Ammo Boxes Into Icons

The Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton, MA has mounted a thought provoking exhibition that strongly supports Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.

From Artfix.com:

The Museum of Russian Icons presents Artists for Ukraine: Transforming Ammo Boxes into Icons, November 3, 2022 – February 13, 2023, an installation dramatically showcasing three Ukrainian icons painted on the boards of ammunition boxes by Oleksandr Klymenko and Sofia Atlantova, a husband-wife artistic team from Kyiv, Ukraine.

The project “Buy an Icon—Save a Life” was developed in response to the 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine, when Klymenko encountered empty wooden ammunition boxes from combat zones and noted their resemblance to icon boards (doski). By repurposing the panels, the project strives, in the artist’s words, to “transform death (symbolized by ammo boxes) into life (traditionally symbolized by icons in Ukrainian culture). The goal, this victory of life over death, happens not only on the figurative and symbolic level but also in reality through these icons on ammo boxes.”

Exhibitions of the ammo box icons have been staged throughout Europe and North America to raise awareness of the ongoing war in Ukraine. In addition, sales have provided substantial funds to support the Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital, the largest nongovernmental undertaking to provide medical assistance to the Donbas region. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 strengthened the resolve of Atlantova and Klymenko to continue painting icons on boards taken back from the frontlines. To date, the project has raised more than $300,000.

A goal of the installation will be to help raise monies for the Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital.

The Savior on Camouflauge

Origami Christmas 2

Designs for a festive seasonal table can include Christmas ornaments, layered origami papers, tea lights and mirrors.

A star box is combined with a crane and Christmas Star.

Traditional cranes and swans gather around a star box.

Variations on shepherds and birds add interest to the scene.

Star boxes are among the simplest origami projects. Placing them on small mirrors enhances the design.

Multi-colored battery lights add charm through color variation.

Two contrasting interlocking papers make Ninja Stars.

Origami designs make unique and personalized party favors and Christmas gifts.

Origami Christmas Part One

My eco-friendly origami paper inspires me to create Christmas trees and assorted animals which are elegant, yet easy to store. I mainly used Origami for Christmas by Chiyo Araki as a guide, but one can find dozens of Christmas origami ideas on the web, as well.

Ice Capades

A closer look at the ice forming on Moulton Pond by the Mass Central Rail Trail reveals a variety of both bold and delicate colors within intricate patterns.

There Was A Crooked House

The Bird Store and More in Sturbridge MA offers hundreds of bird-related items to catch a bird lover’s fancy. The adjoining courtyard features a whimsical crooked house called the Sherwood Forest Stables, which stores birds seed and attracts a host of well-fed creatures.