Czech Cubism

Window display at the Museum of Czech Cubism shop

While in Prague last week, I fell in love with an art form called Czech Cubism. It did not only focused on painting, it went beyond and influenced all realms in art, whether architecture, decorative art or applied art...

Same window display other angle. 

Although, this art form did not flourish as much back in the beginning of last century, it is still considered today as an example of modernity and an outstanding expression that was "ahead of time". I went to the Museum of Czech Cubism on my last day there, and the museum is held at the Black Madonna House, which per se is built in this architectural style. It's a 3 floor museum, with paintings, sketches, furniture and decor items narrating the short lived period. Although, Czech Cubism is not as popular as the French counterpart, it is still a valuable heritage.

Sitting area designed in pure Cubist style.  

This black and white version is much more "Impacting".

But what distinguished this style for the French one, is that it used much brighter color contrasts and sharper angles in design and art. I managed to take pictures of the inside of the museum, but I need to state that I can publish them only because I will use them for personal use and will not commercialize them. Just to clarify. I don't publish things to sell them, on the contrary, everything here is free and DIY, and well I don't seek monetary reward. Now, this is clear. I can continue posting.

Stairs inside museum

More furniture items on display. Amazing truly worth visiting next time you are in Prague.

However, the museum does not limit you to view "maquettes", drawings, paintings, furniture...There is also the option of buying a book at their shop in which you will find a map that indicates the location of all architectural landmarks of the Cubist era. Happily enough some did not suffer any damage through both World Wars and the Soviet oppression. The Diamant house is worth the visit. It is Cubism at it's best. Located on Spalena street, off the huge Tesco store, just a walk down the road, you will find it next to a church.

Diamant House

Jewelry pieces on display at the shop of the museum. Some pieces sold are replicas and are affordable to anyone. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE: PICTURES ON THIS POST WHERE TAKEN MY MYSELF FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY. I DO NOT INTEND TO SELL THESE OR THE INFORMATION POSTED ON THIS BLOG AND IT IS NOT MY MAIN OBJECTIVE ANYHOW. PLEASE KNOW THAT IF YOU DECIDE TO USE PICTURES FROM HERE YOU COULD BE PENALIZED IF NOT STATING YOUR INTENT AS NON COMMERCIAL. 

Knitting and Crocheting Updates! SQUARES!

This is latest on the blanket I was crocheting last time, so far 130 little granny squares! I haven't been able to do more as I've been focusing on the project you will get to see below...

But the colors look great, right? It's already heavy and I figured I need to have 650 little squares more to make a nice blanket! Oh well, long term project!

Close up, you get to see most of the color combinations

This could make up a nice screensaver!

I wish it was made out of candy! I looks edible!

So this is my latest project, in knitting. I spend most of my afternoons doing this. 

I got a book a couple of months ago on Modular Knitting, by Maie Landra, called Knitter's Palette. I got inspired by her work but this I have to say came out of my head. So far this is the front part of a jacket I'm making for my mom. I call it "Klimty Klimt"

I love the colors!

This gives you an idea of the way one has to work the knitting, which is basically every possible way! I love the stripped squares... I have to say it's not a very easy way to knit but you get used to it...

Will update more about this project once I finish the back...

I still haven't figured out the sleeves! :S

Happy Hippie Birthday John!

It would be great if you were still alive,

  

but Moscow is paying tribute

by hanging adds

 Happy Hippie Birthday John!

You are even at the Bolshoi theatre.

In every street in downtown, on every street light, you are there.

You are remembered

Lenin bids Goodbye. 

Martinoula's Banoffee Pie! - Messy Indie Cooking Vol. 4

Can you resist?

Ah...

Delicious landscape!

Want a piece?

My dear friend Martina from high school sent me this nice recipe to make. We made adaptations together and this is what we managed to make...

My first attempt was a failure... I didn't let the pie cool in the fridge and the crumbs just went everywhere...You should leave it to rest a while in the fridge and the freezer...It's important...also a good tip is to use baking paper on the mould as mine got stuck last time, this time I was able to get it out in its entirety. So apply baking paper and let it cool!

Here are the ingredients:

3 Bananas

1 can of Condensated milk (previously boiled for 2 hours without opening the can!)

125gr. of Margarine (preferably veggie margarine)

250gr. of Biscuits ( Digestives, petit-beurre or the like)

200gr. Whipped Cream

2 teaspoons of Almond powder

3 tablespoons of Chocolate powder

a few dried bananas for decor

Start by crushing your biscuits with a mortar. This will be a nice stress-reliever therapy. Otherwise, use your mixer and crush them.

I enjoy crushing them...I love cooking with my hands and going through the process... I'm relieved!

This is the Dulce de leche, or Manjar, or the condensated milk you have boiled for 2 hours in a casserole...You will get this nice toffee textured milky caramel. I couldn't help eating some before applying to the pie!

So, apply to your biscuit mix the almond powder, it will give a nice crunchy effect to the dough.

Mix, Mix, Mix.

Apply the margarine that you have previously melted and join the dough evenly.

Apply it over the mould, and use your hands, don't be scared! There is also a therapeutic part of cooking so you will enjoy this believe me!

Once it's evenly applied, place it in the fridge for an hour. Be patient!

After the fridge, you can see the dough hardened and it will be easier for the spreading of the layers to come.

Start by applying the Dulce de leche coat first.

NIAM!

Cut your bananas in rounds

And place them on the manjar!

mmmm! Looking good!

Lovely!

Take your cream, I bought this type, I was lazy enough not to whip it. I just spread it on the bananas. Take care they tend to get attached to the cream.

Decorate with a few dried bananas

Sprinkle some Chocolate powder...I went too far with this... though.

:S

Place it in the Freeze for half hour and it should be ready for serving...Try it!