Long before my interest in medicine arose I was, and will always will be, a die hard bibliophile. No matter how many periods I go through in which I abandon literature for textbooks, I’ll always cherish the artistry of the written word.
Therefore I was very happy to find Contrariwise, a blog of literary tattoos.
It was nice to see some of my favorite authors and quotes inscribed on the flesh of fellow “Word Nerds.” I’ve decorated jewelry and clothing with such things many times.
Have a look.
I had to navigate a number of Japanese sites (despite the fact that my computer doesn’t read Japanese characters) to track down a little gallery of Mari Shimizu’s work.
Her doll creations are phenomenal. Ethereal, haunting, beautiful, unsettling…some expressing powerful emotion, others transfixed in a lifeless plastic stare that uncomfortably juxtaposes their lavish surroundings.
The photography techniques add much to the display of her projects. She seems to carefully choose the lighting and tone, whether a warm glow or harsh blinding daylight, creating an effect that’s almost cinematic.
Highly recommended if you enjoy this type of craft.
American entrepreneur Jay Walker, founder of Priceline.com, has the library of my geeky dreams. This 3,600 square foot, three level wunderkammer is a treasure trove of artifacts.
If I am a good girl, maybe I’ll get to spend eternity here in the afterlife. I see the beauty of sparse, uncluttered spaces with perfect Feng Shui, but I tend to feel very comfortable in places that are cozy and thick with history. Every square inch of Walker’s library contains a story, literally or figuratively.
Walker’s home was actually built to accommodate this library (an idea I frequently daydream about). Rare historical artifacts line every shelf, wall and table. I can’t begin to cover the scope of it here, but all oddities lovers should check out Wired’s fantastic article.
Absolutely the most intriguing collection I’ve seen since my trip to the Mutter Museum. Too bad it’s not open to the public. Anyone want to petition Jay walker for a private tour with me?
I plan to do a post on the art of pre-cinema projection shows, but I decided to do a google image odyssey for the word “phantasmagorical” in the meantime (yes, the informative post should come first, but when the image cravings hit…I yield).
I spent a while trying to trace the following image on the source link, because whatever it is…I want to know more. I came up empty handed, so will have to appreciate the lovely photo on its own.
Something about the movement in this next photo reminds me of Oogie Boogie in the Nightmare Before Christmas. I mean that in a very complimentary way:
I’ve saved the best for last. The Todos Santos Chocolate and Confection shop in Santa Fe:
Any chocolate shop that can even remotely be described as “phantasmagorical” has my immediate attention and admiration.
I’ve admired Michael Hussar’s work for years.
Hussar describes his work as “a voyeuristic snapshot of perceived humanity, complete with freaks and fakery; a gothic wonderland illuminating the gray area between truths and lies.” Hussar’s attachment to his paintings runs deep; each piece is a journal of sorts, allowing him to come face to face with his demons and exorcising them with each new stroke of the brush. –Beinart International Surreal Art Collective
Check out his site for an intriguing circus of nightmares.
Here’s a little something to get you in the mood for Halloween (a mood I maintain consistently throughout the year). Thai artist Kittiwat Unarrom makes bread in the shape of gruesome dismembered body parts.
He could clearly be a traditional prop artist, but I love that he’s chosen to (oh no…unintentional pun ahead) go out on a limb with his choice of medium.
You can view more examples of his “bakery” and the creation process in this clip:
I’ve been marveling at this painting by Maureen Holden.
Cuteness Mania:
I love this multi-limbed, medusa-like amazon, spawning cuteness from the twisited tree limbs on her head, terrorizing onlookers (is she offering them a seat on that Victorian sofa beneath her?). I enjoy the fact that just as my brain tries to assemble a cohesive meaning in the painting, I fixate on another series of details and it all collapses.
If I were anywhere near Phoenix, AZ, I would definitely attend the Dia de Los Plush at Red Hot Robot.
I’m going to have to seek out more Dia de Los Muertos art because I’ve always loved it. This is the first time I’ve seen the tradition celebrated in plush!
I hope to see pictures posted afterward.
There’s been much speculation about the approach of 2012 by everyone from scientists to UFO enthusiasts. I’m going to ignore it and skip straight to a true mark of absurdity: Nickelodeon’s 2012 movie…for kids.
Take a moment. Let it in.
The action-adventure storyline revolves around a family who goes on vacation in December 2012, just as the Mayan calendar is coming to a close.
Ah, we can even capitalize on the alignment of the cosmos! Can we look forward to 2012 Doomsday Playsets? One can hope.
(Thanks to Matt P. for sending me an article that referenced this film)
Karl Persson gives life force to nightmares. I’ve chosen work-safe images, but the gallery on his site contains a collection of twisted, tortured scenes that tap into the deep recesses of the human psyche.
Shock value alone does nothing for me, but Persson manages to capture something primal; sadness, desperation and an imaginative horror that seems to be pulled directly from a bad dream.
If you only love happy, pretty things…beware.
SheWalksSoftly 