When exploring the world of artist Frank McClure, one can’t help but be inspired by his unique and compelling works. Born on this day December 30, 1896 in Lafayette, Indiana, McClure is a master of his craft, creating pieces that are intricate and emotive. McClure’s medium of choice is linocut ink, a versatile and tactile material …
Category: On This Day
Dec 29 2024
The Jesus and Mary Chain: How a Scottish Band Redefined Alternative Rock
In the annals of rock music history, few bands have had as profound an impact on the course of alternative rock as the Scottish band, The Jesus and Mary Chain. Led by brothers Jim Reid (born on this day December 29, 1961) and William Reid (b. October 28, 1958), The Jesus and Mary Chain emerged …
Dec 27 2024
Bruno Bobak: A Brush with Canadian History
Bruno Bobak, a name synonymous with Canadian art, left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural landscape. Born Bronislaw Jacob Bobak on December 27, 1923, in Wawelówka, Poland (now Ukraine), Bobak’s journey from immigrant child to celebrated artist is a testament to his talent and perseverance. From Poland to the Prairies In 1925, at just …
Dec 23 2024
Discovering Dorothy Dehner: The Influential Abstract Expressionist
Dorothy Dehner, a pioneer in the field of abstract expressionism, created a body of work that spans several decades and includes sculpture, painting, and drawing. Born on this day December 23, 1901, Dehner’s life was marked by a pursuit of artistic expression and innovation. Her works, characterized by their abstract forms and expressive lines, were …
Dec 21 2024
Achille Vianelli: Master of Italian Landscapes
Born in the picturesque coastal town of Porto Maurizio, Italy, on this day December 21, 1803, Achille Vianelli (also known as Vianelly) would grow to become one of the most captivating landscape painters of his time. His journey as an artist began with a childhood move to Otranto, where the stunning vistas of southern Italy …
Dec 20 2024
Billy Bragg: The Voice of Punk Folk and Political Activism
Billy Bragg, often hailed as the “Bard of Barking,” has been a prominent figure in the British music scene for over four decades. Known for his distinctive blend of punk, folk, and politically charged lyrics, Bragg has carved out a unique niche as both a musician and an activist. From Barking to the Big Stage …
Dec 19 2024
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 …
Dec 18 2024
From Retro Futurism to Cultural Monument: The LAX Theme Building
The LAX Theme Building, an iconic structure in the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), has undergone a remarkable transformation from a symbol of retro futurism to a cultural icon, eventually gaining the status of a Historic-Cultural Monument. With its distinctive spaceship-like appearance, the Theme Building has been an integral part of LAX since its construction …
Dec 17 2024
Irving Petlin: Coloring the World with Pastel
Born on this day December 17, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois, Petlin is known for his vivid and detailed pastel drawings that have a dreamy, almost ethereal quality. His work is characterized by a delicate balance between abstraction and representation, often featuring fragmented figures and landscapes. His unique style of blending pastel colors to create soft …
Dec 16 2024
Benny Andersson: From ABBA to Classic Musicals
Benny Andersson, a Swedish composer, producer, and musician, is best known for his significant contributions to the music industry. Born on this day December 16, 1946, Andersson’s musical journey began at an early age with his father and grandfather who were also musicians. However, it was his involvement in the international pop sensation, ABBA, that …