This series by Sara Cwynar make me want to plan a photo shoot of sorts. It must be quite challenging to gather so many different objects to create the mood in each photograph – I think this calls for a trip to the flea market!

all images: Sara Cwynar

Isn’t this peaceful? A beautiful delicate garden hanging from the ceiling of an even more beautiful church? I wish we could all be there right now!

This installation by Swiss artists Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger was created back in 2003 for the 5oth Venice Biennial. I happened to stumble upon it while I was browsing through YellowTrace (killer blog!). The work that goes into this installation is just breathtaking.

If you could have something like this brought to your city, where would you house it? I think I’d have it installed in Stanley Park, in a nice hidden spot that trekkers can find.

images:  Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger

via: YellowTrace

1. Vitamin P2, New Perspectives in Painting | I just got this bad boy and my god, my eyes couldn’t take all the art and beauty trapped in this book. With more than 100 up and coming artists, you’ll be busy deciding which one you like the best.

2. Hot Art, Chasing Thieves and Detectives through the Secret World of Stolen Art | I am half way through this one and I love it, the stories are just something out of a James Bond movie – thieves, conspiracies, evil characters, heroes, yowza! Prepare yourself for an arty adrenaline rush.

3. Let’s Make Some Great Art | This book is so damn cute! Just watch this video and you’ll be sold. Granted, it was made for kids but who cares! Adults can take full advantage of it too. The book includes tons of art exercises to get your creativity rolling – from finger painting to collage and cubism, you’ll get messy and you’ll love it. It’s also a great gift for those poor parents that now have a house full of high-on-sugar kids running around looking for something to do (summer break nightmares?).

4. About Looking by John Berger | This one’s on the heavier side. The books is a compilation of short essays examining “the act of looking at visual culture” – that’s already a mouth full huh? Well, the book will definitely pick your brain and will hopefully make you see things in a different way. Great book to have around if you are into art criticism or want to spark a friendly debate with someone.

5. Pantone, The 20st Century in Color | This is a stunning book loaded with color, color and more color. It includes dozens of Pantone swatches drawn from different works in fashion, design, art and decor. A must-have for any art and design trend-seeker and color lover. A perfect addition to your coffee table so you can get inspired every time you sit down to chillax.

Do you have any other good reads for this summer? Want to share some books with us? Leave them on the comments below.

See you mañana!

A bit ago I did a guest post over at YellowTrace – one of my favorite art and design blogs from Australia (lot’s of yellow happening on their site, which is a mega plus, of course!). On that post I shared a few collages that just blew my mind and today I would like to share them with you (they’re THAT amazing).

All these collages are part of a brilliant series titled Vanitas by Ashkan Hornarvar. The mix of fashion elements, color and texture is just mouth watering. Series like this make me get all tingly and thankful – thankful that some people like Ashkan are so so talented.

Ashkan Hornarvar

YellowTrace

Bada bim – bada bam!

More color. This time featuring the art of Yago Hortal - one of my faaavorite artists out there. His incredibly bright paintings can dissolve all your pains and sorrows. I bet people can even see them from space – ok, maybe a bit too much, but you get the picture.

Hope you enjoy the new hues feature by the way, I’ll be dropping these here and there, so whenever you least expect it – BAM! Color.

Lots of color coming to the blog today!

First off – Brendan Smith and his bold brush strokes. Nothing like a punch of color to get your day started. Along with some coffee. And fresh pastries. There, you’re set for a perfect day!

all images: Brendan Smith

I think I just died and went to heaven.

OH.MA.LWORD.

This is incredible!! Shane McAdams is a genius. I was already a huge fan of his work and had featured a few of his pieces, but this is just way too cool and deserves a feature.

Shane has created a new 2012 collection combining his signature ball point pen strokes with oil and resin. The results: a window to paradise.

Words can’t describe how much I’m liking this. I know, I love art – but once in a while certain pieces just give me the goosebumps  - and this is one of them. Enjoy the rest of his work!

all images: Shane McAdams

via: Alec Shao

]]> http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/shane-mcadams/feed/ 3 http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/signs-of-change-nicole-dextras/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=signs-of-change-nicole-dextras http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/signs-of-change-nicole-dextras/#comments Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:41:36 +0000 http://www.theartfuldesperado.com/?p=5755

Ice typography by Nicole Dextras. Each word was left to melt in an urban setting – so poetic! Do any of you Vancouverites recognize these spots?

all images: Nicole Dextras

Hello friends!!

Welcome to my new super duper home. How you likey? Here, grab a blanky…and oh yes, here, have this cookie..nom nom.

SO EXCITED to have my new artful home. The new home has WAY more space than my previous one. The new Artful Desperado will allow to create more projects and grow the site along with them. No more boxy templates!

The new layout has a gallery-like feeling, doesn’t it? It’ll be the perfect environment to showcase waves of talented artists.

Here’s a little sneak peek of what’s to come:

• Collections: Every other week I’ll present you an art collection..on a budget! Links and stores to purchase them included
• Objects of art: we love how art makes us feel, how it can change our mood in a positive way – I’ll recreate the same feeling with objects for your home
• Colorama: for all those color lovers out there – this one will be for you.

Oh and did I forget to mention I’ll be sharing some quick getaway tips to recharge your creative batteries? Oh yeeah.

Lastly, a project I’ve been working on for the last couple months. ARTFUL CITY WALKS! Yep! It’s coming next week. I will still tweak a few things here and there, but this is pretty much it! My grand art baby is born – and my pelvic bones are fucking sore. Seriously. Can’t imagine what having a real baby feels like.

Alrighty, I won’t bore you with more words. I’ll let your eyes get romanced by all the new content. Get ready to fall in love with art – all over again.

So, hello friends! Welcome to my new home, feel free to stay for as long as you like.

Gab.

source:  amlamster

Hey guys!

How was your weekend? I hope it was fantastic!

Over here we had the 1st weekend with NICE weather and you can only imagine how crazy we all went over that. Patios opened, beaches were packed, beers were foaming, butts were tanning – oh the  joy of sunlight.

Today I am mixing things up a little bit. I am adding a “the week in images” post where I’ll be sharing a few pics from my personal feed. I know it’s not the usual art post, but I wanted to add a little personal touch to the blog. Hopefully it’ll inspire you to discover new places in your area!

Let’s get the camera roll..ing. Oh snap, see how I did that? It must be the sun.

all images (except banner): me!