Right below the rotunda, one can find four beautiful mosaics. Made by Kenyon Cox, Liberty and the branches of government are represented. Each measures about 28x20' and contains about 10,000 pieces of glass. The tiny hand-cut pieces are made from many different types of glass, including opaque, colored, shiny, and matte, with backings of aluminum and copper. Considered some of the finest glass mosaics in the world, the varied glass types create a strong dimensional effect.
As part of a photowalk with a featured guest photographer, we spent most of our time in the Madison State Capitol. It was the first time for Olympus Trailblazer photographer Frank T Smith to visit the city and its magnificent landmark. Like others who come to visit, Smith was impressed by its beauty and attention to detail. For the next few hours, we explored the interior and observation deck, seeking photographic inspiration.
Photographed with my 12-50mm lens (24-100mm equivalent)
The ornamental frame surrounding the central dome glimmered in the sunlight, setting off the swirling 34 foot mural. Painted in 1912 by Edwin Blashfield, "Resources of Wisconsin" features twelve women holding products of Wisconsin such as tobacco, wheat, and lead.
8mm fish-eye lens
As it was an event sponsored by Olympus, the company provided a camera body and lens for people to test out. I had a chance to try out a wide angle lens (7-14mm). I also got a chance to take a few shots with Frank's fisheye 8mm lens. It was fun to try the lens out, but not something I'd go right out and buy.
7-14mm lens
It was fun seeing how different lenses could render different views of the same subject.
A video shared by my friend reminded me of why I love the textiles of India so much. Each step reveals the artistry and intricacy that is so lovingly performed.
The textile lover that I am, the Anokhi Museum in Jaipur was a perfect place to visit when in the Pink City. Along with informative displays on the history of block printing in India, they had a few craftsmen doing demonstrations.
I especially enjoyed watching the man carving the wood block. It amazed me how such intricate, narrow lines could be formed by such simple tools. Each stroke was made with confident precision. Definitely not a beginner piece!
Holding up a finished block
Floral block detail with chisels
Three blocks that are needed to form one print. Precision is needed for both the carving and in alignment of the inked blocks.
Printing on a small handkerchief cloth
Stamping on a resist (in Gujarat, India)
In addition to printing with multiple blocks, a resist might be added, the cloth immersed in a dye bath, and the cloth washed, dried, and re-printed multiple times. So next time you see a hand-printed piece of fabric, you'll appreciate the artistry and understand why it is more expensive than that commercial knock-off.
A beautiful spring day in downtown Madison, it was a perfect opportunity to capture the capitol in spring. Moving down to a lower vantage point, I managed to hide any people and focus solely on the magnificence of the architecture and nature. If you haven't been to the Wisconsin capitol, it's worth a visit!
