Geology, Art and Culture

A modern geologist looks at Leonardo da Vinci

183:881535342 (Ann Pizzorusso) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 19:41:14 GMT

Giuseppe De Lorenzo (Lagonegro, 1871 - Napoli, 1957) was a renowned geologist, having contributed significantly to the history of the formation of the Apennines, some of the most complicated geology in Italy. He was also a scholar of Leonardo da Vinci, having written a seminal book on Leonardo’s ideas on geology. His book, published in the mid-twentieth century, shed new light on Leonardo’s incredible writings on the geological disciplines of stratigraphy, sedimentology, paleontology, and structural geology. Additionally, De Lorenzo was able to influence not only scientists but the general public as he was knowledgeable in the fields of philosophy, literature, Far Eastern languages, and Buddhism.

In September, 2023 I was honored and humbled to have won first prize in the National Giuseppe De Lorenzo book competition. Being a geologist and a Leonardo scholar it was a moment of great joy to follow in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci and Giuseppe De Lorenzo.

St. Francis, Giotto and the Environment

183:881535342 (Ann Pizzorusso) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 19:17:15 GMT

The saint and the artist who revolutionized religion,

art and created the ecological movement

From Antiquity to the Middle Ages, man had a conflictual relationship with nature, seeing it as representing either divine or satanic forces. On the vanguard of a change in perspective toward the natural world was St. Francis of Assisi (c.1181-1226) who is now, thanks to his pioneering work, patron of ecology. He set forth the revolutionary philosophy that the Earth and all living creatures should be respected as creations of the Almighty.

Miraculous Milk Caves in Italy

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 18:57:36 GMT

An archeological mystery which is still unsolved

In 1932 the Grotto of Scaloria, in the region of Puglia, Italy was discovered. Amazingly, it was filled with terra cotta cups which were used to collect the drip water from stalactites.

You can read the entire article about this mysterious cult cavern by clicking on this link.

And so modern science has shown that the drip waters collected since the dawn of time are efficacious and have true healing powers.

Geology and Art

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 17:38:09 GMT

I am going to use this space to post unusual items from time to time. As the Earth reveals its secrets (often in plane sight) it is marvelous to see them and appreciate them for what they are--miracles. It often takes an artist to see and portray the Earth's wonders, be it through painting, literature, architecture or poetry. I hope these little tidbits will open up the wonders awaiting you right outside your door no matter where you are in the world.