The Rayograph

February 22, 2012

This Is Art, Naturally

Recently, artist Sonja Hinrichsen had the clever – although not unprecedented – idea of creating a massive work of art using the snowy slopes of Colorado’s Rabbit Ears Pass as her canvas. To create this piece, the artist and five volunteers hopped about in the snow, leaving behind some really lovely patterns. As with any nature-based project such as this, part of what makes it special is its temporary nature. Soon newly-fallen powder and the footprints of hungry critters will have altered this beautiful natural landscape again, and there will be a fresh work of art to enjoy – while it lasts.

Via Colossal.

1 comment | tags: Art, Nature, Pattern, Performance Art, Photography | posted in Uncategorized

February 20, 2012

Monumental Undertakings of Photography, Design, and History

By Megan Ramirez

Well, here are some things you don’t see everyday – unless, I suppose, you live in the Balkans.

Back in 2010, Antwerp-based photographer Jan Kempenaers set out across the Balkans, intending to capture a number of more-or-less abandoned monuments. Former Yugoslavian prime minister and president Josip Broz Tito commissioned these monuments back in the 1960s and 1970s, and today each structure stands on the site of a World War II battle or former concentration camp. While these sites were popular attractions into the 1980s, their import has lessened since the breakup of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Their designs are so varied, yet – to me, anyway – so many of these monuments invoke ideas of physical violence, of peoples and nations torn apart by conflict. There is also a touch of the futuristic, I think – perhaps meant to suggest a unique and promising future. It would be interesting to discuss the ways in which these monuments’ perceived meanings have changed with the passage of time.

Via Feature Shoot.

Leave a comment | tags: Architecture, Art, Design, History, Photography, Sculpture | posted in Uncategorized

February 20, 2012

Illustrating the Natural and Imagined Alike

By Megan Ramirez

Illustrator Martina Merlini lives and works in Milan, Italy, fashioning works inspired by nature and imagination alike. Take a look at some of her work here.

Via Escape Into Life.

Leave a comment | tags: Art, Color, Drawing, Geometry, Illustration, Italy | posted in Uncategorized

February 17, 2012

Setting the Stage

By Megan Ramirez

Brice Bischoff is a LA-based photographer who recently created this interesting series set in and around the Bronson Caves. Said caves are famous, having served as the backdrop to many a Hollywood Western and Science Fiction flick. Here, the artist makes these natural features into stages once again. This time, the performance consists of the photographer himself waving about large, colorful sheets of paper, his camera set to long exposure to capture more motion, less material.

About this project, the artist said:
“If a visitor to the caves were to accidently stumble upon my performance they would only see a mass of crumbled colored paper draped awkwardly over a man moving/dancing to a camera positioned on a tripod. The goal of these performances was to create sculptural, photographic objects that interacted with the history and architecture of the caves.”

Via Triangulation.

Leave a comment | tags: Art, Color, Light, Nature, Photography | posted in Uncategorized

February 17, 2012

Exploring New Terrain Through Art

By Megan Ramirez

Artist Russell Leng hails from Vancouver and holds a BA in Art from Trinity Western University. Currently, however, he is living in Edinburgh, where he is attending Edinburgh College of Art in pursuit of an MFA. The young, up-and-coming artist already has some great works. Take for example his series “New Nature Systems,” from which these selections were chosen. Employing a mixture of sharp lines and muted colors, the artist explores, as he says, the relationship between constructed and natural terrains.

Via Bumbumbum.

Leave a comment | tags: Art, Drawing, Geometry, Illustration, Painting | posted in Uncategorized

February 16, 2012

Magnificent Landscapes in Black and White

By Megan Ramirez

Self-described “wandering nature artist” Scott Mansfield is a talented landscape photographer based out of California. In order to capture some of his shots, he spends weeks at a time exploring some of America’s wilderness, searching for locations both new and familiar, as well as unique vantage points. As Ursula K. Le Guin once wrote, “It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” I am sure that this is the case for this wanderer, too – but the end, meaning these landscape photographs, are pretty darn worth it all as well.

Via Feature Shoot.

6 comments | tags: California, Nature, Photography | posted in Uncategorized

February 16, 2012

Artful Combinations of Color, Pattern, Natural Elements

By Megan Ramirez

As is probably well known by now, I love art that incorporates bold colors and geometric patterns. So it should come as no surprise that I really like the art of Masako Miki, a Japanese artist based in California. There is also a bit of the natural world in these creations, meaning there is even more for me to like. Take a look – I hope you like them too!

Via Escape Into Life.

Leave a comment | tags: Art, Color, Geometry, Japan, Painting, Pattern | posted in Uncategorized

February 15, 2012

Macro Lens Marvels

By Megan Ramirez

Sharon Johnstone studied at the University of Creative Arts, completing her degree in 1993. Although originally specializing in printmaking, her focus has since shifted to photography. The Birmingham, England-based artist’s macro nature photography is particularly lovely – take a look at these examples, all featuring dew droplets, flowers, and spider webs.

Says the artist about her work:
“With macro photography I escape to another little world. I love exploring the tiny details in nature that often get overlooked. I love finding beautiful colors and abstract compositions within nature. I think I am at my happiest when I am crawling around on my hands and knees exploring a small patch of moss dripping with sparkling dew in the early morning sun.”

Via Feature Shoot.

3 comments | tags: Color, Light, Nature, Photography | posted in Uncategorized

February 15, 2012

Slick Cities

By Megan Ramirez

Born in Poland but based in Brooklyn, artist Alexandra Pacula creates large-scale oil paintings exploring the dynamic energy and bold colors of city life. Using as her inspiration photographs taken by disposable camera, she paints scenes in a style that draws from photorealism, expressionism, and impressionism alike.

Via Colossal.

1 comment | tags: Art, Color, Light, New York City, Painting, Poland | posted in Uncategorized

February 13, 2012

Yes, Ink Does Love Paper

By Megan Ramirez

Art director, visual artist, and haver-of-pink-hair Hara Katsiki – aka Inklovespaper – creates some fabulously intricate illustrations exploring, as she says, the realms of the subconscious. By means of metallic ink on paper, the Greek artist takes us into a world of her creation, a realm populated by fantastic figures and decorated with ornamental motifs. Take a close-up look – these really are incredibly detailed.