Lovely Movies: Big Eyes

I'd been looking forward to this movie for ages, yet still managed to miss my chance of seeing it on the big screen. However, I recently made up for it by watching the dvd, which was perhaps better, as it included a "making of".

Big Eyes was directed by Tim Burton. He really appreciates the quirky and otherworldly and, though this film is quite different from most of his other ones, that still shines through. Anyway, he did a great job, as did the actors.

Amy Adams was fantastic, as always. The guy playing her husband was amazing too. He goes from friendly to a despicable tyrant, yet it's all believable. Also, the casting of the daughter -at two different ages- was very well done.

Anyway, this is a true story not just about art, but also about the struggle of women to be acknowledged and praised for their work, as well the bond between a mother and her daughter... I already can't wait to watch it again!

Wishlist

As I love pretty much everything Mark Ryden makes, it was to be expected that I would get very, VERY excited about a brooch like this. Isn't it gorgeous? And yet again, slightly eerie, because it wouldn't be a Mark Ryden if it wasn't.

Anyway, I could maybe get over the fact that this brooch is very expensive. It's a Mark Ryden, so that's no surprise. But to have the slowest option of shipping to Europe already be nearly half the price of the actual thing…? Not to even mention custom fees that will no doubt follow… Consider my dream shattered. But it sure is gorgeous, isn't it?

Tara McPherson for Lomography

Lomography releases some very nice limited editions sometimes. The Japanese collection for instance, from which I got my very own Diana F+ Kirameki. And now Tara McPherson -an artist I love!- has designed a beautiful Diana Mini.

It's adorable, isn't it? I love the pink flash on it! And even the button that forwards the film is cute and has stars on it.

Of course it won't be around for ever. So if you plan on treating yourself to one, I suggest you don't wait too long...

Amazing Art: Roby Dwi Antono

Today I came across the amazing art of Roby Dwi Antono! It is painted with such skill that it often looks like a picture. Though the surreal scene makes it pretty clear that it can't be. Anyway, it's very dreamlike, full of amazing bunnies and a tad eerie. Just as I like it! Enjoy.

If you want to see more, I suggest you check out Roby Dwi Antono's blog.

Amazing Art: Xue Wang

Creepy and cute is still a combination I'm drawn to in art. And I was in luck, because I recently came across the works of Xue Wang(who also keeps a blog if you want to stay in the loop).

It is very Mark Ryden-reminiscent, but it's often more glamourous, and in my opinion, a tad more creepy. It's not scarier in it's subjects, but where Mark Ryden brings a calm vibe to each piece, these just tend to look a lot more haunted. Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy this as much as I did. And I apologize in advance for the crazy dreams you might have tonight.

Pretty Paintings

The digital art of Lostfish seems to portray the dark side of fairy tales. It's usually quite morbid, but in a doll-like way. Despite, or perhaps because, most of these sugar-coated -yet gut wrenching- portraits are so static, you really get the sense that there's a long story behind each and every subject. And that smooth texture is just surreal! Wow.

{All images belong to Lostfish of course}

Pretty Paintings: Kat Cameron

Today I bring you the amazing digital art of Kat Cameron. It's so beautiful and delicate and sometimes just a tad bit dark. I love it!

And of course she scores extra points for making a stellar owl!

In each of her works she really seems to think about color. To me, it's even one of the things that stand out most. The color somehow really sets the tone and atmosphere for the story behind the image.

And often I wish I knew the story behind the girl in each piece. They just seem so interesting and full of life and even history.

     

 Kat Cameron not only has a beautiful shop on Etsy, but she also has an Envelop store with pillow cases and totes.

   

 

And for all you fashionistas out there, she can even draw you a custom What I Wore portrait. Isn't that amazing?!

And on top of all that, she runs an awesome blog! I'm definitely keeping my eye on this girl, I sense great things coming.

Pretty Painting: Naoto Hattori

Leaving through Mark Ryden's Pinxit this week has definitely rekindled my love for low brow art! And to stick with the surreal vibe I thought I'd show you guys the art of Naoto Hattori. It is very trippy, very cool and includes quite a lot of pandas. Enjoy!

                            

{All images belong to Naoto Hattori of course!}

Pretty Paintings: Chrystal Chan

Chrystal Chan has made some spectacular oil paintings. Though she definitely has her own style, she likes to play around with a lot of different colors, vibes and compositions. Some of her work has a very medieval look to it, others have more modern subjects. It's beautiful and a bit eerie, just the way I like it.

 

    

All images belong to Chrystal Chan of course.