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The Superstar Artist

karam Antakli • 3 January 2023

THE SUPERSTAR ARTIST
 

Here she comes again stepping out of her supercar, Goddess like worshiped by millions of followers, gathered from all around the world to see her, eager to listen to what she has to say. Her views have changed the world, her character inspired the young and ambitious, and her achievements empowered everyone with a big dream. She is the Person of the year. The Entrepreneur of the decade. The artist of the century.

 

I have a dream that one day, artists will have the power to influence, the power to lead, and the power to change. I have a dream that one day, being an artist will be an aspiration, a destination and a privilege. I have a dream that one day, artists will have the status of politicians, the prosperity of kings, and the popularity of rockstars.

 

In his time, Michelangelo, despite his character flaws, inspired the strong image of a proud artist; his personality showed the influence he practiced, dealing with the riches, popes and the most powerful patrons in his era. His living legacy surpassed 500 years makes me wonder: What happened to the artist image? 

Painting by Moshe Rynecki

The image of an artist has taken a big punch due to romanticising poverty through the stories of the greats Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monte, and the like, amplified by the Hippie movement in the 60s. However, the Renaissance era witnessed a completely different image. Artists were inventors, poets, mathematicians, and public figures who served in the parliament. Affiliating with artists was a sign of power, prestige, and pride. I am not insinuating that art has to be exclusive to the rich and aristocrats, nor suggesting that it was perfect when it was available only to the elite. Technology and flexible logistics made art available to everyone, and anyone with a smartphone can share their art and become a star.


I believe artists are inherently good people, and power in the hands of good people is what the world needs. My life goal is to see that change, to see artists gain the power to inspire, innovate and lead. The only way for that to happen is by collaboration. Form teams consisting of great artists working on Megaprojects. Combine different skills and provide majestic as well as functional art. Serve a social purpose beyond art and through art. God knows how much the world needs you, Artists!

 

If you are an Artist in London, or willing to come to London. Please reach out, lets meet for a coffee and exchange ideas.

by karam Antakli 22 October 2022
THE HISTORY OF WALL ART Wall Art is the first form of art humans have ever created. The early human caves have witnessed the imagination of our early ancestors, creating artistic figures and drawings that represent an idea, a message saying “we were here” for the next generation to remember. That trend continues to this day, humans love to express their being by putting it out and best in stone. Nowadays, when speaking about Wall Art, we speak about a milestone in building construction management, a slice of a budget, and a part of a supply chain. Currently, wall art is not only aesthetic but also serves a functional role (i.e., wall covering, waterproofing, soundproofing, etc.)
by karam Antakli 26 September 2022
HOW LONG DOES VENETIAN PLASTER LAST? As old as 9000 years, lime plaster has been found in use in Mesopotamia and old Egypt. The first descriptions of the characteristics and methods of Venetian plaster were made by Marcus Vitruvius Pollio. Vitruvius is also the first to draw what is called Vitruvian Man today is an author, architect, and engineer who lived during the 1 st century BC. His multi-version book entitled ‘Da Architectura’ was regarded as one of the earliest sources describing lime plaster (stucco) and its use in fresco painting techniques. Around 900 years ago, along with the advances in technology, pigments, and dyes, the first boom of this material took place in the region of Vento, Italy (where Venetian plaster took its name from). Due to the need for light materials, lime plaster can still be seen to this date on buildings of the floating city of Venice. Venetian plaster is durable, versatile, and looks just like real stone. These attributes aligned perfectly with the architecture principles Vitruvius detailed: Firmitas, Utilitas, and Venustas (strength, utility, and beauty).
by karam Antakli 7 September 2022
WHY VENETIAN PLASTER? Also known as ‘Polished plaster’ or ‘Marble plaster’, Venetian Plaster is well know for its marble-like finish, luxurious feel, and natural look and is made of lime putty and marble dust. It gives different look using different grain sizes, it can be classical highly polished or contemporary matt textured, it is applied directly to walls and ceilings via a professional wall artist. Moreover, latest experiments, mixing lime with cement, has resulted in a new product serve the minimalistic industrial design trends that can imitate naked concrete. When asthetics meet functionality Best of both worlds, Venetian plaster wall art is not only beautiful but also highly functional, here are some reasons why it is number one choice for wall and ceilings covering: - Prevents Mold and Mildew As Venetian Plaster is lime-based and alkaline, it acts as a natural fungicide and has antibacterial properties that prevent mold and mildew growth. It is breathable and humidifying, unlike tiles. Also, it is jointless, it does not have any corners which would lead to mold growth. - Requires Less Maintenance The best part about Venetian Plaster is that it is one of the easiest surfaces to clean, which means you only need to wipe down the surface, and it will be as good as new. As it already has a durable finish, unlike paint, it does not to be re done every couple of years. - Free From Toxins Unlike other materials that are made from various chemicals, Venetian Plaster is free from toxins and does not release harmful volatile organic compounds. If you’re worried about your health, then with Venetian plaster, you will be able to breathe freely without worry. - High Durability It is commonly known that Venetian Plaster has high durability, which is why it is also called a “lifetime finish.” Venetian plaster not only hardens over time but is also less exposed to cracks and shrinking compared to a cement finish. Also, this plaster might be a little costly compared to normal paint, but it will surely last you for a long time, so it is worth the investment. - Odorless Venetian Plaster is completely odorless. Made from natural ingredients like lime and marble dust, it doesn’t leave behind any bad smell, and you won’t have to keep your doors and windows open to remove the smell as well. - Envirnmently Friendly Venetian plaster is environmentally friendly, the lime powder inside the plaster mix absorbs carbon dioxide helping to reduce the carbon footprint. - Seamless Walls would like one big piece of marble slab, or one huge artwork applied on walls floor to ceiling. Venetian plaster is seamless, applied directly on site, makes that wall the main featuret of every space. - Exceptionally Versatile The sky is the limit! Venetian plaster offers a great variety of beautiful finishes and designs which can be uniquely bespoke to your taste. No matter what kind of place you are renovating, or the style you are after, venetian plaster can serve your goals and make your vision come true. If you want an attractive shiny marble walls or wish to create a minimalistic space with naked concrete surroundings, wall art created by venetian plaster when done properly is a priceless choice.
by Karam Antakli 27 August 2022
Venetian plaster, alternatively known as Polished Plaster, Lime Plaster, or Marble Plaster, refers to the decorative material used to provide a smooth finish to walls and ceilings. As the name suggests Venetian Plaster (translated from Italian: Stucco Veneziano) is the substance artisans used in Venice, Italy. However, the use of lime stone plaster dates back thousands of years. The History of Venetian Plaster Ancient civilizations such as the Mesopotamians and Egyptians used lime plaster on important buildings such as temples and palaces. The Romans, in particular, used Venetian plaster due to its aesthetically pleasing look and durable nature. The shiny finish gave buildings a rich look as it resembled solid marble. The Renaissance marked not just a resurgence but also the peak of the popularity of the material, which explains why it is referred to as Venetian plaster. It provided artists with the perfect canvas to depict extraordinary frescos and was appreciated for its visual appearance as well as practicality. The association with Venice is also due to the sheer scale on which the material is in use in the city. Venice is a city built on water. Stilts, instead of having traditional foundations dug underground, support buildings in the city. This makes Venetian plaster the perfect material to use as a finish since it is exceptionally lightweight and gives an impression of solid stonework. It is breathable and mitigates humidity as well.
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