Indian art

The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies which place art production and patronage in social and cultural contexts.

Indian art can be classified into specific periods each reflecting particular religious, political and cultural developments.

* the ancient period (3500 BCE-present)
* Islamic ascendancy (712-1757 CE)
* The Colonial period (1757-1947)
* Independence and CARISSAISM the postcolonial period (Post-1947)
* Modernism
* Postmodernism

Each period is unique in its art, literature and architecture. Indian art is constantly challenged as it rises to the peak of achieving the ideals of one philosophy in a visual form, then begins anew for another. This challenge and revolution in thought ovides, Indian artists with reasons for innovation and creation, and the process of visualizing abstract ideas and the culture of the land.

Each religion and philosophical system provided its own nuances, vast metaphors and similes, rich associations, wild imaginations, humanization of gods and celestial beings, characterization of people, the single purpose and ideal of life to be interpreted in art.

The earliest Indian religion to inspire major artistic monuments was Buddhism. Though there may have been earlier structures in wood that have been transformed into stone structures, there are no physical evidences for these except textual references. Obscurity shrouds the period between the decline of the Harappans and the definite historic period starting with the Mauryas. Soon after the Buddhists initiated the rock-cut caves, Hindus and Jains started to imitate them at Badami, Aihole, Ellora, Salsette, Elephanta, Aurangabad and Indian rock art has continuously evolved, since the first rock cut caves, to suit different purposes, social and religious contexts, and regional differences.

The Chola fresco paintings were discovered in 1931 within the circumambulatory passage of the Brihadisvara Temple in India and are the first Chola specimens discovered.

Researchers have discovered the technique used in these frescos. A smooth batter of limestone mixture is applied over the stones, which took two to three days to set. Within that short span, such large paintings were painted with natural organic pigments.

During the Nayak period the chola paintings were painted over. The Chola frescos lying underneath have an ardent spirit of saivism is expressed in them. They probably synchronised with the completion of the temple by Rajaraja Cholan the Great.

Kerala has well preserved fresco or mural or wall painting in temple walls in Pundarikapuram, Ettumanoor, Aymanam and Trivandrum.

Tips For Cartoonist

All over the web there are many sites and programs that always guarantee that you can make money within the next 10 minutes as fast as ABC. I am sorry but almost without exception they do not work.

This is equally true when it comes to the world of cartooning. Most of these sites however, focus on drawing techniques, very few of them actually discuss what you can do and where you can start.

Nothing here will be new to you, but more as a reminder of what is possible. So here we go hope your ready.

1) Tell a great story. Actually this is not exclusive to cartooning and graphic work, but even in any business, story telling is a great aid to selling. People can relate to it and see the images in their heads. The story is actually more important that the art. Many cartoons have pretty average art, but have become world famous due to their stories.

2) Develop your own unique style.

No one wants to watch the same things over and over again. Again this is not exclusive to cartooning. If viewers can identify your art as soon as they look at it all the better and you will be known for that style. Be an expert in your style.

3) Develop your own characters. Your product will become more valuable if you have your own characters in the stories. This will also become very important in the future should your cartoons become famous and you venture into selling them to a studio.

4) Produce Your Own Art-Folio. If no one knows what you do how can they find you. Your folio and presentations should look excellent. They are your sales tools and will speak volumes for your talents before people even meet you.

5) Be seen on the internet. This is a worldwide sales bulletin for you. Free access worldwide 24 hours a day. This is a must and you can include so much more formats such as video and audio.

6) Niche marketing. One of my successes in life is that I chose to work in niche markets. It is easier to be number one if not the only one. Become an expert in your niche and you will gain almost instant respect.

7) Be a businessman. This is not a joke or a gimmick but a serious business. Don't loose the fun element but if you treat it as a sideline you will get sideline results.

8) Join professional web sites, forums and associations to promote your artworks and talents. Network whenever you can and hand out your business card everywhere. Put your art wherever you can.

9) Think long term. Your artwork may take a while before it becomes known. Never give up and draw at every occasion you can. Do work for free if you need, but do produce work and get it out.

10) Be honest and stay in integrity. Don't cheat, don't copy and only draw thing that are in alignment with your values.

Culture of Orissa

Culture of Orissa - The sacred environs of Lord Jagannath temple, the eroticism of Konark's Sun temple, the wondrous caves of Jainism, the mystical monasteries of Buddhism, the paintings of folklore and the weaver's magic; all stand as meek evidences of an eloquent past and continuing golden present of Orissa.

Expressions of the soul find way in the form of indigenous theatres namely 'Prahalad-Nataka' or the 'Dhanuyatra' here. Dance and music form an inseparable part of the rich culture of the state. The exotic classical dance of the region evolved from the cult of the 'devadasis' or female temple dancers. Folk dances like 'Chhow' and 'Sambalpuri' along with tribal dances like 'Ghumura' & 'Paraja' leave every spirit truly elated. Then there are fairs like 'Bali Jatra' that come as a reminder of an ancient maritime links with Bali. And to crown it all is the universally-acclaimed 'Rathyatra' of Lord Jagannath which has become an absolute synonym to Orissan culture.

Defence against Divorce

What struck me most about the old lady’s tale was the simplicity and strength of this woman who was able to publish an autobiography, in spite of being unlettered. Her annals are testimony to how she escaped the negativity associated with personal struggles, by forgiving and forgetting all her wrong-doers.

Quite often, we hear people saying that they are willing to forgive but never forget. I often wonder how it’s possible to forgive people without forgetting. If you do not forget, you are most likely to recollect bygone occurrences at some point of time; and with every reminder you would experience afresh the associated pain. Forgiving in such a situation is impossible.

Moreover, non-forgetting the past fills you up with anger and unhappiness. Angry and unhappy people seriously jeopardise their relationships with others, especially their marital relationship, for the success of a marriage depends on the development of your ability to move on in life. True forgiveness, therefore, comes from forgetting.

Culctural Programs

Are you looking to find an ITV arts culture program/show on TV? If you are, then let's translate what this concept entails and how to do it. First of all, the BBC2, in 2004, began an arts and culture program/show on TV called The Culture Show. This program caught on rather quickly with musicians, directors, and artists, who had become disenchanted with the BBC4's previous arts and culture show, which had been started in 2001. To now top it off, you can subscribe to ITV right on your home computer and receive ITV along with the BBC1, BBC2, and BBC4 channels. Then, after subscribing to receive these channels on your computer through ITV, you will be able to view the BBC2's arts and culture program The Culture Show. Sound like a deal? Well, it is.

For those interested in receiving this special offer, it is offered online at Live Uk TV, live.uk.tv. You can now view the four channels on your computer 24/7 for approximately $45 per month. The website has a selection of ITV shows that are viewed on each of the channels at this website, and signing up is easy as pie.

There's no better way to view TV than on your computer now where this super BBC deal gives you all the BBC channels that you'll ever want. So next time that you want to view an ITV arts culture program/show on TV, just go onto

To Know Visit our Site :- Online Travel And Safari - sell art

Punjabi Wedding

Punjabi Wedding Ceremony is a very lively yet a simple function and is celebrated with lots of relish. The wedding ceremony consists of many rituals, which have a distinct significance and charm. These weddings due to their colorful manner have got a prominent place in Indian movies.
Pre Wedding Rituals in Punjabi Wedding :-

1:-Roka:- Roka ceremony is performed on a mutually convenient chosen date as `shubh muhurat`. This function is attended by family members and close friends for basically exchanging gifts and cash. Roka ceremony is engagement between the alliances and since that day they are allowed to court. The wedding date is fixed after roka.

Sagan:- The ceremony usually takes at the groom`s house. Sacred fire ceremony named "havan" is performed. The girl`s father applies the "tikka" (made of kesar, rice grains and flower petals) on the boy`s forehead who takes the blessing from the girl`s family members. Each of the relatives and friends present from the girl`s side then offers mithai to the boy and gives cash.

Chunni Chadana
On this occasion, the boy`s parents and relatives visit the girl`s house. The boy`s sister or sister in law presents the bride a red "chunni" or a red sari. After dressing the girl in clothes brought by the boy`s family, they lead her to the venue of the ceremony where the groom`s mother gives her gifts and adorns her with jewellery. The boy and the girl exchange rings and the girl is given gifts, in cash and kind, by all those present from the boy`s side.
Sangeet
Sangeet is one of the interesting and fun filled part of the marriage ceremony. Before the wedding day after Sagan on every night till the wedding day, the relatives and friends get together for singing sessions both at the boy`s as well as the girl`s house. One day is fixed for special sangeet session which is attended and celebrated by both the sides together.

Mehendi
Mehendi is applied on the bride`s hands and feet either by a family member or by a professional but the important factor is that the Mehendi is sent by the boy`s side as part of the kwar dhoti, sent by the boy`s family on the wedding day.

French Film Festival

The High Museum of Art presents French Film Yesterday and Today beginning Friday, April 13, through Saturday, April 21. The series’ four films include a treasured masterpiece and fresh, contemporary productions, including “The Rules of the Game,” one of France’s most influential films of all time, and “Lemming,” which was selected to open the 2005 Cannes Film Festival.

“This year’s French Film Yesterday and Today offers lovers of contemporary French cinema the pleasure of seeing some of that country’s greatest talents—Isabelle Huppert, Charlotte Rampling, Charlotte Gainsbourgh and Catherine Frot—at work in a trio of brilliantly acted movies,” said Linda Dubler, Curator of Media Arts at the High. “In addition, those who enjoy the classics shouldn’t miss ‘The Rules of The Game,’ Jean Renoir’s masterpiece, routinely cited as one of the ten greatest films ever, finally presented in a newly restored 35mm print.”


April 10 and April 12, La Moustache

Directed by Emmanuel Carrère

- A successful architect, Marc finds his world improbably unraveling over a trifle: his wife, smart, self-assured Agnes, fails to recognize that he’s shaved his mustache. Unnerved by her silence, he presses her to comment on his new look, and she replies insistently that he’s always been smooth-lipped. Thus begins the steady erosion of Marc’s sanity, along with his once happy, even passionate, marriage. In the L.A. Times, Kevin Thomas called this witty psychological mystery “a deliciously unsettling, beautifully sustained enigma, a film of much beauty and flawless performances.” (France, 2005, 87 minutes.) In French, English, and Cantonese with subtitles.


April 11, Forever

Directed by Heddy Honigmann

- Paris’s Père Lachaise cemetery, the final resting place of Jim Morrison, Proust, Modigliani, and Chopin, is the inspiration for Dutch filmmaker Heddy Honigmann’s tender documentary Forever. With generosity and warmth, the filmmaker records her encounters with pilgrims at the graves of the famous and conversations with locals who tend the plots of their loved ones. Among others, we meet an Iranian-born cab driver paying homage to his countryman, the exiled poet Sadegh Hedayat; a Japanese pianist devoted to Chopin; an embalmer who visits the remains of the artist Modigliani to find inspiration for his work on faces; and a tart-tongued, humorous Parisienne whose husband is buried in the neighborhood of rocker Jim Morrison. In a Salon.com review, Andrew O’Hehir called Forever “One of the purest, most moving motion pictures of the year.” (Netherlands, 2006, 95 minutes.) In French and English with subtitles.


April 18, Gabrielle

Directed by Patrice Chéreau

- Drawn from a story by Joseph Conrad, this elegant, chilly chamber drama directed by Patrice Chereau could be called “Scenes from a Marriage: Belle Époque.” The year is 1912, the place Paris, and the setting the exquisitely appointed household of a model couple, Jean (Pascal Greggory) and Gabrielle (Isabelle Huppert). They’re famous for their weekly salon, where self-designated intellectuals spar over the latest ideas, and admired for their wealth and sophistication. But theirs is an empty marriage, doomed by Jean’s iciness, summed up in his attitude that emotion is revolting. When Gabrielle inevitably strays, he discovers that though he never believed in love, he may not be able to live without it. (France, Germany, Italy, 2005, 90 minutes.) In French with subtitles.

Expressing Your Emotions On Canvas

Express yourself:- Many a portrait artist has been known to express his deepest secrets and feelings with the help of a painting. For example the Monalisa has both masculine and feminine aspects in the features. This has often been debated, but it definitely sends across a mysterious aura in the painting.

Therapeutic uses:- Painting has always been known to be a stress buster. Just like all things creative, even painting can helping you to relax. In fact, if you are trying to create portrait from photos, then the joy is all the more as you are trying to replicate a real life person. Once the painting is done you feel a creative high which is incomparable.

Psychological advancements:- Many psychologists have used the medium of painting in order to cure conditions, like trauma or serious mental disorders. Many people who suffer from dyslexia have also been able to express their creative side effectively with a painting. For ease of use, such people are asked to create a portrait from photo. That way it becomes easier to create the painting as you have something to refer to.

Used in prison:- It has been said that there was a prison where prisoners who were serving a life term were asked to create a portrait from photo. These were then used to adorn the walls of the prison. This exercise helped the prisoners to reform themselves and to also get to see the talent and creative side they possessed. Thus one cannot dispute the kind of healing power that painting has. Even hardened criminals have benefited from it.

Rajasthani culture

The most colorful region in India . An exotic land of valiance and chivalry. A land endowed with invincible forts, magnificent palaces and waves of sand dunes and serene lakes. The State represents an unusual diversity in all its forms-people, culture, customs, costumes, cuisine, dialects and music.

Rajasthan, a land of princes, palaces and preening peacocks is renowned for its monuments, art and culture that go back to several centuries. Admire a range of miniature paintings and frescoes of exquisite refinement. There is romance in Rajasthan's forts and palaces and arts of gallantry retold in ballads and legends. Then there are sanctuaries sheltering rich and varied species of flora and fauna. And the shimmering Thar desert belt charms with a rare and amazing sight.

Rajasthanis are a handsome people with colorful costumes. They express themselves in color and sound not easily seen or heard anywhere else in the country. Rajasthan overwhelms with color found in bustling bazaars; in wide ranging costumes of its people; in streets where elephants and camels vie with buses and cars. The irresistible gamut of Rajasthan art and handicraft souvenirs will bewitch you. An exciting variety of Rajasthani delicacies will pamper your palate with a never-before gastronomic delight.

Museum of Miniatures

This little-known and mostly unadvertised gem is securely hidden within the courtyard of the Strahov Monastery. It took me three attempts to find and finally enter the place but I can guarantee you that it was well worth the effort.

Equipped with microscopes and magnifying glasses, this bite-sized museum dedicates its viewing space to the inconceivably small. Most of the 30 or so pieces on display have been painstakingly produced by world record-holding Siberian Anatoly Konyenko. He uses self-designed instruments that have even been employed in eye surgery and has spent up to seven years on one work alone. One particularly time-consuming piece is a flea sporting golden horseshoes and grasping a key, padlock and tiny scissors in his minute paws. The horseshoes measure a slight 0.25 x 0.25 millimeters each and the scissors are just 0.9 millimeters long.

Other highlights include the smallest book in the world; the Lord's Prayer written on a single piece of hair (I'm not kidding!); a train with passengers, riding on a hair, placed in the eye of a needle; and a mini Eiffel Tower - you guessed it - in the eye of a needle. So as not to further spoil the surprise, I won't divulge any more of the museum's collection, but I'm sure you can see a pattern emerging.

This place is astonishing and generally quite empty - unless, as I did, you arrive at the same time as a tour group seemingly composed of the entire population of Slovakia.I realize that most of you are probably laughing your pants off at this point - I had to laugh too, and I'm still laughing now - but that doesn't mean that this place isn't amazing. The Miniatures Museum will definitely be one of the most memorable places you ever visit.

Colorado-a Destination For Arts Lovers

The Denver Art Dealers Association represents Denver's top art dealers and fine art galleries. Exhibitions provide the first glance of new works by young and establishing artists as well as present work by neglected artists and widely known masters.

A comprehensive guide to arts and culture in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado. The site offers a large database of arts and cultural events, as well as listings of arts classes and workshops, organizations, venues, individual artists and performers, public art and more.

The stunning new Frederic C. Hamilton wing at the Denver Art Museum was designed by famed architect Daniel Libeskind, and hosts "Artisans & Kings: Selected Treasures from the Louvre."

In Grand Junction, the Western Colorado Center for the Arts opened its "Masterpieces of Colorado" in August. This unique exhibit features more than 60 paintings of Colorado landscapes by artists from the late 19th century to the present, including Thomas Moran and Vance Kirkland.

The Aspen Art Museum has world-class exhibits of contemporary art housed in an historic brick building on the scenic Rio Grande Trail. The museum offers educational workshops, gallery tours by prominent artists, and art talks.

The Lab at Belmar, in Lakewood, combines elements of a museum, think tank and public forum. Focused on contemporary art and culture, The Lab offers international art exhibitions, lectures, performances, symposia and publications. Currently on view at The Lab is "Heads," Fang Lijun's large-scale installation consisting of 15,000 sculpted heads, cast in bronze and covered in gold leaf.

The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center's new 48,000-square-foot wing, which opens in August, will host an exhibit of nearly 50 photographic portraits of the late Mexican artist Frida Kahlo by famed photographer Nickolas Muray.

Vacation that Will Change Life:- Costa Rica

My recent vacation in Costa Rica was the first time I had ever traveled internationally, so naturally I was a little nervous about all of the "unknown" factors, like visiting a foreign country whose primary language was Spanish, getting through customs, finding my way around, and all those other "what if's" that tend to go through your mind when you're doing anything for the first time.

Little did I know that this would be by far the best place I'd ever visited as far as visually stunning nature, but also the most hands-on when it came to seeing and sometimes interacting with nature.

My sister and I started on our adventure when we met from adjoining flights at the small airport in San Jose, which is the capital of Costa Rica. We didn't stay though, as we had reservations at a resort in Arenal, which was about three hours from San Jose.

If you want to travel somewhere but you don't want to drive, it is very easy to arrange either public or private transportation anywhere you need to go, however, there are not many roads, so if you rented a vehicle with a GPS included, it could easily be navigated.

The only drawback we found with public transportation was that, although it was less expensive than private transport, you did need to set aside a few more hours to get to your destination, as they had many other pickups to make which added more time to the trip. However, when you consider that gasoline cost five dollars a gallon throughout pretty much the whole country, public transportation still seemed a genuine bargain.

As I stated earlier, we stayed first in Arenal, which is an area famous for the Arenal volcano. Arenal is a unique volcano because it actually erupts every night, and although you need to be close to the mountain to actually see it well, you may still see a bit of the bright eruption from a distance. Arenal was a beautiful area. Not only that, there were a ton of activities that you could sign up for within about one hour of the mountain, such as horseback riding, ziplining, hot springs tours, rainforest canopy tours and more.

We chose first to go horseback riding to La Fortuna Falls, which was a visual spectacle unlike any I've seen. La Fortuna Falls was a magnificently huge waterfall that required you walk down several hundred steps just to see the whole waterfall from the bottom up. There was also a lookout point about halfway through where you could gaze at the magnitude of the fall's size, but also take in the lush tropical surroundings and watch for exotic birds and animals along the way.

Then came the canopy ziplining tour, which was not for the faint of heart, but by far the most exhilarating and rewarding experience during our stay. We travelled about one hour from our Arenal resort to the rainforest canopy, and from the drop off point, hiked about a half mile to the zipline platforms after we were suited up in our gear and had signed release forms.

Ziplining through the canopy of the forest at up to 40 miles per hour, and several hundred feet off the ground was unquestionably scary, but after we completed the first platform, everyone on the tour couldn't get enough of it. There were 11 platforms in all, and the scenery from above was breathtaking. It is an experience I will never forget, and I'd recommend that anyone who fancies this sort of sport to do it while in Costa RIca.

Indian Culture-Tamples

Hindu temples were not meant for large congregational worship. Pillared Mandapas with elaborate sculptures, sadas for dancing & wide circumbulating passages with other deities placed around the main deity constitute a temple complex.The prominent forms of temple designs are the North Indian Temples & Southern Indian Temples. There were changes in styles, but certain basic rules fundamental to Hinduism were followed regarding the position of the garba griha, directions of the other deities, etc. The exact birth of the history of temples cannot be traced exactly. The earliest temples were constructed of perishable materials like timber & clay. Next came the cave rock-cut structures. Elaborate structural temples with ornate architecture & sculpture came into existence much later. The Gupta period marks the beginning of structural temples & a wide variety of styles were adopted. The temples were built of brick & stone. The Hindu temples can be broadly classified into three basic styles - Nagara, Vesara & Dravida according to the Silpasastras. The styles are not strictly restricted to particular regions. There is an intermingling of styles, but it can be broadly considered that a particular style was more prominent in a specific region. (Northern, Deccani, Southern styles).

The construction of a temple is a religious act, thus great care is taken to ensure that all rules & conditions laid down are adhered to strictly, starting from the land selected for the temple. The location has to be appropriate in the sense that it should be a clean, serene place to invoke peace.For all power to get concentrated in the vigraham, the norms as laid down has to be followed in every step. None of these rules are the whims of our ancestors, but based on hard scientific facts. The vigraha also has to be made according to specifications. The main deity is housed in the garbagriham & there are Utsava murthis made of bronze Civilisation in India had flourished along the banks of her rivers, off the sea-shores & in semi arid regions. Depending on the locale, materials like wood, mud, bricks, tatches woven of palm & coconut leaves have been used. Huge stones had also been used to create archways, temples etc.,

Hinduism is supposed to be 'apauruseya', i.e., of impersonal origin & so also are the Gods of Hinduism. They are eternal & though the deities appear to be different & independent, they are really facets of the same Brahman, the Supreme God.as Sri Ramakrishna says, there can be as many spiritual paths as there are spiritual aspirants & similarly there can really be as many Gods as there are devotees to suit the moods, feelings, emotions & social background of the devotees.The Hindu scriptures were eloquent while describing the qualities of God. He is all-knowing & all powerful. He is the very personification of justice, love & beauty. He is ever ready to shower His grace, mercy & blessings on His creation. From the Rig Veda, we come to know of the vedic gods eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Indra & Prajapathi, being the Gods of earth, the heavens & the space. The main Hindu Gods as we accept today can be broadly classified as Saiva Gods (Siva, His consort, His sons, His other forms), Vaishnava Gods (Vishnu, His consort, His various avatharams)& Sakthi or Saktha (Forms of Goddess Sakthi).

Attribute of Airtist

When newly elected Socialist President François Mitterand announced that I. M. Pei had been hired to design the entrance to the Louvre, many critics flew to their respective podiums. How could a political party so outspoken about U.S. imperialism allow an American to resurrect their most sacred space? Many balked at the American association, scowling as they remembered art's exodus from the cafés of Paris to the lofts of New York.

Pei's supporters pointed out that he was an American who was born in China, a perfect consolidation of the West's flashiness and the East's efficiency. Pei had also been schooled in the Modernist tradition, a European baby if there ever was one. After all, at Harvard he had studied under the Bauhaus masters Walter Gropius and Marcel Breuer.

When the Louvre's new glass pyramids (one of which towered 70 feet above the ground) were uncovered, a vast public gasp was heard across Paris. The juxtaposition seemed outrageous, to say the least. The great French tradition had been compromised, the aesthetic line of the venerable structure ripped to shreds by these angular shapes erupting from amongst the cobblestones.

Again, his supporters came out in droves. They contended that only abstract forms and materials were simple enough to compliment the Louvre's beauty. His open atrium proved incredibly efficient, enlivened by balconies and escalators descending into a modernized space. Meanwhile, Ieoh Ming Pei had become perhaps the most recognized name in architecture since Frank Lloyd Wright.

The man behind the scandal was born in Canton in 1917, but left China at the age of 18 to make a name for himself in America. He immediately found a place at MIT and completed his bachelor's degree there in 1940. However, it seems the defining years of his career began when Pei went on to graduate school at Harvard. Pei had begun teaching at Harvard when he was hired at Hugh Asher Stubbins in 1946 (just three years before Mao would control all of mainland China). After two years, New York beckoned -- he moved to Webb & Knapp, serving as head of the architectural division for 12 years before opening his own firm. Since then, he has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 1983.

Pei is a living example of Leonardo da Vinci's dictum: "Strength is born of constraint, and dies of freedom." For Pei, constraint consists in the everyday materials of an architect's palette: light, space, proportion, environment. The latter particularly engages him. Often, he will study a place for days to get a taste of its spirit, his mind's eye weaving designs into the existing milieu. "After all," he says, "no building exists alone."

Consider his design for the Bank of China in Hong Kong, the largest building in Asia. With its series of glass triangles laid side by side, the structure seems to jut out of the earth like a levitating icicle (here again we see the glass and triangle motifs). Despite its size and overtly modern aesthetic, the building seems to slide into its environment -- even the mountains that frame Hong Kong embrace the structure. It's a solid yet elegant geometry that both accommodates and augments space. In a sense, Pei takes his essentialized forms from the earth's own blueprints. Perhaps the architect himself puts it best: "For me, there has to be geometry. What are buildings but cubes, spheres, tetrahedrons? There are endless possibilities in the way you arrange these basic shapes. That is what interests me."