Travelogues & History
Her name is Kópakonan, but she is also known as “The Seal Wife,” a mythical figure known as a “selkie.” Immortalized in Nordic legend, a stunning bronze stature celebrates the rich oceanic folklore of remote Faroe Islands, and the power of art in a dramatic aquatic setting.
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What started out as an Italy trip devoted to the pursuit of fine food and wine, Lea and George Frederick, wound up deeply imbibing in the world of mosaic art at a remarkable facility in Vincenza. Here they share a slice of travelogue and images that point to the remarkable possibilities of artistically arranged bits of glass tile.
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Protecting its most beautiful waters and landscapes is a cultural priority seen as a civic responsibility in New Zealand. One example can be found in a shimmering body of water known as Te Waikoporopupu Springs, which stands among the island nation’s dreamlike places that are being treasured and preserved for future generations – and a great reason to visit.
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Bodies of water are often the center of attention, especially those located in historic settings. When the water is the subject of mystery and folklore, interest can be piqued even higher. That’s certainly the case for a spring known as Fosse Dionne in France’s Burgundy region, where the water is shrouded in death, myth and mystery.
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The lives of beach bums, surfer girls and hodads everywhere have become less comfortable in recent years, observes Eric Herman. In fact, the summer of 2023 might stand as the most unpleasant beach season ever, and one that sadly concluded with the passing of summer's high priest, Jimmy Buffett.
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There are many ways to enjoy a visit to the beach. From surfing to sunbathing, the sand’s edge encompasses some of the most enjoyable human experiences. For some, the preferred activity involves little more than wandering the shore with a pair of keen eyes looking for treasures in the form of sea glass.
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Time spent in the company of natural waters can become an obsession, and those experiences can fuel the creative spirit with inspiration and endless “design” ideas. Here Eric Herman recalls a day trip to a place in Oregon that stands as a perfect example of the serendipity of days devoed to seeking hidden wonders.
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Located in the heart of Tuscany, the Colossus of the Apennines stands guard over the surrounding historic landscape like an ancient sentinel. Not only an imposing sculpture, the massive statue was also a remarkable example of early watershaping innovation.
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Celebrating the birth of the United States is for many both a joyous and somber occasion. At least it is for Eric Herman, who shares memories of his first childhood trip to Washington D.C. and the pride he takes in our nation’s history, as well as the lessons of the great “American Experiment.”
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Riding the Tides (25 years of WaterShapes)