Eroticism in Art: Erotic Paintings, Sex Songs, & Erotic Literature
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Art 150 Intro to Ceramics
Image by Michael Oh
Ceramics Class: Jessica Berg Swanson (left)
In ancient days, and in numerous cultures, the body and sex was admired and admonished and was presented through sketches, sculptures, or ceramics. The genitals would generally be openly displayed or would even be considerably embellished. The extent of the sexual organs was considered a sign of amorous capacity or control in man.
Undoubtedly, sex and eroticism are two different things. Eroticism can purely be expressed by a person. Unlike human beings, animals are not able to produce erotic behaviors.
Art can be categorized in the erotic genre if it produces a sexual lust or satisfaction. Sensual art may be displayed in drawings, sculptures, literature, music, etc.
In sensual art we find out not solely personal enjoyment, like we find in physical sex, but we additionally locate pleasure in our other senses and in other manners like in visual, audio, and also through our illusions.
When sex is expressed through some kind of art it becomes not purely the search for physical enjoyment but also an admiration of beauty and aesthetics.
Erotic literature is a specific genre where the theme is completely correlated to making love in general. Very explicit scenes and quotes can be seen that could nearly be declared to be pornographic literature.
In the genre of erotic literature we may find short stories, manuals, poems, and novels. Ancient sensual literature is characterized by its union of heavenly and earthly beings.
The Kamasutra, penned in the fourth century in India, is declared to be the most effective handbook of sexuality. It was written as a religious book, aimed to the people, and combined writings of sexual techniques and recommendations.
In today’s time, artists who make erotic art are still not, even yet, accepted in society as those artists of other genres are.
In songs, the genre of eroticism, or sex songs, has not yet been fully explored or experimented. Although in other cultures, like as in literature, artists have composed music which has combined spirituality with sexuality.
There are several styles in contemporary music that display sensuous and erotic emotions. In electronic and experimental music we can detect a variety of sub-genres which may carry an erotic connotation.
Several modern styles of sex songs nowadays have rhythms which were initially imitative from the jungle cultures of Africa. We may at this time discover several fusions of various song styles from all over the world which build in the use of ethnic and native instruments. World music is an obvious model of the union of art through culture.
Though it has gone through several ups and downs and prohibitions, eroticism has always been seen in art since the beginning of man and is still a very important aesthetic and human manner of expression.
Brochure Printing for a Local Pottery Business
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Green Pottery
Image by frankenschulz
Green glazed pottery of Atzompa is a style of glazed pottery, which originates in the Oaxaca, Mexico town of Santa María Atzompa. Almost all of the pottery made here is of a jade-green color, due to the lead monoxide glaze which has been traditionally applied to it.
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_glazed_pottery_of_Atzompa)
Marketing a local brand or line of pottery can be challenging when there are very limited resources and time. In a highly competitive market of diverse products as well as the mediums for promoting them, promoting local crafts need not be done on a large scale. Small scale marketing can be just as effective. It can also be more personal as relationships are made and strengthened through direct interaction.
One example of a small but still effective medium for marketing is the use of brochures. Brochures serve as handy, concise and graphic marketing tools to promote pottery and brochure printing today can be fast, easy and affordable through online printing. Below are some ideas on how brochures can serve as effective marketing materials.
• Brochures can be direct-Establish the market and target area of the market. In a local area, determine which locations would be ideal for marketing and selling the product. Brochures can be used to spread the word around by distributing around a residential district, in art stores, novelty and gift shops, bookstores, and local coffee house.
• Brochures can be instantly informative-Aside from address and contact details, the text on a brochure can include essential product information such as height, weight, width, variants, rim openings, uses, materials, pottery-making processes, prices, availability and design tips.
• Brochures can be graphic-Brochures can be just the right format or size to showcase the pottery design. This includes colors, sizes and details of a pottery line. Print shops are also able to print customized sizes and designs for more distinct brand marketing. Some online printers even offer easy to follow instructions for customizing a brochure on their website while a variety of expertly-designed, ready-made templates can also be chosen.
• Brochures can be easy to order and print-Brochures today can be ordered online through print shops that offer wholesale or brochure printing services. Some even offer free prepress services such as digital proofing and paper sample kit delivery.
Throwing A Pottery Party
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Pottery Road, old and older still
Image by Lone Primate
This view was taken showing the old, old closed course of Pottery Road up the trail at left, and its momentary junction with its new (also closed) course at centre right. At the extreme right is the level crossing where Pottery Road once crossed the SH&L tracks, and the location where James Victor Salmon stood to take his 1955 images looking up the original course.
If you have a daughter I am sure you are constantly searching for the perfect birthday party that will be fun and entertaining. One great way to make your little princess have a very special birthday is by throwing a “paint your own pottery” birthday party for her and a few of her closest friends. This can be an expensive prospect if you invite her entire second grade class but if you limit it to 6 or 8 of her very best friends then you should be able to keep costs under control to some degree.
The thing to keep in mind with a party such as this is to plan ahead. Many pottery shops that allow visitors to paint their own pottery will have deals and bargains that may be struck for birthday parties, showers, and other group events. By making plans early you can select one piece or a couple of pieces from which the girls can choose and establish a price for each piece and the firing of the pieces once the party ends.
If there aren’t any party plans around the pieces that strike the fancy of your little princess, though most have some fairly interesting pieces, you could perhaps establish a theme such as allowing each friend to make her own tea cup for a tea party theme. Each shop has a little something different to offer so keep this in mind when making plans. If you have an item in mind for the party that may be limited in availability make sure to reserve those pieces ahead of time so that you will have plenty for your party guests to paint.
Another reason you need to plan ahead for parties of this nature is that most facilities require advanced notice in order to work out bargain pricing and many will provide a special room for the party guest in which you can bring food, drinks, and party favors for a little more fun and to add to the festivities. Your little princess is likely to agree that this is much more fun than an afternoon at that pizza party place and the guests will each be able to bring home a fabulous trinket and example of her artistic talents. Many of these facilities will require a certain deposit for reservation of the party room and you really should book as early as possible in order to insure the room is free during the time you wish to hold your little princess pottery party.
If this is going to be a coed party there is no need to fret. There are plenty of pieces that can work for male or female guests and you can make small adjustments to the party theme to accommodate either or both if you have siblings or boy best friends to consider in the bargain. Regardless, a pottery party is still a fairly fun and unique party prospect for most kids and will definitely boost your ratings on the ‘world’s coolest parent’ totem pole until the next major battle brews at least.
Things you will want to consider before booking a party of this nature are the guests that will be invited. If this party is fit for boys and girls you will want this knowledge when making plans so that you may choose options accordingly. I don’t know many boys who want princess crowns or teacups as a parting gift. You should also know the number of people you plan to invite. These parties typically charge a per guest rate and it can be quite high. Keep the invites small if possible or plan to invest a significant amount of money into making this party great. Also keep in mind that this really isn’t a suitable environment for very small hands. There are many fragile items on display and all around. To avoid cuts and damages, keep the little ones at home for this particular excursion. Most importantly-have fun!
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Erotic Photography as Art
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Art 150 Intro to Ceramics
Image by Michael Oh
Ceramics Class
When most hear the words “Erotic Photography” images of bare girls with no morals taking advantage of themselves for money is what comes to mind. Erotic photography is very much more than this. At its core, erotic photography is a way to seize the essence of the body, the external attractiveness, and subtleties that define sensuality and eroticism.
Erotic photography is characterized as taking photos of the unclothed physique in a fashion that is artistic and creative. While, we typically think of pornography as the edgy, degrading, and often trashy images of women, with low moral standards behind it. Many photographers are spend many years perfecting the art of erotic photography. It’s also not unusual for an erotic photographer to take award-winning shots of their subjects, and receive much critical praise for their work. Erotic photography models endure vigorous training and education to grasp the creative nature of erotic photography and to learn the difference between erotic photography and pornography.
Long before magazines like Playboy were ever printed erotic photography was popular. History is filled with examples of erotic art and nude portraits. Due to various political and cultural climates, erotic photography has had to move underground at times, and the photographers have faced some battles. Today, the Internet has made it increasingly difficult to access the wealth of erotic photography since it is cluttered with pornographic images, however, there are some online resources that have creative and artist images that are excellent examples of professional erotic photography. With some extensive searching, using choice keyphrases like “nude art” and “erotic women” you can find some very good examples of modern erotic photography. These are the people who should be praised for their artistic abilities and talents.
Erotic depictions have been present in almost every society in this world. The Paleolithic carvings and cave paintings are an example of very old, but surviving erotic depictions. Go to Pompeii and you will find Greek paintings covering all the ruined walls of Roman buildings. In South America, if you visited Peru, you might encounter the Moshe community, who sculpted erotic scenes into their pottery. Also, the Larco museum in Lima contains many examples of erotic ceramics and artwork.
The same can be found in Eastern cultures. The Shunga of Japan appeared for many centuries, and depicted their own sort of erotic art. Until the advent of photography, their work continued to grow in popularity. In China, it was during the latter years of Ming dynasty that erotic art reached its climax. The Kama Sutra of India continues to enjoy popularity till today.
Today, erotic artists are still present in our societies although their work is not accepted like that of other genres of art. However, over the last few years, there has been a big growth and development in this art. New approaches, such as realism and impressionism have developed. What remains to be seen is how long erotic art continues to live with us.
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Defining erotic art
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Art 150 Intro to Ceramics
Image by Michael Oh
Ceramics Class
When most hear the words “Erotic Photography” photos of bare women with no morals exploiting themselves for money is what comes to mind. Really though, erotic photography goes further than these misconceptions. At its heart, erotic photography is a way to capture the heart and soul of the body, the external magnificence, and subtleties that define sensuality and eroticism.
Nude photography is defined as taking photos of the naked human body in a manner that is artistic and creative. Pornography is the degrading and trashy photos of those without morals. Many photographers are spend many years refining the art of erotic photography. It’s also not unusual for an erotic photographer to take award-winning shots of their subjects, and receive much significant praise for their work. Erotic art models withstand vigorous training and schooling to get better at the creative nature of erotic photography and to learn the difference between erotic photography and pornography.
Way before Playboy existed, erotic photography was popular. History is filled with examples of erotic art and nude portraits. Because of the controversy, in the 1900′s , those who were skilled in the art of erotic photography were chastised and therefore would take the photos anonymously. Today, the Internet has made it increasingly difficult to access the wealth of erotic photography since it is cluttered with pornographic images, however, there are some online resources that have creative and artist images that are excellent examples of professional erotic photography. If you search hard enough you will be able to find some very talented photographers and models who exemplify the very nature of erotic photography. These are the people who should be praised for their artistic abilities and talents.
Erotic depictions have been present in almost every society in this world. Erotic paintins can be found in the Paleolithic carvings and cave paintings that have been unearthed. Go to Pompeii and you will find Greek paintings covering all the ruined walls of Roman buildings. A country like Peru on the southern part of America had a community known as Moshe which concentrated on sculpturing explicit scenes into their pottery. The Larco museum which is situated in Lima contains an entire gallery of erotic ceramics.
The same can be found in Eastern cultures. In Japan, the Shunga appeared from early in the thirteenth century up to late in the nineteenth century. All through, it continued to gain popularity until the invention of photography. In China, it was during the latter years of Ming dynasty that erotic art reached its climax. The Kama Sutra of India continues to enjoy popularity till today.
Today, erotic artists are still present in our societies although their work is not accepted like that of other genres of art. That said, during the last decade we’ve seen a new growth in erotic photography and artwork. Several new approaches to it have been developed such as Realism and Impressionism. It’s likely that erotic photography will stay with us for the long run.
Middle East Pottery
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Kid’s Pottery
Image by Tobyotter
I went down to the kiln room at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center (where I take pottery classes) and saw this piece from the kid’s class waiting to be fired – I love it.
From the 8th to 18th centuries, glazed ceramics was important in Islamic art, usually in the form of elaborate pottery, developing on vigorous Persian and Egyptian pre-Islamic traditions in particular. Tin-opacified glazing was developed by the Islamic potters, the first examples found as blue-painted ware in Basra, dating from about the 8th century. The Islamic world had contact with China, and increasingly adapted many Chinese decorative motifs. Persian wares gradually relaxed Islamic restrictions on figurative ornament, and painted figuratives scenes became very important.
Stoneware, originating from 9th century Iraq, was also an important material in Islamic pottery. Pottery was produced in Ar-Raqqah, Syria, in the 8th century. Other centers for innovative ceramics in the Islamic world were Fustat (near modern Cairo) from 975 to 1075, Damascus from 1100 to around 1600 and Tabriz from 1470 to 1550.
The the albarello form, a type of maiolica earthenware jar originally designed to hold apothecaries’ ointments and dry drugs, was first made in the Islamic Middle East. It was brought to Italy by Hispano-Moresque traders; the earliest Italian examples were produced in Florence in the 15th century.
Iznik pottery, made in western Anatolia, is highly decorated ceramics whose heyday was the late 16th century under the Ottoman sultans. Iznik vessels were originally made in imitation of Chinese porcelain, which was highly prized. Under Süleyman the Magnificent (1520–66), demand for Iznik wares increased. After the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the Ottoman sultans started a programme of building, which used large quantities of Iznik tiles. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul (built 1609-16) alone contains 20,000 tiles and tiles were used extensively in the Topkapi Palace (commenced 1459). As a result of this demand, tiles dominated the output of the Iznik potteries.
Early pots were made by the “coiling” method, working the clay into a long string which was wound round to form a shape and then modelled to form smooth walls. The potter’s wheel was probably invented in Mesopotamia by the 4th millennium BC, but spread across nearly all Eurasia and much of Africa, though it remained unknown in the New World until the arrival of Europeans. Decoration of the clay by incising and painting is found very widely, and was initially geometric, but often included figurative designs from very early on.
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Art Students Get a Long Term Commitment From New Online Gallery Supported by the Saatchi Gallery
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Art 150 Intro to Ceramics
Image by Michael Oh
Ceramics Class
There are a number of issues facing today’s student artists, which are common across all the disciplines from fine art to photography. Firstly the art industry has always been tough to get recognition from and many artists find it hard to make a living, none more so than when you’re a student or recent graduate. Another issue student or graduate artists face is that they often don’t get the best return possible on the sale of their work and commission rates commercial galleries charge are fairly high. Not forgetting the level of debt that the students will face through tuition fees and charges for materials that are often essential for Art & Design courses.
A reflection of these costs can be found when looking at advice given to students of the Royal College of Art in London. There website states that
“We estimate that to live in London for a full year (term-time and vacations) will require a single student to have funding of a minimum of £11’500”
This is a substantial amount of money and to earn this and support your self whilst at university with no parental help would require a job. Having had a quick search through one of the leading job sites for the London area, a typical part time job such as a receptionist in a legal firm working three full days a week would earn them £11’700 before deductions.
This would realistically be a close shave and not leave much in the way of funds available for other expenses that the students are advised to budget for
“Students also need to allow for spending on course materials over and above the amounts provided by the College.”
Although an indication to the level of these costs are not given on the site, students will still need to pay £4250 for tuition fees at the start of each academic year.
So what art students and graduates need is an opportunity to earn a fair return for the sale of their work and ultimately give them un biased exposure, whilst levelling the playing field a little.
One commercial website believes they have come up with a way of dong just that. The website which is to be opened to art students this month and will be launched to the world next spring is from the same stable of websites as www.thestudentzone.com which already has a strong commitment to tackling issues such as student debt. See www.thestudentzone.com/sdrs
The website to be launched under the banner of CompelloArt.com will allow students to exhibit and sell their work for a very low rate of commission along side the commercial galleries and artists exhibits with no indication that the pieces are from a student artist. This will give the students an opportunity to exhibit their work in a uniquely competitive way. The students will be able to access this facility by registering through www.thestudentzone.com/art who are a major sponsor of www.compelloart.com. The student exhibiters will also be subject to an especially low rate of commission of only 10% on any sales made through the website.
The Saatchi Gallery London is a major supporter of the project and Kieran from the organisation commented
“CompelloArt.com is a very exciting opportunity for Students to showcase their artwork and reach a worldwide audience. Alongside STUART, on the Saatchi Gallery website we believe this is the future of how art will be brought and viewed in the future.”
It is hoped that the success of the project will lead to more of our talented young artists breaking onto the international stage and to further this goal the Saatchi Gallery will be selecting artists to become featured on the website as well as their own well respected web presence www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk
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Art Nouveau 1890 – 1914 – Art Nouveau style jewellery
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Art 150 Intro to Ceramics
Image by Michael Oh
Ceramics Class
The Art Nouveau or ‘New Art’ movement heralded perhaps one of the most exciting departures from mainstream fashion in the history of the creative arts. In many ways Art Nouveau was a response to the Industrial Revolution.
A wave of technological progress had spread across Western Europe, embracing the aesthetic possibilities of new materials using machines that could produce and reproduce to extravagantly high degrees of precision, and even more important, opening a commercial market for the masses. It was a time when ordinary people could expect to own things, and how better to celebrate than through the ownership of art, textiles and jewellery.
Jewellery was one of the most successful, and the purest expression of the Art Nouveau style. It was sensuous, organic, and inventive. The joy for the freedom of expression quickly took hold and in Paris, Belgium and London collections of jewellery went on display characterised by a sense of freedom.
It was a Frenchman, Siegfried Bing who opened the first Gallery in Paris displaying Art Nouveau. Tiffany designed glassware, jewellery and ceramics, and was soon joined by artisans such as Louis Bonnier, Frank Brangwyn and Edouard Viuillard, whilst our own William Morris displayed his furnishings. The world of fashion soon picked up the ‘new look’ and copies went on sale throughout Europe.
Items of fine jewellery, often shaped in the flowing signature of the S curve, became the rage, everyone wanted to own a brooch, or pair of earrings made in the ‘new style’. Necklaces were produced with beautifully crafted pendants, designed to make the centre piece of an outfit, hair combs and hatpins became essential and extravagant ornamental additions to hats and elaborate hairstyles, belt buckles, tiaras, diadems and theatrical headpieces gave a freedom to artists and wearer, giving full rein to the imagination and creative talents.
Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the new age in jewellery making was the materials used. Apart from the traditional and expensive silver, gold and diamonds which really were confined to the rich, ordinary people could now buy exquisite pieces crafted from semi precious stones such as moonstones. Opal, coral, mother of pearl, freshwater pearls, tortoise shell, ivory and horn, but also copper, crystal and carved glass. Perhaps the most distinctive and inspiring work came from the new and exciting use of enamelling techniques.
Craftsmen using gold wire to form partitions into which coloured enamel is poured produced elaborate and colourful designs of flowers, butterflies and even colourful insects. Whilst the early Egyptians began the art of enamelling, it was perfected by the Russian Jeweller Karl Faberge, and examples of his work are on display at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Look at the Gemondo range and see our own range of lovely examples our craftsmen have re-created for you to choose from
The freedom of expression which characterised the Art Nouveau movement is a feature of today’s fashion. Individuals still enjoy expressing themselves through jewellery. With the wonderful range of subtle or expressive reproductions designed and crafted by our team, you can compliment any outfit.
Choose from Gemondo’s magnificent range of wedding jewellery, birthstone jewellery and gold and silver jewellery, enjoy a whole new look celebrating the artistic freedom first enjoyed by the innovative artists of the early 20th century.
Discover Islamic Art In Kuala Lumpur
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Art 150 Intro to Ceramics
Image by Michael Oh
Ceramics Class: Mark and I are applying glaze called Dimestore on his xbox 360 piece and waiting for the drips to fall into the bucket and waiting for it to dry so we can set it on the table on the newspaper with the unglazed side on the bottom.
The majority of Malaysia being an Islamic, the religion has had a profound effect on the cultural identity of the nation. This fact is evident all over the country, be it in the architectural style of the buildings, the music and drama or even in the clothes of its inhabitants. The Islamic Art Museum in Kuala Lumpur details the various types of Islamic art found in Malaysia and correlates its significance to the daily life in the country.
By definition, Islamic Art is works of art created by Muslims and non-Muslims that resided in areas that were considered to be Islamic nations from the seventh century onwards. This broad definition includes various branches of art ranging from calligraphy to architecture. Because depiction of the human form in art constitutes to idol-worship according to the Quran, Islamic artwork mostly concentrates on patterns.
The Islamic Art Museum found in Kuala Lumpur is the largest such facility in South East Asia and currently counts more than a decade in operation. The galleries of the museum are of two kinds: permanent and temporary. The temporary sections play host to visiting artisans and exhibitions, and a number of different ones can be seen throughout the year.
The permanent galleries are divided up in to various sections and cover a wide variety of topics such as Architecture, Manuscripts, Textiles and Jewelry. A special section on Islamic Art in the Malay World can also be seen here. This section explores the spread of Islam in Malaysia and other archipelagos in Southeast Asia by displaying various items such as daggers, ceramics, textiles and manuscripts from the region.
The Islamic Art Museum is located close to the Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon offers travellers a serviced apartment Kuala Lumpur. Located in the heart of the city, close to many attractions such as the museum, this Kuala Lumpur service apartment is an ideal accommodation for long stay travelers.
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Buy Ethnic Pottery Online
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Ethnicity and India are almost synonyms when it comes to Home décor, Handicraft and Gift items. Our country is a rhythmic mix of rural and urban craftsmanship, which makes even a plain earthware a piece of rich beauty.
Pottery and Earthenware are the hallmark of India’s cultural tradition and till date carry a distinctive trail in the Indian market. From a utility item to a piece of artistic beauty, Pottery has traveled a long way from rural to urban civilization. What was used only in villages in the 17th and 18th century is know often found as an ornamental piece in the lavish drawing rooms of big city homes.
Although pottery was India’s hallmark in the time immemorial, its popularity is still not tainted and available to us in the form of Earthenware, Stoneware, Porcelain, Fire Clay and Ball Clay.
These are made with an ancient methodology but the modern artistic touch grants them an exceptional beauty. Many people have bought exclusive ethnic pottery for their homes, offices and balustrades. For example, a duck shaped earthen pitcher with fine black paint and white sketch kept in the living room, long neck simple beaker with curves and twists toward the top, and painted with earthen colors placed in the dining room, and wide beaker embellished with stones and kundan in the veranda has been regularly seen in Indian houses.
Thanks to the talented Indian potters that even in the 21st century, which brims with technologies, the clay made items have not ceased to exist. Rather they are being purchased with great zeal and many people give it greater importance than the machine-made and synthetic painted items.
The craze for designer pottery is so much that it begins from virtual market and covers the online market too. Many art and craft companies sell amazing pottery online, with a successful selling rate for people who are unable to visit the crowded markets. They showcase a wide product list to choose from, and most of them depict the passion they have in art and craft. Many people purchase the art and craft pieces online, and enrich their homes with artistic beauty that is found in different corners of India.
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