“Culture In History”… Part 1

Spartan warriors, Trojan wars, Olympic Legends, Gods and Mythology.

The perfect mix of EMPOWERMENT! Ancient Greece comes to life in one Part of my future collection.

I often find myself wishing I could live in those days just to experience the STRENGTH, honor and intensity

these historical figures lived.

One of my major focuses on my art will be on SPARTA. Inspired by a  commissioned Piece for the

BEAUTIFUL GANACHE as a gift for the ever talented ALEX PERRY, it was this piece that has become my

connection to  a new Form of expressing Culture… “CULTURE IN HISTORY”.

"Sparta was recognized as the overall LEADER of the combined Greek forces during the Greco-Persian Wars.

“In 480 BC a small force of Spartans, Thespians, and Thebans led by King Leonidas, made a legendary last stand
 at the Battle of Thermopylae against the massive Persian army, inflicting a very high casualty rate on the Persian forcesbefore finally being encircled.

The SUPERIOR weaponry, strategy, and bronze armour of the Greek hoplites and their phalanx again proved their worth one year later when Sparta assembled at full strength and led a Greek alliance against the Persians at the battle of Plataea. The decisive Greek VICTORY at Plataea put an end to the Greco-Persian War along with Persian ambition of expanding into Europe. Even though this war was won by a pan-Greek army, CREDIT was given to Sparta, who besides being the protagonist at Thermopylae and Plataea, had been the de facto leader of the entire Greek expedition.” (Green 1998 pg 10, Britannica 2006 “Sparta”)

“Culture In History”… Part 2

SAMURAI: To “serve”, a service which literally meant to give up one’s life for

one’s lord. The core Samurais ideals included GAMAN (endurance), ISSHIN

(whole-hearted commitment) and MAKOTO (sincerity). Samurais were

supposed to be men of Zen-like austerity who endured hardship without

complaint.

GEISHAS: Women of exquisite grace and refinement. They are
professional hostesses who entertain customers through various

performing arts as GEI means arts or performances, and SHA means people in

Japanese. It's believed that the women who danced for the warriors in the 11th

century are the predecessors of geishas.

I find it hard enough to “Gaman” doing housework, “isshin” to my spiritual life,

and “makoto” when playing monopoly, let alone go through hardship without

complaining!!!...and GRACE and REFINMENT I have issues with them too.

I’m not the most elegant person in this world and I certainly don’t GEI – SHA

visitors in my humble abode that much anymore either.

That’s why in this historical world of discipline, dedication and obedience…… 3

words that create a FORMULA of success if I were to compare it to today’s

society and lifestyle, I dedicate the second part of my collection “CULTURE IN

HISTORY” to the people of Japan who have inspired me by their humbleness,

SIMPLICITY, honesty and their intriguing belief in HONOUR.