CBrajkovich Ramblings

What can you say when you hear that Tim Burton just finished a new project? “I WANT to see it” is typically the start of the dialogue. There are artists and there are geniuses. You can tell them apart by how their work affects you.

The term genius isn’t some label that these creators are perfect, but that their creation touched your soul. And that’s not so easy to do in a world where perfection has become so mundane. I’m in the camp that doesn’t what to celebrate beauty because it’s beautiful. It should be celebrated because it’s unique and from the heart. Genius takes time, perseverance, and love for your craft. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it if you believe it is.

Frankenweenie is a story about a boy’s love for his dog, Sparky. It was done by Tim years ago and has been remade once again in classic Burton form. More genius from Tim Burton. Who can resist?

– Thanks Wired

This has got to be the most ridiculously amazing full view of the Batcave I’ve ever seen. Les McClain started out with some sketches of Bruce Wayne’s manor, and then continued to grow it until it turned into this masterpiece, Mayhem at the Manor! You need to go check out his site, evil space robot, to see the detailed work because it is a thing of wonder…and the chibi superheroes and villains are just so darn cute! There’s even an adorable love scene in it between the Catwoman and Batman.

We’ve seen comic artists do this time and time again (I love Chris Bachalo’s style), but not in quite such an entertaining manner. A lucky 250 people got this story poster, which sold out in 36 hours, so the rest of us will have to stare at Les’ online version (or beg him to make more). But oh what a joy to behold! I definitely need to keep up with his art. GENIUS!

– Thanks for THIS treasure, DesignTaxi

You can never see too many astronomy videos, and this Vimeo offering by Babek Trafeshi and Christoph Malin of TWAN shows us some amazing scenes that are captured by the astronomers at the European Southern Observatory in the Atacama Desert of Chile. Stupendous colors and magical starry nights like these will never seen by those of us who live near civilization. Find out the details of this video from National Geographic and Vimeo. Incredible footage with some tranquil music leads to an out-of-this-world experience for us all.

This rock poster for Cathedral by Arik Roper is a thing of wonder. We’re all fascinated by the themes of life and death, and this ferryman poster showing at Inside The Rock Poster tells the perfect story for the theme. Go check out Arik’s site to see some more of his incredible illustration work. Boy, can he draw atmosphere!

Our stories of mortality allow us to be just a little comforted by the unknown. But sometimes the story takes on a life of its own as it does in this incredible Vimeo video, Rest, by Sunday Paper. It seems like a fitting match to the amazing poster by Arik.

This beautiful film short, Four, was shared by InkyMind on Vimeo, and it really is so precious. If you’ve ever wanted to see just how the seasons change (or what brings them out), then watch this charming story of Mother Nature’s helper bringing about Spring after a long winter’s nap.

InkyMind is an animation studio based in London and Milan, and is a truly magical partnership that blends story and art into a gem that delights our imaginations.

Check out another my favorites, Paper Plane (that last scene makes the whole story):

Michael Aaron Williams is a street artist who has a different take on street art, though his sentiment falls in line with all street artists I’ve seen. Michael uses cardboard to symbolize the fragility of his subjects, the people who live on the streets. Just as they may be in one location one day and gone the next, Michael makes his art separate from the wall it inhabits to show the same transient quality that street people have. Now, this husband/wife team are working to bring his street art to locations throughout the world with the help of Kickstarter. And though he’s met his goal, there are still 30 more days to support them so that they can spread his work even further (9 countries and counting so far).

Go on a journey with them as they try to tell the story of the street people, who are still part of our society, though they are hidden. If enough people tell their plight, then maybe those in charge will get the message that they’re not just statistical issues to be solved, but living breathing humans who are just as much a victim of their circumstances.

I came across one of my favorite paintings by Herbert J Draper called the Lament for Icarus and just had to share it with you all. Mythology mixed with flight has brought mankind some amazing stories that have been shared since the dawn of our history. The Greek mythology of Icarus tells the story of the boy who attempted to fly, but who lost the gamble when his wings melted from the heat of the sun. Although this image is a tragic one, it’s beauty draws you in, much like the lure of flying does to pilots. No matter what warning is given, man will sometimes be overcome with the experience to the point of no return, whether it is from pride or from over-confidence.

You can’t live without pushing the envelope at some point of your life. Whether it’s worth it is strictly up to you. What are you willing to risk?