Lower Your Eyelids To Die With The Sun

Weird and Wacky Furniture By Straight Line Designs

Straight Line Designs is a one-of-a-kind workshop that has been operating out of Vancouver, British Columbia for the past 25 years. In addition to installations, sculptures and private commissions, designer Judson Beaumont and his staff of eight full-time craftspeople have designed and constructed a variety of wacky cartoon-style furniture and projects for public institutions and children’s exhibitions throughout North America and abroad. Focused on quality and custom design, Judson’s studio stays far away from mass production and is as imaginative as children themselves.

Website: StaightLineDesigns.com

1. Little Black Dresser

2. Beaver Cabinet

3. Burnt Table

50 Images from National Geographic`s

An Indian wrestler smears mud on his head before starting wrestling in Kolkata, India, March 30, 2010. Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in India. (Photo and caption by Sucheta Das)

Stay Cool in California!

R J Shaughnessy is a Los Angeles based editorial and advertising photographer represented by Giant Artists. This work is from his latest series, Stay Cool, shot around Los Angeles.

‘Stay Cool is a collection of an entire summer’s worth of images. The idea behind it was not simply to document subjects or happenings but to document the essence of an experience, to try and capture the feelings of youth and freedom and love and summertime and Los Angeles. I think often times the trap of documentary photography is in the waiting. We wait for our subject matter to provide for us, I know I fell into that trap in much of my shooting over this past decade. With this work I felt like there was an opportunity for me to transcend beyond a level of waiting into a level of stimulation, a level of participation, in creating the experiences or creating the jumping off point for the experiences and then capturing the magic that unfolds. In that respect this book and what it means to me has a lot less to do with photography and a lot more to do with life – initiate unique experiences and pursue the magic that results.’

City of staples

For all of those who are bored in the office and need a little inspiration,  Jersey born artist Peter Root was feeling the same way and decided to create life to an entire little city of staples – an ephemicropolis!  Hard to believe he spent 40 hours building the installation in the lobby of a building, using solely stacks of staples that were split into various sizes.  No word on how long the installation managed to stay unscathed. 100,000 staples later… finally the result!

World’s best father!

Photographer Dave Engledow made this funny and bizarre series of portraits of himself and his little daughter Alice Bee. And no Photoshop was used, I swear — wink, wink.

David received a degree in photojournalism from the University of Texas at Austin, most of his professional life has been dedicated to progressive politics and workers’ rights. The artist is relatively new to the world of digital photography “I was inspired to purchase my first DSLR in 2010, upon learning that my wife was pregnant with our first child. I have shot and edited more images in the past year than I have in the previous 10 years combined. Since the birth of our daughter Alice Bee in December 2010, the majority of my inspiration has stemmed from creatively documenting the first moments of her life in our family”.

Ashes and Snow

Ashes and Snow by Canadian artist Gregory Colbert is an installation of photographic artworks, films, and a novel in letters. The work explores the shared poetic sensibilities of human beings and animals.

Ashes and Snow has traveled to Venice, New York, Santa Monica, Tokyo, and Mexico City. To date, Ashes and Snow has attracted more than 10 million visitors, making it the most attended exhibition by a living artist in history. Each exhibition consists of more than fifty large-scale mixed media photographic artworks and three film installations.

The photographic artworks measure approximately 3.5 by 2.5 meters (11.5 x 8.25 feet). Each one is created using an encaustic process on handmade Japanese paper. The films include one 60-minute full-length 35mm film and two short “haiku” films. None of the photographic or film images have been digitally collaged or superimposed.

Girls, tattoos and attitude!

Matheus Lopes

Manifesto, traditional art, mixed media

Art and design with Tristan Eaton

Amazing 3D Pavement Drawings By Julian Beever

Julian Beever is an English chalk artist who has been creating trompe-l’œil chalk drawings on pavement surfaces since the mid-1990s. He uses a projection technique called anamorphosis to create the illusion of three dimensions when viewed from the correct angle. It is often possible to position a person within the image as if they were interacting with the scene. Source: Wikipedia…[]
Check out the complete Amazing 3D Pavement Drawings By Julian Beever.
For full info on Julian Beever, visit his official website:
JulianBeever.net

Removie: Movie Posters Missing A Letter

A new Tumblr blog called ReMovies is on a mission to create what some might call ‘misleading’ movie posters. The concept is very simple; take away one letter from a famous movie title and design the new cover to match the title. As you will see below, the end results are very interesting. If you wish to participate, feel free to contact the blog owner and suggest new movie titles.

This 12-year-old singer will amaze you with her level of talent

When I was 12-years-old, I think my greatest achievements at the time were along the lines of making some three-point shots in basketball and managing to not get struck out in baseball (I was terrible at baseball if you didn't happen to catch my drift). I know, I know, I set the bar really high for myself back then. But, in all seriousness, the bar for just about anyone was nowhere near the level of the young girl in the above video who will amaze you with her level of talent at such a young age. Go ahead and take a look and listen. 

The incredible 12-year-old singer is one Billie Tweddle with an original song entitled "Headlights". The song was performed for Ont' Sofa, who does a series of music sessions with talented musicians. And there is no question in this blogger's mind that Billie Tweddle is definitely one very talented musician and probably going to be getting a lot of attention in the near future. I'll definitely be watching to see what she does next. If you'd like to go to Billie Tweddle's Twitter page to learn more about her you can click here and for more music from Ont' Sofa click here.

st. petersburg pier competition shortlist

'st. petersburg pier' by BIG architects, st. petersburg, florida
all images © BIG architects
all images courtesy of the st. petersburg design competition

Very sad.

"When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: "If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you'll most certainly be right." It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart." - Steve Jobs

Love Yourself

I love myself and that's all that matters.

Though the way that many of us are designed directs us to live our lives in the hopes of being loved by those who are around us, one huge key to becoming and maintaining a successful life is if we are willing to be, do, and live our lives totally as ourselves, despite what anyone in society thinks.

When we choose to allow low opinions and low amounts of confidence in ourselves to take over our thoughts, then we are unintentionally and slowing destroying ourselves. If we ever want to go as far in life that we may truly go, we have to realize, accept, and act on the principle that we should be confident in who we are, because doing so is the only real way to achieve genuine happiness and success. Love yourself, no matter who else loves you back; continue to love who you really are as a person!

Throw Off Your Worries

Throw off your worries, when you throw off your clothes at night.

An important lesson that we can all easily get out of life is to make sure that we live each day to the best of our ability, not live each day worrying about every difficult challenge that we are continuing to face each day. Instead of sitting and meditating upon thoughts that cause stress in your life before a time like bedtime when it is important to get peaceful sleep, we have to consciously tell our subconscious to think of things that are motivating instead of deflating.

When you find yourself starting to think negatively about a situation that is prominent in your life, or a relationship that you may have with someone, quickly turn the negative thought into a positive thought. Remember that each day is a new day, a new day in which you can make a new beginning, so throw off your worries before you throw off your clothes at night, and make every new day better than the day before.

Tomorrow Is A New Day

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

When a day has passed in life, be done with it. It is important to live in each day as it comes, to the best of our ability, so that even when our mind attempts to wander and re-live the past, we know that there was no more that could be done for we gave everything we could have given in every moment.

Don't worry, just as you have made mistakes in the past, so will you in the future. Being perfect is one trait that no man can ever acquire. Instead of aiming to be perfect, we should instead aim to commit actions everyday that will help to tell the world who we really are. Be grateful and humble for every new day that you are given, and remember that after each day is over physically; it should also be over in your mind as much as it possibly can.

There Is Always Someone Out There To Loves Us

Throughout my life, I have always been afraid of losing the people I love, but then, sometimes I wonder, is there anyone out there afraid of losing me.

One reality that we must all come to accept in life, even in times that we feel completely alone is that there is always someone out there to love us. We will always have the unconditional love of God whether we accept it or not, and there is usually always going to be love in our lives from our peers and families as well, as long as we are willing to accept that just because some may love us in a certain way, maybe a way that leaves us desiring more, but still love us in their own way.

Going through life, thinking about things in this manner, as in doubting if everyone loves you in the same ways that you love them, doesnt do anything but bring negative and destructive forces to your life. When you find yourself wondering about if people really love and care for you like they may imply that they do, remember to just be grateful to have people in your life that even consider loving you, because not everybody does.

Daughter

Dear Blank, Please Blank

Ballerinas take over the Big Apple by Dane Shitagi

Dane Shitagi is a  NYC based photographer. Originally from Honolulu, he followed his instincts to live the photographic life. Taking inspiration from the sights and sounds of “the city” as well as the energy and diverse arts, Dane has formed a unique and heartfelt body of work that is sooo beautiful and personal. Rather than molding his ideas to the studio set, he has taken his creativity and inspiration from the world outside – preferring the rawness and atmosphere that only a living city like the Big Apple can bring. We loved this project of shooting ballerinas from the New York City Ballet all over the city with a delicate and soft vibe combined to the streets, traffic, landscapes, city sights of NYC as a background! Sweet!

What if your house was burning?…

If your house was burning, what would you take with you? It’s a conflict between what’s practical, valuable and sentimental.  That is a tough thing to think about in a few seconds. This could be one of the best interview questions ever, and such a interesting study of character. It’s even more interesting to SEE people’s answers in a photograph!

That´s what The Burning House website has been documenting as it gathers creative, touching and weird submissions from all over the world…

What would your emergency kit look like?

City

30 Things to Start Doing for Yourself

Remember today, for it is the beginning.
Today marks the start of a brave new future.

Our previous article, 30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself, was well received by most of our readers, but several of you suggested that we follow it up with a list of things to start doing.  In one reader’s words, “I would love to see you revisit each of these 30 principles, but instead of presenting us with a ‘to-don’t’ list, present us with a ‘to-do’ list that we all can start working on today, together.”  Some folks, such as readers Danny Head and Satori Agape, actually took it one step further and emailed us their own revised ‘to-do’ versions of the list.
So I sat down last night with our original article and the two reader’s revisions as a guide, and a couple hours later finalized a new list of 30 things; which ended up being, I think, a perfect complement to the original.
Here it is, a positive ‘to-do’ list for the upcoming year – 30 things to start doing for yourself:

1. Start spending time with the right people. – These are the people you enjoy, who love and appreciate you, and who encourage you to improve in healthy and exciting ways.  They are the ones who make you feel more alive, and not only embrace who you are now, but also embrace and embody who you want to be, unconditionally.

30 Things to Stop Doing to Yourself

When you stop chasing the wrong things you give
the right things a chance to catch you.

As Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”  Nothing could be closer to the truth.  But before you can begin this process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back.
Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you.  If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you.  You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot.  Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth.  And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

Steve Jobs

Drowning Beautiful

Sometimes an artist creates something so beautifully simple that it takes your breath away…. literally. (hack line – couldn’t help it) Artist Jason de Caires Taylor creates life-size cement sculptures of people and submerges them into the waters of South America. As time passes the sculptures become part of the underwater landscape and slowly become artificial reefs ripe with marine life. The process of experiencing artwork out of a traditional gallery and underwater is described with intimately vivid detail on his site. Absolutely incredible execution merging art, life and the wild seas into an ever-evolving textured aesthetic that will hopefully stand the test of time. Although, I wouldn’t hold our breath. (Dammit! I did it again) Wow.

Sometimes All You Need Is A Little Inspiration to Keep Rolling

Quit your job
Buy a ticket
Get a tan
Fall in love
Never return!

Just You and Me Zee Avi

When He Finally Leaves from itscindyyall on 8tracks Radio.

Piccs

100 Tips About Life, People, and Happiness

1. True wisdom and insight is always free.

2. Give your power over to no one.
3. Going into the unknown is how you expand what is known.
4. Get a library card.
5. Spend more time around people that both challenge and respect you.

6. Remain skeptical forever.

7. Fight for what matters.
8. There is a method that works. Find it.

9. Join a movement.

10. Drink your coffee black.
11. Never let anyone photoshop a picture of you. It creates a false sense of self-confidence.
12. Read more. Especially things you disagree with.
13. Get used to feeling stupid. It’s a sign of growth.
14. It’s easy for people to talk a good game, so watch how they behave instead.

Wild Ones [Flo Rida Cover] Timeflies

All Things Covered from vintage195 on 8tracks Radio.

Great covers of a variety of songs and artists, such as Lana Del Rey, Arcade Fire, Kid Cudi, Train, and more.

I found all of these songs on YouTube, so you can just click the little YouTube button (shown on the name of the track) and download them from there, as opposed to me emailing you the links. Thanks for liking my playlist and enjoy!

40 Day Dream Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

For your awkward bedroom dancing needs. from basementperson on 8tracks Radio.

 Music that you literally will not be able to stop making awkward muscle twitches to.

We Are Here

The World As I See It

"How strange is the lot of us mortals! Each of us is here for a brief sojourn; for what purpose he knows not, though he sometimes thinks he senses it. But without deeper reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people -- first of all for those upon whose smiles and well-being our own happiness is wholly dependent, and then for the many, unknown to us, to whose destinies we are bound by the ties of sympathy. A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life are based on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am still receiving...
"I have never looked upon ease and happiness as ends in themselves -- this critical basis I call the ideal of a pigsty. The ideals that have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth. Without the sense of kinship with men of like mind, without the occupation with the objective world, the eternally unattainable in the field of art and scientific endeavors, life would have seemed empty to me. The trite objects of human efforts -- possessions, outward success, luxury -- have always seemed to me contemptible.
"My passionate sense of social justice and social responsibility has always contrasted oddly with my pronounced lack of need for direct contact with other human beings and human communities. I am truly a 'lone traveler' and have never belonged to my country, my home, my friends, or even my immediate family, with my whole heart; in the face of all these ties, I have never lost a sense of distance and a need for solitude..."
"My political ideal is democracy. Let every man be respected as an individual and no man idolized. It is an irony of fate that I myself have been the recipient of excessive admiration and reverence from my fellow-beings, through no fault, and no merit, of my own. The cause of this may well be the desire, unattainable for many, to understand the few ideas to which I have with my feeble powers attained through ceaseless struggle. I am quite aware that for any organization to reach its goals, one man must do the thinking and directing and generally bear the responsibility. But the led must not be coerced, they must be able to choose their leader. In my opinion, an autocratic system of coercion soon degenerates; force attracts men of low morality... The really valuable thing in the pageant of human life seems to me not the political state, but the creative, sentient individual, the personality; it alone creates the noble and the sublime, while the herd as such remains dull in thought and dull in feeling. "This topic brings me to that worst outcrop of herd life, the military system, which I abhor... This plague-spot of civilization ought to be abolished with all possible speed. Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism -- how passionately I hate them!
"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed. It was the experience of mystery -- even if mixed with fear -- that engendered religion. A knowledge of the existence of something we cannot penetrate, our perceptions of the profoundest reason and the most radiant beauty, which only in their most primitive forms are accessible to our minds: it is this knowledge and this emotion that constitute true religiosity. In this sense, and only this sense, I am a deeply religious man... I am satisfied with the mystery of life's eternity and with a knowledge, a sense, of the marvelous structure of existence -- as well as the humble attempt to understand even a tiny portion of the Reason that manifests itself in nature."