One of the ways we used to be more creative as a culture was in our ornamentation of buildings. Part of the thrill of visits to big cities is to see the highly decorated and elaborate old facades.
While cost-cutting has streamlined buildings of more recent times, the Washington Cathedral in DC is a relatively new structure that stands as an example of what is possible with carved stone ornamentation. Cats, monsters, frogs, birds, snakes, owls, mules, dragons, pigs, and people are represented as gargoyles and water spouts.
Living in DC in the 80’s, I was able to occasionally stop by and watch stone cutting. Fascinating stuff. They had an apprentice system in place, training a new generation of stone carvers while the building was being completed.
Watch this to get a glimpse of the craftspersonship, styles, detail, and stories that are built into this building by those making it.
The Dark Side...
One of the interesting things about the Washington Catherdral is how much secular contemporary life is included. They have a stained gladd window with a moon rock in it.
Darth Vader is at the Cathedral… and you can get a replca of him in their shop. : )