Alexa Meade

I am absolutely floored by the work of Alexa Meade. Often artists strive to give dimension to flat canvases. Alexa does the opposite by painting live subjects and their surroundings with acrylic, making them appear 2D. Her portfolio describes the work as “a fusion of installation, painting, performance, photography, and video art.” However you decide to label it, you’ve gotta admit it’s stunning, right?

If you'd like to see more, check out Alexa's Flickr page here.

Young Me Now Me

After the fun of my Summertime Bucket List, I’ve decided to follow suit for autumn. The list has yet to be completed, but be sure that being a part of this Young Me Now Me project is going to be on it. The idea is simple – find an old picture of yourself, recreate, and submit. You can see all the submissions here or just peruse some favorites on the blog.

Where Good Ideas Come From

I love this animated short by Steven Johnson… really thought provoking. Makes me want to sit in a coffee shop and talk it out. Any takers? At any rate, I would love to hear your thoughts on what he has to say!

Have a happy weekend. :)

Dalton Ghetti wins at life.

I can barely sew on a button without wanting to hyperventilate a little bit, so I CAN’T IMAGINE the patience and skill it must require to carve anything but a point at the top of a pencil. Props to this guy for some really creative and impressive work.

StoryCorps

I think StoryCorps is a fantastic idea and there are so many reasons I love it. I’m a sucker for a good story, but that's only part of why it’s so great. The thing that sets it apart is that it’s a huge oral history project that gives thousands of people (around 60,000 so far!) the opportunity to record their personal story. A few of these stories have been turned into animated shorts. One that I most recently watched is below, but feel free to watch more of their work on YouTube. I would love to hear what you think!

Enjoy!

Matt Lehman Studio

Matt Lehman is a really fantastic illustrator and graphic designer out of Nashville. When I look through his new website it makes me wish I could absorb some of his talent through osmosis. Like I would press my forehead against my laptop screen if I thought it would work. No such luck. Haha


All that to say, I really like his stuff. What do you think?

Wisacre Photo

Well I’m back to blogging again. Summer is a ridiculously busy time of year for me and things are finally starting to wind down. The good news is that even though I wasn’t blogging, I was making lists of things to blog about, so brace yourself. Fun times are coming. Also, I promise to be more consistant(ish) with this blog. Hopefully.


So anyway, I’ve decided to kick things off by showcasing the work of Paul Armstrong. I stumbled upon this guy while digging around Flickr one day and instantly became a fan. I love how raw and fun and creative his work is. I like this guy’s view of things and I think you will too. Lucky for all of us he recently launched a new website http://www.wiseacrephoto.com/. I pulled a few of my faves from his series titled “Everyday Occurrences of an Aging Superhero” for your viewing pleasure and highly suggest you take the time to check out the rest. Paul is also on Twitter and a really great follow if I do say so myself.

Thanks for stopping by!

Ryan Kurtz

I love the photography of Ryan Kurtz! I should also mention that he is from Cincinnati. He is representing Ohio oh so well with his versatile and colorful work! Yay!

Jon Contino

is awesome.

Here is more proof if you still need convincing.

In other news, I love illustration... sigh.

Mustaches on a Stick. Oh Yes.

I realize that this post isn’t necessarily design related, but seriously. I am willing to make exceptions for things such as mustaches on a stick. This set was made by the creative folks at somethingshidinginhere. Also recently discovered that they have a blog! Hooray!

Here’s a little something else in their shop that made me smile.

Enjoy!

"Grey is out. Gloom is gone. It’s time to live our lives in colour.

The Lets Colour Project is such a great idea. I love when art involves community. I feel all happy inside.

Marian Bantjes

“I often get mail from people and students asking me “What are your influences; where do your ideas come from.” I will answer that now: “Everything.” Conversations, things I read, things I see around me, books, magazines, old stuff, new stuff, art design, craft, film, music and garbage. I can be inspired at any moment by the strangest things. I am seldom bored. I have more ideas than I will ever be able to produce in my lifetime—some of them are even good ideas.”

- Marian Bantjes

Below are a few of my favorite pieces from her series “Love Stories”. Enjoy!

Watch a speech on “intricate beauty by design” here.

Check out her website and portfolio here.

Abuella Grillo

Because I'm a sucker for great animation and a well told story:


Abuela Grillo from Denis Chapon on Vimeo.


(via Creative Roots)

Music Philosophy

Song lyrics made into typographic posters. Me gusta.

They Draw and Cook!

I have a soft spot in my heart for illustration and I love to cook, so it is only natural for a blog like They Draw and Cook to catch my eye. The idea is simple but original: “recipe renderings by artists, illustrators and designers”. I hope you enjoy it as I did!

(via designworklife)

Happy Fathers Day

Days With My Father - an incredibly beautiful and touching journal of sorts from Phillip Toledano

Dave Hill Photography

This guy’s work is stunning!! I don’t even know if I can explain why I love it so much. It just works. Its fun, vivid, original and I like it. A few of my faves are below but you should definitely go to his site and pick out a few of your own. It’s certainly worth the look.

Cannon Ball

I knocked “do a cannon ball” off my summertime bucket list! Yay! One down, nine to go. It all happened at a cookout last night and my good pal, Lindsay B., joined in on the fun. The water was pretty cold, but it was definitely worth it. How are things with your list?

Let's Get Motivated!

Everyone everywhere should check out the “alternative to standard motivational posters” by Right Brain Terrain. They are smart and beautifully done, and would look great next to my desk. Much better than a photo of an eagle flying over a mountain, in my opinion.

Make a List!

This year I’ve decided to make a summertime bucket list and I think that you should join me. All you need to do is think up ten things you would like to accomplish before summer’s end. There are only two rules: don’t write down something you are already going to do. For example, I’m already going to NYC, so I can’t include that in my list. Second, every time you do something on your list, document it. Take a picture and tell us about it! Finally finish knitting your first pair of sweater pants? I want to know!

Here’s my list:

• Go canoeing
• Take a hot air balloon ride (I've always wanted to do this!!)
• Write thank-you notes
• Cook a feast for my Grandparents
• Make a new friend
• Ride bikes with Dad
• Do a cannon ball
• Buy coffee for someone
• Finish the quilt I’m making with Mom
• Go geocaching

What's on your list?

I love I Love Dust

I love, love, love, these ride journals from ILOVEDUST. The colors are incredible. I would buy a bike and start riding it regularly, just for an excuse to buy them all. Check out some of their equally impressive work here. Also, happy Memorial Day everyone!!