JMW Turner: fire and water

John Mallord William Turner is now considered a leader of the British art canon and an essential painter in Western art history, but his work startled critics and the public when he first presented it. In an age of carefully finished detail laid with invisible brushstrokes, Turner's adventurous colours and bold gestural painting shocked his audience...and would delight future generations.

The Fighting Temeraire, 1839

nurture nature

As we ease our way back outside this summer, wonder | wander | world is compelled to explore outdoors from a fresh and appreciative perspective. Even fully vaccinated, we prefer to ease our way back into what we hope is a much better world. 

We were doubly inspired by the latest works on display by famed global artist, Yayoi Kusama - now on display at the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) from April 10th through October 31st, 2021. 

Yayoi Kusama, still from Flower Obsession (Sunflower), n.d. Courtesy of the artist.

Read the full article here: Yayoi Kusama’s Fascination with Nature Is Crucial to Understanding Her Art (artsy.net)

birthday markers

July is the birth month for one of us in wonder | wonder | women and holds a special place for our family here at wonder | wander | world. 

new orbit - new hair cut

It is an added boon that the Cancer New Moon is the most fertile Moon of the astrological year. The Mother Moon, the birthing Moon, the caretaker of the Soul. This New Moon in Cancer considers the family first – not just blood family but our tribe of like-hearted people.

planetary & lunar depictions

freedom & equality for all

This year marks the 245th Independence Day of the United States of America. The story of America’s independence has more historical twists and turns than most of us realize or believe to be true.

Independence Day USA - July 4th

In the 1700s, America wasn’t really a nation of ‘united states.’ Instead, there were 13 colonies with distinct personalities. To this day Americans are so invested in their independence, it's the one major obstacle that gets in the way of a united nation with "liberty and justice for all." 

Independence Day Timeline

The threat of COVID-19 may have done more to bring us together and drop our differences than any thing has been able to achieve is way too long. American glory of the Red, White and Blue has brought as much divisive dissent as it brings unifying pride. 

The holiday is quieter and more somber for most - there's been too much loss and change for way too many. In addition to the pall cast over the country by the pandemic and other catastrophes, the west coast faces a heightened risk of wildfires after a scorching heat wave and extremely dry conditions.

Enjoyable as barbecues, parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and fireworks are - surely we can spend Independence Day more meaningfully. Our nation of consumers must now seriously deal with turning into a country of restorers and nurturers if it hopes to survive and thrive.