Because of my own interest in using photographs as a part of my artistic practice, I am always drawn to other artists who use photographs as a piece of their work. I have seen (and myself experimented with) many forms of photographic collage, as well as painting and drawing on photos to create new images. However, I cannot say I have seen many instances of the way Maurizio Anzeri manipulates his photographs: he sews directly into them. I love the way the often brightly colored thread contrasts against and skews the vintage black and white photograph underneath. The shapes formed by the thread often give an illusion of an elaborate costume or mask, however also feel a bit disturbing to me as the thread literally cuts into the bodies of these figures. I would love to see one of these in person; I bet their physicality would make them even more striking.

(via LETSLOVEART and Saatchi Gallery)

I have loved Francois Nielly‘s portraits since the day I first laid eyes on them several years ago. She creates a perfect marriage between neon paint and palette knife that is fresh and exciting, and frankly makes me happy each time I see them. Today I wore my fabulous $7 neon shoes from Gap and was instantly reminded of Nielly, so I thought I would give her some love today! These are just a couple examples…she has done hundreds!

(I think painting with colors as radiant as these would hurt my eyes!)

I have long been interested in the integration of old photographs and new technology, as well as collage, all of which have made appearances in my art at some point. However, after coming across the work of graphic designer Monika Traikov I feel myself exploding with a myriad of fresh ideas. Traikov’s collages are built from old family photographs which she digitally manipulated to create strong and intriguing compositions. If you want to learn more about her work be sure to check out her great interview featured in the Summer 2011 Off The Map webzine!

(this one gives me the creeps in the best possible way)

This morning I came across a fashion spread by photography Ryan Yoon for the premiere issue of Virgine Magazine that resonated with me so much I felt compelled to share it immediately. ‘All You Can Get’ features models dressed in designs made from unusual consumer products such as Coke cans and Tide detergent wrappers. Not only are the pieces creative and inventive, but the entire spread speaks so clearly to the issues of mass consumption and branding within the fashion world. I’m pretty sure the M&M dress has been in a dream of mine at some point or another. This spread isn’t the only great part of this magazine though; the interview with Azzedine Alaïa is a must read. I see Virgine becoming a well known and quite refreshing name in the fashion and art worlds. Check it out!

(via bumbumbum)

So as I have now graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South (hard to even believe it) I decided it was time to make my own website outside the Sewanee domain. For those of you familiar with that previous site the posts on here until now will look familiar (I copied them over) but this is where I will be posting new work of mine and of others from now on! Bear with me as I work on fixing it!