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Nov

Life’s Wonders Drift in on a Feather

by Janine Boylan on November 4, 2013

Where Feathers Come From, tby Chris Maynard, showing life's wonders in feather art (© Chris Maynard)

Where Feathers Come From
turkey feather
© Chris Maynard

Chris Maynard’s Creative Process

Where Feathers Come From, by Chris Maynard, showing life's wonders in feather art (© Chris Maynard)

detail, Where Feathers Come From
© Chris Maynard

“Feathers,” artist Chris Maynard says, “represent life’s wonders.”

A trained biologist, Maynard knows a lot about birds and their feathers. He can tell you everything from the structure of feathers to the patterns of bird migration.

Turning to Art

Although he studied the sciences, Maynard grew up around art. And his artist mother was very careful not to squelch her son’s creativity. When his mom passed away in 2008, Maynard had a life-changing “Oh, I see” moment. He decided to turn away from his science career to the art she had taught him to love. Read more...

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The World's Art & Design

Oct

Finding Common Ground: Chalk It Up to Art

by Janine Boylan on October 28, 2013

Day of the Dead: finding common ground through chalk art in San Antonio, Texas (Image © Janine Boylan)

Day of the many dead
© Janine Boylan

Community Building in Chalk Art

Turning a corner in busy San Antonio, Texas, and Oh, I see! The once-drab sidewalks are filled in with colorful patches of art.

At this chalk art festival and others like it worldwide, professional artists, school-aged children, and other community members find common ground by working side by side and filling the sidewalks with glorious colors and designs.

finding common ground through chalk art in San Antonio, Texas (Image courtesy of Artpace, San Antonio, by Francisco Cortes)

Chalk brings them together.
Image courtesy of Artpace, San Antonio, by Francisco Cortes

Most observers step carefully between and around the art to both appreciate it and not ruin it. Read more...

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The World's Art & Design

Oct

Picture-Perfect Pumpkin Carving

by Janine Boylan on October 21, 2013

Klimt's The Kiss, creative expression in pumpkin carving by Maniac Pumpkin Carvers

Creative Expressions for Halloween

Most people may take a break from their everyday jobs to go on vacation. Marc Evan and Chris Soria use their time away to, as they say, “get messy with some pumpkins.”

The Brooklyn-based childhood friends pause their 11-month art careers to spend every day in October working until early into the morning carving, cutting, and hollowing out hundreds of orange gourds as part of their seasonal business, Maniac Pumpkin Carvers. Read more...

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