February 11 is the birthday of English photography pioneer HENRY FOX TALBOT (1800-1877).

Fox " invented the salted paper and calotype processes, precursors to photographic processes of the later 19th and 20th centuries. His work in the 1840s on photomechanical reproduction led to the creation of the photoglyphic engraving process, the precursor to photogravure." (Wikipedia)

To see other pioneering photos by Talbot, CLICK HERE.

February 11 is the birthday of the Swedish author and illustrator of children's books ELSA BESKOW (1874-1953).

Beskow "frequently combined reality with elements from the fairy tale world. Children meet elves or goblins, and farm animals talk with people. Central themes were the relationships between children and adults and children's independent initiative. Her work 'depicted a happy home atmosphere in the Swedish countryside of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.'

Beskow became one of the most well known of all Swedish children's book artists. Many of her books became classics and are continually reprinted. Beskow also illustrated ABC books and songbooks for Swedish schools. Her book pages are often framed by decorative framework of the Art Nouveau style." (Wikipedia)

To see examples of her art, CLICK HERE.

February 11 is the birthday of Italian painter CARLO CARRÁ (1881-1966).

Carrá's "Futurist phase ended around the time World War I began. His work, while still using some Futurist concepts, began to deal more clearly with form and stillness, rather than motion and feeling. In his 1913 manifesto, 'The Painting of Sounds, Noises and Smells,' Carrà discussed his interest in synaesthesia, describing it as 'being a perceptual phenomenon that relates to the idea that exposure to one external stimulus (say, sound or smell), induces a parallel visualization (say, color).'" (Wikipedia)

To see examples of Carrás work, CLICK HERE.

February 11 is the birthday of Brazilian pianist and bandleader SÉRGIO MENDES (1941-2024).

Mendes' "career took off with worldwide hits by his band Brasil '66. He released 35 albums and was known for playing bossa nova, often mixed with funk. He was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2012 as a co-writer of 'Real in Rio' from the animated film Rio.

Mendes was primarily known in the United States, where his albums were recorded and where most of his touring took place. He was married to Gracinha Leporace, who performed with him from the early 1970s. Mendes collaborated with many artists, including Black Eyed Peas, with whom he re-recorded in 2006 a remake of his 1966 version of the song "Mas que nada", which was a breakthrough hit for him." (Wikipedia)