October 6th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, BWCAW, Food, Nature
After canoeing last week through parts of the Boundary Waters ravaged by the 2006 Famine Lake fire, I had to smile at this one…
Duluth illustrator Rick Allen’s logo design for a microbrew, offers up sage words. And, as always with Mr. Allen’s work, it’s served with a chaser of mirth and wit. Witnessing how just [...]
September 22nd, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Nature
They radiate light and warmth, while plunging us into deep, cool shadow. And they’re not even in color.
Jim Brandenburg’s latest infrared photos once again prove his talent in capturing not only moments and places, but also light. These exposures were apparently taken at his home, just outside the sauna. Which is apparently the most beautiful [...]
September 9th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, BWCAW, Nature
A single photo of Lac La Croix can’t easily capture its marvelous expanses. Maybe that’s why these panoramics by Bryan Hansel are so successful.
The Grand Marais photographer and avid paddler recently uploaded the stunning views of border lakes in his photostream. Lac La Croix here is only one of the lucky subjects in the [...]
August 6th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Canada, Wildlife
I’ve never been to Lake Superior’s Slate Islands; never seen caribou in the wild, either. But thanks to Layne Kennedy, I sure feel like I have now.
Backpacker just posted a slideshow of the Minnesota photographer’s work among Ontario’s largest herd. Seems fitting that creatures of such mythical, otherworldly beauty should live on islands formed by [...]
July 29th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Environment, Nature
Maybe it’s their close harmony with the boreal landscape, that attracts me. But Finland’s apparently thriving community of environmental artists, like Olavi Lanu, produces some truly beautiful works.
But how would you feel if you saw something like this in the Boundary Waters? Read on and join the conversation…
July 7th, 2009 | by Arthur | published in Art, Environment, Wildlife
Next time you try to shoot a deer out of season you might be the one getting bagged.
Across the nation, poaching is a growing problem. It further endangers protected species and threatens the health of the overall animal population. The amount of illegally killed whitetail deer is estimated being equal to 25-30% of the annual [...]
June 23rd, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Canada, Canoeing, Outdoor Living, Wildlife
Shmeaceful shmolitude — it’s high time for a frickin’ all-out canoe marathon in the Border Region!
The kind with like, grueling 8000-rod portages. Lots of whitewater (they’d have to fly that in.) Perilous swarms of mosquitoes. Flocks of camp-raiding, gorp-stealing whiskeyjacks. And speed — sweaty, cussing man-powered speed. Oh, and injuries; a few good paddle-to-the-face ones. [...]
June 22nd, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, BWCAW, Nature, Resources
Every so often, we’ll see a photo on the Boundary Waters Flickr Group Pool that’s worthy of mention.
“Words Can Not Begin to Describe,” (above) left us a little speechless.
Taylor, a photography major at University of Central Missouri, also has several others he’s taken in the Best Place on Earth Ever. Speaking of which, Matthew — [...]
June 5th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Camping, Environment, Hiking, Resources, Voyageurs, Wildlife
This week, President Obama proclaimed June “Great Outdoors Month,” and with good reason. There’s a slew of celebrations during the month, including National Trails Day, National Fishing and Boating Week, National Get Outdoors Day, and the Great American Backyard Campout.
But before you start Googling all those, check out our list of Five Free Things offered [...]
June 4th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Wildlife
We found this piece of silhouette art, rather to our liking. It did bring about a certain air of mirth as we recalled our many prolepses incurred whilst in the pursuit of Inspiration. Via Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre.
May 21st, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Wildlife
This limited-edition silkscreen print caught our eye and just may have us by the pocketbook too. Looks perfect for the walls of any house… or boathouse.
April 27th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art
Ease into the week by watching artist Bill Dan doing some *real* work.
This reminded us of many lazy hours making our own sculptures around the campsite. Do you find yourself wanting to trade jobs with him, too? Via SwissMiss.
April 14th, 2009 | by Arthur | published in Art, Canoeing, History
While this post lives a little more DownSouthica (just Winona, not the bayou thankfully) it has everything to do with one of the great loves of any self-respecting Northerner: Canoes.
The Art of the Canoe exhibit at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN gives you everything you love about canoes (hand-built beauty and plenty [...]
March 3rd, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Camping, Nature, Outdoor Living, Wildlife
I’m sure there actually are words to describe the fanciful works coming out of the Kenspeckle Letterpress — but those words are above and beyond the grasp of my humble lexicon.
The engravings, prints and posters of Duluth resident Rick Allen feature images of boreal wildlife, as well as mirthful scenes of camping misadventures. Often, the [...]
February 18th, 2009 | by Andy | published in Art, Environment, Nature
We at UpNorthica love Nature. And we love Art. But one of our greatest loves is Art that speaks about Nature.
Alastair Heseltine is a sculptor who does just that. Drawing influence from design, craft production, farming and rural life, Heseltine creates pieces that seem to reflect on the balance of living in cooperation with the [...]