🌊 SURF 'N TURF 🏝️
-THE BORACAY ISLAND LIFE-
Winter unfolds slowly in the reduction woodcuts of Gordon Mortensen — snowdrifts shaped by wind, fields resting under pale light, and trees standing in quiet rhythm.
One of the best-known reduction woodcut print artists in the United States, Mortensen begins with watercolor studies to understand the subtle color relationships that will later be carved away. A single image can involve up to sixty-four colors and take as long as three months to complete, each layer permanently removed as the block evolves.
Though the results feel painterly, the works remain unmistakably woodcuts — rich with layered color, texture, and the visible grain of the block itself.
Born near Arnegard, North Dakota in 1938, Mortensen trained at the Minneapolis School of Art (now MCAD) and the University of Minnesota. Originally a portrait painter, he ultimately found greater freedom in reduction woodcutting, a medium perfectly suited to his patient, contemplative vision.
These landscapes don’t rush.
They invite you to stay awhile.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
Winter unfolds slowly in the reduction woodcuts of Gordon Mortensen — snowdrifts shaped by wind, fields resting under pale light, and trees standing in quiet rhythm.
One of the best-known reduction woodcut print artists in the United States, Mortensen begins with watercolor studies to understand the subtle color relationships that will later be carved away. A single image can involve up to sixty-four colors and take as long as three months to complete, each layer permanently removed as the block evolves.
Though the results feel painterly, the works remain unmistakably woodcuts — rich with layered color, texture, and the visible grain of the block itself.
Born near Arnegard, North Dakota in 1938, Mortensen trained at the Minneapolis School of Art (now MCAD) and the University of Minnesota. Originally a portrait painter, he ultimately found greater freedom in reduction woodcutting, a medium perfectly suited to his patient, contemplative vision.
Octopuses have a highly unusual circulatory system compared to other animals.
Two of their hearts pump blood to the gills, where oxygen is absorbed from the water. The third heart then circulates oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.
Their blood appears blue because it contains hemocyanin, a copper-based molecule that transports oxygen.
This substance works more efficiently than iron-based hemoglobin in cold, low-oxygen environments.
This adaptation helps octopuses survive in deep and chilly ocean waters, where oxygen levels are often lower than at the surface.
"Pure signal,no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️
#islands #scuba #marinelife
History made for elephants.
Indonesia has officially ended elephant rides nationwide and it’s a huge win for animal welfare and ethical tourism.
In a binding move, the Indonesian government ordered all conservation centers and tourist facilities to stop elephant riding and shift to observation-only, cruelty-free experiences. Any place that ignores the order risks losing its operating license.
The directive, issued in late 2025, came after years of pressure from animal welfare groups exposing the suffering behind elephant rides. Painful training, restricted movement, and long-term physical and mental harm are all part of the industry experts have condemned for decades.
By January 25, 2026, even Mason Elephant Park in Bali one of the last to offer rides shut the practice down and began transitioning to ethical tourism.
What this really means:
No chains.
No forced training.
No carrying tourists for entertainment.
Just elephants being elephants - grazing, bathing, socializing, and living with dignity.
Indonesia didn’t just change a rule.
It changed the future for captive elephants.
"Pure signal, no noise"
Credits Goes to the respective
Author ✍️/ Photographer📸
🐇 🕳️