Ignacio Torres

These stunning images are from the project titled Stellar. Torres writes:

This project began from the theory that humans are made of cosmic matter as a result of a stars death. I created imagery that showcased this cosmic birth through the use of dust and reflective confetti to create galaxies. The models organic bodily expressions as they are frozen in time between the particles suggest their celestial creation. In addition, space and time is heightened by the use of three-dimensional animated gifs. Their movement serves as a visual metaphor to the spatial link we share with stars as well as their separateness through time.

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Ignacio Torres received his BFA in Photography from the University of North Texas.
Find out more about the artist at his website

Greg Peltz

These stunning Victorian style Star Wars portraits really tickle my fancy.

How Proper!

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Greg Peltz is a technical director at Pixar. You can purchase these works at StarWarsFineArt

Also, check out Peltz' blogspot!

New Sigur Rós- Ekki Múkk

Thanks to our friend and guest blogger TK in a previous post, we've already expressed our love for the Icelandic band, Sigur Rós. Well today the band has announced they will release a new album, titled Valtari or "Steamroller" May 28 of this year.

via pitchfork.com:

Frontman Jónsi tells Q magazine that "the music kind of just rolls over you" but "in a good way." The album is centered more on electronics, and makes use of strings and a girls' choir. No lyrics are sung in English.

Sigur Rós - Ekki múkk from Sigur Rós on Vimeo.

so magical...

LEGO "Imagine" Campaign

Minimalist LEGO advertisements strike our imagination. The campaign was executed by Jung Von Matt, a German agency and replicates some familiar characters with basic building blocks.

(via.)

Santlov

I've mentioned before my obsession with the iphone app, Instagram. Well it hasn't subsided, which is great, because I've had the chance to come across some really awesome artists.

Under the headline ToysRLikeUs, Santlov photographs some familiar pop culture characters in ways we've never seen them before. They're taken out of context from their original storylines, shown doing...well random things us humans might do, i.e. taking an instagram photo with tiny toy iphones! I like that each character is portrayed in a silly, almost deviant manner. It's like we get to see the toys on their 'days off'.

Some repeating appearances include Toy Story's Woody, Stormtroopers, and Jack from A Nightmare Before Christmas.

So cool! What do you guys think about the Kony commentary?

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For you iphone users (*and soon to be Andriod users) Follow @Santlov on Instagram and search the tag #toysrlikeus

Don't worry, if you have a dumbphone you can still check out Santlov's toy photography online on the website Populagram! ...just teasing about the dumbphone thing.

Fabian Ciraolo

Sorry guys! It's been a looong while since I've posted, but I'm BACK and with some new (and newer) works from a great artist!

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Chilean illustrator, Fabian Ciraolo, revamps notable pop culture icons into massive HIPSTERS! Leopard print, tattered jorts, Vampire Weekend, and thick-framed glasses are not amiss on Ciraolo's subjects. Their socially awkward facial expressions read like they truly are misunderstood by society. Can you say #hipsterproblems? I love the vintage feel of the background and the psychedelic nature each portrait conveys. And well Cleopatra's nip-slip ain't bad either.

Don't you get a feeling like they're judging you? Ugh! Even Jesus thinks you're too mainstream. (PS- I think this 'updated' Jesus picture is much creepier than the typical portrait you see hanging at your Grandma's house...just sayin') Needless to say. Ciraolo makes these historical figures pretty bad-ass.

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*Support the Artist* 

Check out more of Ciroaola's awesome work on his blogspot you won't be upset! 

Follow his tweets (en espanol, sadly) @fabciraola 

& of course 'Like' his Facebook page

Hello!

Why Hello There!

I'm Amanda Sains. I recently graduated from WVU with a BS in Public Relations. I'm currently working toward a MS in Integrated Marketing Communications at WVU, online. (Always a Mountaineer, baby!)

I started painting in 2010 but I realized my forte was on PR side of the spectrum (I'll share my paintings periodically- also, see the "my journey" tab). The only formal schooling I had in art was in high school but I enjoy doodling, painting, and taking photos on instagram. I'll leave the rest up to you guys ;) The mission of my blog is to find out who's "arting" and help artists gain exposure by sharing the endless amount of talent to the world! I love art and anything creative I come across.

If you're an artist or you stumble across some interesting artwork, please share! 

Shoot me an email: amanda.sains@gmail.com 

Follow me on Twitter: @AmandaSains  

Heidi Keyes

"In my past life as an artist, I was caught up in the excruciating details. I insisted on perfection; I obsessed over the unrealistic notion of how I was convinced things should be. I found that over time, this caused a loss of creativity. Art became hard. I have always loved blind contour drawing, and one day, in a fit of frustration, I began to draw wildly with a paintbrush, with an emphasis on technique rather than end result. I was pleased and surprised at the level of sophistication achieved through the use of simplistic lines and connected forms. The figures I created were uncertain, unsure, and often pensive, but my lines were confident and bold... "

"The Joy of Life" -Matisse, 1905-06

I love the spontaneity in Keyes' work- from the color selection to the relaxed brushstrokes. The selection of bold contrasting colors and fluid lines make for dreamlike images. As a former flight attendant, she shares the many destinations and experiences through her paintings. She allows the watered down acrylic flow down the canvas and embraces its fluidity. You almost get a sense of anxiety when viewing Keyes' art because we recognize the landscape and the figures but the false use of color tricks the mind. Absolutely Brilliant! Personally, I'm reminded of the famous Henri Matisse's work during the Fauvism period in the early 20th century.

"A Rainy Day at St. Sofia"

"Rocky Mountain Hike"

"Bonnaroo"

"The Wide Weird World from my Balcony"

"Pillbox Hike, Oahu"

"View from the Rialto Bridge"

"Acqua Alta"

"The way I look at painting is the way I view my life– nothing is ever certain, and often the best results come from mistakes."

Check out more of Keyes' work at her website
Follow her on Twitter: @heidikeyesart