Art Geezer

2011-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

2011-09-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Tupilaq

The Inuit who live in the Greenland region speak of the Tupilaq, which is a monster that was born out of witchcraft or shamanism. It is believed that many different parts of animals and even the dead bodies of children were used to create the monster. With the help of ritualistic chants, the creature was brought to life. After it was born, the monster was put into the sea to find and take the life of a specific enemy.

Using a tupilaq came with its risks. For instance, if the creature was sent to destroy someone who had a greater level of magical power than the sender, then it could be diverted to kill its maker. The only way to escape death would be to publicly confess their misdeeds.

Depending on which Inuit group you speak to, the tupilaq is represented differently. The Iglulik believe it is an invisible ghost that only a shaman can catch sight of. It is also the soul of a deceased person that has become restless because someone has committed a violation concerning a death ritual. This version of the tupilaq has a knack for scaring away game and only a shaman can drive it away with a knife.

The Caribou Inuit see the tupilaq as an invisible entity and only a shaman has the power to see it. However, the creature resembles a chimera with the head of a human and different body parts belonging to various species of animals. The tupilaq was seen as a dangerous threat and had the potential to attack the settlement. Only the shaman could defeat the creature, who would devour it with the help of a few spirits.

Other mythical beasts and creatures associated with the Inuit culture include:

· Akhlut: Taking the form of both a wolf and an orca, the Akhlut is a mean-spirited beast full of danger that is said to leave the tracks of a wolf behind when it travels away from the ocean to walk on earth. For this reason, dogs seen walking towards the ocean are thought to be evil.

· Ishigaq: Measuring around 30 centimeters (or 1 foot) tall, the Ishigaq are often compared to fairies. They were hard to track because they left behind no footprints in the snow due to their small size. It was also thought that they were light enough to float above the ground.

· Agloolik: Living under the ice, the Agloolik is a spirit thought to help fishermen and hunters.

· Amarok: In Inuit myths, the Amarok is a huge wolf that is believed to hunt down and eat anyone who believes it is safe enough to hunt alone in the middle of the night. The Amarok is not to be confused with a real wolf, as they hunt alone, whereas wolves follow pack behavior.

· Keelut: This evil spirit is described as resembling a dog without any hair.

· Kigatilik: With a reputation for taking the lives of shaman, the Kigatilik is a violent demon.

Here a couple of examples found on the internet using the search term: tupilaq

Garrison Kieller at John F Kennedy Presedential Library Dec. 5 2010

2010-12-29T02:46:00.000-08:00

John F Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

WBUR 90.9 FM, a National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate in Boston, is the exclusive radio sponsor of the Kennedy Library Forums. WBUR rebroadcasts Kennedy Library Forums on Sunday evenings at 8:00 pm, enabling the Kennedy Presidential Library to bring quality public programming to more than 600,000 residents throughout the New England area. New England Cable News (NECN) is our exclusive broadcast sponsor, bringing Kennedy Library Forums to over three million households throughout New England.

Garrison Keillor discusses the role of humor and why it is a fundamental to American life. He also responded to questions from the audience. "An Afternoon with Garrison Keillor" was a Kennedy Library Forum.

HUMOR IN POLITICS 1 hour, 25 minutes
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2010-12-24T10:09:00.001-08:00

GUESS wHO

2010-11-12T13:39:00.001-08:00

Won't Get Fooled Again

We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals when they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again

The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the foe, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed
'Cause the banners, they'd all flown in the last war

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
No, no!

I'll move myself and my family aside
If we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
For I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

There's nothing in the street
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are out-phased, by-the-bye
And the parting on the left
Is now parting on the right
And their beards have all grown longer overnight

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again
No, no!

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!

Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

Bu$h Cheney Administration: The gift that keeps on giving

2010-04-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

AMERICA THE GIFT SHOP is an installation project that reflects the foreign policy of the Bush/Cheney years through the fun-house mirror of American commerce.

My palette is the vernacular of retail tourism. Bobble head figurines. A snow globe. A cookie jar. Postcards. T-shirts, neon signs, and chocolate bars. These are all things that make up our daily existence. They have a familiar intimacy. And that’s why they make perfect vehicles to shock, disturb, and remind. Once the sugar coating of the ordinary dissolves, we are left with the grim truth about where America has been as a nation.

More about Phil Toledano from the Huffington Post

2010-03-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

The Pacific Circle

Modernization of Adam

A Horse of Course

2010-03-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

By Mia Sansom

Winter Moon Politics 7th Wave & 4 Seasons

2010-02-12T18:03:00.000-08:00

Snake Pen by Paul Duclos

2010-01-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

An early example of Pauls Snake pen. It was designed by his son Marcel and was made in black hard rubber with solid silver parts. The filler, which was of Pauls design, was also sterling silver and will be seen only on his fountain pens.

The pen shown here has an ebony body and is one of the only pens to have a wood body. It's the fourth pen he made and is numbered on the end of the cap. Paul had a studio in my antique store in the 1990's and this is where he began making the snake pen. I had the privilage of doing some of the simple tasks and seeing the process of casting and machining that went into penmaking. The ebony wood pen was made for me, and I turned out the rough ebony blank to be finished by paul on his jewlers lathe. I still own it and hesitated before I polished it, It had a dark grey patina from setting for many years.

Early Snake Pen in Lignum Vitae Wood

This pen was made in Lignum Vitae which is known for it's durability. It has an oily feel was used for boat bearings in the old days. The eyes have small emeralds added. The pen was not numbered because it was his personal pen, but it was made at the same time as the ebony one, and is the only other wood body pen as far as I know.

I will write more about Paul as I get time. He was a good friend and compadre and is in my thoughts as I remember sitting by the old pot belly stove in the back of the shop and the good times picking antiques and old fountain pens at estate sales and flea markets.

signing off for now...G:

Wahl Eversharp pen & pencil in original box

2010-01-28T22:53:00.000-08:00

Wahl Eversharp Fifth Avenue

Original designed in the 1940's, the 64 was added for the 64 dollar TV show which ran from 1955 to 1958. The caps on the pen and pencil are made of solid 14K gold.

Some vintage fountain pens ca 1920's to early 1930's

2010-01-28T22:29:00.000-08:00

Parker Duofold Senior in Jade Green

Parker duofold Senior in marblized pearl

Scheaffers Senior in Jade Green

Parker Duofold Senior in brick red

Unusual oversize Eclipse in light green marble

Eclipse in manderin yellow and green

Ordinary state of matter

2010-01-28T18:05:00.000-08:00

Click on picture for microscopic view

Space Frame

2010-01-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

Art & Politics

2010-01-17T10:42:00.000-08:00

James is definitely not identifiable in main stream art, if there is such a thing, but has found a niche that isn't part of a known ism. He is right out here on the "INNERTUBES" with some far out stuff that reflects the paradox of living in the here and now.

Here is a moving image of the Neoconservatives that inhabited the Bu$h administration, that are still around as permanent members of the shadow government. Among the horrible things that they are noted for, imho, is the ability to parrot the same message, over and over, in Orwellian fashion .

Dangerous.
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The Oneida Community and other such enterprises

2009-12-15T07:57:00.001-08:00

Setting the table: Oneida Community Collectibles

Nancy Gluck

AntiqueWeek (January 1996)

Oneida, Ltd. is a familiar name to collectors of sterling silver and silver plate. Before 1935, when the present name was adopted, the company was known as Oneida Community, Limited. Why Community? The word "Community" in the original name reflected the beginnings of the company as a 19th-century utopian commune.

Here's a link to a pictorial by Gluck showing many silverwear patterns.

The Oneida Community: Some history about John Humphrey Noyes and the interesting community that he founded. A counterpart, in todays world, I guess, would be the reverend Sun Myung Moon.

The Moonies

Just can't help it, my thoughts seem to revert to religion and politics, when controversial subjects come to light.

In the early 70's I met Josh & Cricket, a couple who lived in an old bus. They parked in my back yard for a while, and Cricket had some hair raising stories to tell about her experiences with the Moonies. I won't go into a lot of details but, from what she had to say, her life was controlled by them including her sex life and her relationships with people outside the moonie community. So controlled, in fact, that she had a hard time escaping and had a few psychlogical issues to deal with when she finally did.

Sun Myung Moon, since those times, has grow very very rich, and owns the Washington Times, among other such luceative enterprises.

bozza nova

2009-12-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

Ruby Red Quilted pattern Bottle

2009-12-07T22:13:00.000-08:00

Andy Balich Punkin Seed Bottle Santa Cruz

2009-12-07T22:11:00.000-08:00

J.N. Gerdes SF Mineral Water bottle

2009-12-07T22:07:00.000-08:00

framed hude photograph 1920's

2009-12-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

Japanese crane in bronze

2009-12-07T21:57:00.001-08:00

Bali Wood Carving

2009-12-07T21:48:00.001-08:00

space marble

2009-12-07T14:52:00.001-08:00

2009-12-06T20:25:00.001-08:00

FLY BY NIGHT

Edsel parts...Ebay past auctions

2009-11-25T15:43:00.000-08:00

$35

$52 for all

Mirror $52

ashtray $70

$455

$355

$184

$175

$100

$87

$52

Zoe Keating Plays"Escape Artist"

2009-05-03T12:23:00.000-07:00

James W Johnson's Anti-Stylist Manifesto. A not-so-tongue-in-cheek bit of guidance for the art world.

2008-12-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

Dangerous by James W Johnson

James W Johnson on Youtube

Flowers

2008-07-21T20:04:00.000-07:00

Vintage Beads Information

2008-02-24T12:33:00.001-08:00

Vintage Beads

Complements of robinatkins.com

If you are looking for ideas, inspiration, or beading books and supplies to aid you in your developing bead passion, you've come to the right place! Use the menu on your left or the thumbnails above to find information about workshops and slide shows, to order books or hard-to-find beading supplies, to see some of my beaded creations, to explore links to some wonderful bead-related websites, and to contact me. Since many of my students enjoy hearing about how I got started beading and tales of bead adventures along the way, I've also included some of these stories for you.

As you can read in my first book, One Bead at a Time, whether you do beadwork just for fun, as an exploration of your creativity, or with the added incentive of healing an old wound or finding a path through a life change - whatever your motivation - I believe you will always be glad for the time you give to your beadwork. As for me, beading is forever compelling, exciting, challenging, and meditative - a meaningful process that is never boring.

Why buy gold when you can buy bronze?

2008-01-26T15:52:00.000-08:00

Commander in Chief George W. Bush

by Nano Lopez

$2,995

Order Now

Medium: Bronze

Size: 16" x 10" x 7"

Mounted on Black Granite

Made in the USA

Raw Story

Bush National Guard bust unveiling said postponed from December of 2002 because of 'pending war' with Iraq

Ron Brynaert
Published: Wednesday June 7, 2006

The unveiling of a bronze bust commemorating President George W. Bush's service in the Texas Air National Guard was postponed initially from December of 2002 due to the "pending war" with Iraq at the time, according to an assistant to the renowned sculptor commissioned for the project.

The unveiling took place before a global war on terror speech given by the president at the National Guard Memorial Museum in Washington, DC this February. The bust is currently on display in the Hall of the States wing of the museum, alongside the sculpted heads of ten other Guard presidents, including the former leader of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis.

"Charles Parks completed the bronze bust of George W. Bush for the National Guard Museum in the fall of 2002," Joanne Cimini told RAW STORY. "The original unveiling was supposed to be in December of 2002."

"However, as it was stated to me, because of the then-'pending war' it was postponed until further notice," Cimini said.

Evidence of "pending war" long denied

The Bush Administration has always insisted that there was no "pending war" in 2002. Congress passed a joint resolution to authorize the use of force against Iraq in October of 2002. However, the President has always maintained that no definitive decision had been made at that time.

MORE

Seascape by Casati~Oil on canvas

2007-05-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

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Casati (20th Century)

Oil on canvas signed "Casati" in lower right corner depicts a seascape. This seascape features white capped waves splashing against an isthmus of dark, craggy rocks. A mountain is visible in the background. Impasto painted cloud (not a repair) is visible directly above mountain. Brass plaque on frame indicates artists name. Canvas measures apprx 20" x 40." Framed, this painting measures apprx 27" x 47."

200/400 Sold: $356.50

Seascape: Oil on canvas

2007-05-18T14:26:00.001-07:00

Primitive winter scene~Oil on board~1887

2007-05-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

Still life: Oil on board

2007-05-18T14:22:00.001-07:00

Old Woman in a Shoe

2007-05-18T14:19:00.001-07:00

Beat Generation still life by Reynolds ca.1961

2007-05-18T14:10:00.001-07:00

Paul B. McKee painted by Arthur James Cahill in 1962

2007-05-18T12:53:00.000-07:00

Paul B. McKee painted by Arthur James Cahill in 1962

Oil on canvas...44" by 48" frame size
Arthur Cahill, artist
American, 1879 - 1970

signed Arthur Cahill

Paul B. McKee, president of Pacific starting in 1933, realized that the massive government projects presented Pacific with tremendous opportunities for growth--partly because the projects would stimulate the regional economy, but also because the company could buy a share of the low-cost hydroelectric power that the dams would produce. McKee also dealt with a strong government-ownership movement in Washington and northern Oregon from the Depression through the mid-1950s. More than 100 votes were held on establishing public utility districts or municipal ownership, and Pacific won most of them. It had fairly strong support from the public because of its good service record and its efforts to stimulate economic growth in the regions it served.

PacifiCorp

Arthur James Cahill

Born in San Francisco, California, Arthur Cahill became noted for his portraiture. He was also an illustrator and caricaturist who lived in California much of his life but spent a few years in San Antonio, Texas in the 1930s.

Cahill attended public school in Eureka and the Jesuit Brothers School of San Jose. He studied art at the Mark Hopkins Institute and in Paris, and from 1892 to 1906, worked as an illustrator for San Francisco newspapers. After the earthquake (showing 500 of 1096 characters).

Another example of his work.

Arthur Cahill, artist
American, 1879 - 1970
Adolph B. Spreckels, 1920
oil on canvas
33 1/4 x 26 (84.5 x 66 cm)
Gift of Mrs. Alma de Bretteville Spreckels through the Patrons of Art and Music 1951.42

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (FAMSF) is the city's largest public arts institution. Founded in 1970, FAMSF is comprised of the Legion of Honor in Lincoln Park and the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park. FAMSF is the city's most successful public/private partnership-a designated city department whose funding is largely raised privately.
The Legion of Honor displays a collection of 4,000 years of ancient and European art in an exquisite Beaux-Arts building overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. Built to commemorate Californian soldiers who died in World War I, the Legion of Honor's collections include Rodin's Thinker, which sits in the museum's Court of Honor, European decorative arts and paintings, and one of the largest collections of prints and drawings in the country.

The de Young is San Francisco's oldest museum. Its collections include American paintings, decorative arts and crafts, arts from Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and both western and non-western textiles. The de Young is particularly recognized for its many educational arts programs for children and adults.

Legion of Honor History
The Legion of Honor was the gift of Alma de Bretteville Spreckels to the city of San Francisco. In 1915 Mrs. Spreckels fell in love with the French Pavilion at San Francisco's Panama Pacific International Exposition. This pavilion was a replica of the Palais de la Légion d'Honneur in Paris, one of the distinguished eighteenth-century landmarks on the left bank of the Seine. Alma Spreckels persuaded her husband, Adolph B. Spreckels, the sugar magnate, to recapture the beauty of the pavilion as a new art museum for San Francisco
Gift of Mrs. Alma de Bretteville Spreckels through the Patrons of Art and Music 1951.42