Marga Patterson

Author

Artist and Writer. Marga is fascinated and inspired by the ancient world, art history and archaeology. You can find more of her work here: www.margapatterson.com

Articles by Marga

Women Artists

Valentine Schlegel: Sculptor of Organic Abstraction

Sculptor, ceramist, artist, and teacher. Valentine Schlegel (1925–2021) was a headstrong individual with fervent, creative independence who carved...

Marga Patterson 23 May 2023

Ancient Rome

Born of Fire: Ancient Roman Glass

Ancient Roman glass objects were functional and decorative beauties. Roman glass artisans experimented with glass-making techniques and applied...

Marga Patterson 14 April 2023

Bizarre

The Curious Lure and Strange Beauty of Ancient Anatomical Votives

Eerie, mysterious, and fascinating, ancient anatomical votives represent literal parts of people’s past. When most people think of a votive object,...

Marga Patterson 3 April 2023

Design

Cameo Carving: The Art of Transforming Shell and Stone

Cameo carving has existed since long before ancient times. These cherished treasures were often made of hardstone, seashells or coral. Historically,...

Marga Patterson 9 February 2023

monir farmanfarmaian Women Artists

Iranian Mirror Mosaics of Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian

Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian (1922–2019) was a contemporary Iranian artist who became a living legend while she was still alive. Her oeuvre...

Marga Patterson 9 January 2023

Contemporary Art

The Multi-Sensory Universe of Nick Cave

Nick Cave activates our imaginations with his tangible soundsuit sculptures, soulful dance performances and whimsical installations.

Marga Patterson 26 November 2022

Design

The Artistic Totality of Portuguese Azulejos

Azulejos are a major part of Portuguese history and cultural heritage. These hand-crafted tiles have created such a dynamic presence over the...

Marga Patterson 9 November 2022

Design

The Fascinating Ceramic Tile Art of the Anatolian Seljuks

The ceramic tile art of the Anatolian Seljuks dazzled with its mystical turquoise hues, fantastical creatures, and figural depictions. So, who were...

Marga Patterson 9 November 2022

Ancient Art

Living Memories: The Funerary Stelae of Ancient Cyprus

The majority of sculpture that survives from ancient Cyprus are funerary stelae, elaborate grave markers to commemorate the dead. Possessing an...

Marga Patterson 1 November 2022

South American Art

Art and Ritual: Culture of the Enigmatic Moche People

The Moche were an ancient, Indigenous people of Andean Peru. They are considered to be one of the most influential civilizations of the ancient...

Marga Patterson 20 October 2022