Tree of Love is a digital illusration (e-card) inspired by the dark art styles of Tim Burton and Gris Grimly–brooding artwork with a positive spin.
The Rape of Europa documentary (from Menemsha Films) is based on the book of the same name by Lynn H. Nicholas. It’s a emotional look at the plundering of art in World War II by mass murderer and rejected artist, Hitler (as explored in the film, Max) and the Nazis, the social effects of the loss, art’s place in culture, and the Monument Men (who protected cultural treasures during the war).
From the film, it was reported that millions (!) of artworks were stolen from historical sites, museums, and countless victims of the Nazis. Some of the classical pieces were from Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. Others included the (Hitler dubbed “Degenerate Artists”) works of Van Gogh and Picasso. Backed by old news reel footage, The Rape of Europa is a compelling story–not just from an art perspective, but a cultural one. Religious artifacts (Torahs, bells, etc.) and the classic art treasures were housed in underground Nazi caves for the intention of being sent to Hitler’s (unbuilt) museum of art. Translating the millions of lives severed from the Holocaust into material objects is an astounding one. The film also touched on the stories of soldiers and their conflicts of saving lives vs. preserving historic monuments. Interviews from residents, victims, and historians recall the role of art for them–it was a source of history, memory, culture, and ultimately, identity.
Fall Leaves illusration is a subtle ecard design for the famous feasting day, Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoy yourselves!
Christophe Szpajdel does very cool logos for “Death Metal” band. There’s a nice gothic quality to his work, reminiscent of the amazing Margo Chase.
Quintessentially San Franciscan–bright, bold, and carefree.
Part of the World Famous Dance Crew photoshoot.
Bucky Paper,, or carbon nanofiber (an achievement of nanotechnology), has been in the works for a few years now. It’s suppose to have the dexterity of regular paper, could be cut with scissors, yet be as strong as steel. Sounds like the Superman of papers, eh? I wonder though–if and when it hits the commercial market–how affordable would it be and would the general public have access to it? The speculation for uses is pretty impressive:
biological applications, replacement of metals for usage in planes, tv’s, and more. Instead of “going green”, we could “go bucky”. (Cheesy, I know) This power paper could perhaps lessen the need for certain natural resources–metal and wood–but of course, I’m no scientist, so hopefully, it’s environmentally sound.
As an artist/designer on the constant lookout for new materials, bucky paper sounds very promising. Besides the noble uses for it, this could open new doors for printing technology–if it is in fact printable. Fast-forward to a world with affordable bucky paper. . . Given that we live in a user-generated society–we could perhaps place personalized artwork on household furnishings–countertops, refrigerators–or even cars and bikes. Perhaps textbooks for schools? Or simply having archival gallery materials.
Taken at the State of Grace Tattoo Show in San Jose, California.