Stone Island’s Post

As the clock ticks closer to the New Year, I’m diving into some last-minute decluttering. It’s not just about tidying up parts of my home, physically. It is letting go of what no longer serves. It feels like an act of liberation. Starting 2025 fresh by enlightening our spaces, paves the way for new opportunities and a deeper sense of being. Sifting through the things I’ve held onto, I’m reminded how freeing it feels to release what no longer belongs in my life. “Freedom is found in letting go."— Epictetus For those with historic homes and estates, decluttering can feel like untangling threads of the past. Family archives, antiques, heirlooms, collections — every item seems to carry a story, a connection to family history, and a weight that makes it difficult to let go or sort out. But as stewards of these unique spaces, we have a special challenge: to honour the past without becoming its prisoner. Sorting through the layers isn’t just a physical task — it’s an emotional and intellectual one, requiring care, discernment, and a sense of purpose. It is not the weight of treasures that anchors us, but our unwillingness to let them go or sort them out. This end-of-year or beginning of the next, make a ritual of sorting out your things. #europeanhistorichouses, #collectionmanagementinheritage, #theartworldandworldart, #familyofficeclub, #fineartprofessionalsandcollections, #fineartforensics, #estateplanningnetwork, #antiquesandfineartmagasine, #UHNWbusinessclub, #lademeurehistorique, #patrimoine

ICYMI: Charles Town: " data-image-caption=" Recreation of Charles Town, a misty, golden light casts a warm glow on the rustic, Jamaican Vernacular buildings that line the winding road of Charles Town, Portland, a historic Maroon settlement nestled in the flat coastal plains. The camera, positioned on a v-raptor XL, captures the scene with a cinematic flair, incorporating a subtle film grain, vignette, and deliberate color grading to evoke a sense of nostalgia and timelessness. As the lens pans across the settlement, it reveals the Maroon cemetery, a sacred site where many legendary Maroons, including the revered leader Quao, are laid to rest. The atmosphere is thick with history and cultural significance, as if the spirits of the past linger in the air. Inspired by the works of cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki, the image blends the rugged, natural beauty of the Jamaican landscape with the textured, earthy tones of the settlement’s architecture, creating a visually stunning and deeply atmospheric film still. " data-medium-file="https://lnkd.in/eXQ_aHak" data-large-file="https://lnkd.in/eMP4UQ-q" /> Charles Town, nestled near Buff Bay in the parish of Portland, holds a unique place in Jamaica’s Maroon heritage. Established around 1754, this settlement was originally identified as New Crawford Town on maps before officially becoming Charles Town in 1832. Unlike other Maroon settlements, which are typically found in the protective isolation of deep mountain […] The post Charles Town first appeared on Jamaica Homes. #jamaicahomes #realestate #glossary

🌳 Walking through NYC's High Line today, I was stopped in my tracks by something magical: a powerful artwork that blends mythology, nature, and resistance into one breathtaking piece. Brazilian artist Rosana Paulino's "The Creation of the Creatures of Day and Night" transforms this urban oasis with her stunning tree-women figures – imagine mystical beings with branches for limbs and celestial halos, watching over the city! 🌟 What makes this piece so special? Paulino reimagines mangrove trees as divine feminine guardians, telling a story of resilience and renewal. These tree-goddesses, surrounded by native birds and creatures of both day and night, aren't just beautiful – they're a powerful statement about nature, heritage, and survival. 🦉🌅 In a city of steel and concrete, this artwork reminds us of something profound: like the mangroves that persist despite adversity, communities that have faced historical oppression continue to thrive and create beauty. 💫  When was the last time public art made you stop and think about your connection to nature and history? 🤔 #PublicArt #NYCHighLine #ArtActivism #RosanaPaulino #ContemporaryArt #UrbanNature #ArtAndJustice

VOICES OF THE LAND Indigenous Design and Planning from the Prairies. First off the pictures are immaculate, sharing the stories, background, interviews. Such a beautiful document. In another life, I would have loved to be knee deep in aritchect. The power of place, space, and how our communities are constructed. I'd love to re-imagine many aspects of our communities to uplift tradition, ways of being and culture. https://lnkd.in/gjAnTzWe #IndigenousPlanning #IndigenousDesign

The McLeod Lake Cultural Centre’s program focuses on an archival resource to “Strengthen Home Base”. The archives are meant to be a safe gathering place for people to learn about their lost families. The Macleod Lake Indian Band of the Tse’khene Peoples have been very dislocated from three trauma’s: Residential Schools, 60’s Scoop and the Bennett Hydro Dam. Their membership is over 400 but only half live on reserve and the others are scattered. They want people to be able to come back to McLeod Lake, find information about their family, family photo’s and genealogical records in the archives. Then they want them to be able to access cultural programs to help with recovery. There will be several types of storage units for both documents and cultural belongings/artifacts. The document storage will be separate from the archival storage so that the climatic conditions (especially humidity) can be managed. During the development of the program circular rooms were requested. One elder wanted a circular platform and semi-circle seating for ceremony and drumming. The narrow site at the corner prevented a circular building. Thus, the building is wrapped in a circular stone wall at the intersection celebrating both the Macleod Lake People, known as the people of the stone, and the importance of the circular form. Designed by Alfred Waugh, FRAIC, Matthew Hunter. #reconciliation #indigenoushistorymonth #masstimber #canadianarchitecture #indigenousowned

Seven Wonders of the World: Must-Visit Historic Landmarks Discover the incredible history, beauty, and significance of the Seven Wonders of the World! Explore these must-visit landmarks that belong on every traveler's list. Read More: https://lnkd.in/dvxnKZUF 🌍✈️ #TravelGoals #SevenWonders #HistoricLandmarks"

Similar to my other international travels, I take great pleasure in engaging in cultural explorations that enhance my understanding of the historical contexts of the regions I visit. I am particularly focused on examining the impact of European colonization on global dynamics and the resulting ramifications it has engendered. Location: Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Landmark... The Cord House is recognized as the first stone residence in America, likely constructed in the early 16th century. Notably, it features a distinctive dual-roof design, with its name derived from the decorative cord adorning the façade, which symbolizes the Franciscan Order. Initially, the house served as the residence of Francisco de Garay, the governor of Jamaica and a notable participant in the conquest of Mexico. In 1509, it became the home of Diego Columbus (Christopher Columbus' son) and his wife before they relocated to their official residence; two of their daughters, Felipa and María, were born there. Subsequently, the building also functioned as the headquarters of the Royal Audience, among other purposes. The building’s rich historical narrative includes its role as the Casa de la Balanza (House of Scales), where Sir Francis Drake weighed his valuable possessions. Architecturally, the Cord House is characterized by its two courtyards and exhibits elements of Isabelline Gothic and Mudejar styles. The interior bears a resemblance to a Castilian palace, and prominently displayed at the apex of the façade is the coat of arms of Francisco Garay. ... Documenting the experience through photographs and videos, I invite reflection and interpretation. #travelingwhileblack #dominicanrepublic #santodomingo __________ Frequently, I receive inquiries regarding my decision to share personal content on LinkedIn, and my response remains consistent. "My intention is to inspire those who maintain professional profiles on this platform and to emphasize that behind every professional persona lies a genuine human being." Consequently, I take satisfaction in knowing that my posts may serve as a catalyst for even a single individual within my network. In all honesty, I aim to utilize this platform to address social inequalities by emphasizing our shared humanity. Thus, whether I share experiences from my daily life, including personal and professional activities or my travels, my overarching objective is to remind those who may seek to categorize us as 'other' that we possess far more commonalities than differences.

The Winter issue of Stone Specialist is out now – thank you to those who have already messaged me. I absolutely love making this magazine with Charlotte Shacklock and Pam Reddish QMJ Group I'm really passionate about championing rising talent – those who are keeping craft skills alive – so expect a injection of young blood this issue. Here's a little preview for you (I ate the sweets before I finished the mag). Inside this issue, you'll find: 🙌 Zoë Wilson on engaging the next generation 🧗 Becca Cranfield speaks to Talia Weiss of DBR Limited 🎓 Robert Merry meets three recent graduates from City & Guilds of London Art School ⚒️ Fleur Gordon explains what the National Trust Specialist Craft Centres offer 🖼️ I chat to the women behind the Sensuality in Stone exhibition 🪨 Jamie Underwood on the challenges of being a young business owner 👂 Stephen Smith offers advice to protect against hearing loss 💭 We've got water and dust management solutions from Jasper Zambelis Simon Bradbury and Daniel Clark plus lifting and handling advice from Reece F. and others 🛤️ Catherine Sweeney gives me a tour of the newly-restored Crystal Palace Subway 🗞️ Plus the latest news from Stone Federation Great Britain and The Worktop Fabricators Federation PS. You can nominate young person for our The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces Emerging Talent Awards so please do: https://lnkd.in/epejNU5Y

🎨🏡 Studies show that neighborhoods rich in cultural amenities often see enhanced property values, as art becomes a key component of community identity and desirability. Whether it's public sculptures, galleries, or vibrant murals, art enriches the local vibe and attracts both buyers and tourists, adding a unique charm to the area. If you're looking for a home that sits in the heart of cultural richness, let me guide you through areas where art and lifestyle blend seamlessly. Invest in a property where every street corner tells a story. 🖼️🌿 Ready to explore homes in neighborhoods where art thrives? Connect with me today, and let's find a place where your investment grows, surrounded by beauty and creativity! 🌟🔑 #HomeValues #ArtAndRealEstate #CulturalRealEstate #InvestInBeauty #FindYourCommunity"

May is Preservation Month, highlighting the efforts of community members who are creating stronger communities through saving places. This year's theme, "People Saving Places," celebrates all those who dedicate their time and resources to this important work. Let’s take a look back in our history: https://lnkd.in/ekNZCmdU