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Monday, 21 February 2011
Music Video Mondays: Radiohead
I first happened upon this (amazing) video at a live show by Adam Buxton (of Adam and Joe fame) at the Greenwich Comedy Festival. I'm ashamed to say, I hadn't realised Dr Buckles was a maker of music videos - so this was a pleasant surprise!
Made in collaboration with Garth Jennings (of Hammer and Tongs fame - more on them in the coming weeks!) - the video uses high speed filming to create an eerily beautiful, almost underwater-like effect.
Stunning.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
Things of Beauty: Totoro, totoro...
I think it would be fair to say that the movie 'My Neighbour Totoro' has turned into a bit of an obsession within my circle of friends. So adorable and beguiling plus a theme tune so catchy you'll be humming until Christmas!
Totoro has already turned into a bit of a decorating theme in our house - cushions, posters, action figures we are amassing quite the collection! That said, I can't help but trawl the internet in search of even cuter, even more unusual Totoro merchandise and projects...
These would sit perfectly with my Totoro decorating scheme! Eyeing them up for my spare room as I speak...
This pencil box an amazing handmade piece - I love the tiny soot sprite details!
Totoro has already turned into a bit of a decorating theme in our house - cushions, posters, action figures we are amassing quite the collection! That said, I can't help but trawl the internet in search of even cuter, even more unusual Totoro merchandise and projects...
This little beauty is WAY out of my price range, but the day I win the lottery I am making a beeline here to buy it!
If you're after something a little easier on the purse, this little guy is free and you can print him out and make him at home!
This cute project is my current crochet ambition. I think I'm just about brave enough to tackle him... fingers crossed!
If you want to take Totoro with you wherever you go, this is the necklace for you!
I know this is a kids hat, but I could pull it off right? No? Fine.
All the frivolity aside, if you want to channel your Totoro love into a more productive direction - check out the Totoro Forest Project. The project was started by a group of artists, who wanted to use their talents to support the national trust Totoro Forest Foundation which Studio Ghibli founder Hayao Miyazaki has been a patron of for years.
Monday, 7 February 2011
Sunday Afternoon Movie: Black Swan
I'll come right out and say that today's movie recommendation is not for the faint hearted. A bunch of us went to see Black Swan a couple of weeks ago and it certainly gained mixed reactions from the group - though we were all unanimous in the fact that it scared the hell out of us!
Personally, Black Swan blew me away. It is relentlessly intense, as the credits rolled I felt completely battered by the experience, but in the best possible way. The close-up hand held camera approach immerses you into the central character's descent into insanity and delicacies of the score (taking inspiration from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake) really add to the sense of foreboding.
As for the dancing, I'm possibly not the best person to analyse here - ballerina I ain't! - but I was struck by how well the film captured the amount of work and strength that dancers put into making their performances seem so effortless. And for what it's worth, Portman's final dance as the Swan Queen was jaw-dropping - I don't think I blinked once!
If you're feeling brave, go see.
Personally, Black Swan blew me away. It is relentlessly intense, as the credits rolled I felt completely battered by the experience, but in the best possible way. The close-up hand held camera approach immerses you into the central character's descent into insanity and delicacies of the score (taking inspiration from Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake) really add to the sense of foreboding.
As for the dancing, I'm possibly not the best person to analyse here - ballerina I ain't! - but I was struck by how well the film captured the amount of work and strength that dancers put into making their performances seem so effortless. And for what it's worth, Portman's final dance as the Swan Queen was jaw-dropping - I don't think I blinked once!
If you're feeling brave, go see.
Wednesday, 2 February 2011
Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Happy Chinese New Year everyone!
In our house Chinese New Year is a pretty big deal. The food, the fireworks, the parades - we love it!
Newcastle has an amazing China town so every year, J and I head down there to enjoy the festivities. And the street noodles. Mmmm...
This year is the Year of the Rabbit (the 'metal' rabbit more specifically it seems!) - if you were born in 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952 or 1940 - that makes you a rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. Rabbits are gentle, calm and loving but also very ambitious!
All these thoughts about Chinese New Year have very much influenced my web browsings of late and I've found some seriously lovely stuff inspired by the East.
In our house Chinese New Year is a pretty big deal. The food, the fireworks, the parades - we love it!
Newcastle has an amazing China town so every year, J and I head down there to enjoy the festivities. And the street noodles. Mmmm...
This year is the Year of the Rabbit (the 'metal' rabbit more specifically it seems!) - if you were born in 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952 or 1940 - that makes you a rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. Rabbits are gentle, calm and loving but also very ambitious!
All these thoughts about Chinese New Year have very much influenced my web browsings of late and I've found some seriously lovely stuff inspired by the East.
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| 1000 lanterns print - available here |
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| traditional papercut luminaries - available here |
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| Peacock Necklace - available here |
This guy is just too awesome for words. I have to make him. Right now. Can you believe he's made out of paper? You can print him out and make one too!
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