6 June 2021 - COVID 19 OBJECTS MADE INTO ART

 

COVID 19 OBJECTS 

MADE INTO ART

G'day folks,

I have previously covered the work of Japanese artist Tanaka Tatsuya, who crafts miniature scenes out of everyday objects. 

 

His ongoing Miniature Calendar series features a tiny scene for every day of the year - sometimes it’s broccoli plying as a tree or rice balls as mountains. The Covid-19 pandemic has introduced new everyday objects into our lives, like masks and rubber gloves, which used to be strange but are now a completely ordinary part of life. To mirror this “new normal” Tatsuya started incorporating them in his work.

In one image the artist turns a disposable mask into a swimming pool and in another, descending lengths of toilet paper are transformed into ski slopes. These virus-related objects, which usually put us in a serious mood, are turned into fun, exciting landscapes at the hands of the talented Tatsuya.

Clancy's comment: Brilliant. Go, Tanaka Tatsuya!

I'm ...

 

 

 

25 June 2021 - THE SLEEPY VILLAGE OF GIMMELWALD, SWITZERLAND

 

THE SLEEPY VILLAGE OF 

GIMMELWALD, SWITZERLAND

 

G'day folks,

We are all aware of the remarkable natural beauty of the Swiss Alps. But not many people have heard of the mountainside Swiss village of Gimmelwald which is almost like a little slice of heaven. 

 

This remote little village is hidden away in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland and sits at an altitude of 4,500 feet (1,371 m). There are hardly any modern vehicles to be found on the streets of this traffic-free town that has a population of fewer than 150 people. 

 

 The sleepy village is just the perfect place for those seeking some quiet time. Not much happens here – you won’t find great tourist attractions or glitzy restaurants. Instead, you will come across many cozy timber homes that line the streets. 

 

It is the ideal location to simply spend some time gazing at the mountains and the clouds or soak in the natural greenery that is sure to invigorate your senses.

 

 

Clancy's comment: Sounds perfect for a writer.

I'm ...

 

 

 

 

 

3 June 2021 - ISE JINGU - SHINTO SHRINES, JAPAN

 

ISE JINGU 

- SHINTO SHRINES, JAPAN -

 

G'day folks,

Known as "the soul of Japan," Ise Jingu includes 125 Shinto shrines dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. 

 

While it’s extremely popular, the place is never too crowded and always provides a relaxing and tranquil environment. Every year, more than 1,500 rituals are conducted here to pray for the imperial family and for the peace of the world. Also referred to as the home of the Japanese spirit, you can feel the origins of Japan in this sacred site. Ise Jingu has been a place to correspond with nature for more than 2,000 years and the location attracted tourists from the days before railways and cars. 

 

With the cedar trees and a clear running stream in the shrine complex, you will find very few environments in the world as soothing as this. Even a short stroll around the place is sure to make you feel calmer and more focused. 

 

 

Clancy's comment: A peaceful place to chill out.

I'm ...

 

 

 

 

 

11 June 2021 - THE ENCHANTING SHILIN STONE FOREST

 

THE ENCHANTING 

SHILIN STONE FOREST

 

G'day folks,

South China is known for having the most complex and fascinating karst landscapes in the world.

The Shilin stone forest has been a major attraction for thousands of years, and a source of local myths and legend. It is an amazing place to visit, and sees many tourists eager to see the majestic rock formation 'growing' out of the ground. The area is full of caves, springs and underwater streams and rivers to explore.

Imagine a forest full of trees. Now imagine all the trees are actually rocks, 'growing' out of the ground, some of them as old as 270 million years, over an area of 96,000 acres.

The Ashima rock is the most famous formation in the stone forest. An ancient legend claims that the forest is the birthplace of Ashima, a beautiful girl of the Yi people. She had fallen in love but was forbidden to persue it, and instead was turned to stone in the forest that still bears her name. Each year, on June 24th, the locals celebrate the 'torch festival', which includes folk dancing and wrestling competitions.

Karst rock is made of limestone, and this rocky landscape is filled with secret caves and sinkholes, due to undergrounds streams slowly eroding the rock and creating fascinating new structures, so no rock is like the other.

The South China Karst has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site since 2007.

Clancy's comment: Looks like an enchanting place.

I'm ...