tree of life

I was first attracted to this poster for the obvious reason that it is really cool looking. It's simple, and yet it has this almost stamped quality to it. Upon further inspection, however, I found that there is more to it than meets the eye.

Each ring of the tree is actually made of up of little animals, creating hundreds of little prints within a print and seemingly endless discoveries.

Aimed at highlighting "the responsibility we have in letting animal species thrive in their natural environment," Gary, Aaron and Khairul created this poster to speak for animals, who otherwise suffer in silence. It can be found at degree.

back to basics - zim and zou

source: colossal

Just when I think I've seen the most creative paper replicas, the France-based duo of Zim and Zou go above and beyond by recreating revolutionary technologies that are now outdated.

While the colors are playful, the pieces themselves are stunningly accurate and extremely detailed. Multiple layers of paper help to bring these objects to life by creating dimension and texture while the color scheme gives birth to a unified collection of nostalgia.

From Walkman to floppy disk, the Back to Basics series is created using sustainable paper and even the smallest of scraps. I particularly love the seams on the Nintendo controller and the floppy disk, which really make them seem like they are still formed from two pieces of molded plastic.

etch-a-sketch ipad cover

I am fairly confident that I won't be purchasing an iPad anytime soon, or maybe even ever, but if I did I would want this case.

New technology meets nostalgia? Yes, please.

You can find it at fredflare.com.

devour - christopher jonassen

source: junkculture.

It would be an absolute understatement to say that I think these pieces by Christopher Jonassen are amazing. From the concept to the exicution to the message, I think this is my favorite set of art work I have seen so far this year. When you first look at this set of images, you see distant planets in a dark galaxy, but in reality, you're actually looking at the bottoms of old frying pans.

Ingeniously exploring the ware and tare of a frequently used object, Jonassen comments on the destruction and lifespan of not only frying pans, but also our world. A pan is an object that gets used frequently, but is just as often overlooked. In the same way, our planet is so often seen as something we can use, and yet have little effect on. These photographs are stunning, but what really makes them memorable is their message: we can't keep using the earth for our own devices and expect it to remain brand new.

jaakko mattila

cube 2008

When I see work that is as visually stunning as these pieces by Jaakko Mattila, I can't help but think about what the pieces would look like if I had been the one to create them. In this case, I know that would never have been able to accomplish this, solely based on the fact that I have never been able to completely understand how to incorporate a background into piece. It sounds fairly simple, but in reality I always feel like I end up with some disconnect.

What I find the most appealing about these two pieces in particular is how the 'background' is so thoroughly incorporated into the composition that it becomes essential to the success of the piece, and yet, is still basically just negative space. For example, in Fallout 2009, it's as if the white 'stalagmites' are fading into a black background, while at the same time the black 'stalactites' are hanging over a white background. And in Cube 2008, you do not merely see colorful dots on top of white background, but instead a total environment of colorful dots interacting with the light and each other. In this way, the audience feels as if they are getting a glimpse of a living world, rather than a representation of a fixed environment.

fallout 2009

dino lamp: deger cengiz

dino lamp at VOOS

I always looked forward to going back to school, just so I would have an excuse to buy school supplies. Today, this leaves me with an excessive amount of random pencils, highlighters, and at least 10 pairs of scissors.

Anything that helps me become more organized, especially when it comes to all of those office supplies, is welcome at my house. It also doesn't hurt that the design of these LED lamps is modern, yet playful, and extremely multi-purpose.

I also love the idea of using it as a planter. 

herrwolke: dreidimensionale konzepte*

more wiederverwertung (recycling) here

One of the most compelling aspects of art and design is that you can find inspiration from a piece regardless of what language you find when you go to the website describing it. In so many ways, the pieces speak for themselves.

Although I do not speak German, the work that can be found at herrwolke's website tells a story of extremely thoughtful design. Their pieces not only focus on the uniqueness that comes from using recycled materials, but also the ways in which users engage with the pieces, and how that modifies each item.

As their website indicates, their concepts are three-dimensional: changing upon user interaction and adapting to the environment.



*three-dimensional concepts

featured: inaluxe on etsy

one million short stories giclee art print

group hug giclee print

As someone who loves small, cozy spaces and not-too-big apartments, I'm not sure if I'll ever have enough wall room to hang all of the prints that I love. I think I may have to schedule print rotations so that they each get a turn on the wall.

These by inaluxe are no different. The colors and the patterns are great, but what I really like about them is how they almost seem random.


There's no repeating reason as to why a certain quotation mark is facing the other direction, no reason that green fades into red in one instance, but blue in another. So while the overall design is balanced, these is still some randomness that keeps your attention.

I also love the linen-like background that gives them texture and even more depth.

michelle williams

more at the electric

asparagus cake

asparagus cake by sweetapolita

I can't even imagine how much time it took to make each individual aparagus stalk. All I know is that the results look amazing. I strongly encourage you to check out how she did it and to see more pictures at Sweetapolita.

 

Oh yeah, it looks delicious from the inside too.