This article discussing the Department of Defense's plans to "fight the internet" appeared recently on the BBC news site. The actual report referenced is linked from the page. You have to read it. It is remarkable and a little disturbing. After reading it, the only way I found to counteract that kind of bad mojo is read something like this.
Natural psychedelia (that does not require pressing on your eyeballs). Enjoy!
Remember the wonderful Shining remix that took the horror movie and made a trailer for a romantic comedy?
Well, here is the reverse. A romantic comedy made into a horror movie. And it is just as brilliant.
Well, here is the reverse. A romantic comedy made into a horror movie. And it is just as brilliant.
The Roman god Janus (from which we get January) is depicted as a twin with one face looking forward and one looking backward. The name of the month makes sense, of course, as this is the time of year when we both reflect and think ahead.
Metasurface is a fun project and I will definitely continue it this year. Illustration Friday has been a saving grace because I've posted so little. But I want you all to know that my bookmark folder and writing notes are full with plenty of stuff (literally months worth of entries) and I am itching to post it all.
Pretty soon you'll see some simple changes in design and deeper may become a blog of it's own.
If you are still reading Metasurface, let me know what you think and what you'd like to see:
greg@metasurface.net
(click on image for larger version)
(Don't forget: Click on the image for larger version)
Spiffing little adverts from the UK (and Screenhead). Very funny.
Who could forget that great horror movie Attack of the Giant Leeches? Well, now you can download it and watch it on your iPod. Oh, joy.
Actually, there are some good films (and delightfully bad ones as well) at this site. Try Metropolis or Nosferatu or Buster Keaton.
Enjoy!
(don't forget to click on the image for larger version)
This one is very subtle. Let's see if you get it.
Not sure about the narrative in this one but enjoyed it none the less. What is it? I don't know exactly. Watch it and ask yourself: "What did they put in that poor boy's borscht?"
(you know the game: click on the image for larger version)
Take a look at these gingerbread structures. I found it ironic that the project proceeds supported the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.
(click for larger version if you so choose)
Glad that I found time to do I.F. again. I've been so incredibly busy. This is a pencil sketch with digital color. Quick as usual. Maybe at X-mas I will be able to slow down a little and spend some time on my submission. This took about 20 minutes at most.
The work displayed on this site are all delicate little sculptures made from single sheets of paper.
I thought that I would never see
My DNA inside a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is mine
Hidden genes that tow the line;
A tree that looks with my own eyes,
And lifts my leafy arms - SURPRISE!;
The Me-Tree that does like to wear
A gel of nests up in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
But I don't have breasts - Hey, don't complain!.
The DNA of fools like me,
Can now be hidden in a tree.
(Apologies to Joyce Kilmer)
My DNA inside a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is mine
Hidden genes that tow the line;
A tree that looks with my own eyes,
And lifts my leafy arms - SURPRISE!;
The Me-Tree that does like to wear
A gel of nests up in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
But I don't have breasts - Hey, don't complain!.
The DNA of fools like me,
Can now be hidden in a tree.
(Apologies to Joyce Kilmer)
I must admit something rather silly. I stole the book above from my daughters. In part because it is one of the few books by illustrator Mary Blair but it really has more to do with the sentimental value.
The book was originally mine and I wanted to kids to enjoy it as I had. The illustrations are light and colorful and, to me, seem a perfect visual metaphor for my youth. The book, unlike any other I own, is pure comfort and memory - an warm old blanket, if you will.
I was surprised then to find that many people are sharing illustrations that they remember from their childhood. It is an interesting study to see what influenced people and what they remembered or found valuable now. While some of it may be a celebration of all things retro, I think there is more to it. I think it is the sentimentality and the fact that a lot of the work was really pretty good.
My kids don't get "I Can Fly" and want nothing much to do with it (justifying my petty thievery). It will be fun to see what they hold dear. I wonder if it will be the Harry Potter video games, the Arthur DVDs, or, perhaps, Olivia.
My vote goes for Olivia.
Addendum: I love Drazen's Halloween take on Mary Blair.