Illustration

Section

Illustration

Drawing with Leaves

I’m loving these figurative sketchbook illustrations created around the forms of pressed leaves. They showed up in the Tumblr of the Sketching Backpacker who has some serious chops when it comes to documenting their travels using paint, collage, pencil, or anything else available, I definitely recommend getting lost for a moment. (via fuck yeah book arts!)

Illustration

Cut Book Illustrations by Thomas Allen

I’ve been wanting to post the work of Michigan-based book artist Thomas Allen for well over a year and was thrilled to see some recently posted works. Allen creates vivid illustrations using figures cut and folded from old books. If you haven’t seen some of his earlier pieces made from vintage pulp fiction novels, head on over to Foley Gallery for a real treat. (via super punch)

Illustration

The Holi Festival of Colors

Another year, another collection of glorious videos featuring the Hindu Holi Festival of Colors at locations around the world, and as the quality of equipment improves it just gets better and better. This latest addition was shot and directed by Jonathan Bregel and Khalid Mohtaseb from New York-based Variable in India this last March. I highly recommend watching it in HD, as their beautiful camera work seems to capture every single particle of color as its hurled through the air.

Another widely-shared video was this clip from filmmaker Devin Graham that captures the Holi Festival in front of the Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah. You can read more about it over on the Huffington Post.

Lastly I can’t help but include my all-time favorite Holi clip from last year by Brian Thompson, also shot in Spanish Fork, Utah. The short is set to the track Optimist by cellist Zoe Keating who has climbed to the very top of my most-played artist list this last year. A stunning watch, every time.

Illustration

Cut Paper Illustrations by Bovey Lee

All images © Bovey Lee

Artist Bovey Lee hand cuts wonderfully detailed illustrations into Chinese rice paper creating nearly weightless artworks that seem to buzz with fantastical narratives. Born in Hong Kong, Lee now lives and works in Pittsburgh and you can see much more of her work here. Incredible work. (via everyday frustone)

Art Illustration

Remarkable Animals Painted in Ink by George Boorujy

Brooklyn based artist George Boorujy creates impossibly detailed ink paintings of North American birds and other animals, often pouring numerous photographs and visiting zoos where the animals are kept before embarking on a piece.

Boorujy challenges the viewer to confront both the animal and their preconceived notions about it. Through their gaze an interaction evolves with the wild that otherwise would have to be sought out or birthed from happenstance. However fleeting our exchanges with the wild are, an impression of their presence marks our memories. There is something mystical at play; a silent exchange that either moves us towards awareness or heightens our fear of the unknown.

George’s latest solo show, Blood Memory, opens at P.P.O.W. gallery in New York on March 15.)

Illustration

Embroidered Portraits by Nike Schroeder

All images © Nike Schroeder

One of my favorite textile artists and Colossal regular Nike Schroeder (previously here and here) just finished this beautiful body of work entitled Berlin EG that captures moments from her everyday life there. I love the minimalistic quality of her line work and the unfinished strands that dangle from each piece giving it an off-balance sort of energy that really forces you to stop and consider each piece. A number of the works are currently on display at Urban Outfitters Berlin. Lovely work.