Nature will always be THE original artist.
These photos were taken deep underground within the miles of abandoned mines beneath Yekaterinburg, Russia. Layers of carnallite — a mineral used in fertilizers — band the tunnel walls, producing these technicolor masterpieces.
Shortly after seeing this article, I came across another article with a series of 10 gorgeous colorful locations. Definitely check them out.
The idea of “interspecies sculpture” captured my attention (as long as it is entirely respectful of all species involved). Here we have the provocative juxtaposition of popular human design and apiary architecture.
Aganetha Dyck who for years has been working with the industrious insects to create delicate sculptures using porcelain figurines, shoes, sports equipment, and other objects left in specially designed apiaries. As the weeks and months pass the ordinary objects are slowly transformed with the bees’ wax honeycomb.
Born in Manitoba in 1937, the Canadian artist has long been interested in inter-species communication and her research has closely examined the the ramifications of honeybees disappearing from Earth. Working with the insects results in completely unexpected forms which can be surprising and even humorous.
See more photos and a great video at the source.
Sometimes “there’s a bug in your hair!” isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
While pricey, I admire the craftsmanship on this Emperor Gum Moth Hair Clip.
I have a bizarre habit of considering accessories according to what unusual museum exhibit I’d hypothetically be likely to wear them to…plenty of entomological displays came to mind for this one.
Would you wear pretty bugs, birds and beasts in your hair?
See other nature inspired creations here.
Today I give you an example of how nature flaunts cuteness in the strangest of places, with two examples of Saturniidae.
These babies look like a Furby mated with a Tribble…but they’re so damn adorable, are they not?
I’m out West, but my hometown is full of snow right now. Winter weather can be quite bothersome in the practical sense…but it is undoubtedly breathtaking.
No one shows the beautiful essence of winter like the gifted Vivienne Gucwa.
Her eye for capturing the perfect moment in time brings out the luscious, ethereal nature of the bustling urban landscape. She has the vision of an artist and the soul of a poet (often there are lovely musings written with her work).
Dazzling icy eye-food…
Vanitas art by Toru Kamei has stolen our heat. “Toru KAMEI was born in 1976. He is inspired by Vanitas and try to express transience but beautiful, by drawing common vanitas symbols include skulls, which are a reminder of the certainty of death, flower, which symbolize transience of beauty.”
Here is a lovely way to start your week. The bats may not fit the vanitas theme, but, well, SWS welcomes the deviation.
Information is scarce. Source
This is a fill-in post by proxy. Dana has appointments keeping her from posting today.
Enjoy the art of David Natale, from Dana’s blog queue.
Technically, these were featured as wedding centerpieces…but I happen to think they’d make a great decorative item in the home.
One could even “match” the plants to the theme of the book! I love the idea of literature blooming with life. It’s going on my craft to-do list.
Cannot type/talk due to severe illness (all words courtesy of voice software or kind typing helpers)…I read and appreciate all comments…Apologies for not being able to respond.
Now an awe-striking example of nature’s savvy design:
A recently discovered G tridens fruitfly that has evolved a to have images of detailed, ant-like insects on each wing, complete with six legs, a thorax, antennae and a tapered abdomen. The fly uses the images defensively, waving them back and forth when threatened to create the illusion of massing ants.
Dear Evolution,
You blow my mind. Well played.
Love,
Dana
Cannot type/talk due to severe illness (all words courtesy of voice software or kind typing helpers)…I read and appreciate all comments…Apologies for not being able to respond.
On Thursday, one of the dearest people in my life passed away: my lovely grandmother (a fellow Pisces, lover of seashells and all-things ocean, hence the following pics (source)).
Our time together was plentiful, and filled with smiles, laughter, hugs and “I love yous.” I feel a deeper sense of history in her home than my own. It was, from my first sparks of conscious memory to present day, the coziest place in my world. I still long to visit the cookie drawer in the kitchen, take a warm seat beside her and watch the hypnotic movement of her knitting needles. As I grapple for the language to describe our incredible bond, it all falls short.
She saw a great light in me. She saw only light. Whether I walked into her house wearing chunky platform boots and outrageous gothic oddities, or sweatpants and no makeup, she would look at me and say “you’re so beautiful.” She blissfully marveled at every stage of my life, as if I were this brilliant, radiant being that would change the world. In her presence I felt that maybe, just maybe, I could.
My heart breaks for the limitations of my physical body at this time, my inability to get on a plane and fly home to my beloved family. But they know that my heart and soul are with them.
Gram, my spirit is swing dancing with you on the astral plane. Your sweet little black sheep loves you beyond words, now and forever.
Cannot type/talk due to severe illness (all words courtesy of voice software or kind typing helpers)…I read and appreciate all comments…Apologies for not being able to respond.
SheWalksSoftly 