If at 1st you don't succeed, then just try again tomorrow...
Saturday, September 29, 2012
"If at 1st You Don't Succeed..."
If at 1st you don't succeed, then just try again tomorrow...
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Lonely King and His Court
C.T. Rasmuss; 2007
So now that your here and you have read the title of this pastel of mine, how do you judge me (in terms of the painting only)? am I an egotistical ego-maniac looking for attention, enraged like the bulldog in the middle of the foreground? Or am I cute as a bunny, or perhaps sarcastic and smug like the man walking right through this piece w/o regard for the rest of it? You can tell I'm angry at least can't you, but what if I were to admit I'm lonely just like the main character, the one with the skinny hard to interperate crown on..well this is me and my lonely court, welcome to me:) a palace we all have of our own..this one happens to be mine and I share it with you, why? I don't know why, and who I share it with is whoever wants to see it, and if you ever meet me (doesn't matter I guess) because like all palaces, it's our choice to live in them alone or not...
C.T.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Edgar Degas' Blue Dancers, Meets Scribbles.
Painting by C.T. Rasmuss is currently on display at:
The 10th Annual Watercolor Art Show at Evergreen,
presented by The Greater Cincinnati Watercolor Society.
Opening: Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012; Noon-4pm.
230 West Galbraith Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45215
Public viewing hours
9/23-10/28 I Noon-4pm
C.T. Rasmuss; 2011.
A scribble is a drawing composed of random and abstract lines, generally without ever lifting the drawing device off of the paper. Scribbling is most often associated with young children and toddlers, because their lack of hand–eye coordination and lower mental development often make it very difficult for any young child to keep their coloring attempts within the line art of the subject.
Adults also scribble, although generally it is done jovially, out of boredom (as in doodling), as a form of abstract art, or to see if a pen works. (wiki)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scribble
Well of course this is a Wiki reference, but it's written by the people for the people, so it's also popular opinion, giving it all the credit it;s needed for the purpose of this blog. The artwork above, as you see is a painting I guess you can say, since technically I used paint pens to make the colorful scribbles that this composition is comprised of. This Scribble was my attempt at rendering one of the great French Impressionist, Edgar Degas; it's a technique that I set out as an experiment to capture the Impressionist's great works of art in a new and modern medium without cheapening the theme or taking away from the originality of the Masterpiece by the master.
This Scribble is of Degas' Blue Dancers as seen below is I believe in my best opinion, my reproduction is not only a justifiable attempt in a modern medium, but also to put to rest any opinion that scribbles aren't just abstract lines associated with young children and toddlers or done out of boredom as doodling; but that these children and toddlers as we all once were, actually have something to say in these so-called 'just scribbles' and the people doing it out of so-called 'boredom' are possibly in the act of some kind of solace, producing something of importance.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Ode to Piet Mondrian
Piet Mondrian has been a long time artist to go to for inspiration, especially for me after seeing his work up close at the MOMA in NYC. It is a much different world in person than to see it from through a photo of his artwork; it's like starring helplessly yet willingly into a world of nothing and everything all at once (great emotional turbulence with a powerfully soothing after-taste).
In this post I have included a few photos of his works that have been exhibited at the Guggenheim, and some of my works that he has inspired in me; after seeing the real thing during my stay on Long Island, 2007-08. Enjoy!!!
:
Photos of pastels done by C.T. Rasmuss:
:
Mondrian Park, C.T. Rasmuss; 2008 Mondrian Daisy, C.T. Rasmuss; 2007
To view more works by Mondrian follow the link below:
http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/collections/collection-online/show-full/piece/?search=Tableau%20No.%202%2FComposition%20No.%20VII&page=&f=Title&object=49.1228
Kimon Nicholaedes, 'The Natural Way to Draw'
Nicolaïdes was born in Washington, D.C., his mother's American ancestors date back to the Colonial period. He made his living initially by a variety of jobs, including picture framing, journalism and some acting. He was well known for his manuscript The Natural Way to Draw, which was incomplete at the time of his death; a close friend and former student, Mamie Harmon, oversaw its completion and its publication in 1941. His influence on the teaching of drawing has been long-lasting and substantial, and his book is still in use today. In brief, he advocated a three-pronged way of learning to draw, through (1) slow and meticulous contour drawing, (2) free and rapid gesture drawing, and (3) vigorous tonal drawings of weight or mass.
Example of Natural Way to Draw Method,
(Anonymous Student; 2011)
Thank You Savannah, for allowing me as an artist to make another connection by way of your comment on my last post on Basquiat. I posted a drawing below, which I did in the drawing class I mentioned in my last post; I was taught a method that I wasn't even aware of who I might be able to thank. So I thank you now, Kimon Nicholaedes for laying the groundwork for my teacher to teach me as I will do the same to others, but I now have a name to the face, as my students will:)
'Hand Study', C.T. Rasmuss; 2008
Example of Natural Way to Draw Method,
(Anonymous Student; 2011)
Thank You Savannah, for allowing me as an artist to make another connection by way of your comment on my last post on Basquiat. I posted a drawing below, which I did in the drawing class I mentioned in my last post; I was taught a method that I wasn't even aware of who I might be able to thank. So I thank you now, Kimon Nicholaedes for laying the groundwork for my teacher to teach me as I will do the same to others, but I now have a name to the face, as my students will:)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
A Jean-Michel 'Basquiatesque' Painting Surface
He would often draw on random objects and surfaces, including other people's property. I remember coming across the artist, Basquiat many times since 2005, when my 1st real art teacher in college advised me to look him up; because she saw some characteristics in my painting style that were similar to his. This was later confirmed in my Drawing class at USF in Tampa; when my art instructor exclaimed that I had a "Basquiatesque drawing style".
As I encountered this artist more and more through research, and also because Basquiat being the artist of many artworks I was drawn to time and time again, I was exposed to some of his most interesting techiniques, using anything within reach as well, but not just in medium any more ( like I was somewhat influenced by Pollock's spontaneous flirtations w/ putting what ever he felt like putting into his works of art), but the act of applying any type of medium onto any surface that could hold it, like the doors Basquiat would find and paint (door jam and all as seen below).
I find my Ode to Basquiat on Barnside's painting surface (being rough outdoor panneling) to be most similar to the surface used in Basquiat's painting found below, on the left side. I applied my applied painting technique and the pouring method to it along with things like the paint stir that was of no longer use to me, a paint lid of an emptied paint can and other misc. objects: a couple push pins and a dime I flipped into it that I found on the floor, rather than putting it into my pocket. I'd like to think both Basquiat and Pollock would be proud of everything that went into the painting literally, not because of the objects themselves (Pollock) or the obscure panel I used (Basquiat); but because, the entire process from painting surface to all the other ingredients used, were completely spontaneous and unplanned...without rules or any critical after thought. A true intersection I believe; where the three of us could meet, at a new artwork we all had in common.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
From Ancestral Cave Paintings to Modern Day 'Handprints' by Man
The above painting that I started in 2010 was the aftermath from the paint I had left on my hands after applying a painting style I sometimes use, at the time another painting I had just finished. After covering the entire newly blank canvas, I was pleased with the results; with the variety of color and to the clarity of my hand prints. After finishing the new painting with the left over paint on my hands, I still felt something was missing; so I set the painting aside until the opportunity would present itself, when I could figure out what needed to be done in order to be completely satisfied with it.
A year later when I innovated a new technique, as I call applied painting; I was finally able to put to rest this proud un-finished piece of mine. Many times it has been pointed out to me, the primitiveness in my artwork; which makes sense when I think about some of my biggest influences and mentors, Pollock, Miro, Van Gogh and so on, even before I was introduced to most of their work (explaining the true primitive essence of my work). So I decided to search for commonality with the primitive aspect of this piece the best I could, in an effort to back up a theory that the very small amount of Native American ancestry in my blood; might help me to understand why I am who I am in this respect.
And I found it in the above two cave paintings from the Pueblo Indians, these caves are located in southwestern United States, what is now known as New Mexico and Arizona. All though my Indian heritage is from the Michigan area, I believe I have encountered enough commonality, even if hadn't any American Indian heritage at all; I can now realize that my painting wasn't finished because I started out with my most primal instinct of a hand print like the Puebloan Indians, which had been done long before me. It was only finished when I later added my evolutionary technique, representing the very evolution of man.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Pastel in the Abstract
When faced with the medium, pastel, I find myself time and time again being drawn litteraly to accenting it's line quality; at times I incorporate oil pastel mostly as filler of color to get a richer and thicker texture. I give absolute praise to any artist that can create life like qualities with this challenging yet beautiful medium that isn't used as much as it should, or taken as seriously as it should be taken ever since Degas' extrodinary use of it as he captured the essence of his dancers with it over and over. Degas has been called the most prolific user of this medium and it's champion, I hope that in our generation we will start to see a re-emergence of this medium in some effort to challenge the 'champion'!!
Another example of my pastel usage:
Thursday, September 13, 2012
RED
C.T. Rasmuss; 2012
love, hate, courage, force, heat, energy, happiness, well-being, aggression, anger, seduction, sexuality, eroticism, immorality, socialism, communism, passion, fire, masculinity, danger, blood, Christmas, war, Christianity, one thing all of these have in common is their link to one color- Red. Through history, science, religion, food and drink, sports (my favorite baseball team being, the Cincinnati Reds) and even uniforms; red has represented inumerable meanings. Red also happens to be my favorite color it seems, as it usually makes the biggest effect to my paintings; I try to reserve this color which derived it's name in many anciet cultures from the phrase 'like blood'.
I hold out on this color as much as I can, at all costs everytime I use color; "save the best for last" I guess; sort of like blood or love and sexuality they are things that I hold sacred. The passion I have as a human being and the fire that burns my desire to create are the reasons I believe red has such a seductuve force over me; and I ask you what draws you into this color, any of the above reasons or in fact all of them..
Which of these colors might you prefer over red and why?
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
A September 11th Memoriam, 2012
(AP photo/Mark Lennihan)
This is my memoriam for this year 2012, to all of the victims of September 11, 2001; I was working at Jake Sweeny in Ohio on this day, selling cars til this happened. I stopped when I noticed everyone suddenly started to stop what they were doing; customers, techs, sales staff and even management sat together in awe; watching helplessly what was happning on the T.V. in the waiting room. It's a day for those who experienced it especially that no one will forget and hope never to have to experience ever again.
I don't know anyone personally who loss their lives, but as I lived on Long Island for a few years, I met many people directly affected by it. I can say that the rest of America has these people's tragic fates and the sorrows of the loved ones left behind, etched in our memories forever. I'm sorry it ever happened and I really hope people can learn by this; that it's even more reason for all of us to find more and more ways to get along than to attack others out of anger..no matter the issue.
Link to see Mark Lennihan's photo:
http://www.911memorial.org/blog/tags/associated-press
Monday, September 10, 2012
"Today was a Good Day" says the Endeavoring Artist
Today I sold a 2nd painting at my solo exhibit, Universal Thinker. Last week, as some of you might already know I experienced some disapointment pertaining to some display issues; that are now thankfully taken care of. Two things I am starting to see, actually three aspects maybe that make a successful exhibition:
1. News coverage of any kind to document the show.
2. A great opening with a good mix of family, friends and people you never met before. (especially
if they ask a lot of quetions and offer a lot of direction or feedback of their own)
3. And at lest one sale of a piece of artwork.
I say the later because mostly it's a show of support and confirmation from others which also furthers me to be able to move ahead as an artist by re-capitulaitng the funds into further and hopefuly better developed work; for upcoming exhibits and conversation. I am sure there are many artists that can agree with me as well as some out there that can argue some of these points, my goal in this post is to communicate to anyone out there, my own personal philosophy on how to answer people the question: "So how is your show going?", honestly and in one universal and cohesive response.
Thank you Mary Lou for making my day:)
C.T. Rasmussen
follow these links for information on Universal Thinker running til September 29th:
http://local.cincinnati.com/share/story/195959
http://www.fairfield-city.org/cac/exhibits.cfm
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Divisionism: A Seurat Legacy
Seurat’s theories intrigued many of his contemporaries, as other artists seeking a reaction against Impressionism joined the Neo-Impressionist movement. Paul Signac, in particular, became one of the main proponents of divisionist theory, especially after Seurat’s death in 1891. In fact, Signac’s book, D’Eugène Delacroix au Néo-Impressionnisme, published in 1899, coined the term divisionism and became widely recognized as the manifesto of Neo-Impressionism.[3]
In addition to Signac, other French artists, largely through associations in the Société des Artistes Indépendants, adopted some divisionist techniques, including Camille and Lucien Pissarro, Albert Dubois-Pillet, Charles Angrand, Maximilien Luce, Henri-Edmond Cross and Hippolyte Petitjean.[5] Additionally, through Paul Signac’s advocacy of divisionism, an influence can be seen in some of the works of Vincent van Gogh, Henri Matisse, Jean Metzinger, Robert Delaunay and Pablo Picasso[5] .[6]
Wiki
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divisionism
For me Seurat has had much more influence than I could ever account for, in this case alnoe I will refer specifically to its influence on the above Gouache I finished in 2010. First, I stuck with primary colors as in original Divisionism's definition, but rather than allowing myself to use green, it was simply replaced with the use of a black marker to create a spontaneous drawing w/o a 'net' (in true neo-impressionist spirit). Later to be filled in with color controlled by a strict policy of not being able to vary color tone nor intensity.
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Aesthetics: "Truth and Beauty"
Aesthetics (also spelled æsthetics) is a branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of beauty, art, and taste, with the creation and appreciation of beauty.[1] [2] It is more scientifically defined as the study of sensory or sensori-emotional values, sometimes called judgments of sentiment and taste.[3] More broadly, scholars in the field define aesthetics as "critical reflection on art, culture and nature."
Wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthetics
"Beauty and Truth have been argued to be nearly synonymous"' Wiki, I agree with this statement; as an artist I search for truth through tasks of rendering beauty in any artistic form I can. I include mathematics, color theory, shape, scale, symmetry, anything that can get me there as far as this philosophy is concerened; I aim to maximize my experience through constant experimentation in these parameters. Today I can safely say that I feel that I am on the right path to find truth in the world, thanks to all those who have collectively contributed to this study of truth and beauty and continue to do so!!
C.T. Rasmussen
Friday, September 7, 2012
The Quixotic Affect on the World's Greatest Artists Ever.
I was 1st introduced to the novel, The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha written by Miguel de Cervantes; 1605 and 1615 back in 2001. The first copy I purchased had a famous illustration of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza on the cover done by Pablo Picasso, setting me on a path I wouldn't see til later in life when I dedicated my life to being a full time artist and seeker of the Quixotic in me. I believe that the perfect capture of these two main character's of Cervante's genius everlasting "Quixotic" romance novel; is comparable to Captain Ahab's white whale, but from an artist perspective: the perfect capture of their true visual character.
During my quest and conquer for the perfect capture of these two characters, suprisingly I ran in with Salvador Dali's many renditions allowing me to realize I was certainly not alone in this quest or to be affected in this wa; further understanding that many many more artists other than myself and Picasso find Don Quixote to be hypnotic. This fictional character's wild antics all for love and romaticism as he searched to save his disillusioned Dulcinea of El Toboso; the woman Don Quixote fancies his lady lovel is beyond words, and why the need for more explanation and other avenues of explanation. I finally had a common interest with not only other readers of this book and empathizers of these two tragic souls, but a common center point to be shared with other artists (Master Artists) as well.
As you will easily notice in all 4 versions of these two character's visual portrayals, is that all 4 of them are visually completely of their own uniquie description; showing off the fact how dynamic and ellusive the personalities of these two wonderful characters are. as well as the affect on Cervante's reading audience and it's centuries upon centuries upon centries worth of admirers.
Follow this link to a more complete list of works influenced by Don Quixote:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_works_influenced_by_Don_Quixote
Thursday, September 6, 2012
The Number 6 & 'Perception - Can Change'
"6 is the first number which is neither a square number nor a prime number. Six is the second smallest composite number; its proper divisors are 1, 2 and 3. Since six equals the sum of its proper divisors, six is the smallest perfect number."[1][2] Wiki
There are numerous other definitions and parameters of the number 6 and implications; depending on things like, what religion someone is or it's (#6) relation to the infinite possibility of the scientific explanations within the cosmos. Culturally, I was brought up to be partly superstitious with things like black cats, spilling the salt, or walking under ladders; I've also learned that 6 is not a good number symbolically, the mark of the Beast, etc.
So during the "dark" day today which I was having earlier, it was confirmed by 6 birds I saw in the sky. They were flying across my vision from the road as I was driving, despite my bad day that was well on its way being confirmed by this numerical omen, I uncharacteristically became determined to see the good in it, "against the norm" if you will. I split the 6 birds into 3 pairs of 2, therefore expanding my perception beyond the doom and gloom of the bad #6 flying above me.
Art lesson learned for me today: "As a somewhat superstitious artist, I see that perception can sometimes change, by determination alone; as beauty is always there - you just have to look for it.
C.T. Rasmuss
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Science without Faith
Science without faith is just science, which is a logical statement; but a statement based upon my fatih would be: Where science and faith meet is at the intersection of truth.
C.T. Rasmussen
Sunday, September 2, 2012
'Where Does the 'Sistine Chapel' Stand Today'; Photo by Ann
Here is a photo from inside the Sistine Chapel,
painted by Michelangelo 'and' his helpers.
Photo by: Ann on her trip to Vatican.
A point that can be made here:
"Where Dogma of the past Roman gods meets the idea of monotheism(a meeting of dogmatic pagan gods of the past and the dogmatic laws of their present church, in which the Renaissance relieved its people of eventually), and in this grandiose building we find a wall of Philosophers, in which the 'artist' Michelangelo painted 'himself' into.
Philosophy is the pre-cursor to modern science, so where is our 'Sistine Chapel' to built upon today? and how shall we paint it, sculpt it??...an important question we must ask ourselves, in order to survive another 500 years as a civil society.
A society that allows us the freedoms to believe in what they believed and also deny what we wish? Collectively, we can at least enjoy the beauty that still survives today, and at the same tine choose what draws us in individually.
For we have the civilized law(equality), which must stay intact; a 'wall of free thought/will' fortified to defend us, no matter the case or charges. It's through the separation of church/state, that we each have the right to an equal influence, an ability of projecting our individual thoughts onto church/state itself.
This vital 'separation' is still valid, so long as one person isn't shoved in a closet for the sake of the other...or idea, artwork, or country! A jury listens to all arguments before settling on its decision; the 'Sistine Chapel' is a great model for this, how the ideas of today can survive well into the future; where we the people still are the jury, so let us be wise on judgement I say.
link to reference for photo above:
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~ampeck/sistine...
painted by Michelangelo 'and' his helpers.
A point that can be made here:
"Where Dogma of the past Roman gods meets the idea of monotheism(a meeting of dogmatic pagan gods of the past and the dogmatic laws of their present church, in which the Renaissance relieved its people of eventually), and in this grandiose building we find a wall of Philosophers, in which the 'artist' Michelangelo painted 'himself' into.
Philosophy is the pre-cursor to modern science, so where is our 'Sistine Chapel' to built upon today? and how shall we paint it, sculpt it??...an important question we must ask ourselves, in order to survive another 500 years as a civil society.
A society that allows us the freedoms to believe in what they believed and also deny what we wish? Collectively, we can at least enjoy the beauty that still survives today, and at the same tine choose what draws us in individually.
For we have the civilized law(equality), which must stay intact; a 'wall of free thought/will' fortified to defend us, no matter the case or charges. It's through the separation of church/state, that we each have the right to an equal influence, an ability of projecting our individual thoughts onto church/state itself.
This vital 'separation' is still valid, so long as one person isn't shoved in a closet for the sake of the other...or idea, artwork, or country! A jury listens to all arguments before settling on its decision; the 'Sistine Chapel' is a great model for this, how the ideas of today can survive well into the future; where we the people still are the jury, so let us be wise on judgement I say.
link to reference for photo above:
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~ampeck/sistine...
Saturday, September 1, 2012
I'm a Believer and I Find the Earth to be Exciting also, Bill Nye
Check out the latest of what the experts have to "tell"
us about our world, compliments of Mr Nye:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHbYJfwFgOU&feature=player_embedded
http://front.moveon.org/bill-nye-the-science-guy-was-asked-about-evolution-deniers-and-this-is-what-he-said/#.UEIAOHKl9Ws.facebook
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| Big Bang Theory, C.T. Rasmuss, acrylic (2007). |
After actually watching this snipet from You Tube by Bill Nye-"The Science Guy', in an effort so that I'm not biased, I know for sure I can honestly ask him: "why does he have to deny the spiritual?" if I have to accept the scientific...it's only fair isn't it? This is important to me because I tend to be highly spiritually, I think this is mostly why I'm a good artist and I'm also intrigued by science, "why can't we have both?".
Should I tell my "engineer child" to have a strong moral code only because the law of science or the stoic philosophers say so...I have the right to believe in the existence of GOD(s) or deny it, just like we all should have the right, so I say: read exactly what I've said before you reproach me on this people, but I believe GOD(s) is the greatest scientist, especially when compared to mere terrestrial ones like Bill Nye and Steven Hawking...If you want to test my theory on this one, then just take a look at the painting I did above.
I used no telescope nor photo form the Hubble, it was pure subconscious thought in scientific terms, or in the spiritual world referred to as divine inspiration; I'll be the judge on the later for my own personal freedom, which allows me still. One thing we can agree on Bill is that this Universe is exciting to learn about, but why must we all fall in line with your theory, or you fall in line with mine? are you a GOD, or I your Master?? because from the video all I see is a mere mortal like myself..
C.T.
Today is October 9th of 2014:
It's been 2 years after originally writing this blog, and pretty much feel the same as I did the the first time watching the snipet and I would like to say that I like Bill Nye ever since I was a kid, I learned a lot from him; but this time I feel a little offended. For a better explanation on my part what I mean is: As far as creationism vs. evolution goes, I don't think anyone should force their theory on another, even if one is obviously wrong, as neither side can truly be proven nor disproved beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bill Nye(also he made a prophesy if you will about a non-creationist society, bad mojo man, lol) telling kids that GOD doesn't exist is just as bad as Priests telling kids that science is wrong, especially when there are many religions like there are many scientific sects(not all scientists agree on evolutionary theories or evolution itself even) this type of crossing boundaries is not good , like saying: Philosophers of aesthetics telling artists what is good or bad, and I say we keep our nose out of each other's personal faiths when in public service especially.
As for me, I believe in both to some degree, as well as deny/disbelieve some parts of both, but this is what makes me a better artist, I think; I explore through my canvases and sculptures, hoping to find that "better world", I'm a spiritual explorer in a scientific universe; I'm quite theoretical and hope someday that scientists can figure out some of the things I come across artistically(which may contribute to some of societies' exploration of our universe).
SO:
Mathematicians made discoveries from the artwork of M.C. Escher, but this would not be possible if he did not have the 100% freedom to be the artist he was and believe what he did, and so this is how it must stay, no matter what side of a 'ridiculous line' you stand on, just my opinion(as it stands for now ). I don't wish to argue with anyone through posting this. All I hope really, is for tolerance; tolerance for differing opinions, beliefs and backgrounds, in a healthy artistic culture that we so desperately need - spiritually & scientifically speaking:)
"No Man Ever Steps in the Same River Twice" Art Inspired by a Philosophy.
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| Range C.T. Rasmuss, watercolor (2010). |
What do you see here? How can this come about ever again? As simple in technique as it is, it can never be done ever again; in can never en-capture the same essence or outcome. The medium here is watercolor, and water never repeats itself exactly the same as it flows; as GOD's(s) word is by 'Fire' which is the language in which the Torah is written. These words will never come to the artist again exactly the same, just like water according to the Ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus' - 'river'.
No matter the topic or lesson to be learned about life or our very existence and origin, the story and morals are always different as no flame is ever the same, like the (water)color from my brush. How beautiful such a mystery is, never to be solved but always to be cherished and respected for it's elusive nature, by design perhaps??
Amen!
follow the link for the inspiration and reference to this post:
http://www.websitesonadime.com/ffwic/histories.htm