How the First Five Principles of Art and Design Can Make You a Better Photographer

Understanding the roles of the fundamental elements of art allows photographers to create compelling compositions. These elements are not merely aesthetic choices but essential tools for creating structure in your photography.

By mastering these basic components, you can guide the viewer’s eye, convey mood, and add depth to your images. Whether it’s line, shape, color, texture, or space, each element plays a crucial role in the overall impact of your photograph.

Incorporating these elements thoughtfully enables you to move beyond simple snapshots and craft photographs that tell a story and evoke emotion. Embrace these foundational principles to elevate your photography and create images that truly resonate.
https://petapixel.com/2025/10/25/how-the-first-five-principles-of-art-and-design-can-make-you-a-better-photographer/

Joe Minter, Renowned Birmingham Sculptor, to be Honored at City’s Classic Week ‘AWAKEN’ Event

The City of Birmingham will present its annual AWAKEN event in celebration of local changemakers who use creativity, advocacy, and service to advance social justice and community progress. This year’s program theme is **“Art as Resistance: Awakening Justice Through Creativity”** and will honor Joe Minter, a world-renowned sculptor, community historian, and founder of African Village in America. His visionary art chronicles the Black experience and the struggle for freedom, justice, and unity.

The event, orchestrated by the Division of Social Justice and Racial Equity, will take place on **Friday, Oct. 24, at 9 a.m.** at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

> “Art has always been a language of liberation,” said Mayor Randall L. Woodfin. “Through AWAKEN, we celebrate artists and advocates like Joe Minter who remind us that creativity is not only an act of expression, but also an act of resistance—a tool to awaken justice in all of us.”

Held annually during Magic City Classic Week, AWAKEN was created to spark meaningful dialogue, reflection, and education around Birmingham’s enduring legacy of activism and leadership. Each year, the event serves as a bridge between Birmingham’s historic civil rights struggle and the city’s modern movement for equity. It brings together artists, activists, and community leaders who continue to push for justice through creative expression.

As part of the program, Mayor Woodfin will present the **Putting People First Award** to Joe Minter, recognizing his vision that embodies Birmingham’s ongoing pursuit of equity and justice.

### About Joe Minter

Joe Minter is an artist and cultural historian living in the Titusville neighborhood, surrounded by his magnum opus — a sprawling didactic artwork he has dubbed the **African Village in America**. He recently exhibited at prestigious venues including the Royal Academy of Arts in London, Mana Contemporary, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

His work has been the subject of solo exhibitions at the Alabama Contemporary, Atlanta Contemporary, James Fuentes Gallery, and Tops Gallery. In 2019, he was featured in the Whitney Biennial, curated by Rujeko Hockley and Jane Panetta.

Minter’s artwork is included in the permanent collections of several major institutions, including:

– The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
– The Whitney Museum of American Art, New York
– The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
– The Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington, D.C.

### Event Highlights

The program will also feature:

– A musical performance by trumpeter **Nathaniel Bagley**
– Poetry by Birmingham Poet Laureate **Salaam Green**
– Spoken word by **Quang Do**, president & CEO of Create Birmingham

Additionally, there will be a panel discussion on **“Art as Resistance”** featuring:

– Storyteller and craftivist **Wilhelmina Thomas**
– Visual artist **Willie E. Williams, Jr.**
– Arts administrator **John Fields**, senior director of UAB Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts

The conversation will be moderated by Gina Mallisham, executive director of the Jefferson County Memorial Project.

### Past Themes & Honorees

Since its inception, AWAKEN has honored Birmingham’s trailblazers who continue to shape the city’s story of resilience and reform. Past themes and honorees include:

– **2024:** Staying Woke in Voting Rights — Honoring Judge U. W. Clemon
– **2023:** Lifting Voices: Changing History — Honoring The Carlton Reese Memorial Unity Choir
– **2022:** Family Reunion: Stories Never Told — Honoring Dr. Shelley Stewart
– **2021:** Building the Beloved Community — Honoring Odessa Woolfolk
– **2019:** Hope for the World — Honoring Mayor Richard Arrington

The event is free to attend, but **registration is required**.

For more information and to register, please visit the City of Birmingham’s official website.
https://www.birminghamtimes.com/2025/10/the-city-of-birmingham-presents-awaken-art-as-resistance-awakening-justice-through-creativity/

FMG mixes earth’s natural nuances into full-body porcelain stoneware project terrapura

FMG Creates Dialogue with Earth through TerraPura

FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti introduces TerraPura, a full-body porcelain stoneware project that merges the ancient wisdom of the earth with contemporary technological precision. Launched for Cersaie 2025, TerraPura was conceived in Italy as part of FMG’s ongoing exploration of material authenticity and design performance.

Created using Full Body³ technology, TerraPura celebrates natural imperfection and timeless beauty through surfaces that are as durable as they are evocative. Whether applied in highly trafficked environments like restaurants, boutiques, or even outdoor spaces, TerraPura is designed to meet the demands of modern architecture while remaining deeply rooted in the earth’s original essence.

FMG’s Full Body³ Technology

Each TerraPura surface tells a geological story through fine veins, subtle variations, and sculptural grain. For the Italian ceramics company, these visual traces are not seen as flaws but as reflections and marks of nature’s own narrative. The result is a ceramic material that feels both ancient and new, familiar yet sophisticated, capable of stirring emotion while offering superior functional performance.

Made using FMG’s Full Body³ technology, TerraPura ensures total homogeneity between the surface and its inner body. This makes the material extremely resistant to wear, ideal for high-traffic areas such as public buildings, hospitality venues, and urban spaces.

Moreover, its consistent depth allows for creative edge treatments, adding versatility to both architectural and interior design applications.

TerraPura’s Modular Palette and Finishes

TerraPura offers a range of ten colors inspired by natural minerals and landscapes: Pura Bianco, Pura Antracite, Pura Rosa, Pura Avio, Pura Marrone, Pura Beige, Pura Grigio, Pura Greige, Pura Celeste, and Pura Argento. These tones give designers the freedom to compose harmonious environments or create bold contrasts, lending each project a distinct identity.

The palette’s subtle warmth and balance bring elegance to both minimalist and richly layered interiors.

To enhance versatility, FMG offers three primary finishes, each tailored to specific uses:

Top Lapped: Provides tactile depth with a smooth, expressive sheen, perfect for refined interiors.
Natural Plus: Combines adaptability and restraint, suitable for any context.
Antislip: Ensures safety and comfort in wet or outdoor settings, ideal for spas, terraces, and wellness spaces.

Dimensions and Decorative Solutions

TerraPura’s modular dimensions range from 120×120 cm to 30×30 cm, supporting a variety of compositional approaches. Decorative options include:

Righe Structured surface: For architectural accents.
Italian herringbone mosaic (60×25 cm): A reinterpreted classic that enriches any space.
Strip tile mosaic (30×30 cm): Perfect for creating continuity or highlighting specific details.

Each element is carefully designed and manufactured to interact seamlessly, creating visual rhythms that flow between order and spontaneity—from floor to wall and from room to room.

Every detail carries a memory that is etched into its layers.

TerraPura by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti—bringing the earth’s timeless beauty into the heart of contemporary design.

https://www.designboom.com/design/fmg-earth-natural-full-body-porcelain-stoneware-collection-terrapura-10-16-2025/

How to make clay pots at home

**How to Make Clay Pots at Home**
*By Simran Jeet | Oct 13, 2025 | 10:49 AM*

**What’s the Story?**
African clay pot making is an ancient craft, deeply rooted in tradition and culture. The process involves shaping clay into functional and decorative items, which are integral to many African communities. This craft is not only a form of artistic expression but also serves practical purposes in daily life. Here are some valuable insights into the techniques and significance of African clay pot making.

### Tip 1: Selecting the Right Clay
Choosing the right type of clay is essential for successful pot making. The clay should be fine-grained and free from impurities to ensure durability and strength. Different regions have distinct clay varieties, each offering unique properties suitable for different types of pots. It is important to source local materials to maintain authenticity and support sustainable practices.

### Tip 2: Shaping Techniques
Shaping is a crucial step in creating African clay pots. Traditional methods often involve hand-rolling or coiling techniques, where long strips of clay are stacked and smoothed into shape. Some artisans also use pinch pots or slab methods to create smaller items. Mastering these techniques requires practice but allows for creativity in design.

### Tip 3: Importance of the Drying Process
Proper drying is essential to prevent cracking during firing. After shaping, pots should be left to air dry slowly under controlled conditions to avoid rapid moisture loss that could lead to defects. This stage may take several days, depending on the size and thickness of the item being created.

### Tip 4: Firing Techniques Used
Firing solidifies the clay by transforming it into ceramic material. Traditional kilns are used, reaching the high temperatures necessary for this transformation. The firing process also affects the color and texture of the finished product, making it an important step in achieving the desired aesthetics.

### Tip 5: Adding Decorative Elements
Decorative elements play a major role in African clay pots, making them unique and culturally significant. Artisans often add patterns, engravings, or paint inspired by local traditions and personal creativity. These embellishments not only beautify the pots but also tell stories, making every piece a blend of art and tradition.

—

Crafting clay pots at home can be a rewarding experience that connects you with a rich cultural heritage while unleashing your creativity. With the right materials and techniques, you too can create beautiful, functional, and meaningful pottery.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/how-to-make-clay-pots-at-home/story

The Ultimate Guide To Self Publishing

At an event held in Kobe in September, more than 800 people gathered to sell or buy zines of all kinds. The atmosphere resembled a creative bazaar where each booklet reflected its maker’s imagination.

One artist presented a zine focused on a single Japanese character, deliberately written in an unreadable way to spark conversation with readers. The charm of zines lies in their complete freedom—there are no rules for layout, format, or content. Photography, essays, and illustration all coexist under one creative umbrella.

Zines also serve as a haven for enthusiasts of niche interests. Yoshida, one of the creators, compiled matchbox labels distributed at pachinko parlors during the Showa era. Though the designs may appear dated, he regards them as valuable historical artifacts documenting vanished storefronts.

“I probably have Japan’s largest collection of pachinko match labels,” he said with pride. Such topics would likely never pass a publisher’s filter, yet in zines, personal passion takes the lead—a key factor behind their appeal to both creators and readers.

“What makes zines fascinating,” said one customer, “is that they capture the creator’s character without being overly polished. It feels like pure self-expression.”

Among the many creators was first-class architect Chisato Otake, whose zine features imaginary floor plans. Her inspiration came from frustration in her day job.

“I often think, ‘If only I could design this kind of house,’ but clients’ needs don’t always align,” she explained. To bring her ideas to life, Otake selects real plots from real estate sites and designs homes according to professional building codes, even when the plans are purely imaginative.

“If I’m going to fantasize,” she said, “I may as well design a luxury property worth hundreds of millions of yen.” Her next project will focus on rooms, inspired by a period when she was bedridden and unable to work.

“It wasn’t about living a perfectly curated lifestyle,” she said, “but I’d like readers to feel a sense of empathy.” Though her architectural drawings are beautiful, Otake emphasizes that zines let her share vulnerability—something professional work rarely allows.

As digital media dominates communication, some wonder why zines continue to thrive. For many, the tactile nature of paper is irreplaceable.

“You can staple, clip, or decorate it however you want. That physical interaction is part of the fun,” said one participant. Because online content is so fleeting, people are rediscovering the appeal of printed matter.

Bookstores, too, are taking notice. One major retailer reported that zine sales now account for about 10 percent of total revenue.

“At first, it was just a small shelf,” said the manager. “But sales picked up quickly, so we expanded to three full shelves.” In an industry struggling with declining print sales, zines have become a new reason for people to visit bookstores.

As readers flip through each handmade page, they find themselves drawn deeper into the creator’s world—one that cannot be replicated on a screen.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147172.php

Karachi Biennale 2027: Noor Ahmed to curate fifth edition

The Karachi Biennale is set to return in January 2027 for its fifth edition, this time led by curator Noor Ahmed. Since its launch in 2017, the Karachi Biennale has grown into Pakistan’s largest international contemporary art event, transforming the city through exhibitions, public art projects, and education programmes that bring contemporary art to diverse audiences.

For KB27, the Biennale will once again move beyond traditional gallery walls, spreading across Karachi’s schools, parks, and public spaces. The programme will feature commissioned works, site-specific projects, artist residencies, workshops, initiatives for schools and communities, and a series of public talks. The Trust aims to explore new ways of engaging audiences and to document the outcomes for future editions.

Noor Ahmed is an exciting choice as curator. She has collaborated on significant projects, including co-curating *River Landscapes*, a transnational initiative connecting South Asia and Europe through a shared glossary of water. Additionally, she served as Project Director and Lead Curator of the Digital Curation of Lahore and Taxila Museums, Pakistan’s largest museum digitisation programme.

Her relationship with the Biennale dates back to 2019, when she served as Assistant Curator for KB19 and helped deliver exhibitions across Karachi’s public parks, zoo, and botanical gardens.

The Biennale has always sought to expand access to contemporary art, with each edition advancing this mission. Previously curated by Amin Gulgee in 2017, Muhammad Zeeshan in 2019, Faisal Anwar in 2022, and Waheeda Baloch in 2024, the event has steadily strengthened its infrastructure for commissions, exhibition delivery, and education, while deepening public participation across the city.

With Noor Ahmed guiding KB27, the Biennale is poised to continue this growth. The programme will introduce new voices, test fresh formats, and reaffirm Karachi’s role as a hub of contemporary cultural exchange.

Details of the full programme, along with submission deadlines and ticketing information, will be released by the Trust ahead of the January 2027 opening. Stay tuned for updates!
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1348546-karachi-biennale-2027-noor-ahmed-to-curate-fifth-edition

Keeping time

Stunningly light, the sculptures of Madeline Gallucci and the paintings of Margaret Crowley bear witness while mourning the impossibility of full recognition.

In *Sympathy Ribbon*, currently on view at Grunts Rare Books, the pairing of Gallucci’s and Crowley’s work holds the perfect, painful tension between remembrance and transition.

Gallucci’s paintings manipulate surface and depth to make us acutely aware of the distance between the two. The top layer of her compositions features stark blue marks that imitate painter’s tape, painted in sharp contrast to the hazy contents below. Though the tape frames the paintings and guides our eyes toward semi-legible letters or shapes, we quickly seek to look beyond—and therein find resistance.

Past the tape exterior, textured gradients become the foggy window of a car or a glass door after a scalding shower. Innumerable coats of vivid color are pierced by instances of removal, as seen in *SPAT* (2025), where lightened swipes against a muddy green-grey background could be the fingertips of someone tracing in condensation—a record of some unknown previous presence.

We strain to look deeper and identify what’s beyond the veil, but instead get lost in eternal depths.

Crowley’s sculptures use form and material to hold longing. Most prominent is *50 Years of Service* (2022), glimmering on the gallery floor. A body-sized replica of a thin metal watch, the piece is modeled after a commemorative gift given to her grandfather by the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Curatorial text reveals the large watch is papier-mâché made from postmortem documents for her grandfather—a strong use of medium to register the artist’s grief. Even without context, the watch begs to be witnessed, with its face to the ground and links slumped awkwardly over.

It echoes the ache of Gallucci’s paintings, which yearn for someone to look through them and find recognition, but offer only a vague palimpsest of prior hands.

Both practices offer us the uneasy gift of attending to what remains when presence slips into memory.

**Sympathy Ribbon**
Through November 9
Saturday–Sunday, 1–4 PM
Grunts Rare Books
1500 S. Western #403
[gruntsrarebooks.us](http://gruntsrarebooks.us)
https://chicagoreader.com/visual-arts/art-review/sympathy-ribbon-grunts-rare-books/

Iconic ‘Simpsons’ scenes that mirror American life

**Iconic ‘Simpsons’ Scenes That Mirror American Life**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 23, 2025, 01:49 PM*

*What’s the story?*
The Simpsons, an iconic animated series, has been a mirror to American culture for over three decades. The show has brilliantly captured the essence of American life, politics, and social norms through its satirical lens. From the ordinary lives of its characters to the extraordinary situations they find themselves in, The Simpsons has offered timeless insights into American culture.

Here are five moments that perfectly encapsulate this cultural phenomenon:

### Drive: The ‘Do it for her’ Scene
In this touching scene, Homer Simpson’s motivation to work hard is illustrated through a simple yet powerful message: *Do it for her.* This moment encapsulates the universal struggle of balancing personal aspirations with family responsibilities. It highlights how love and dedication can drive individuals to overcome challenges, resonating with many Americans who juggle work and family life.

### Passion: Lisa’s Saxophone Performance
Lisa Simpson’s passion for music is beautifully captured in her saxophone performances throughout the series. These moments reflect the American value of pursuing one’s passions and dreams, regardless of societal expectations or norms. Lisa’s character serves as an inspiration for those who dare to follow their interests, even when faced with obstacles.

### Simplicity: Homer’s ‘D’oh!’ Moments
Homer Simpson’s infamous catchphrase, *D’oh!* is a testament to the simplicity of human error. It captures the essence of everyday mistakes that everyone can relate to. These moments are a reminder that no matter how complex life gets, we all make simple mistakes from time to time. This resonates with many Americans who find humor in acknowledging their imperfections.

### Identity: Marge’s Blue Hair
Marge Simpson’s iconic blue hair serves as a symbol of individuality and identity in American culture. Her distinctive look sets her apart while also representing the broader theme of self-expression within society. Marge’s character embodies the struggle between conformity and personal identity, a common theme in American life.

### Rebellion: Bart’s Graffiti Art
Bart Simpson’s rebellious streak is best reflected in his graffiti art escapades around Springfield. These moments capture the spirit of youthful defiance and the desire for freedom from authority figures. Bart’s actions serve as a reminder of how rebellion can be a form of self-expression, something many Americans connect with during their formative years.

—

Through these memorable scenes, *The Simpsons* continues to hold up a satirical mirror to American life—capturing its challenges, dreams, humor, and identity with wit and heart.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/the-simpsons-5-iconic-moments-that-defined-american-culture/story

Iconic ‘Simpsons’ scenes that mirror American life

**Iconic ‘Simpsons’ Scenes That Mirror American Life**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 23, 2025 | 01:49 pm*

*What’s the story?*

The Simpsons, an iconic animated series, has been a mirror to American culture for over three decades. The show brilliantly captures the essence of American life, politics, and social norms through its satirical lens. From the ordinary lives of its characters to the extraordinary situations they find themselves in, The Simpsons offers timeless insights into American culture.

Here are five moments that perfectly encapsulate this cultural phenomenon:

—

### Drive: The ‘Do It For Her’ Scene

In this touching scene, Homer Simpson’s motivation to work hard is illustrated through a simple yet powerful message: *Do it for her.* This moment encapsulates the universal struggle of balancing personal aspirations with family responsibilities. It highlights how love and dedication can drive individuals to overcome challenges. Many Americans who juggle work and family life find this deeply relatable.

—

### Passion: Lisa’s Saxophone Performance

Lisa Simpson’s passion for music is beautifully captured in her saxophone performances throughout the series. These moments reflect the American value of pursuing one’s passions and dreams, regardless of societal expectations or norms. Lisa’s character inspires those who dare to follow their interests, even when faced with obstacles.

—

### Simplicity: Homer’s ‘D’oh!’ Moments

Homer Simpson’s infamous catchphrase, *D’oh!*, is a testament to the simplicity of human error. It captures the essence of everyday mistakes that everyone can relate to. These moments serve as a reminder that no matter how complex life gets, we all make simple mistakes from time to time. Many Americans find humor in acknowledging their imperfections through this iconic expression.

—

### Identity: Marge’s Blue Hair

Marge Simpson’s iconic blue hair symbolizes individuality and identity in American culture. Her distinctive look sets her apart while representing the broader theme of self-expression within society. Marge’s character embodies the struggle between conformity and personal identity—a common theme in American life.

—

### Rebellion: Bart’s Graffiti Art

Bart Simpson’s rebellious streak is best reflected in his graffiti art escapades around Springfield. These moments capture the spirit of youthful defiance and the desire for freedom from authority figures. Bart’s actions remind us how rebellion can be a form of self-expression, something many Americans connect with during their formative years.

—

Through these memorable scenes, The Simpsons continues to hold up a mirror to American life—blending humor with heartfelt commentary that resonates across generations.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/the-simpsons-5-iconic-moments-that-defined-american-culture/story

5 ways Barry Jenkins redefines modern cinema

**5 Ways Barry Jenkins Redefines Modern Cinema**
*By Vinita Jain | Sep 22, 2025, 01:43 pm*

Barry Jenkins, the visionary filmmaker behind the Oscar-winning *Moonlight*, has a unique storytelling style that delves deeply into human emotions and societal issues. Known for his nuanced characters and rich visual storytelling, Jenkins’s films go beyond mere entertainment—they provoke thought and evoke empathy. Here’s a closer look at how he redefines modern cinema through his distinctive approach:

### 1. Emphasis on Character Development
Jenkins’s films prioritize creating multi-dimensional characters that feel real and relatable. By focusing on their backstories and motivations, he ensures audiences connect with them emotionally. This attention to detail makes the characters’ journeys more impactful and memorable.

### 2. Visual Storytelling Techniques
A hallmark of Jenkins’s style is his mastery of visual storytelling. He uses color palettes, camera angles, and lighting to convey emotions subtly, often without relying heavily on dialogue. This immersive visual approach allows viewers to experience the story on a more visceral level.

### 3. Exploration of Social Themes
Jenkins frequently explores complex social issues such as identity, race, and class. Tackling these themes with sensitivity and depth, he encourages audiences to reflect on their own perspectives. Integrating these issues into his narratives adds meaningful layers that resonate long after the film ends.

### 4. Collaborative Approach to Filmmaking
Collaboration is central to Jenkins’s creative process. He works closely with actors, cinematographers, and other crew members to bring his vision to life. This collaborative spirit fosters creativity and results in films rich in detail and authenticity.

### 5. Use of Music as a Narrative Tool
Music plays a crucial role in Jenkins’s storytelling. He carefully selects soundtracks that complement the emotional tone and enhance character development. The music becomes an integral part of the narrative, drawing viewers deeper into the story rather than serving as mere background noise.

Barry Jenkins’s innovative techniques continue to push the boundaries of contemporary cinema, offering audiences films that are emotionally profound, visually striking, and socially insightful.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/barry-jenkins-the-filmmaker-behind-powerful-narratives/story