Category: On This Day

One to Watch: Satyajit Ray

Born into a talented Indian family, Satyajit Ray is not only regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, but he was also a screenwriter, author, music composer, illustrator, and calligrapher. His most well known films include his debut self-financed film Pather Panchali (1955), Aparajito (1956), Apur Sansar, (The World of Apu) (1959), The Music Room (1958), The Big …

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Peter Zumthor’s Zinc Mine Museum in Norway’s Allmannajuvet Gorge

Happy birthday to minimalist architect Peter Zumthor, born on this day April 26, 1943 in Basel, Switzerland. Peter Zumthor designed a graceful, stilted building to tell the story of Norway’s Allmannajuvet Gorge Zinc Mine, which operated from 1881 to 1899. He also designed the nearby café for the museum with the same elegant grace. Zumthor commented …

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Selected Classics: Gambit (1966)

Happy birthday to the illustrious Shirley MacLaine, born on this day April 24, 1934 in Richmond, Virginia. In celebration, I’m sharing one of my favorite Shirley MacLaine classics, Gambit, starring the exceptional duo of MacLaine and Michael Caine. Between the superb acting and the wonderful 1960’s design, I can’t help but be drawn to it. And …

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The Kaufmann Desert House by Richard Neutra

Born on this day April 8, 1892 in Vienna, renowned architect Richard Neutra, a prominent figure in the mid-century modern movement, was revered for his harmonious approach to architecture. His iconic designs, known for their balance between form and function, have influenced the architectural landscape. Particularly noteworthy is his masterpiece, the Kaufmann Desert House in …

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“Boys and Pony, Coal Waste, Hopkins County” by Bill Burke

American photographer Bill Burke was born on this day April 8, 1943 in Derby, Connecticut.

“Sheaves of Wheat” by Vincent Van Gogh

“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.” -Vincent van Gogh Happy birthday to Van Gogh, born in Zundert, Netherlands on March 30, 1853.

John Cale – “Paris 1919”

Here’s another John Cale song I love, the title track from his 1973 album Paris 1919.

“Deer” by Maud Lewis

Folk artist Maud Lewis was born on this day March 7, 1903 in Nova Scotia, Canada. Lewis spent most of her life in a small house in Nova Scotia, and the 2016 movie Maudie is based on her life.

Disney Legend Rolly Crump

Disney imagineer and animator Rolly Crump was born on February 27, 1930 in Alhambra, California. Inspired at the young age of three by the Disney Silly Symphony short, Three Little Pigs, Crump began drawing in 1933. He started working with Disney in 1952, doing “inbetweening” or “tweening” to provide the illusion of smooth movements between film frames. …

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“Resting Stag” by Elie Nadelman

Sculptor and folk art collector Elie Nadelman was born on this day February 20, 1882 in Warsaw, Poland.