Archaic Greek Artistry: Outdoor Statuary
Archaic Greek Artistry: Outdoor Statuary The primitive Greeks developed the first freestanding statuary, an amazing achievement as most sculptures up until then had been reliefs cut into walls and pillars. For the most part the statues, or kouros figures, were of young and desirable male or female (kore) Greeks. Symbolizing beauty to the Greeks, the kouroi were created to appear rigid and commonly had foot in front; the males were vigorous, strong, and nude. The kouroi grew to be life-sized beginning in 650 BC. The Archaic period was an incredible time of change for the Greeks as they extended into new modes of government, produced novel expressions of art, and gained knowledge of the people and cultures outside of Greece.
However, the Greek civilization was not slowed down by these fights.
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings
Modern Garden Decor: Fountains and their Beginnings A water fountain is an architectural piece that pours water into a basin or jets it high into the air in order to provide drinkable water, as well as for decorative purposes.
Originally, fountains only served a practical purpose. Inhabitants of urban areas, townships and small towns used them as a source of drinking water and a place to wash up, which meant that fountains had to be connected to nearby aqueduct or spring. Up until the 19th century, fountains had to be more elevated and closer to a water supply, including aqueducts and reservoirs, in order to benefit from gravity which fed the fountains. Acting as an element of decoration and celebration, fountains also provided clean, fresh drinking water. Bronze or stone masks of wildlife and heroes were commonly seen on Roman fountains. Muslims and Moorish landscaping designers of the Middle Ages included fountains to re-create smaller versions of the gardens of paradise. King Louis XIV of France wanted to demonstrate his dominion over nature by including fountains in the Gardens of Versailles. The Romans of the 17th and 18th centuries created baroque decorative fountains to glorify the Popes who commissioned them as well as to mark the location where the restored Roman aqueducts entered the city.
Indoor plumbing became the main source of water by the end of the 19th century thereby restricting urban fountains to mere decorative elements. Amazing water effects and recycled water were made possible by replacing the force of gravity with mechanical pumps.
Modern fountains are used to embellish public spaces, honor individuals or events, and enrich recreational and entertainment events.
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Fountains
The City Of Rome, Gian Bernini, And Fountains There are many renowned water features in Rome’s city center. Almost all of them were designed, conceived and constructed by one of the finest sculptors and artists of the 17th century, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. His abilities as a water fountain developer and also as a city designer, are evident all through the avenues of Rome. Ultimately travelling to Rome to completely express their artwork, primarily in the shape of community water features, Bernini’s father, a distinguished Florentine sculptor, guided his young son. The juvenile Bernini was an exceptional worker and received praise and patronage of significant painters as well as popes. His sculpture was originally his claim to fame. An expert in ancient Greek architecture, he utilized this knowledge as a base and melded it seamlessly with Roman marble, most notably in the Vatican. He was affected by many a great artists, however, Michelangelo had the biggest effect on his work.
The Advantages of Solar Powered Garden Fountains
The Advantages of Solar Powered Garden Fountains
Garden wall fountains can be fueled in a variety of different ways. The recent interest in eco-friendly power has led to a rise in the usage of solar run fountains, even though till now they have mainly been powered by electricity. Solar energy is a great way to run your water fountain, just know that initial costs will most likely be higher. Terra cotta, copper, porcelain, or bronze are used to make solar powered water fountains. Your decor determines which type best fits you. If you are looking to have your own garden retreat, these kinds of fountains are ideal because they are easy to upkeep and also have a positive effect on the environment. Indoor wall fountains are a superb option to cool your home as well as to provide an enticing addition to your surroundings. An alternative to air conditioners and swamp coolers, they cool off your home by employing the same principles. You can reduce your power bill since they use less energy.
A fan can be used to blow fresh, dry air across them in order to generate a cooling effect. You can either take advantage of air from a corner of your home or turn on your ceiling fan to improve the circulation in the room It is very important that the top of the water have air continually blowing across it. It is the nature of fountains and waterfalls to produce cool, fresh air. You will experience a sudden coolness in the air when you come near a sizable waterfall or fountain. Placing your fountain cooling system in a spot where it will receive additional heat is not useful. If you are looking for an efficient cooling system, it should be far from direct sunlight.
Eco-Friendly Wall Water Fountains
Eco-Friendly Wall Water Fountains
Have you always wanted to beautify the look of your house? Stop looking! Solar water fountains are the ideal solution - they bring beauty to any home and at the same time add financial value to the property. You get all the advantages of an electric fountain, as well as other financial benefits and an overall betterment to your health. Despite the high initial price, costs associated with these water features are worthwhile. Because your fountain will not be fueled by electrical energy, there will be no need to fret about any power shortages. Constant running water fountains will most probably lead to a higher electric bill at the end of the month. Keep in mind that while you may not notice any rewards right away, your home will be worth more down the road.
Higher bills is not the only problem with using more electricity, the environment takes a big hit as well. Becoming “green” is just one of the advantages of installing a solar water fountain running only on the power of the sun. The eco-system can only benefit from the use of solar powered homes and water fountains.
This type of fountain demands less maintenance than others. Clogs are avoided since there is no motor - which leads to less cleaning. And less cleaning equals more time to enjoy yourself!
A Small Garden Area? You Can Have a Water Feature too!
A Small Garden Area? You Can Have a Water Feature too! You can make your space look bigger due to the reflective effect of water. Dark materials increase the reflective properties of a fountain or water feature. When the sun goes down, you can use underwater lights in a variety of colors and shapes to light up your new feature. Benefit from the sun’s rays by using eco-lights during the day and underwater lights during the night. The comforting effect produced by these is oftentimes used in nature techniques to alleviate anxiety and stress. The foliage in your yard is a great spot to fit in your water feature. Your pond, artificial waterway, or fountain is the perfect feature to draw people’s interest. The flexibility of water features is that they can be installed in large backyards as well as in small verandas. The right accessories and the best location for it are worthwhile if you want to better the atmosphere.