The Defining Characteristics of Classic Greek Statuary
The Defining Characteristics of Classic Greek Statuary
The Archaic Greeks developed the very first freestanding statuary, an amazing achievement as most sculptures up until then had been reliefs cut into walls and pillars. Most of these freestanding sculptures were what is known as kouros figures, statues of young, attractive male or female (kore) Greeks. The kouroi, considered by the Greeks to exemplify beauty, had one foot stretched out of a strict forward-facing posture and the male statues were always undressed, with a powerful, strong physique. The kouroi grew to be life-sized starting in 650 BC. The Archaic period was turbulent for the Greeks as they progressed into more polished forms of federal government and art, and gained more data about the peoples and cultures outside of Greece. Still these disputes did not stop the expansion of the Greek civilization. {
A Concise History of the Early Outdoor Fountains
A Concise History of the Early Outdoor Fountains The water from creeks and other sources was originally provided to the occupants of nearby communities and municipalities by way of water fountains, whose purpose was largely practical, not aesthetic. To produce water flow through a fountain until the later part of the 1800’s, and create a jet of water, required the force of gravity and a water source such as a spring or reservoir, located higher than the fountain. Fountains all through history have been crafted as memorials, impressing hometown citizens and visitors alike. Rough in design, the first water fountains didn't look much like modern-day fountains.
Simple stone basins created from local material were the original fountains, used for religious ceremonies and drinking water. Pure stone basins as fountains have been found from 2000 BC. The first civilizations that used fountains relied on gravity to force water through spigots. The placement of the fountains was driven by the water source, which is why you’ll normally find them along aqueducts, waterways, or streams. Creatures, Gods, and spectral figures dominated the initial decorative Roman fountains, starting to show up in about 6 BC. A well-engineered system of reservoirs and aqueducts kept Rome's public water fountains supplied with fresh water.
Installation and Maintenance of Outdoor Fountains
Installation and Maintenance of Outdoor Fountains An important first step before installing any outdoor wall fountain is to consider the room you have available. It will require a strong wall to support its overall weight. Also keep in mind that smaller areas or walls will need to have a lightweight fountain. In order for the fountain to have power, a nearby electrical outlet is needed. Since there are many kinds of outdoor wall fountains, installation methods vary, however the majority include easy to follow instructions. Most outdoor wall fountains are available in easy-to-use kits that will provide you everything you need to properly install it.
In the kit you are going to find all the needed essentials: a submersible pump, hoses and basin, or reservoir. If the size is average, the basin can be hidden away among your garden plants. Since outdoor wall fountains require little maintenance, the only thing left to do is clean it consistently.
Replenishing and purifying the water on a routine basis is very important. Remember to remove debris like leaves, twigs or dirt as quickly as possible. Excessively cold temperatures can damage your outdoor wall fountain so be sure to protect it during wintertime. If left outdoors, your pump could break as a result of icy water, so bring it inside during the winter. The bottom line is that if you properly maintain and care for your outdoor fountain, it will bring you joy for years to come.
Keep Your Landscape Fountain Clean
Keep Your Landscape Fountain Clean In order to ensure that water fountains last a while, it is vital to perform regular maintenance.
A typical problem with fountains is that they tend to collect dirt and debris, so it is essential that you keep it free from this. Also, algae is likely to build up wherever natural light meets water. In order to avoid this, there are some simple ingredients that can be mixed into the water, such as vinegar, sea salt, or hydrogen peroxide. Some people opt for putting bleach into the water, but the drawback is that it harms wildlife - so it should be avoided. No more than 3-4 months should really go by without an extensive cleaning of a fountain. Before you can start cleaning it you need to empty out all of the water. As soon as it is empty, wash inside the reservoir with a mild cleanser. Feel free to use a toothbrush if necessary for any smaller crevasses. Do not leave any soap deposits in or on the fountain.
It is highly advised taking the pump apart to better clean the inside and get rid of any plankton or calcium. Soaking it in vinegar for a time will make it easier to wash. Mineral or rain water, versus tap water, is ideal in order to avoid any build-up of chemicals inside the pump.
Finally, be sure to have a quick look at your fountain every day and add water if you see that the level is low. Allowing the water to reach below the pump’s intake level, can cause serious damage and even make the pump burn out - an undesired outcome!
The Countless Construction Materials of Garden Water fountains
The Countless Construction Materials of Garden Water fountains Garden fountains these days are typically made from metal, though you can find them in other materials too.
Metallic ones offer clean lines and unique sculptural accents and can accommodate nearly any decorative style and budget. It is essential that your landscape design reflects the style of your home. Presently, copper is very common for sculptural garden fountains. Copper is common for both inside and outside use and is widely found in tabletop and cascade fountains, among others. Copper is also versatile enough that you can pick a range of styles for your fountain, from contemporary to whimsical.
If you are drawn to more traditional -looking water fountains, brass is probably for you. You will see a lot of brass fountains, as their interesting artwork makes them common even if they are on the more traditional side.
Of all the metals, stainless steel is viewed as the most contemporary-looking. If you pick a cutting-edge steel design, both the value and tranquility of your garden will get a nice boost. As with most fountains, they are available in numerous sizes.
Fiberglass is a common material for fountains because you can get the look and feel of metal at a much lower price, and it is lightweight and easier to move than metal. Caring for a fiberglass water fountain is quite easy, another benefit that consumers love.