St. Petersburg: A Revolution In The Making

Chaim Even Zohar writes about the outcome of the St. Petersburg conference (organized by Alrosa’s president, Sergei Vybornov) + the main issues facing the diamond industry + other viewpoints @ http://www.idexonline.com/portal_FullEditorial.asp

Paintings In Hospitals

Paintings in Hospitals holds a unique place in the history of the arts in health sector in the UK and is still the only organisation of its kind operating at a national level. Founded in 1959 and registered as a charity in 1972, its objectives are to improve the environment of hospitals and other healthcare establishments by providing original works of art on loan.

Useful link:
www.paintingsinhospitals.org.uk

I liked the idea. If art can't make you better, what is it for? I think art can bring joy to a sick room.

Heard On The Street

I’m not a gambler, except in business. I’ve seen it all. Things you can imagine and things you couldn’t imagine.

Charles + Colvard Update

Charles and Colvard is launching a new, interactive web site http://whatismoissanite.com to educate consumers and jewelry retailers understand their unique jewel. A must-visit.

Useful links:
www.moissanite.com
www.brillianceofme.com

Renewable-energy Island

I found Elizabeth Kolbert's article on the Danish island of Samsø (renewable-energy island) and their innovative way of life @ http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/07/07/080707fa_fact_kolbert?currentPage=all educational and insightful. I would like to visit the island of Samsø one day to see for myself what they have done to save energy and environment.

Useful links:
www.energiakademiet.dk
www.eawag.ch
www.uvek.admin.ch
www.arch.ethz.ch

Peter Greenaway

On the occasion of Saloni 2008, Peter Greenaway gives new life to the world’s most celebrated masterpiece, merging an extraordinary wealth of languages including visual arts, cinema, poetry, music and some of the most cutting-edge new technologies. Leonardo’s masterpiece 'The Last Supper' has survived both the fast natural ageing process caused by experimental painting techniques conceived by the artist and the many attempts to restore its initial aspect, as well as having outlasted bombings during World War II. The Biblical scene will come to new life under the spectator’s eyes thanks to live projections of images and light bouncing on the very painted surface, accompanied by a soundscape of voices, music and noises. The performance will take place in the Refectory of the Dominican Friary in Santa Maria delle Grazie Church: on the very wall of the refectory, Leonardo portrayed the moment when Christ announces one of the apostle will betray him, causing disruption and dismay among them.

Go to www.petergreenaway.info for further information.

Brilliant!

Sothebys Update

Souren Melikian writes about Sotheby's contemporary art sales @ http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/07/03/arts/melik3.php What's amazing to me is the mood; the art market keeps bouncing from strength to strength. The money is flowing even more easily.

Useful link:
www.sothebys.com

The New Diamond Story

I found the new diamond story @ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7483451.stm intriguing. The rare gems found inside zircon crystals is amazing.

Useful links:
www.nrm.se
www.nature.com