My Introduction To Northwest Coast Native American ArtWritten by Clint Leung
I had lived in Vancouver very briefly as a child and it was during that time when I was first exposed to art of Northwest Coast Native American Indians. It was towering colorful totem poles out in Stanley Park that everyone gazed at with wonder and appreciation. It took about 30 years later during a return trip to Vancouver when Northwest Coast Native American art caught my eyes again. I was in Vancouver for business and landed at city's new airport terminal. One could not help but notice huge native carvings near arrivals area. Later on during my stay, I decided to wander around in Gastown district. It was in these shops and galleries in Gastown where I fell in love with Northwest Coast Native American art. I saw many wonderful wooden plaques representing different animals. There were also art prints, paintings, masks, wooden bowls and even furnature with these animals either painted or carved right into pieces. The colors and designs, which might be considered a bit exaggerated to non-native eyes, were striking as well as bold. I knew at that time that I wanted to include some of this magnificent artwork on my walls back at home. So I bought two plaque carvings and carried them home like newly found treasure. Historically, native Indians who lived along river valleys and coastal waters of Pacific Northwest were all hunters and gatherers. The region was blessed with abundant resources from both seas and forests. These people captured in their artwork animals they hunted and observed. These included bears, killer whales, eagles, ravens, salmons, wolves, hummingbirds and even frogs. Chiefs and mythical characters important in their legends such as thunderbirds were also included as art subjects.
| | German Castles -- 4 of the most incredible ones – Part IWritten by Marcus Hochstadt
We have a long history here in Germany and very medieval castles also. Tens of thousands of tourists come to Germany day in and day out just to see and feel "charisma" of our German castles.I will explain you 4 of my favourites and a little bit of their history. If you plan to travel to Germany, you might like to know them and to feel its charisma too. ;-) These 4 castles are located in South Germany, so you do not have to travel hundreds of kilometres/miles to see each of them. By way, most of our German castles are located in South Germany. 1. Heidelberg The first one I describe to you is Heidelberg castle. It is really big and has a secret stairway to walk up to it. Very few people know that way, most of people go up by 'hill train'. I mean, you can do that too, but imagine how incredible it is, when you walk up more than 300 stairs (each stair has its number on it!) and see all old houses around you, WOW! Heidelberg itself has a strong history too and you see that on all houses and extremely expensive residential areas. Very famous people live in Heidelberg, such as Steffi Graf and famous Scientists. You should also walk through the, and now I'll give you a insider secret, 'Philosophenweg' (Way of Philosophs). You may ask people out there where exactly this way is, but however when you walk up that way, you have an really awesome, and I mean really awesome view to Heidelberg castle and Heidelberg itself and its river (Neckar). 2. Schwetzingen Not far away from Heidelberg (approx. 10km) is a small town called Schwetzingen (yes, I live in this town and I love it!). The special thing here is, that this town has just 22,500 residents, but also a huge castle! When you visit German castles you will realize, that some of them not so big, but beautiful too. The castle of Schwetzingen is not just beautiful, it's awesome and huge! The city itself spends all of entrance fees (only 2,50 EUR per day) into this incredible castle, and you see that at each corner stone, plant and bloom.
|
