Category: Featured

Soviet Film Wednesday: A Rainy Story

Inspired after seeing this on Soviet Visuals and Folklore Film Fest‘s #SovietFilmWednesday, this was the first Soviet film I shared a little over four years ago, and it is still one of my favorites. What can I say, I love rain and cats, and the illustrations are beautiful, so this seemed like the perfect starting place for …

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Marion Hall Best: A Trailblazer in Interior Design

Have you ever walked into a space and felt an immediate sense of comfort and style? That’s the magic of interior design, a field that Marion Hall Best revolutionized in Australia. Known for her innovative approach and dedication to the craft, Best’s legacy continues to inspire both designers and homeowners alike. A Glimpse into Her …

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Imogen Cunningham: The Woman Behind the Camera

Imogen Cunningham, born on April 12, 1883, in Portland, Oregon, emerged as a pioneering force in American photography. From a young age, her artistic inclinations were nurtured, leading her to purchase her first camera at just eighteen. This marked the beginning of a lifelong journey that would redefine the boundaries of photography. Cunningham’s early career …

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George Blacklock: A Journey Through Color and Abstraction

Born on this day April 11, 1952 in County Durham, England, George Blacklock embarked on a vibrant artistic journey that would see him become a celebrated figure in the contemporary art scene. His education began at Sunderland Polytechnic, where he spent a year before transferring to Stourbridge College of Art in the early seventies. By …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: The Snow Queen

The Snow Queen, a 1957 film directed by Lev Atamanov, is a celebrated cinematic gem in the realm of animated cinema. This Russian animation feature, produced by Soyuzmultfilm, is based on the fairy tale of the same name by renowned Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The film remains a classic example of Atamanov’s brilliant storytelling …

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Celebrating the New Year with Peggy Lee: A Joyful Tribute to ‘My Dear Acquaintance’

Celebrating the New Year’s arrival is always a moment of joy, reflection, and anticipation. And what better way to mark this occasion than with a tribute to the late, great Peggy Lee and her evocative song ‘My Dear Acquaintance’? This song, with its stirring lyrics and melodic charm, perfectly encapsulates the sentiment of bidding adieu …

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Soviet Film Wednesday: Carnival Night

The year 1956 marked a turning point in the history of Soviet cinema. It was a time of significant cultural and political shifts, and the burgeoning film industry played a vital role in reflecting these changes. The 1956 film, Carnival Night, was at the forefront of this cinematic revolution, providing a fresh perspective on Soviet …

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Christmas Jazz Delight: Celebrating the Holiday Season with Oscar Peterson

As the holiday season unfolds, there’s no better way to indulge in its merriment than by immersing oneself in the melodic charm of jazz, particularly the timeless tunes of Oscar Peterson. His soulful renditions of classic Christmas songs resonate with warmth, evoking nostalgic memories of past holiday seasons while creating new ones. One cannot talk …

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The History of Aluminum Christmas Trees: From Space Age to Nostalgia

The aluminum Christmas tree is a unique cultural artifact that embodies a certain era of American history. Born out of the Space Age fascination with new materials and technologies, the aluminum Christmas tree was a symbol of modernity and progress. Its journey from a novelty item to a piece of nostalgia is a fascinating story …

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The Power and Glory of Phil Ochs

In the tumultuous landscape of 1960s America, one voice rose above the cacophony of social unrest and political upheaval – that of Phil Ochs. A troubadour of truth, a poet of protest, and a harbinger of hope, Ochs influenced the folk music scene and the activist movement that continues to resonate today. The Birth of …

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