BEAUTY: Painting--David Rice

I recently came across the still life work of artist and muralist David Rice and was instantly smitten. The maximalist in me loves the juxtaposition of the flowers, the fish, and the various scraps of patterned walls, fabric, wallpaper or objects (a collection of keys!). What lovely, engaging visual texture.

http://www.xplrstudios.com/

Poisson d'Avril 2018

The origin of April Fool's Day actually comes from sixteenth century France. Before the Gregorian calendar was adopted, the New Year was celebrated close to the Vernal Equinox, to symbolize rebirth and renewal. Once the official New Year Day was moved to January 1st, April 1st became known as Poisson d'Avril where people teased those who still celebrated the New Year on April 1st. To this day in France, children try to sneak paper cut outs of fish onto the backs of unsuspecting friends and family. If you manage to get a fish affixed to someone, you shout "Poisson d'Avril!" and scamper away laughing!

BEAUTY: Ceramics--Niharika Hukku

Just look at these gorgeous ceramic pieces by Australian artist and ceramicist Niharika Hukku. She works in watercolor and translates that medium to glazed pieces portraying clouds, the moon, landscapes, and birds, fish, and natural objects...

http://www.niharikahukku.com/

BEAUTY: Interior Design--A Cevicheria by Antonio Martins

Interior designer Antonio Martins designed a fantastic little restaurant in Lisbon, Portugal called A Cevicheria. Specializing in seafood, the restaurant sports a whimsical, giant octopus in the central dining area. The iron doors with laser cut images of fish and fowl are reminiscent of an Escher print. And I love how Martins used a blue and white color palette which not only evokes the sea but also references the azulejos, traditional Portuguese tin-glazed ceramic tiles which are always in blue and white...

https://www.facebook.com/ACevicheriaChefKiko/
http://www.antoniomartins.com/

Waterscapes by Haurka Misawa

Haruka Misawa, the founder of Misawa Design Institute, has created some amazing 3D printed aquarium accessories for fish to swim under, around, and through. I particularly love the diving bell-like bubbles she created to be submerged in an aquarium, holding water plants in a separate little aquarium all of their own!

http://misawa.ndc.co.jp/WATERSCAPE-1

Joyeux Avril!

The origin of April Fool's Day actually comes from sixteenth century France. Before the Gregorian calendar was adopted, the New Year was celebrated close to the Vernal Equinox, to symbolize rebirth and renewal. Once the official New Year Day was moved to January 1st, April 1st became known as Poisson d'Avril where people teased those who still celebrated the New Year on April 1st. To this day in France, people try to sneak paper cut outs of fish onto the backs of unsuspecting friends and family. If you manage to get a fish affixed to someone, you shout "Poisson d'Avril!" and scamper away laughing!