Archive for June, 2011

• Maps are a Form of Artwork

  Monday, June 6th, 2011

  Maps are truly fascinating. They are incredibly multi-faceted; they analyze data and put it into a readable format, they document history, they are used for decoration and are also pieces of artwork.

  

  Most people don’t traditionally associate maps with artwork simply because maps are typically seen as something that tells you where to go. Maps are quite unique though, and originally cartography, or map making, was seen as an art. To be able to draw a map was a skill, and if you look at some of the antique maps, the detailing not only of the coordinate plane but also the bordering along the map is a form of artwork itself.

  

  Over time, maps have evolved, they were originally drawn by hand and as technology advanced were then printed, now, most all maps are electronic or are created using computers. Just like art styles or periods, certain styles of maps come into “popularity”. If you compare a map of the world from two different eras, the colors will be different, the writing will be different, and the style of map will be different. The idea behind maps is to document how the land is laid out and where places are in relation to each other. Just as there are all different types and styles of maps, there are all different types and styles of art.

  

  Artists commonly use maps in their artwork, whether it is to prove a point or for aesthetic appeal, maps can be found in all types of artwork. Some of the more notable artists who have utilized maps are Vernon Fisher, Guillermo Kuitca, and Kathy Prendergast. Some artists will also take maps and incorporate pictures of symbols that are representative of that country or area onto the map, for example, a map of china might have the great wall of china on it or a chinese dragon.

  Maps have been a form of artwork for years, although they are not traditionally seen that way. Maps seem to offer an organized feel, yet are able to evoke an emotional reaction. They are intriguing, aesthetically pleasing, and can offer new insight.

• Plumbing Problems Can Cause Water Damage

  Saturday, June 4th, 2011

  Even minor plumbing problems can turn into household nightmares if they are not fixed properly and in a timely fashion. Anyone who has ever worked for companies cleaning up water damage San Diego can tell stories of how a leaky faucet left unattended can flood a room or an unaddressed plumbing problem will result in a pipe exploding. Either situation will leave water damage that must be addressed.

  The first problem in any home flood situation is standing water. This can be the result of rainstorms, overflowing sinks, burst pipes or even flash flooding. In the later case, some of the water may recede on its own, but homeowners are going to need to pump, mop, or somehow remove the remaining water.

  Then it is time to assess the damage. If the home is insured against flood and water damage, the insurance adjuster will need to inspect the premises before any cleanup begins. The length of the actual cleanup will depend on how much of the home was covered in water and how high that water rose. Floors, furniture, walls, appliances, cupboards, doors, mirrors, fixtures, electronics, clothing, linens, and personal belongings are all at risk from water damage. Papers, books, artwork, and photographs are especially susceptible to water damage of any kind. Most can be cleaned and restored, but the process will be extremely labor intensive and time consuming.