1950-60s America

Vivian Maier was a French immigrant who became an American nanny.  Her photos of 1950-60s America are stunning, not least for their honesty.  I highly recommend taking a look through the blog-gallery of her work.

Do they "wow" you?

McDonalds Advert

Taking a headache tablet before going to bed is a strategy that could reduce the hangover that generally follows a night of drinking. This advert suggests that eating a McDonalds' burger could have a similar effect.  Because a Big Mac is "more than just a burger".  I think it's a beautiful image (and therefore very clever). 

Does it "wow" you?

Source

Artist Jack Featherstone

These paintings by Jack Featherstone were painted on pieces of bark.  The photos look like puddled paintings on the wall, but I suspect seeing the paintings themselves is very different.  Either way, the painted worlds look like they live within the shapes of the bark.  Why do most artists paint within straight lines?

Do the paintings wow you?


Photos

Mighty Strange Bread

I thought this was a 3D image, but turns out it's a sculpture ...in bread!  I love the concept of the bread attacking the knife.  What do you think? Does it "wow" you?


More here Picture

Some peoples' feet smell of cheese...

At the same time I discovered the "glove shoes", I also bumped into these.  What would you think if you noticed someone wearing them?  Do they "wow" you?


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The British Library

The British Library, London has so many architectural "wow"s that I was spoilt for choice.  Here are a few:

But I highly recommend looking yourself if you get the opportunity.  The British Library is open from 09.30-18.00 on Mon, Wed, Thurs & Friday, until 20.00 on Tuesdays, 09.30-17.00 on Saturdays and 11.00-17.00 on Sundays and public holidays.

And then it also contains "wow"s such as this:

Which "wow" you?


Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Photo 7

Desert Chair

I'm not sure that artist Nadia Utto's Desert For One from her Eco-Chairs collection is one that you'd want to lean back and relax in, but, each taking a month to sculpt, they're made to be (otherwise) practical and to last.  The cacti and plants are real, with a drain to prevent build-up of water.  And the right arm features a cocktail holder!

Did she capture your view of a desert oasis?

Melted Staircase

This "melted staircase" in the Longchamp Store, NYC, USA is mindboggling.  Not least how it could be constructed for use without becoming a major health&safety problem.  If it wasn't for the railings you'd think it was a painting.

What do you think? Would you walk up it? Does it "wow" you?

Ice Hotel, Sweden

Ever fancied sleeping at -5˚ on a bed made of blocks of ice and reindeer skin? If you have you're in luck. The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden was the first and is the largest of its kind. Constructed of 10,000 tonnes of ice and 30,000 tonnes of snow, each year the hotel melts down to a "mere" 1,000 tonnes and has to be rebuilt. And each time it is built to a different theme.

Even the glasses in the bar are made of ice.

Does it "wow" you?


Photo 1 Photo 2

Scattered Light

This art installation by Jim Campbell is hanging in Madison Square Park, New York until February.  I was staring at it, trying to work out why it "wow"s me, and then it struck me: looking into that photo I feel like I'm standing surrounded by stars - able to reach out and touch them.  I've been looking up at distant stars all my life, no wonder that feels so meaningful.

Does it "wow" you?


Photo credit: Jou-Yie Chou

Mushroom LED Lamps

Created by a Japanese artist known as "The Great Mushrooming", these LED lights "sprouting" from found driftwood/salvaged lumber are a great idea.  Unfortunately unless you live in or visit Japan, you won't be able to buy one as the artist thinks they are far too brittle for shipping.

"Wow"?

Queen's House Staircase

The Tulip Stairs were the first centrally unsupported spiral stairs constructed in England, and they're a work of art.  They are part of the Queen's House, Greenwich, England, built between 1614-17 by architect Inigo Jones.  The house is open to the public (free of charge) from 10.00-17.00 most days as it's part of the National Maritime Museum.

If it doesn't "wow" you, perhaps the floor of the Great Hall will:

What do you think?

Photo Credit

Typewriter Animals

This octopus and this deer by Jeremy Mayer are made entirely from the parts of typewriters that he has disassembled and then reassembled into sculptures without soldering, welding or gluing.  I'm lost for words.

Do they "wow" you?