Artist: Erick Swenson

Ne Plus Ultra, 2010
Resin, MDF and acrylic paint
Overall: 17 X 72 X 54 inches

Untitled, 2004
Polyurethane resin, acrylic paint, MDF, polystyrene
276 X 173 1/4 X 23 1/2 inches

I love discovering new and young artists, both established and emerging. This week I dsicovered the American artist and sculpture, Erick Swenson. Swenson is known for his polyurethane resin sculptures of animals often displayed in elaborate dioramas. His works involve fabricated animals like deer, sheep, and apes captured frozen in allegorical moments. Swenson's installations create scenes of haunting perfection. Inspired by museum exhibits, set design, film special effects, and model making, Swenson crafts every minute detail of his tableaux, creating simulated, highly romantic scenes of that often exceed the ideals of nature.
If you live in New York or near be sure to check out his latest exhibition at the James Cohan Gallery, who represents him. The exhibition shows some his latest work, including a selection of other works dating from 2001 to the present. If anyone goes please tell me about it, as I am heaps jealous that I can't see it.

I was thinking that I might do a post a week introducing a new artist to you guys. What do you guys think, would that be interesting? Or does it sound like a fail :)

Ebie White, 2007                                                                            Untitled, 2009
                                    plastic resin                                                 Polyurethane resin, acrylic paint, MDF board, steel
    16 X 6 X 8 inches                                                                         22 X 18 X 15 inches

Cook with Jamie

I have finally purchased my first Jamie Oliver cook book, Cook with Jamie: My Guide to Making You a Better Cook. I've read quite a lot of good reviews from this, saying it's a really good starting off cook book. It's very simple, easy to understand and covers from basic techniques to advice on ingredients and how to put dishes together. I am loving all the recipes that are in it,especially his recipe for a Pear tarte tatin. I'm thinking of cooking his Ultimate rib of beef with rosemary and garlic roast potatoes this weekend for my family as a little treat. I will in the future be following a lot of these recipes and be posting about my attempts at them :)
Does anyone else have any other Jamie Oliver cook books? I am hoping to buy his Jamie at Home cook book next but if their are any other ones that people recommend would love to hear.

Paper mache teacups

How cute are these paper mache teacups. The are from the lovely Ann Wood who makes lovely handmade objects and also enjoys painting and drawing. I think I might make some of these beauties during my break next week and also for a friends brithday next month. Go here to download the template and follow the instructions to make them :)

Pinhole Hasselblad

Kelly Angood is a set designer and a maker of both props and functional objects from the UK. Since graduating she has been working on producing replicas of objects that she herself desires. Despite never having laid eyes on them in real life, she uses references and images from the Internet and books to produce these replicas. My favourite piece that she has created is the Pinhole Hasselblad. Screen-printed on corrugated cardboard, it is designed to function as a real pinhole camera and take 120 film. She has also designed one that can take 35 mm film where you are now able to download and build your own. Imagine making your own Hasselblad camera, a iconic piece of equipment that has been around since the end of WWII. I am definitely making one of these to be added to my camera collection. 

Be sure to go over to Kelly Angood's website and check out some of the other amazing things she has created. She also has a tumblr and flickr account. Download the 35 mm Pinhole Hasselblad through here. 

The Original Pinhole Hasselblad

The 35 mm Pinhole Hasselblad

Much Love Monday

Join in the fun over at 'Much Love'. But here is what I am loving this Monday...

Bow ties following up on my obsession with boys clothing I really want to purchase a bow tie. Their is one on eBay that I'm checking out but hopefully will be getting soon enough.

Matt Smith aka The Doctor Doctor Who is going to premiere soon and I'm so excited. In this case I have been finding a lot of pictures of the handsome Matt Smith and putting them as my Desktop image.

IT Crowd I have watched the complete series twice in a row now. Very funny and smart. Recommend watching it if you like BBC comedy.

The Seaside Festival

I had a lovely weekend at our local Seaside Festival. Walked around with my mum, hang with one of my best girls and saw a friends band play. I also got some purchases which I thought I would share with you. I hop everyone else had a lovely weekend. What did everybody get up to? Anything exciting or special happen? Feel free to share here :)

Just as a little side note this week I'll be doing a couple of posts about cooking this week as my family wanted me to cook a bit this week. Not too sure what I'll be cooking yet but it shall be delicious. Will be following a cook book that I purchase last week, but more on that tomorrow.

Cute little camera bag

Vintage tie with pretty pattern

Leather Gloves from Country Road

Old movie film reel

Photobooth Friday - Roll Two

I was excited to do another Photobooth friday as I missed out last week. Nothing to important to this but just thought I would share some things that are happening and such.

Today I straightened my hair so I felt pretty special taking photo's of myself. On other notes its the beginning of April which means a lot of fun and exciting things are bout to happen for me. I did a post a while ago about creativity chart's and thought I should start my own. I made my chart today and have it hanging up beside my bed ready to be coloured in. Also this weekend is going to be fun as it's time for the local Thirroul Seaside festival. Filled with local art, stalls and entertainment. Will be taking photo's all day as to go towards my creativity chart.

That is all for now so have a lovely weekend :)