Mindfulness...

 

This advertisement was featured as Lurzer's Archive's 2010- 42nd web pick of the week. I like it because of its shock value.  Immediately, the image makes you wonder what it is that's being sold to you. Even though doll heads are prominently featured, there is a strong suggestion that they are not the product. It's interesting that the website is based in the UK because It makes me wonder what kind of cultural symbolism and connotation they attach to doll heads.  In the US, I think that many people may label this ad as "creepy," because dolls are associated with horror stories in some cases.  I like the ad, though, and think it definitely stems from a creative concept.

ironic beauty

Worm Wood, John Jennings, found in FINDINGS: artifacts by John Jennings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I find a strange beauty in this piece even though the subject isn't one of Jennings' most attractive characters.    My eyes enjoy resting on the gradient and I love how it is carried throughout the man's skin.  The red is very powerful and brings focus to the man's hand, which holds a cigarette.   The line work exemplifies Jennings' stylistic approach to much of his work, and keeps one's eyes moving around the piece.   The grungy texture also adds a nice element of unification to the design.

I recommend you touch it

 

I found this advertisement inside of the Communication Arts 2010 Advertising Annual.  It fascinated me  more than much of what I found inside of the rest of the issue.  A scan really doesn't do this image justice because of the physical presence you find in the jeweled areas.  Initially, one would think that this advertisement was for jewelry, but as you can see, the company is actually a paper manufacturer.  The paper used in this advertisement was some of the most wonderful paper I've encountered.  It sparkled with any slight movement and had a rough, glittery texture.  Luckily, It didn't leave your hands sparkling the way glitter normally does.  I like this method of accentuation and contrast. 

Fierce

Hugh Syme - Workbook 32

I'm guessing that this illustration is simply for personal promotion and I really like it! I especially like the mainly monochromatic color scheme.  It looks like a photograph from America's Next Top Model.  There is a subtle hint of an animal head underneath the rock the woman is standing on.  There is also a skull under her foot.  The flaming arrows are also very interesting.  This piece employs many symbols that make me wonder what they are intended to convey.  I wonder what other hidden elements are in this design that can't be easily identified at this size...