CBrajkovich Ramblings

Farah Tamachi questions why art seems to migrate between periods of tactile to visual acrobatics that still attempt to replicate the 3d world in which we live and create in. She wanted to create a typographical installation that brought the analog back into design, though trends indicate that it never really went away. One example is business cards that are treated with letter press designing. Another is the ever-popular business giveaway that can be played with. And we can’t forget that our collectibles are the ultimate in tactile interaction. Seems Farah is on to understanding the fact that we humans are as tactile as every other living creature on this planet. Touch is an intimacy that cannot be surpassed. Bravo Farah on a great thesis.

Find out more about Farah’s thought about her thesis at her blog, FooFarah. She’s off to a powerful start. True discovery does indeed ignite a change in us. Now is always the time to live that discovery.

– thanks again, My Modern Met

Blu has once again created another political commentary on the walls of Argentina (La Boca, according to his blog) . This one is the third piece on his disgust with out-of-control industrial capitalism. As Buenos Aires Street Art says, he wants us all to recognize that greed is drowning the people and the environment. I’d say that he’s succeeded with this piece, wouldn’t you?

It’s an election year in the United States, and politicians and Big Money from around the world have a lot to answer for this destruction that they’ve wrought on us all. Of course, we all have a hand in this, but it really is up to the people to bring balance back in government, business, and economics by forcing the greed monster to be caged. And that happens by engaging with changing the world. Now.

– thanks Arrested Motion and Buenos Aires Street Art

I saw this video on Liliwenn‘s site showing the Meeting of Styles that met in Buenos Aires last year. Their theme, “One World, One People”, brought in more than 110 artists from around the globe. Estilo Libre and the Ministry of Environment and Public Space of the City of Buenos Aires held their first Urban Art Festival brought together some amazing talent, who also share their views on how they are participating in a global conversation on how street art and graffiti are speaking about topics that the status quo doesn’t like to address in the open. These artists definitely take their mission seriously, and want to create a venue where people share, care, and make people think and talk. All in all, you can’t find a more important mission than this. It’s good to see that some countries keep an open mind about this new artistic genre that is finally walking into acceptance by others.

– and thanks Arrested Motion for the initial point

Herakut is back in our sights with this new video release from Hallenkunst 2011 in their native Germany. Once again, we get to see this powerful duo at work creating their painted wonders, and even get to hear them describe a little of their work. Unfortunately for yours truly, I don’t speak German so I don’t understand what they’re saying. But just getting to glimpse their masterpieces is enough of a reason to watch this video. – thanks again, Arrested Motion

This is a scene from a new HTML5, scroll-activated digital comic book, Soul Reaper.  The graphics are insanely powerful, but when action is added to them through the use of HTML5 and CSS, then you actually fall into the narrative itself. The first episode is up on their site, and it  looks like it’s really going to be a fun ride through this title. As art and technology combine in more ways each and every day, they take on a new life that probably none of us imagined would become reality so quickly. This type of work will breathe more life into an art form that is already cherished by so many of us comic fans. Innovation really doesn’t stop with imagination, because there is always another person who is dreaming much bigger than the previous person. That’s beautiful!

– from a DesignTaxi post

I saw a tweet between two friends (@GiseleNMendez & @rdopping) that led me to the best infographic to start 2012 off! Have you always wondered if you fit in with the geeks or the nerds? Well, now you can get a pretty simple answer by seeing which side you relate to the most. The Wall Blog gives us the best (and cutest) look at the battling sides (well, the outside battles about it), so that once and for all you can proudly declare, “I am a (fill in the blank)!”

After the movie section, I found my answer (I like both Donnie Darko and Matrix, and relate to Office Space). Of course, if you’re like me, you are a hybrid which I’ll call Gerd (like those annoying Hollywood couples name). I guess a Gerd would have a comb-over mohawk?

My Modern Met has an interview up with newly-graduated illustrator, Corinne Reid, though she is by no means a newcomer to the art world (though she feels she is). Her images are absolutely gorgeous in their subtle styling, though their messages are sometimes much louder. What’s amazing is that her imagery is done digitally, though they have the look of delicate watercolors done by a masterful hand. The above image is called Emerge (based on children’s fable, Magic Paintbrush), and is one of my favorites of hers. It’s actually hard to pick a favorite as all of her images just cause you to gasp and stare. Perhaps it’s the Asian influences that she draws so well? If you want to know more about this illustrator, go to My Modern Met’s site (click the link at the beginning) to read what she has to say. It’s good to hear words from a newcomer as they embark on their path, so that we become enthused ourselves in pursuing our own love of creation.

p.s. The reason why I’m so drawn to this image is that it shows that creativity comes from our imaginations, dreams, and so much more. But once it’s set free, then it takes on a life of its own. That is what drives me to write as much as I do, as well as share the amazing talents that I find. I’m sure that all creators have similar feelings. Our creative circle binds us together, and yet it also protects our creations by allowing them to flourish by sharing them with others. Brilliant, don’t you think?

I just saw some amazing news on Arrested Motion. Another favorite artist of mine (I seriously have many), Nicoletta Ceccoli, has a new exhibit opening at Roq La Rue Gallery in Seattle. The show will run from January 14 to February 4, 2012, so if you’re in the area, definitely give this show a go. Nicoletta is well-known for her whimsical fairytale imagery that is just a bit off, yet still retains an adorable innocence that belies the image’s message. Her art book, Beautiful Nightmares, is a feast for the eyes, and a portable treasure of some of her amazing works (now in the second edition from Venusdea). I couldn’t put it down.

p.s. Do yourself a favor, and check out Barbara Canepa’s international artpop label, Venusdea. There are some amazing artists to be found there (though you might want to brush up on your French).

To end this day of soul searching on a light note, I found this memorable moment from Calvin and Hobbes on this isn’t happiness‘ blog . Seriously, it’s amazing the life lessons that are available in a good comic, isn’t it? Enjoy!