Sammy Marks was a South African industrialist who lived from 1844 - 1920. His house, just outside Pretoria has the most beautiful wall decoration and murals, the first time I visited I fell in love with all the wonderful hand painted scenes, even the doors are techniqued to look like different kinds of wood..

Some of my stencils are named after him and are exact copies of what still exists in the house today. We were given permission by the museum curator to copy the designs and turn them into stencils.

Abstract art is not an invention of the 20th century â?? humans have made abstract art since they first drew pictures in the dirt. In the Islamic religion the depiction of humans is not allowed, and consequently the Islamic culture developed a high standard of decorative arts. Calligraphy is also a form of abstract art. Abstract designs have also existed in Western culture in many contexts.

Art Nouveau (French for 'new art') is an international style of art, architecture and design that peaked in popularity at the beginning of the 20th century (1880-1914) and is characterised by highly-stylised, flowing, curvilinear designs often incorporating floral and other plant-inspired motifs.

The name 'Art Nouveau' derived from the name of a shop in Paris, Maison de l'Art Nouveau, at the time run by Siegfried Bing, that showcased objects that followed this approach to design.

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