottery. His mentor in the creation of pottery was Carl Langenbeck. He spent several years in the study of art, partly promoted by the founder of Rookwood Pottery Company, where he worked for some time. Rookwood sent him to Paris to study ceramics. In fact, he is best known for his eventual rediscovery of the Ming glaze, which had been considered lost for centuries.

Anne Lawrence Gregory Van Briggle

While in Paris, he met and fell in love with a fellow American student, Anne Lawrence Gregory. They planned to get married in 1895; however, that didn’t work out and they finished their studies in Paris during 1896 and both returned to America, Anne going to live with her aunt in Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Artus went back to work for Rookwood, where he continued to develop his skills and to work on the formula for the dead Ming glaze. Unfortunately, he developed tuberculosis and was unable to work very many hours a week. A friend suggested that his health might improve in the climate in Colorado Springs, so he moved west.

Anne moved to Colorado Springs in 1900 and became the art instructor at the local high school. She and Artus developed the logo found on most Van Briggle Pottery, a double A enclosed in a square. He built a small workshop and the company grew from that. He sold his first pottery, about 300 pieces, in 1901. His fame was growing worldwide, and before long, he was able to find investors and his pottery was erected.

Anne and Artus were married in 1902; Anne became a working partner and, as an artist, produced many of the early pieces that today bring the highest prices on the collector’s market. Artus died in 1904, having accomplished more in his short life than most artists accomplish in a lifetime. Anne assumed the responsibilities of managing the plant and carrying on Artus’ work. A new, state-of-the art plant was erected and began operation in 1908.

Anne remarried and moved to Denver in 1923 and the company went through a turbulent period, the new building eventually being damaged by fire and a flood. However, it was eventually moved to the abandoned Midland Terminal Railroad roundhouse, where it can be visited today. Pottery is still being produced there, and a display of pottery from the various periods including the early ones can be seen there. Also, The Pioneer Museum in the Old El Paso County Courthouse holds the largest collection.

Collecting Van Briggle Pottery

There are many reasons collectors love this pottery. It’s beautiful and it looks like no other. Even those who collect Rookwood are attracted to it. After all, Artus’ foundation was there. The colors are extraordinary, and a collector from time to time finds one in an antique shop or even a yard sale that turns out to be quite valuable. The best way to be sure you’re getting an authentic piece of this beautiful pottery is to purchase a book that will show pictures and will have specifics about what to look for. The one I use is authored by Richard Sasicki and Josie Fania