Origami

Can you believe these dolls are made of a piece of paper? These were made by Eric Joisel who is a French Origami artist. When we were children, we played with Origami, didn't we? Origami is very familiar to me. However, when I found his works on the Internet, my image of Origami changed completely. Origami was just a plaything for me, but he made works of art by using it!

We can see the details of the doll in this picture. I don't understand how it is made by a piece of paper. I think it takes Eric a lot of time to make the piece.

This dog is Eric's work too. It is simpler than the dolls above, but I think it is difficult to make it for ordinary people. Now, the only thing that I can make by a piece of paper is crane. I forgot the way to make other thing by Origami. However, I want to make dogs like Eric's by Origami someday.

If you are interested in Eric's works, I recommend you to check his homepage: http://www.ericjoisel.com/home.html

Pictures from

http://www.origamihouse.jp/gallery/house_joisel/index.html

Carving

Do you know Carving? It is a traditional Thai craft that carve delicate pattern on the surface of fruits, vegetables and soaps. Carving is called "Kesalak" in Thai. Look at this picture.

This pattern is carved on a watermelon. It is wonderful, isn't it?

Fruits or vegetables carvings are used as decorations of weddings.

Such patterns are carved by using these special knives. These are for beginners, and therefore, not so expensive. Everyone can try carving easily. I think it is better to use apples for the first time, because they are cheap and easy to carve.
In the beginning, I said that carving is Thai craft, but there are similar craft in all over the world.
For example, Jack-o-Lantern is one of the vegetable carvings.

Have you ever heard the word "Kazarigiri?" You may see Kzarigiri vegetables in Osechi. Kazarigi is also similar to carving.
These pictures from http://www.fvs.jp/

Bartolome Esteban Murillo

Have you ever seen this picture? You may see it in a text book of art. It was drawn by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. He was an artist who flourished in 17th century Spain. He is one of my favorite artists, because his works are beautiful and realistic.

This is another his wrok. In the class of theology, I saw this picture for the first time. I was moved by its grace. I could not believe that people could draw such beautiful picture. This picture is religious one, and the woman who is drawn in it is the Virgin Mary. The title of this picture is "Immaculate Conception," and it is exhibited at Prado Museum in Spain. A professor of theology said that art was developed by religion. I thought that was an interesting idea, and he was right.

"Immaculate conception" was drawn by many artists. This picture was drawn by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo. There are many similar points to Murillo's one, such as blue mant and angels. However Murillo's "Immaculate Conception" has a different point from others. In Murillo's picture, Mary looks up. This a big different point. Look at another "Immaculate Conception."

This picture was drawn by Zurbaran Francisco de. In his work, Mary looked down to watch the earth. This picture is also in Prado Museum. I would like to go to the museum.

Pictures from http://www.salvastyle.com/menu_baroque/murillo_immaculate_b.html