Design Debate

Watercolours can often be thought of as subtle, perhaps lacking impact in some cases - not so with the artworks of Ben Norris . The American brought a depth and vitality to his paintings which I really enjoy. Living from 1910 to 2006, Norris mainly stayed and taught in Hawaii, and was quite influential amongst his peers.  I adore how Norris brings out the pattern in his chosen landscapes. They feel all up close and personal, I can loose myself in those vivid greens! 

A new metro line in Amsterdam provided a perfect opportunity for archaeologists to uncover decades of social history. For about 9 years the banks of the river Amstel have been excavated for a new urban waterway. Having to pump out so much water revealed layers and layers of objects and everyday life.  In my little local river, the River Fowey in Lostwithiel, we often find little bits of broken pottery, but I am truly amazed about the wealth of artefacts found. The Department of Archaeology have created an interactive website where you can delve a little deeper into what each object represents. Beautifully and orderly laid out, these collections are a revealing snapshot of this busy waterway's past.  The website allows us to access 19,000 of the 700,000 findings from the site. Named ' Below the Surface ', you can see everything from buttons, tickets, pottery and books. Included are a 19th-century pipe cover decorated by a portrait of the Dutch navel l...