SheWalksSoftly

Laura Adel Johnson

June 22nd, 2009

Laura Adel Johnson is a multimedia artist who constructs portraits out of miniature lights.

Two years ago, she found herself inspired by gaudy yet strangely beautiful holiday displays. She began using this medium primarily to depict catalog models, feeling the artificiality of the lights was a fitting representation for the subject matter.

I love the way the illuminated tears spill to the ground and run together in glowing pools. The idea of “crying light” is somehow beautiful to me.

See a few more at the source.
Christoph Morlinghaus

June 22nd, 2009

Christoph Morlinghaus has a lovely minimalist website that lets his photography speak for itself. I am particularly fond of his empty church photographs.

These images beautifully highlight the complexity of architectural design that went into some of these structures.

Although I don’t personally attend any kind of church, I admire the form…the geometry…the vehicles of worship that human beings create.

There is something majestic and grand (one might even say a certain sci-fi quality) in the aura of these photos.

See more church photography in the rest of portfolio 1 and other great photographs on his site.
Dorm Light Show

June 21st, 2009

This clip is under a minute long, and definitely worth watching. A group of college students turned their dorm into a giant light show to the tune of classic 80’s TV show Knight Rider:
Martin Howard’s Antique Typewriters

June 20th, 2009

The Martin Howard Collection of antique typewriters is stunning. The first half of the 20th century ushered in a wave of mechanical ingenuity, and Howard’s collection showcases some of the greatest (and less-than-spectacular) efforts of manufacturers to keep pace with the demand for new writing machines.

Most of us are familiar with the standard shape and design of typewriters such as the Densmore.

But some inventors steered entirely clear of things like…keyboards, often at the expense of speed and efficiency.

I was amused to see that even at the dawn of industrialization, the need to create innovative gadgets was so prevalent. This collection of beautiful (and bizarre) machines is a fantastic glimpse into our typographical history.

See the rest (along with descriptions) here.
When Ice Cream Attacks…and Dies

June 20th, 2009

Remember the fateful day when Strawberry fought Mint Chip in an epic death match? No? Well, Derek Deal was kind enough to illustrate it for us, and turn it into a shirt design.

(love the sugar cone font)

On a related note, Keaton Henson made this design for Drop Dead Clothing. Zombie ice cream is new to me. I like it.

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Chocolate Alchemy

June 19th, 2009

I’ve already posted about Chocolate Meditation. Now I’ve come across something even more decadent and breathtaking: Lulu’s Raw Chocolate Alchemy.

Lulu’s Raw Chocolate Alchemy was created from passion for exquisite chocolate, a desire to eat pure, whole foods and a deep belief in botanical alchemy. We are adding new dimensions to the way people experience chocolate.

I was nearly hyperventilating when I went through the website. I must take part in this ravishing mind-body-soul journey!

Each chocolate (which I believe takes the form of a smooth, thick spread) is infused with essential oils and flavors; enjoying it is a multifaceted experience. The aromatic elements can be calming, balancing, grounding, healing…and of course, aphrodisiac.

Find them here.
Fritz Kahn

June 19th, 2009

In the 1920’a Fritz Kahn released a series of books depicting the human body using industrial metaphors: switchboards, assembly lines, conveyor belts, projectors, machinery, workers, etc.

His modernist style made use of the growing popular fervor over industrial development, and his exploration of the anatomical relationship to man-made structures is intriguing.

Here we have the nervous system visually compared to an electronic signaling system with the brain as an office where messages are sorted.

I feel very lucky to know a few people who will attend (or would be willing to attend, if distance permitted) the Iconography of the Industrial Body lecture tonight, which will cover some of Kahn’s work.

Body as Machines gallery.
Death Metal Parrot

June 18th, 2009

Just because I’m an arts and culture fiend doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate a rockin’ death metal parrot. This guy is great.

(link care of Skye)

And should you be interested in a bird dancing to the Backstreet Boys, you can see that here.
Social Networking Venn Diagram

June 18th, 2009

The psychology of social networking is a fascinating topic (I was going to include links, but there are thousands on the subject). I happen to love this shirt from Despair Wear:

So sad, so funny, so true.
Soccer Skull

June 17th, 2009

What a fantastic way to conceptualize the notion of wanting to kick someone in the head.

This is just one of Eugenio Merino’s entertaining sculptures.

See more here.

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