U-kiyo-excited for Japanese art!

Today in the HugeManatees world we ventured into Japan, particularly through the study of Japanese art! Noh, Kabuki, Bunraku, all the good stuff. Woodblocking was one of the popular visual art forms in Japan, especially the work of artist Katsushika Hokusai (try saying that three times fast). As Samurai influence began to wane, their armor also became its own art form in a sense, so much so that Darth Vader picked up on it.

Darth should have replaced Tom Cruise. 

We see Western artists take an interest in Asian art, and traces of this influence can be found in their art...Van Gogh for example LOVED Hokusai and Hiroshige's works and can be quoted as saying "all my work is founded on Japanese art".

He should work at Urban Outfitters with that hair. 

Valentine's day is coming up, and in case anyone needs a date idea...

Hot date.

The Plano Symphony Orchestra (and the Dallas, I believe) is having a Valentine Gala on February 13, so take a date, or a friend, or your mom, and go catch the performance for a local Humanities Experience. If your date then thinks you're really cool and cultured...you're welcome. 

Last but not least, my inspiring figure for today is Mae Jemison. I remember when I was a little Virdin (well, about the same size I am now) and Mae Jemison had gone into space...she made me want to be an astronaut. As an adult, I think she's even cooler as the first African-American female astronaut, as a science mission specialist. That means she is in charge of conducting science experiments on the space shuttle...brilliant AND a babe. Girl crush. 

Squad goals. 

Tomorrow we'll wrap up TFA (*tear), so make sure you bring your copy of the book to class! Have a sunshine-filled day!
-Virdin out.