I don’t mean to overdose on ceramics after the last post, but I couldn’t resist sharing this fantastic monstrosity just in time for Thanksgiving: turkey head salt and pepper shakers!
Guy Michael Davis crafts his molds from freshly dead specimens or freeze dried taxidermy (which explains the disconcerting realism).
Honestly, I really wish I had a set of these to bring to our Holiday Abomination party in Philly next month. More about that event later…
Occasionally I find myself marveling at sculpture that defies the natural purpose of the subject; food that can’t be eaten, clothing that can’t be worn…I enjoy the momentary re-contextualization of the familiar.
Li Xiaofeng creates apparel from traditional Chinese ceramics.
Sure to be a hit as costume parties.
NOTE: next week is OUTRAGEOUS ARCHITECTURE week, so feel free to send submissions and ideas!!
Back in September, I wrote about etched glass bottles left by a mystery artist. Now, her identity has been revealed!
These beauties are the work of Charlotte Hughes-Martin.
In an interview with the newspaper, she explained: “I like to give people a surprise and make them do a doubletake when they step outside their front doors in the morning to pick up their pints of milk…Everyone should be able to enjoy art in their everyday life and I just love the idea that my designs could bring a smile to someone’s face as they make a cup of tea in the morning.” –Source
I prefer to believe that the bottle offerings were a strictly humanitarian endeavor, but I give credit to this project as one of the most brilliant marketing plans I’ve ever encountered. It’s refreshing when someone discovers a way to skirt the overwhelming saturation of internet promotion and still gain attention.
Couched between pennysaver deals on gutter cleaning and spa treatments, I came across a baffling full page ad for THE SEXY SALAD.
Click on the website and you’ll find an animated bowl of greens, giving a provocative “come hither” stare and periodic smooches to the tune of cheesy synthesized stripper music.
I was thoroughly entertained by the arbitrary nature of the Sexy Salad concept, since one rarely ponders the erotic attributes of lettuce (and this is coming from someone who sites the opening credits of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory as her favorite sex scene).
Overall, the place seems worth the 30 minute drive for me, if only to say I’ve eaten there:
Should you decide to browse their site, there is even a “sexy photo gallery”.
The image above should come up in standard search engine queries for that phrase.
I knew at the start that this would be a fairly impossible contest to judge. Since it was an experiment of sorts, let me start with what I learned.
The bad news: Old fashioned word of mouth does very little for blog readership. It seems that promoting oneself is as important as I feared it would be.
The good news: Support from friends and some wonderful new readers was so touching that the bad news feels entirely irrelevant. 🙂
OFFICIAL CONTEST WINNER: The kind and talented Adalia, whose persistent enthusiasm for this site has been a huge inspiration.
OTHER WINNERS: For their support and promo efforts, Matt C. Louisa, Matt P. (you all know you’ll end up with prizes, too)
HONORABLE MENTIONS: For linking to me and/or general awesomeness, Notinman, Agmac, Shinygrape, Photo a Day, Kerry Kate, Jimmy Pickering, Creepy Cupcakes, PaTrick, Anne Heathen, Friendbeast, Mad30…my dad, from whom I inherited many of my “unique” sensibilities, Aunt Karen, Kayla, Artie, Rich, Charlotte, Spider, Travis,…(and undoubtedly others I forgot or am unaware of)
Although the contest is technically over, if you do anything to support this blog, please let me know so I can express my gratitude.
In 2003, Doris Salcedo put together this truly impressive installation for the International Istanbul Biennale.
It looks like the place where chairs go to die. I can only imagine what it must have been like to randomly pass this in the street.
The other day I stumbled upon a great collection of 3D Portraits. Although there were some “regular” humans in the mix, my favorites were the otherworldly creatures and monsters.
It’s fantastically starling to see the following image in full size if you happen to click/scroll over it unexpectedly…
I love these rabbits…
Well hello…
Remember the virulent spread of Magic Eye Posters in the 90’s? People stood transfixed in shopping centers, awaiting a sense of smug satisfaction as images materialized right before their unfocused eyes.
I was reminded of those posters when I saw this vintage image on the wonderful Agence Eureka:
Can you see the birdies?
The other night, I caught the 3rd installment of the Found Footage Festival. By the time I left, my face hurt from laughing.
In short: Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher began collecting found videotapes in 1991 after stumbling across a training video entitled, “Inside and Outside Custodial Duties” in a McDonald’s break room. Since then, they have compiled an impressive collection of strange, outrageous and profoundly stupid videos.
They introduce each segment and add commentary throughout the presentation (sure to appeal to my fellow Mystery Science Theater 3000 fans). It was pure genius.
Selections included public service announcements, kiddie programs, instructional videos, job training videos, fitness tapes, musical montages, and many other cinematic embarrassments.
I left the theater completely inspired to host my own Found Footage Festival!
It’s going to happen. Oh yes. So feel free to send me your ideas!
More info and tour schedule for the FFF here.
I apologize in advance for the following image, and further apologize for the terrifying truth that Jar Jar is made of POTATOES. Yes, this monstrosity was served as a meal.
I generally love innovative food creations, but this has simply gone too far.
SheWalksSoftly 