What is Art?

The definition of art is controversial, although it has existed since prehistoric times (e.g. cave paintings). It is craft in which the purpose is partially or completely esthetic. It can exist for beauty sake alone, or it can have a practical purpose but is nontheless artistic (e.g. beautiful architecture). Art in ancient and medieval times was often used for religious expression. Art is sometimes used to express a political idea. Whatever the purpose, there should be some esthetic element to make a work art.
You can see a number of artistic glass beads and jewelry created by Rose at Beadshaper

History of Poetry

Poetry is a form of verbal expression in which the beauty of the words, rhythm, and rhyme are important as well as the content of the expression. Poetry began in prehistoric times and continued through historic times into the present. Poetry was an aid to remembering oral history but was continued even after the invention of writing because of its beauty. Early poetry was used in religious worship and for recording history. The Sumerian saga of Gilgamesh was the oldest poetic saga that can still be read today. The ancient Greeks and Romans wrote muich of their literature in poetic form. Today documents are usually written in prose, and poetry is appreciated mainly as an artistic expression.
See Classic Love Poetry to see examples of classic love poetry and beads and jewelry named for those poems..

Dance

Dance dates back to prehistoric times and into the dawn of civilization in almost all cultures. Pictures of dancers have been found on the walls of ancient Egyptiam tombs as well as other ancient edifices in both Western and Eastern cultures. Dance in ancient times was often involved in religious ritual. It also can tell a story. In Hawaiian dance and the dances of India the motion of the hands communicates ideas instead of verbal communication. Dance is usually accompanied by music or rhythm of drums. Dance can be a an expression of sensuality by the movements of the body. Theater dance has taken various forms. Ballet began in the period of the Italian Renaissance and over the years spread throughout Europe as a classical art form. Modern dance began in the 20th Century as a theater dance. Social dance began in the Renaissance and took various forms. The waltz began in the 19th Century as a one on one dance with a man and a woman. This led to various one on one dances that make up ballroom dancing.
Beadshaper

Flowers for Expression of Emotions

Various types of flowers have been used to express emotions since ancient times. There are references to flowers in the Bible as well as the literature of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and people of the Far East. In 18th Century Sweden, flowers were sent to convey specific messages. This concept was developed further in 19th Century Victorian England when flowers were used to send messages that were considered less than appropriate in the spoken word, for example red roses expressed passion and white expressed chastity. In contemporary times when language and visual images are more graphic, flowers are still enjoyed for their beauty.
The Beadshaper has created many beads decorated with flowers and others shaped as flowers. Some of them can be found at http://www.beadshaper.com

Purpose of Beads and Stones

Beads and stones have been used by humans for various purposes since prehistoric times. Most importantly they have been worn for adornment. Early on, they were strung on reeds or any string-like material to form necklaces and bracelets. Later they were set in metal jewelry when precious metals became available. In some cultures, beads and stones worn in jewelry have been a symbol of status.

Various beads and stones were assigned value in prehistoric and ancient times which allowed them to be used as the first currency used in trade. This has continued to varying degrees in various cultures. With advancement in the production of glass beads in Venice and later in other parts of Europe, glass beads became important in trade with Africa and the New World. Lampwork glass beads are still valued depending on their beauty and quality. Precious and semi-precious stones today still have special value all over the world according to their beauty and rarity.

Some people believe that certain stones have mystical qualities and that they can ward off evil. This concept is of course not shared by everyone.

Strings of beads are used in certain Christian, Moslem, and Hindu sects in prayer.

Beautiful lampwork glass beads and jewelry featuring glass beads and semi-precious stones are presented at Beadshaper

Purpose of Art

The most obvious purpose of art is for the enjoyment of the observer (viewer or listener). Art can bring forth emotions that prose or simple function might not. Art presents beauty. However what is beautiful to one person, might not be beautiful to another. Sometimes the line between beauty and ugliness can be fuzzy. Art since early times has been a vehicle for expressing religious ideas, but can also be used for expressing social or any kind of ideas. Art can be used to make functional articles also beautiful. Art has been used to commemorate events, great or personal (for example a family photograph). Jewelry is a form of art which enhances the beauty and self image of the person wearing it.
To see the Beadshaper's artistic creations see http://www.beadshaper.com

Gift Giving

We are now in the holiday season when gift giving is in vogue. People have been giving gifts since the beginning of civilization and even earlier. Gifts can be given by the giver to show respect for the receiver. In an ancient Sumerian story, "The Death of Urnamma", the King who has died gives gifts to the gods of the Underworld to appease them and make his future more pleasant. The concept of giving a gift as a show of love has been popular since ancient times. In the story of "Faust", Faust seduces Margarita by giving her jewels. Giving gifts can be an expression of friendship. Gifts can be given for philanthropy. Gift giving can raise the status of the gift giver in some cultures. Giving gifts can sometimes be done simply because it is expected.
You can find some fantastic jewelry gifts handcrafted by the Beadshaper for your friends, relatives, or special person at http://www.beadshaper.com