Category: Collections

  • Blender 3D Tutorials

    Blender is a software used to create 3D art, games, printable models, and more. It is free to download and use, works on major operating systems, and is used by hobbyists and professionals alike. 

    ibiblio hosts the site Greybeard’s Blender Tutorials which is home to a collection of videos that introduce you to Blender’s interface and walk you through different modeling techniques. The levels of difficulty range from beginner to expert, so there is something for everyone! Even if you don’t attempt to follow along, the tutorials are very entertaining—especially if you have ever been interested in game development or any part of the animation pipeline.

    If you’re unable to watch the videos after downloading them to your computer, I suggest using an online video converter such as Cloud Convert to convert the .avi and .wmv files into .mp4 or .mov files. From there, you’ll be able to watch them directly on the website, or save them to your computer. Before using a video converting software or website, make sure it is safe to use and will not harm your device! 

    The most recent version of Blender is 3.0.1, but the tutorials were made using versions 2.3 and 2.4. Although the current interface looks different than it does in the videos, the tips are still applicable! It may take some time to find the tabs and panels, but Blender labels all of the property panels and includes a help section in the menu bar as well. 

    For updated tutorials and project inspiration, feel free to also check out Blender’s website!

     

  • Artist Spotlight: Alexander Vaisman

    One artist who houses their portfolio on ibiblio is Alexander Vaisman, a Yiddish artist whose work is inspired by Jewish culture. He was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine and currently resides in Israel. During his career, he has worked as a book illustrator and a poster designer, and his pieces have been featured in exhibitions in the United States and Israel. Vaisman works with oil paint, colored pencils, ink, pastel, gouache, acrylic paint, charcoal pencil, and watercolor. 

    Series

    Klezmorim

    In Yiddish, klezmorim refers to a group of musicians who play traditional Yiddish music, called klezmer. Vaisman’s pieces in this collection are colorful and dynamic, featuring fiddlers in many different imaginative settings. My favorite images from this collection are this one done with ink on paper and this piece done with gouache!

    When I Return… 

    This collection, mostly done with oil paint on canvas, depicts elements of Jewish life and culture that have been important to Vaisman. Many of the images in this series focus on family, music, and his experience growing up in a Shtetl. A Shtetl simply means “town” in Yiddish, and it usually refers to an Eastern European village with a large Jewish community. Shtetls are rich in culture and tradition, and each town has its own identity and history. I love this piece, titled Butterfly, which is done with oil paint and has a unique abstract style.

    Postcards from Shevchenkivtsi

    These postcards are mixed media pieces that consist of photographs, ink drawings, and eclectic stamps. On some postcards Vaisman has added illustrations on top of pasted photographs; other cards only contain one media type. Vaisman uses a cool mark making technique on this postcard, and you should also check out the stamps on this one!

    Yiddish Resources

    To learn more about Yiddish culture, visit the site Shtetl, Yiddish Language and Culture! This site provides many Jewish genealogical resources, articles about Yiddish history in the 19th and 20th centuries, a catalog of Jewish artists, and even traditional recipes

  • Go Green with ibiblio

    Interested in ecology, agriculture, or sustainability? ibiblio hosts many great resources that provide information about interacting with and caring for the environment. From beekeeping to identifying flora and fauna, this list of sites is worth exploring!

    If you’re interested in even more environmental resources, be sure to check out ibiblio’s agriculture, botany, and ecology tags as well!

    Plant Information Center

    In partnership with the UNC Herbarium, the Plant Information Center brings research materials and resources to students and interested community members. Their helpful botanical dictionary can help you find any scientific term you might need to describe a plant. In the virtual herbarium tab, you will find a glossary of the many different types of trees found in North Carolina as well as a gallery displaying images of Southeastern plants. Additionally, the site features educational resources for K-12 students with creative activities that encourage interest in botanical research!

    rec.gardens.ecosystems

    If you’re interested in starting your own home garden, this site is just what you need. With helpful categories like composting and plant nutrition, rec.gardens.ecosystems provides digestible information through an organic lens. This resource takes a sustainable approach to gardening, emphasizing natural practices instead of toxic substances and chemical fertilizers.

    Project Gutenberg Science Bookshelves

    For longer resources, Project Gutenberg has a well-rounded science collection with shelves like Ecology, Zoology, and Botany.

     

    ibiblio Alumni

    Although these sites are no longer hosted by ibiblio, they are great environmental resources!

    North American Fruit Explorers

    North American Fruit Explorers (NAFEX) strives to encourage the study and appreciation of fruit and fruit culture. NAFEX’s members hold an annual meeting to discuss botany and educate members about gardening and seed cultivation. The association also publishes a journal, called Pomona, which ranges in content from fruiticulture studies to gardening tips. Their website features many local resources for plant nurseries across the United States.

    Orange County Beekeepers Association

    The Orange County Beekeepers Association is a local chapter of the North Carolina State Beekeepers Association whose goal is to raise awareness about beekeeping and proper practices through education, training and support. The OCBA website features guides on what plants are in bloom, where to find local honey products, and how to attend local educational and social events.