SHERMANATIONS

The Art of Adam Neate

2011-02-27T09:22:00.001-08:00

Trendland has some images of the work of London artist Adam Neate, who creates distinctive 3D style paintings. When he realized the charity shops he was donating his work to was throwing the paintings away, he started leaving them on the streets for people to take; thousands of them. I really like the influence of Francis Bacon.

Demolition of the Paris Metro

2011-02-27T09:17:00.001-08:00

Sleep City has a wonderful journal and photo essay created by some young anonymous men who explore the abandoned and unknown areas of the Paris Metro system. It's dangerous and illegal, but they venture on revealing an underground world with some great photos.

CIA Flickr Set

2011-02-27T09:14:00.000-08:00

Flickr has a set of images of CIA spy equipment. Fun to look at!

The Art of Ai Weiwei at the Tate Modern

2011-02-26T17:56:00.001-08:00

The Guardian has a slideshow of the contemporary installation in the Turbine Hall of the Tate Modern by artist Ai Weiwei. More than 100 million hand painted porcelain sunflower seeds create a thick carpet in the cavernous space. All the seeds were made in Jingdezhen China, and are meant to make a statement about globalization. Make sure to read the various reviews linked in the article.

The Art of Gregory Euclide

2011-02-26T17:49:00.001-08:00

Gregory Euclide is an artist and high school teacher in Minnesota. He creates three dimensional paintings from paper, foams, and plastics, as well as some "invasive species from the midwest". These landscapes are oddly surreal as well as rich with detail and variety. He currently shows at the David B. Smith gallery.

Ecotourism in China

2011-02-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

The Huffington Post has a wonderful photo essay, by journalist Derick Chang, of Jinbo Village in Sichuan province. This small idyllic village grows organic produce, creates beautiful traditional embroidery, and will host ecotourists in their farmhouses and share their ways of living.

Jealous Yet America?

2011-02-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

Talking Points Memo has a slideshow of high speed rail systems throughout the world. The article is intended to shame Americans for being so far behind in this technology, but it's still fascinating to see the continuing development of these systems in other parts of the world. Some cool looking trains!

Lexus Driving Simulator

2011-02-26T17:26:00.001-08:00

Gizmodo has posted a promotional video where Lexus shows off its' new state-of-the-art driving simulator in Higashifuji Japan. The simulator glides around on a football field sized track system, and the fully rotational pod with its' HD imaging system can give researchers and testers the sensation that they are actually driving a car.

The art of Randall Rosenthal

2011-02-26T17:17:00.001-08:00

Odd Mods features some of the work of New York artist Randall Rosenthal who creates these super realistic sculptures of everyday objects. Like the piece above titled "lunch money", each of his works is carved out of a single block of wood, then painstakingly painted; even the box. Take a look at some of his other work.

Above Everything

2011-02-26T17:11:00.000-08:00

Digital artist Alex Roman created this ad for Silestone kitchen manufacturers. The slow motion cascades of produce, the opening of an artichoke, the shattering crystal; it's all so beautiful! Wait a minute, it's not real? All of the imagery used in the ad is computer generated! Watch it again and you still won't believe it.

Be Linen Movie

2011-02-26T17:02:00.000-08:00

This short film by director Benoit Millot is about the French linen industry. It follows from the growth of the flax, to the spinning and weaving, and finally to the garment makers. It's beautifully filmed and shows the love and admiration the French have for the noble fiber.

Black Pearl House

2011-02-26T16:26:00.001-08:00

Weheart has posted images of the exquisite Black Pearl House and Workshop in Rotterdam South. The neglected 100 year old home was redesigned by Studio Rolf and Zecc Architects into something entirely unique. I especially love the way the facade has been altered to accommodate the new split level floor plan.

The Smoking Machine

2011-02-26T16:20:00.000-08:00

Norwegian artist Kristoffer Myskja has created this machine that "smokes" a pack of cigarettes. Although completely useless, the mechanical engineering required to light a cigarette, smoke it, then drop the butt to the ground is ingenious!

The Art of Aurora Robson

2011-02-26T16:14:00.001-08:00

Aurora Robson is a New York artist who uses everyday waste such as discarded plastic bottles and junk mail to make intricate sculptures, installations, and collages. Robson sees herself as an eco-activist and uses her art to address urgent issues poetically.

The Art of Claire Morgan

2011-02-26T16:07:00.001-08:00

Art Pictures features some creative installations by London based artist Claire Morgan. Her painstakingly structured installations seem to float in space, and her choice of materials and motif is surely inspired by traditional still lifes. Only at the beginning of her career, she has already won several prestigious awards for her work.

Counter Space at MOMA

2011-02-26T16:03:00.001-08:00

The Museum of Modern Art has a companion website to their current show "Counter Space: Design + the Modern Kitchen". The website is full of fascinating history, images, and video. Take some time to explore.

Bar Shimuraya by Noi Shegemasa

2011-02-26T15:55:00.000-08:00

Muuuz has images of a bar in Osaka Japan designed by Noi Shegemasa. The Bar Shimuraya is a tiny minimalist space "dressed" in tangles pieces of natural wood, then lit perfectly. Absolutely stunning work!

Wish You Were a Supermodel?

2011-02-26T15:45:00.000-08:00

This video of supermodel Kate Moss trying to leave LAX airport is truly shocking. The paparazzi descended upon her and her child and were terrifyingly relentless; even as Moss was escorted to her car by airport police. No one who wished to be famous deserves this. The video was a key piece of evidence that helped pass a California law banning such aggressive photography.

Hitting Rough Seas

2011-02-26T15:39:00.000-08:00

The CCTV camera of the Pacific Sun cruise ship, meant to keep the bartender from stealing, captured some amazing video of the ship hitting some very rough seas. Chairs, tables, and people all begin sliding around with each wave. It looks scary and fun at the same time.

Out of The Strong

2011-02-26T15:35:00.000-08:00

McChesney Architects has just completed their "intervention" in the atrium of the Angel Building in London. The title and form of the piece are both references to tinned treacle. It's an interesting sculpture/bench in an otherwise austere space.

Yunak Evleri Hotel

2011-02-26T15:27:00.001-08:00

Inhabitat has a slideshow of Turkey's most incredible five star hotel. The Yunak Evleri Hotel is made from five converted 6th century cave dwellings, and a 19th century Greek mansion. Guests stay in ancient caves appointed with 18th century Ottoman antiques and all the modern conveniences. It's very expensive, but I'd like to stay there someday.

The Wood and Ceramic Furniture of Yoncho Cao and Kesem Yahav

2011-02-26T15:21:00.000-08:00

Reflexdeco has a few images of some lovely furnishings made by cabinet maker Yoncho Cao and ceramicist Kesem Yahav; both based in Amsterdam. They've designed some beautiful contemporary peices.

Inside the San Francisco U.S. Mint

2011-02-26T15:14:00.001-08:00

Haighteration, a blog about the Lower Haight district of San Francisco, was granted access to the U.S. Mint building which is usually closed to the public. It's a wonderful article with some nice images of the interior. No photos of the minting equipment though.

SFMTA Replacing Muni Tracks

2011-02-26T14:53:00.000-08:00

Ken Murphy set up a time-lapse camera in the window of his Church and 30th Streets apartment, and captured workers of the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority replacing tracks for MUNI commuter trains. He's condensed three and a half days of work into about twelve fascinating minutes. It's really worth watching all the way through. I've watched it twice.

Stairway to Heaven

2011-02-26T14:41:00.001-08:00

i09 has this amazing video of an engineer with a helmet mounted camera free climbing a radio tower that's over 1,700 feet tall. It's scary, but fascinating to watch. (not for those with acrophobia!)

1950's Housewife takes LSD

2011-02-26T14:22:00.000-08:00

After reading Aldous Huxley's mescaline inspired book 'The Doors of Perception', researcher Dr. Sidney Cohen began testing LSD as a potential mental health treatment. This woman was one of the many volunteers he dosed at the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Los Angeles. I especially like that she's interviewed in a "normal" state, then filmed as she tries to describe her experience. Weirdly charming in a way.

My Little Piece of Privacy

2011-02-26T14:13:00.000-08:00

Niklas Roy's office window looks out onto a busy sidewalk. He wanted privacy but didn't want to lose his window view. With a surveillance camera, an old laptop, and some servo motors he created a "smart" curtain that detects passersby, and moves the small curtain panel to block their view into the office. Because it's so quirky, it actually attracts MORE attention to his office window. It's pretty cute.

Woman Destroys Her Mercedes

2011-02-26T14:06:00.000-08:00

While watching this, one has to wonder "what is this woman thinking?" After rear ending another car, she tries to make her getaway, only to become snagged by the bollard she's run over. She keeps trying though, and causes a lot of damage. Ineptitude is funny!

Faile Temple

2010-08-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

Stick 2 Target has an intriguing article on the creation of the Faile Temple in a public square in Lisbon Portugal. This beautifully made and incredibly bizarre structure, created by the street art collective Faile, is absolutely dripping with surreal imagery and cultural messages. I'd love to see it in person!

The V-8 Hotel

2010-08-28T12:09:00.001-07:00

Auto Motto has an article on the V-8 Hotel in the Meilenwerk Stuttgart in Germany. This luxurious hotel features 34 rooms, each of which is decorated with a different theme related to cars and travel. Filled with furnishings made of cars and parts, this unique hotel offers a whimsical stay for auto enthusiasts.

Sistine Chapel VR

2010-08-28T12:05:00.001-07:00

Want to visit the Sistine Chapel, but can't get to Italy? This online VR 360 degree photograph allows to to pan in all directions and zoom-in to the minutest details. It's a view you could never see in person.

The Art of David Leventi

2010-08-28T11:59:00.001-07:00

David Leventi is a photographer who has traveled the world to capture stunning images of famous opera houses in an effort to historically document these cultural landmarks. He has photographed each house systematically from the spot at center stage to reveal the view of the performers.

Tangga House by Guz Architects

2010-08-28T11:54:00.001-07:00

Trends Now has images of the Tangga House in Singapore. Created by Guz Architects this stunning home is open to the elements, and features an amazing pool that can be seen into from the outer glass walls and from the lounge of the lower level.

The Art of Charles Ray and Robert Therrien

2010-08-28T11:49:00.001-07:00

Phase 1-0 assisted artists Charles Ray and Robert Therrien in creating these absolutely fabulous giant versions of everyday objects. They are currently showing in several US galleries and I expect we'll see more of their work in the future.

Look Listen Feel

2010-08-28T11:42:00.000-07:00

This is a lovely music video for the song "Look Listen Feel" by the Maple Mountain Sunburst Triolian Orchestra. The text was written by Laura Archera Huxley, widow of Aldous Huxley, and the elegant narration is by Isabella Rossellini.

Vertical Axis Wind Turbine

2010-08-28T11:37:00.001-07:00

Wind Power Ltd. is a UK company that has designed a completely new wind turbine called the Aerogenerator X. The 885-foot-wide structures will be placed offshore and can generate twice the power of previous turbine designs.

A New Transportation Icon for Great Britain

2010-08-28T11:29:00.001-07:00

Priestman Goode is a design firm which aims to uphold the legacies of Rolls Royce and the Concorde with its' stunning design for the new double-decker Mercury train. Featuring one of the most extreme extended noses in the world, and light-filled luxurious interiors, this high speed train design hopes to champion British design and engineering.

The Art of Suren Manvelyan

2010-08-28T11:24:00.001-07:00

Suren Manvelyan is an Armenian photographer who, aside from being a wonderful photojournalist, takes some amazing macro photographs. His images of human eyes are absolutely amazing, and reveal textures and folds that you never knew existed!

The Art of Karen LaMonte

2010-08-28T11:15:00.001-07:00

If It's Hip It's Here has an article about the cast gowns of glass artist Karen LaMonte. She studied at the Rhode Island School of Design, and received a Fullbright Fellowship to study and work in the Czech Republic. Though cast from a seemingly cold material, LaMonte is able to convey the light and diaphanous quality of draped fabric and the subtle beauty of the female form.

The (relentlessly cheerful) Art of James Hance

2010-08-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

James Hance is a Muppet and Star Wars fan, and a talented painter. His self proclaimed "Relentlessly Cheerful Art" mixes pop cultural references, classic paintings, and wit which results in images that are sure to make you giggle.

Turkish Ice Cream Seller

2010-08-28T11:05:00.000-07:00

This is a funny video of some poor Japanese tourist trying to buy an ice cream cone in Istanbul. The seller is quite the juggler.

The Art of Alvaro Sanchez-Montanes

2010-08-28T10:57:00.001-07:00

Alvaro Sanchez-Montanes is a Spanish photographer who has tried to document the ghost towns around the abandoned diamond mines of Namibia. The images of the Namib desert encroaching on disused spaces are eerily post-apocalyptic.

Lagoa Multiphysics Engine

2010-08-28T10:48:00.000-07:00

This video is a demonstration of the new Lagoa Multiphysics rendering engine. The computer generated effects of dirt, particles, water, fabric, etc. are jaw dropping and will lead to new computer model studies of erosion etc. I'm sure we can expect some new movie special effects too.

Was our universe born inside a black hole?

2010-08-28T10:40:00.001-07:00

io9 has a fascinating article about a new theory by Nikodem Poplawski of Indiana University, who's latest paper attempts to explain the conflict between the expansion of the universe and Einstein's general relativity theory. A very interesting read.

House in Amsterdam by i29

2010-07-10T10:35:00.001-07:00

Mocoloco has pictures of a private house in Amsterdam designed by the firm i29. Though all the laser cut wackiness is interesting, it's really the subtle use of materials and the exquisite finish details that make this home so gorgeous. The cutting edge design does not detract for the serenity of the place.

Booze Under a Microscope

2010-07-10T10:31:00.001-07:00

Geekologie features these images created by Lester Hutt, who places drops of alcoholic beverages onto slides, lets them dry out until the carbohydrates crystalize into sugars, then photographs them under a microscope. The image above is pina colada.

Apple Store, Opéra

2010-07-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

The French Apple site has images of Apple's new store in Paris, and it's their most gorgeous store ever! Foregoing their usual metal and glass interiors, they kept the original bank's interior, which creates a stunning backdrop for their minimalist fixtures. When you get to the site, click the "Plus de photos" button.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-cell Gullwing

2010-07-10T10:18:00.001-07:00

Not Cot has images of the new Mercedes-Benz prototype. The SLS AMG E-cell is an all-electric sports car featuring their classic gull-wing doors. It's slated to be available in 2013.

Cardon Copy

2010-07-10T10:10:00.001-07:00

Artist Cardon Webb is doing some very interesting work. He finds handmade flyers and signs, that people have posted on telephone poles etc., redesigns them, then posts them in their original locations. Surely the new versions gain more attention; I wonder if they improve the results?

Marina Skypark by Moshe Safdie

2010-07-10T10:05:00.000-07:00

Design Boom has an article about architect Moshe Safdie's skypark that just opened at the Marina Bay Sands hotel in Singapore. It's an amazing structure that spans the roofs of three towers, and features an "edgeless" pool that allows guests to swim high above the skyline. Zowie!

Catalog Living

2010-07-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

Catalog Living is an amusing site where people take the overly staged images from catalogs, and write a caption for it commenting on the lives of the people who supposedly live there. For example: the caption for the above image is "Elaine wasn't about to let some hot flashes get in the way of balancing the checkbook with the abacus.

Have You Seen This Newspaper?

2010-07-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

Slash Film has an interesting collection of images from many movies and television shows featuring the same newspaper prop. It's interesting that there is a single royalty free prop that is used whenever a newspaper is needed for a scene. What's more interesting is that someone figured this out and searched for examples!

Speaking of Pencil Art

2010-07-10T09:48:00.000-07:00

Crooked Brains has a short blurb on a Brazilian-born artist named Dalton, who spends vast amounts of time carving the lead in pencils into tiny works of art. He may be insane, but the pencil he carved a chain out of the middle is absolutely remarkable!

The Art of Paul Lung

2010-07-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Environmental Graffiti has posted some of the incredible animal drawings of artist Paul Lung. Yes! These are pencil drawings not photographs! Truly amazing skill. If you follow the link to Lung's image collection, you will also see lots of drawings of cats, and lots of portraits of people (which aren't as interesting).

1930's Matches

2010-07-10T09:33:00.001-07:00

Entronica has images of someone's flea market find; a collection of lovely matchbooks from the 1930's. The clever details are just wonderful. All promoting nightclubs or product brands.

Wonder What a Solar Flare Sounds Like?

2010-07-10T09:23:00.000-07:00

Professor Robertus von Fay-Siebenburgen, of Sheffield University, has converted the magnetic loops, that vibrate on our sun, into sound waves. Click play to hear what a solar flare sounds like.

Cookie Monster VS Coffee Maker

2010-06-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

This is some very early Muppetry; Cookie Monster even has teeth and nails! This typically absurd little skit should make you laugh.

Physalia

2010-05-31T12:07:00.000-07:00

Physalia is a concept created by Vincent Callebaut Architectures. This floating garden produces more energy than it uses and is designed to clean the waterways on which it sails. The vision is that rivers all over Europe could have these whale shaped vessels cleaning their polluted waters making it drinkable. Fascinating!

The Art of Alexandre Farto

2010-05-31T12:01:00.000-07:00

Trends Now features the work of young Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto. His series "Walls - Scratching the Surface" is a collection of murals created by hammering and carving into the layers of various walls using the language of stencil artists. I especially love the way he leaves the chipped remains at the foot of the piece.

Nuit Blanche

2010-05-31T11:54:00.000-07:00

This film explores a fleeting moment between two strangers, and it's a true work of art! The incredible super slow motion filming, amazing special effects, and the overall style and design make this exquisite short a must see!

The End

2010-05-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Another wonderful animated short about a scarecrow who is tried for treason because he makes friends with a magpie. Strange and creepy yet ultimately touching. I love happy endings!

The Lady and The Reaper

2010-05-31T11:44:00.000-07:00

This short movie by Javeir Recio Gracia is just wonderful! An old woman dies and her doctor and the Grim Reaper battle for her soul. It's quite silly and wonderfully animated.

K.D. Lang sings Hallelujah

2010-05-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

I love K.D. Lang, and I love Leonard Cohen. This performance from the 2005 Juno Awards in Winnipeg is a tour de force!

Rotating Kitchen

2010-05-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

This somewhat interesting art piece, created by Zeger Reyers, was first put into motion during the opening of an exhibition called "Eating the Universe" held at the Kunsthalle Düsseldorf, Germany. It's fun to watch for a few minutes.

German Loft by GRAFT

2010-05-31T11:27:00.001-07:00

If It's Hip It's Here has posted images of a modern loft created by GRAFT for a client in Hamburg Germany. The centralized kitchen module defines the spacial arrangement for the rest of the large loft. I find the interesting use of geometry and materials to be quite stunning.

La Corde á Linge

2010-05-31T11:18:00.000-07:00

Pixiome has some images of a new cafe in France named La Corde á Linge; or The Clothesline. Interior and graphic designers worked in tandem to create this charming "wash day" themed brasserie. I love how its' overall simplicity is enriched by lovely details throughout.

Wilkinson Residence

2010-05-31T11:13:00.001-07:00

Green Diary has images of the Wilkinson Residence; an amazing sort of tree house in Portland Oregon. The spacial organization flows like music and is built with the finest craftsmanship. A startling yet completely livable home.

The Art of Matthew Albanese

2010-05-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

Artist Matthew Albanese has a series of work called "Strange Worlds". His small scaled and incredibly detailed models are made from everyday items, such as the chocolate and paprika Mars landscape shown above. He uses forced perspectives and other photographic techniques to create a sense of vastness though the models are only a couple of feet deep. His work is worth the look.

LittleDog Robot

2010-05-31T10:57:00.000-07:00

I've posted about Boston Dynamics BIGDOG robot, and now the University of Southern California has been perfecting the smaller version called LittleDog. This robot is truly amazing; and scary! With autonomous navigation and sensory systems, this little guy can traverse a variety of unexpected terrains with ease. Though I'm awed by the advancements in robotic technology, I'm also a bit concerned that they'll be coming after us soon!

Aircruise Hydrogen Airship Concept

2010-05-31T10:31:00.001-07:00

The Design Blog has images from the London-based design company Seymourpowell's new concept in air travel. Their "Clipper in the Clouds" is a cross between a ship and a floating hotel which can move passengers in total luxury, while leaving no carbon footprint.

The Art of Phillip Toledano

2010-05-31T10:23:00.000-07:00

Artist Phillip Toledano has created a portrait series of people who have undergone "extreme" plastic surgery. On his website he asks "Is beauty informed by contemporary culture? By history? Or is it defined by the surgeon's hand?" Toledano's images transform what might be seen as "freakish", into gorgeous portraits; reminds me a bit of JP Witkin.

The Story of Stuff

2010-05-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's an ecological lesson for us all. Annie Leonard takes us on a journey that examines the global impacts of the "stuff" we consume; from extraction through sale, use and disposal, and the cultural morays that cause us to consume in the first place. A very well made educational video that should be watched by everyone.

The Known Universe

2010-05-31T10:10:00.000-07:00

This video was created by the American Museum of Natural History and is based on the most complete four-dimensional map of the universe. Every star, planet, and quasar is derived from astronomical data collected to date. Get ready to feel insignificant!

Hail Storm in Oklahoma City

2010-05-31T10:06:00.000-07:00

My husband often tells me that Californians don't really know what storms are. This video would support that statement. A family videotapes a May 2010 Oklahoma storm in which golf ball sized hail stones turn their pool into a roiling hell! Amazing and frightening at the same time.

Rotary Phone Sheep

2010-05-31T10:00:00.001-07:00

Inhabitat has images of the amazing sheep created by artist Jean Luc Cornec as displayed at the Museum of Communications in Frankfurt. Each member of the large flock is made from old rotary phone parts. The deft posing of each sheep makes them seem all the more naturalistic. Lovely work!

A Tool to Deceive and Slaughter

2010-05-31T09:52:00.000-07:00

A Tool to Deceive and Slaughter is the amazing creation of artist Caleb Larsen. This simple acrylic box has a single port to connect it to the internet, at which point the box lists itself for sale on Ebay. Purchasers must agree to connect the piece to the internet, and when it sells again, they must give it up. The price, of course, continues to rise, and the artist gets a small percentage from each sale. Absolutely brilliant!

Most Beautiful Mushrooms

2010-05-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

Fizzy Energy has some lovely pictures of mushrooms. Unfortunately, they don't provide any names or information on each species, but still they're amazing to look at. I doubt any of them are edible.

Subway Architecture

2010-05-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

Design Boom has a wonderful collection of images from subway systems around the world. Subways play such an important role in cities, and convey the cultural aesthetics of their built environments. Shown above is the Tunnelbana of Stockholm.

Otamatone

2009-11-21T11:11:00.000-08:00

Japanese toy company CUBE Works and a collaborative group that specializes in nonsense machines, have invented an instrument that looks like a musical note with a face. The electronic instrument is played by choosing notes along the stem, much like a guitar, then giving the note voice and color my manipulating the mouth. If this comes to the US, I want one!

Pigeon: Impossible

2009-11-21T11:08:00.000-08:00

This is a delightful animated short by Martell Animation. What do you do when a pigeon gets trapped inside your multi-million dollar, government-issued nuclear briefcase? Watch and see.

The art of Ninja182

2009-11-21T11:04:00.001-08:00

Format Mag has images of the amazing graffiti art of an artist known as Ninja182. These large graphics are actually perspective illusions that can only be seen whole from one vantage point. They are perfectly executed and I like the DJ themes.

Solar Panel Roof Tiles

2009-11-21T10:54:00.001-08:00

Trends Now has photos of a proposal by the American Energy Society. The idea is to produce solar panels in the shapes of roof tiles, which not only provides a more aesthetically pleasing installation, but also increases the surface area thereby capturing more energy. The blue color works well with Mediterranean style homes, which in Las Vegas, could mean all homes might be powered this way.

My Favorite 12 Inch Records Exhibition in Gunma

2009-11-21T10:47:00.001-08:00

Design Related has some images of an exhibition created by Maniackers Design, in Gunma Japan. Not very interesting in itself, but I'm posting it because it reminds me of my teenage bedroom, where I had my record collection displayed the same way; some of you will remember.

One Man's Trash

2009-11-21T10:43:00.001-08:00

The New York Times has a wonderful article about builder Dan Phillips who builds low income homes using 80 percent salvaged materials; the ceiling you see above is made of old framing shop samples. Phillips is an amazing artist and person. I would love to work with him!

Eye Candy

2009-11-21T10:38:00.001-08:00

Here's another web toy that is a virtual kaleidoscope. The constantly moving and pulsating visuals can be modified by adjusting the sliders at the top left of the screen.

Sacramento State Jazz Singers

2009-11-21T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here are the Sacramento State Jazz Singers performing "Selfless, Cold, and Composed" by contemporary songwriter Ben Folds. It's a wonderful a cappella arrangement of the song.

Production of "Siegfried"

2009-11-21T10:29:00.000-08:00

This is a sample video of a production of "Siegfried", presented at the Ciudad de las Diencias y Artes in Valencia Spain. The production utilizes 14 simultaneously synced projectors to create stunning effects. I'm sure it was a mind blowing show!

The art of Al Farrow

2009-11-21T10:24:00.001-08:00

Al Farrow is a Bay Area artist who has been sculpting for 40 years. His "Reliquaries" are small architectural models and worship objects made from weapons and ammunition. They are eerily beautiful.

Incredibox!

2009-11-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

Incredibox is a silly, but fun, little web toy created by a French designer. You simply drag icons, representing different instruments, voices, etc, to the "singers" and they perform your composition. "Bonus" fills can be used to create bridges in you tune. Lots of fun!

Victoria and Albert Museum Searchable Database

2009-11-21T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Victoria and Albert Museum has put the details of one million objects online for your research and viewing pleasure. Relevant information is given with each object including whether it is currently on display, and where in the museum it can be found.

Simon's Cat: Hot Spot

2009-11-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

Another delightful short animation featuring the irrepressible, and true to life, behavior of Simon's cat.

The Cat Piano

2009-11-21T10:02:00.001-08:00

This is a great short animated film by The People's Republic of Animation. It's narrated by Nick Cave. Worth watching!

Nonsensical Info-graphics

2009-11-21T09:57:00.000-08:00

Artist Chad Hagen has created a lovely set of info-graphics that convey no information whatsoever. They look as though they should, but the carefully designed arrangements of graphs, etc. actually have no meaning.

Contemporary Art at Chateau de Versailles

2009-11-21T09:53:00.001-08:00

Otto has some interesting images of the work of artist Xavier Veilhan that has been on display at Versailles France. The opulent palace makes for an interesting background to the angular and modern designs of Veilhan. I really like the horse drawn carriage.

This is Not a Room

2009-11-21T09:47:00.000-08:00

Japanese artist Tatzu Nishi constructs temporary environments in the most unusual places. The structure you see above, contains a space one can visit, which itself is a strange juxtaposition of architectural understanding. The finial of the spire, intersects the room and becomes a coffee table sculpture. Really interesting!

Pop-up Calendar

2009-11-21T09:42:00.001-08:00

Artist Johann Volkmer has applied architectural and info-graphic methods to create a wild pop-up calendar. Each month is a separate folder, that when opened, reveals a unique, though sometimes incomprehensible, arrangement of weeks and days.

It's a Fridge!

2009-11-21T09:36:00.001-08:00

Gro Design and Samsung have designed this beautiful concept refrigerator they call the Bi-axis. Becoming more a piece of furniture, than an appliance, the fridge can be configured in a standard vertical format, or arranged sideways like a sideboard. A well needed update to the usual clunky form factor.

Arne Quinze for the new L'Eclaireur in Paris

2009-11-21T09:32:00.001-08:00

Yatzer has images of a new store in Paris that is all the rage because of its' store design. Artist Arne Quinze created this original environment using wood and cardboard scraps, and lots of silver spray paint. I'm not sure what to think...

Heavens Above Fireworks

2009-11-21T09:27:00.001-08:00

Heavens Above Fireworks wants you to go out with a bang! The unique company makes custom fireworks, which include the cremated remains of a loved one, then they put on a spectacular show as a memorial. They see it as a fitting and happier way to say goodbye. I agree.

Primordial Soup with Julia Child

2009-11-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Want the recipe for making the building blocks of life? Julia Child made this video in 1976 for the Smithsonian National Air and space Museum, in which she explains how basic elements can produce amino acids.