I’ve already posted about Sandra Arteaga’s fabulous dolls, but I must post one of her recent creations.
Two years ago I raved about the Mexican Axolotl (and even made a plushie axolotl for a blog contest winner). Now this bizarre, sweet little creature finds some representation in Ms. Arteaga’s work!
Not exactly sweet…but so strange and intriguing, I can’t look away…
When I first saw this pig on the stage, I did not think he’d have such sweet moves in store.
Today I bring you a double feature of X-ray photography.
First, Leslie Wright:
See more sea life, plants, creatures and bits of technology on her site.
Next, the work of Nick Veasey:
Man, machine, flora, fauna, toys and miscellanious objects…
See more on his site.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted some stunning sea creatures, so I bring you this amazing photo set by Alexander Semenov.
See the rest of the gallery here.
I have kept Science is Fiction
Science is Fiction is a mesmerizing collection of short films by Jean Painleve.
Painleve, a film director, actor, translator, theorist and inventor, was one of the first to create scientific films designed to entertain and inform. His groundbreaking poetic representations of science were viewed as subversive and scandalous at the time. He believed that the portrayal of reality, combined with the imagination and technique of the screenwriter, trumped traditional cinematography.
In order to shoot scenes underwater, Painleve encased his camera in a custom designed waterproof box, fitted with a glass plate which allowed the camera’s lens to reach through. He captures some incredible footage and documents a stunning series of processes shown in accelerated speed. The soundtrack (which he often scored himself) is also amazing. Watching these films is an entrancing, educational journey…not to mention, just plain FUN.
My fellow sci-art fans…rent or buy this collection! I rarely buy DVDs, but this one is going on the wish list. Now I’m off to see if I can uncover any of Painleve’s other films on Youtube…
Japanese artist Iori Tomita creates stunning aquatic specimens.
As an undergraduate student majoring in fisheries, Tomita learned the process of creating transparent specimens by means of dissolving the creature’s natural proteins (in order to get a better look at intricate bone structures). The process of rendering the anatomy translucent and injecting dye can take four to six months.
Here were have the architecture of nature and the artistry of man, beautifully paired…
In my opinion these specimens would be a wonderful educational tool as well.
See more here.
It’s almost time for me to leave town, so…cleaning off the desktop to make room for the hundreds of things that will undoubtedly accrue by the time I return.
I’ve never thought to do a pumpkin like this, but it looks great:
An antique bat sketch. Simple. Classy.
And as package design…
And…wrapped in pink…
Continuing with the results of my antique search (though this can be horrifying for multiple holidays):
Witch illustration:
I’d like to construct a replica of this game, because I doubt I’ll ever be able to find it:
Hot…
This horrid, HORRID thing came up in a search for “antique Halloween.” Most people who know me are aware that I have a general aversion to the human foot. A creation like this is entirely uncalled for. But I suppose this “lantern” qualifies as something I consider frightening.
Pardon me while I wash my eyes with bleach.
Let’s end on a romantic note, shall we?
Okay, here are two totally unrelated things I just came across. If you really use your imagination, they fit right into the Halloween Countdown.
First, look at this fruit bat. Check out that tubular nose! This guy is a cut above your generic Halloween bat in terms of personality. I’m constantly tempted to imitate how (my twisted brain believes) he talks:
Next, the anatomically correct Stay Puft Marshmallow Man from Jason Freeny.
On the flip side, we have this extremely INCORRECT rendition of pumpkin anatomy, featured on The Surfing Pizza. This toy was placed in the perfect category of “Not Really Evil, But Kind of a Jerk.”
Never thought you’d get to see a rubber, rabbit-faced, four-limbed, lanky, pumpkin-headed creature, riding upright on a bike with more than a healthy dose of road rage despite the gigantic lollipop on board? VIOLA! Thanks, Pizza!
Now, the Claws Will Tear Us Apart shirt. A favorite animal, a favorite album, a clever image:
Neatorama has made me aware of a wonderful sea creature; another addition to the long list that fascinate me.
Venus Flytrap Sea Anemone!
This amazing creature (a type of polyp related to coral and jellyfish) closes around its prey with those spiky jaws…
How did I not know about this thing until now?
A cautionary tale about alcohol…
Three cheers for perfect parenting! Go ahead and shrink wrap ’em while you’re at it…
Stylish advancement in head and body gear:
You don’t see the winning combo of cookies and guns widely offered anymore.
An existential dilemma:
Someone may be gravely injured…very soon.
I actually have a postcard copy of this somewhere.
This post brought to you by the Conference of Ms. Satan.
SheWalksSoftly 