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Why Hollywood Ought to Get Trashier

posted September 3, 2014 #

I don't agree with that link bait title but I do like these facts about The Asylum - despite the trite they make. Solid read via @plainhuman

Dragon*con 2014

posted September 3, 2014 #

This past weekend I spent a great deal of time at Dragon*con 2014 and I can't express enough how much every single person I know should attend in the future. It isn't really about sci-fi or fantasy - it's about fandom. People gathering to express their enthusiasm over the love of a particular movie, tv show, graphic novel or piece of art. The commercial aspect of it, as opposed to San Diego Comic-Con, is slight - it really is a fairly pure expression of the love of a topic.

There are some decent galleries of the proceedings but I recommend just diving into the Instagram Tag and losing yourself for a few hours. I've got a few over on my my feed but it's almost impossible to encapsulate the whole thing via media. Just take my word for it, you gotta go.

Photos By Daniel Arnold

posted September 3, 2014 #

After reading this WIRED article on the street photography of Daniel Arnold I was intrigued and immediately started following him on Instagram. Some of the photos are the result of perfect timing, some are ballsy and some are just beyond explanation.

Based on the interview he seems like a rather down to the Earth guy that's just completely unafraid to point his camera (in this case, an iPhone) in the proper direction. I'm certainly jealous of that kind of confidence and the results are worth a follow.

Kris Johnsen and Weird Fears

posted September 2, 2014 #

I recently mentioned the great work that Kris Johnsen does. One additional noteworthy fact is that he's responsible for the full vinyl etching that appears on the b-side of Mount Sharp's latest release, Weird Fears. I caught up with Kris to find out more about his history, his process and how he made that beautiful piece that appears on the record.

Can you provide some background info on where you're from, how you got started, what got you going in the first place? You know, you're origin story.
I'm from a small town called Barrington in New Hampshire. I moved to Maine in 2005 to go to school at Maine College of Art. I graduated in graphic design and just never left Portland. I eventually got my own small studio to work out of and started interning at a local music and arts venue called SPACE Gallery after school. While working there I started booking smaller shows and making flyers and screen printed posters for events and eventually started liking making art and promotion for the shows rather then being in charge of booking them. I also worked as event staff and got to meet lots of touring bands along the way.

Continue Reading...

Jordan Speer

posted September 2, 2014 #

Over the weekend I caught this Lucky Peach cover and immediately fell in love. The work, courtesy of Jordan Speer, is an odd mixture of strong simple color palette, claymation and a child's playset vibe to the elements. It has a detail and a nuance while feeling like you're peeking into a kids crazy brain. I love it and think the humor of it is exactly the kind of feel I imagined certain things when I was a younger one myself.

There's plenty more to see beyond the portfolio here and here.

Emojli

posted September 2, 2014 #

Have you tried out Emojli yet? It's an iOS app that only allows you to speak to others using the Emoji set of characters - all the way down to the usernames being Emoji only. Hit up Taber - he's nice. I'm on there too but my site is a bit too archaic to display the characters. It's an oddly compelling way to tell stories to another person with a limited language set. It's both challenging and entertaining - something we all probably need a bit more of.

Tamara Reynolds

posted September 2, 2014 #

Really enjoying this Signature series of portraits from Tamara Reynolds - particularly the children. I love the personalities that shine through without it being too over the top or schmaltzy. The families and individual photos are solid as well but she is really able to capture something special with the kids.

via Becky.

Bye, Google Maps.

posted September 1, 2014 #

well, I'm convinced. Going to give CityMapper a try in NYC

Friday Videos - Aug 29th, 2014

posted August 29, 2014 #

Sorry for the slow posting schedule this week. I'm actually back in TN for a few days hanging with family and friends - thus, much less Interneting. Regardless, I found a few gems for you. Enjoy!
  • Worst Music Video Ever - they say Rock n Roll is a young man's game. Here's why.
  • Mega64 ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE!! - I actually have relatively positive feelings about the ALS social sweep that's been happening but I have very positive feelings about the sheer insanity and absurdity here. These guys are probably a nightmare to hang with in real life but it's a solid, weird, video.
  • Tammy and the T-Rex Trailer - Jurassic Park had a number of influences but this one is beyond words. Watch for al teast a full minute.
  • Now THIS is a Pool Pawty! - Sorry but I can't get enough of dogs in pools. That's some serious Feel Good.
  • 99 Beer Can Pack - 24 cans seems like chump change after you see this 99 can pack.
Happy Labor Day! Have a great one (even if you live outside the US).

yk027: Mount Sharp 'Weird Fears'

posted August 26, 2014 #

After last weeks Brooklyn Vegan debut and the previous unveiling of the Icarus video - the official release of Mount Sharp's EP Weird Fears has been a long time coming. Fortunately, the wait is over!
The EP is six "eerie pop songs" about relationships, science, crazed lovers and space. The vinyl sounds great and there's an unbelievable etching on the b-side. No music, just art. It's hard to capture but you can stare into the void here.

You can get Weird Fears now - digital and vinyl are ready to go!

Bryan Bruchman Photo, Etc.

posted August 26, 2014 #

I've known Bryan Bruchman since approximately the year 1999, 2000. Over those fourteen years, he's continuously been both a huge champion of local music - whether it be Portland, ME or Gowanus, BK - and an avid, talented, non-stop photographer. He's also a relentless blogger and a helluva guitarist.

Long story short, I'm singing this guys praises. I'm incredibly happy to work with him for the first time via his band, Mount Sharp and their yk records release, Weird Fears. He's good people - follow him every where.

Kris Johnsen

posted August 26, 2014 #

Lately, I've really been digging through the portfolio of Portland, Maine's Kris Johnsen. His primary work seems to be Show Posters with an incredibly amount of fine line work. There's also a solid amount of hand drawn type, fine textures and a handful of ambiguously awesome t-shirts.
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