Ted Talks...Seriously good!

I have been following the Ted Talks for a few years now, catching the videos when I can, because they rock.  If you haven't read up on Ted, the organization...you should because they are attempting to make people realize how community and knowledge can lead to change in the world.  REAL CHANGE...Using the internet to spread great ideas, rather than forward on the latest Charlie Sheen quote. I know I repost that stuff, so I thought I would give you a bit more culture too:)

One of the most recent videos/talks is given by street artist JR.  Many of you may know his work, but not his name as he rarely signs works, and is more interested in using art as a method of change on a larger scale rather than a path to his own personal bank account.  Checks it YO!

JR's TED TALK

JR also makes a request/challenge at the end of his video.  Asking anyone and everyone to submit a portrait, and help create the biggest art gallery ever (ie...the world)

More info below;

Inside Out Project.Net

Seriously...I am going to take my portrait...you should too!

Also check out the rest of the Ted Talks and become super smart!

Largest Compilation of Russian Posters EVER

I am constantly on the computer, and most of that time I am browsing/scouring different art blogs for inspiration.  Just came upon this group of images and was really impressed...There should be a flickr account for it.  If you are into poster art / political history / or anything Russian, you might like this link.  Or if you are bored you could waste some time checking them out, soooo check a few pics I pulled, and def check out the link with all the images (6 full pages of posters).

via English Russia

The Cosmo in Vegas...LEGIT Art Direction

So a few weeks ago I was in Vegas, and we stayed at the Jockey Club next door to the Cosmopolitan Hotel/Casino.  The Cosmo, a new "boutique" venue in Vegas is modern, sleek, and has some amazing design features.  The lobby especially was a super fun place to wander.  Check out the video below and the link to see a some cool pics.  If you are in Vegas, the hotel is def worth checking out, especially if you are a "high" roller or just drunk:)

via My Modern Met

Auto Ink, Computerized Tattoo Machine Development...Hmmm?

I don't have a tattoo, girlfriends before have, and they can be quite attractive, but for me I haven't yet settled on anything I want permanently on my body...but who knows how I will feel in a few years, or later this year for that matter.  BUT i came upon this and it just felt weird.  I am all for making things better, but a huge part of tattoo'ing is the fact its HAND DONE.  This just seems like the temp tatoo/screen printed/mass marketed bastardization of the artform.  Now I'm sure some people would appreciate this machine...me, especially as an artist, i'm skeptical of it.  Kinda curious how the tattoo community views this....something to think about.



"Right now Auto Ink is setup with a pen rather than a needle, but is still an interesting piece/concept nonetheless"

via Ink Butter

Album Art, Where it Began and it where its GOING (Another Shepard Fairy Art SHOW!)

I love music...No let me rephrase that.  I NEED music.  And ever since I was young album covers have fascinated me.  When I was younger it was my parents records that seemed to catch my attention.  The Who's Tommy, or most Beatles records, (I mean how sick is the Sgt. Peppers cover, or Revolver?), I just loved them.  Well I learned something today that got me all excited.  See for me when I learn new things I get excited.  Call me a dork, but seriously, knowledge has always been a source of happiness for me, especially if it relates to my many interests (art and music, boom!)

So I as I said learned something new today, a great bit of info about an artist.  Have you heard of Alex Steinweiss?  Well you should considering he basically invented the album art cover.  Yep in the late 1930's he was the art director at Columbia Records and made the monumental change from plain brown uncreative covers to making it more a commonality to put art and design on album covers.  He himself designed almost a 100 covers, and really was the archetype for has come to be big business and some amazing art.

In conjuction with this I figured I would let you know about another sick art show going on this weekend.  Shepard Fairy has his 1st solo show of 2011 in Santa Monica, opening this weekend at the Robert Bergman Gallery.  Some of you were lucky enough to see my art at this gallery last summer (more like lucky me:) ), well now come see a real legend showing some sweet sweeet work.  Over 80 pieces inspired by music and 12".

INFO ABOUT THE ART SHOW; HERE & HERE

MORE ABOUT STEINWEISS; HERE and HERE

ArtFinder, the Pandora of ART!

Its still in its beta infancy stage, but still a super cool idea.  Take the magic tour to see, as it gives you different pieces of art, you pick ones you like then it starts making a "gallery" of different art based on those selections.   They still seem to be adding artists daily, as right now its mainly renaissance, impressionist, and baroque art...and although many of these artists most people are unfamiliar with, thats part of the fun.

Explore

------> ArtFinder.com <------

my first "like"

Abbey in the Oakwood, Caspar David Friedrich, 1810

Travis Barker DRUMS!

I grew up with Blink 182, and although never the biggest fan, Travis Barker's progression and success has def impressed me.  After surviving a plane crash and then the death of his friend DJ AM to an overdose, he still is able to come back with a vengeance.  Short article about him below.  Also attached a video of him performing one of his new songs.  Def like the idea of live/real drums with hip hop. Sooooo can a DRUMMER GET SOME?

Yahoo Article about Travis

and one more of him with Yelawolf killing it!

Laughing Baby Saves World!

or not, but really if this doesn't at least make u smile...something's wrong.  I am pretty sure this video has been posted and reposted quite a bit, but gosh darn it that baby makes me smile watching him get so much pleasure from a simple paper rip.  I love laughing, and friends will tell you i tend to laugh harder when others are laughing, sometimes having a hard time stopping...

New BBC 1 Nature Series, Look OUT

The most complex of all creatures, humans are the subject for BBC1's newest nature series, Human Planet; check out the trailer below, looks epic.

via booooooom

Amazon $5 March Album Sale

Thru the month of March Amazon has a 100 MP3 albums up for $5.  And its not just the bottom 100 sellers, there are some real gems in there, including Radiohead, Beastie Boys, Velvet Underground and a ton more.


GO GET MUSIC...its worth it