Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Ouro Preto in my 7 Continents altered book


This will be my final entry for October's theme at Art Journal Journey as I join Sheila, this month's host who chose architecture.

Once again, I chose a used file folder as my substrate

to which I added pigment inks from a multi-colored stamp pad.  I cut a piece of heavy black card stock and wrote the name of the city we are visiting, Ouro Preto, using a white gel pen.

I found this photo in a travel magazine I got back in 2005, but I'm quite sure the town hasn't changed much since then.

You may not be able to read the blurb from information I took from three web sites because space was severely limited and the font I chose was small.  Here it is as I wrote it:
Inland about 319 mi (513 km) north of Rio and 420 mi (675 km) from Sao Paulo, is Ouro Preto (or black gold), originally known as Vila Rica or rich village, established in 1698 and quickly grew out of the gold rush.   It was the only city where gold was brought to be measured and sold before it was taken by mule to the ships in Rio and Paraty. 

Ouro Preto has well-preserved  Baroque architecture, colonial buildings, religious monuments, and cobblestone streets.  The narrow, crooked streets are too rough in places for vehicles. Navigating the cobblestone slopes on foot is the best way to see all 23 churches spread out across the hilly town.  Thanks to preservation in the 1990s, Ouro Preto is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  
The more places I research in Brazil, the more interwoven the cities and their histories show how important gold was to this area, including economically, environmentally, and architecturally.  

Here is a final look at this page I created from a used file folder, pigment ink, printer/copier paper, heavy black cardstock, and a white gel pen.

Please don't forget to dig up your entry for Second on the 2nd, where you share any post you've published in the past.  It can be something you are especially proud of, or something you shared before anyone knew your blog existed.   Any and all posts are welcome.

And I want to thank all the wonderful art friends I've made these past few months at Art Journal Journey.  Seeing your art inspires and motivates me, and I am always thrilled when you stop by my place, too!

10 thoughtful remarks:

Valerie-Jael said...

Hi Elisabeth, good morning - it's early morning here, anyways! Looks like a beautiful place, the houses are just lovely. Glad you have had fun joining in with us at Art Journal Journey, we have enjoyed seeing all your entries! Have a nice day, hugs, Valerie

froebelsternchen said...

Another super and interesting page in your 7 Continents altered book Elizabeth.I learned very much this month from all your pages! Thank you very much for this! I am so happy to hear that you are inspired by the Art Journal Journey group and that you have made new blogfriends!♥♥♥
I am inspired by your art and blog as well - thank you for being a friend!
oxo
Susi

Darla said...

Another interesting and informative page. Your book must be getting quite fat.

sheila 77 said...

I've very much enjoyed your geography with art lessons. If only they had been so interesting and imaginative at school.
And thanks for linking to my blog as well as to AJJ each time, that was very thoughtful.

Meggymay said...

Another interesting place to visit, its a wonderful page, and you share so many super facts.
Yvonne

Anonymous said...

So glad you are hanging out in AJJ, such a great group of folks. Nice history for a colorful place. xox

pearshapedcrafting said...

Ouro Preto sounds such a wonderful place - the buildings in the photo have a timeless look about them! I love the way that once again you have created the most splendid background to show off the photo! We returned yesterday evening from the caravan but I had been climbing (scrambling!!) with my grandchildren and I have been so sore today, so after shopping I have been resting - wide awake now it's near to bedtime!!
Sorry I missed T!!! Hope you are feeling better! Chrisx

My name is Erika. said...

Who knew there was so much architecture and beautiful World heritage sites in Brazil? Love your colorful striped background a lot. I kind of reminds me of a blanket, but I mean that in a good way. Glad for this little stop on the journey!

Craftymoose Crafts said...

As I read your posts on the pages in your 7 continents AB, I realize how very lacking my geography knowledge is. I have not heard of this city, but will remember it now if I ever come across it again!

~*~Patty S said...

Beautiful architecture and that is interesting about the gold.
Makes me wonder if gold jewelry is really popular in Brazil?
Your page looks great.
I have been thinking about your second look and can't believe it's right around the corner AGAIN :-)
oxo