Category: nature

Rainbow Eucalyptus

November 8th, 2014

While this is probably exactly how I would have chosen to paint a tree when I was growing up in the 80’s (I loved bright colors as a little kid, though this preference burnt out so completely that I haven’t needed to do a load of white/bright laundry in over 20 years!), what you’re looking at is a phenomenon of nature.

The inner bark is bright green, and with peeling, air exposure and time, the other brilliant colors emerge.

These trees can grow up to six feet wide and over 200 feet tall. Currently it is grown widely around the world in tree plantations, mainly for pulpwood used in making paper.

First spotted on the amazing Real Monstrosities.
Debra Bernier

August 6th, 2014

I find Debra Bernier’s “Earth Sculptures” profoundly moving and uplifting.

I’ve always loved (and believed) the idea that a unique, yet universally interconnected life force exists in all things. It’s as if Debra draws this life force out in her gently emerging figures…gorgeously defined, fading seamlessly in and out of the natural structures they inhabit.

As a very imaginative child, I frequently saw shapes and faces in wood, rock, sand, etc. These sculptures remind me to keep looking.

Debra Bernier
Katerina Plotnikova

July 1st, 2014

Katerina Plotnikova has an awe inspiring collection of nature photographs that show a profound connection between man and the animal kingdom.

I believe this work is done under the supervision of qualified animal trainers, but is entirely real and involves very minimal retouching in post production. While I do love some amazing modern surrealist photographers, there is something raw and stirring about the relative lack of digital manipulation.

Animals can be such a beautiful healing force (during my long hospital stays this past year, I was happy to see animal therapy becoming mainstream). I look forward to returning home to NY when more medically stable, so I can be around cats again…and my loved ones can laugh at the absurd languages and songs I inevitably invent the moment I’m put near fuzzy things.

Katerina Plotnikova
Source
Justin Gershenson-Gates

June 30th, 2014

My lovely friend Lynn introduced me to the work of Justin Gershenson-Gates; amazing insects, arachnids and pendants made of recycled watch parts.

He states: The grandson of a railroad man, the son of a gearhead, my life has been filled with all things mechanical. As a child, I would take my toys apart in order to see how they worked, but was never able to put them back together again. Now, I take dead old watches from the top drawers of the world, and rearrange their bits and widgets into whimsical designs.

My aim is to show the beauty of the mechanical world, a place generally hidden from the public behind metal and glass. My pieces display the more delicate and ephemeral side of gears, rather than the cold, hard factory feel they normally portray.

I think he succeeds at that aim, don’t you?

This pendant is absolute genius. Look at the delicate detail on the hand! It’s perfectly constructed.

Justin Gershenson-Gates
Brandon Ballengee

June 22nd, 2014

While Iori Tomita creates beautiful translucent specimens of sea creatures, Brandon Ballengee has chosen to focus on deformed amphibians.

From the artist statement:
Since 1996, my transdisciplinary practice has bridged primary scientific studies with ecological art and engaged environmental stewardship. Underlying my practice is a systemic methodology, which posits art practice as a means of realizing research science, and vice-versa. Inherent to this working method is an impetus for “ecosystem activism” implemented through participatory biology field investigations and laboratory programs that stress public involvement – my attempt at social sculpting. My artworks come from direct experiences with amphibians, birds, fish and insect species found in today’s preternatural ecosystems and those observed in post-natural laboratory settings.

There is evidence that the growing occurrence of amphibian birth defects comes from contaminates in the chemical runoff of man made facilities. I deeply respect Ballengee for using art to evoke awareness and empathy for these creatures.

Now, via an enzymatic process and re-coloring, we can see the beauty of these creatures that tend to be largely ignored by humans.

Brandon Ballengee
Source
Hafod Grange Botanical Paperweights

June 12th, 2014

Hafod Grange makes a gorgeous array of Botanical Paperweights.

I love both the idea and execution here. They are a glimpse of wildlife, frozen in time, and as much as I adore unencapsulated nature I find it intriguing to gaze upon the eternal “life” of that which we all know to be ephemeral.

They can custom make these spherical wonders with wedding or other special occasion flowers, if you’re the sentimental type (I am…I would very much like to get one).

Botanical Paperweights
Pygmy Seahorses

June 10th, 2014

If you view just one pygmy seahorse image-heavy post today (and you were planning to, right?), I recommend this one.

These incredible creatures live in the western central Pacific Ocean (known as the Coral Triangle region of southeast Asia) and rarely grow larger than 2 centimeters. They look like adorable toddler bath toys and blend perfectly in their Dayglow surroundings. Aren’t they fantastic?

I wish I could have one as a pet. I’d give it plenty of coral to…hover on.

See more photos here.
Source
Lauren Marx

June 9th, 2014

I’ve decided I’ve really enjoyed including artist statements in posts. I am by no means a trained art critic…just a voracious observer…and at times the artist’s own words really enhance the experience of viewing the work. I’m going to try to include more direct quotes.

Now let’s have a look at Lauren Marx’s creations.

In her own words:
Cosmology, biology and anatomy have always been intriguing to me. My attraction to these topics have compelled me to find a way to create images that combine elements from these dissimilar fields to shape a universe that reflects my unique understanding of the cosmos.

I have developed a symbolic cosmology where animals represent nebulae, birds are the stars formed within the nebulae, and insects are the elements (or ”dust”) created from exploding stars. My hope is that this symbolic representation allows the viewer to see these phenomena as a complete picture of an interacting Universe. Using these animals and insects, I am going to make my own ”creation” myth of the Cosmos to parody current and past creation myths which are strongly reliant upon animals, to show how humans attempt to understand the epic intricacy of the Universe.

Lauren Marx
Dustin Krtolica

May 27th, 2014

Dustin Krtolica is the most prodigious child I’ve ever come across. At the age of 11, he draws remarkably sophisticated scenes in the natural world.

From the source.
Krtolica’s intricate drawings reflect his fascination with the natural world. He has a thorough knowledge of all the geological eras, the animals that lived during those periods, and different species of marsupials, among other things. When his parents bought him a comprehensive encyclopedia of animals, it took him less than three weeks to memorize it completely. “I would have studied animals and published a book about them, but I’m going to draw all of them,” says the young boy, whose ambition is to become a zoologist in the future.

Krtolica has been drawing since he was just two years old. Looking at his complex and advanced creations, it’s not surprising to learn that he’s already held three national solo exhibitions—the first two before the age of eight. As someone who’s still learning and developing, we can imagine that his artwork will only continue to soar to new heights in the future.

This guy is going places! I can’t wait to see how his talent continues to manifest.

Dustin Krtolica
Sky Factory eScapes

March 17th, 2014

After being bed/housebound for the past few years due to illness, an eScape sounds divine right now! I wish it were affordable to explore the world this way (until I get back IN the world!).

Sky Factory eScape™ is a digital cinema virtual window that brings the dynamic beauty of nature – image, motion and sound – to interior environments.

A high-tech illusion, eScape features a wall-mounted commercial-grade LED LCD screen embedded in a full-size casement window. Sky Factory utilizes the most advanced RED Digital Cinema™ camera to capture hours of Sky Factory’s proprietary UltraHD nature content.

Explore the whole scene index here.