Exploring the ways in which artists, artisans and technicians are intelligently expressing their creativity with a passion for culture, technology, marketing and advertising.
If you have a passion for architecture, photography or film you must watch this video. If you do not have a passion for architecture, photography or film, you will after watching this. Some of the most gorgeous, evocative visuals I’ve seen. Just awe-inspiring. And none of it real. This is absolutely 100% CGI work done by Alex Roman for The Third and The Seventh project, exploring architecture through the cinematic lens.
The textures, the depth of field manipulations, the elegance of it all, Alex did it all himself. The modeling, the renderings, the music, the sound design, all of it.
And not just end-of-year but also end-of-decade. Here are some of the most interesting lists I’ve seen, interspersed with some of the best work I’ve discovered this year and some suggestions for creative gifts.
• Pixar’s Up: It delivered what is perhaps the most poignant animated sequence ever created. This heartwarming video shows the evolution of Carl and Ellie’s relationship from the first concept sketches to the final shots of the movie.
• Google Wave continues to confound most everyone. And then you see this:
• GE Plug Into The Smart Grid: This is the first example I encountered of Augmented Reality actually implemented. A whole creative department stood huddled around a computer, mouths open, uttering small cries of disbelief.
• Tarsem’s The Fall: For the visual artist in you. Produced by David Fincher and Spike Jones. Incredibly rich visuals used to tell a simple, universal story. Exquisite.
• I love dance. I watch this on tv and realize that I may be witnessing the evolution of the dance form:
And then I learn there is more.
• The LXD is launching an online, episodic series, with hints of graphic novel myth-making all told through dance. This is a creative endeavor that is practically custom made for me.
• The Top 10 Flash Mobs Of 2009: If we are ever together in a crowded public space and music starts playing, people start dancing, there is a very big possibility I’ll be joining in.
• Paloma Faith is the latest eclectic British singer to do the soul thing. A former magician’s assistant, she delivers a great record that feels a bit like the anti Amy Winehouse’s Rehab. Do You Want the Truth Or Something Beautiful
• Jill Taylor’s My Stroke of Insight recounts a neuroscientist’s experience with a stroke and her recovery. It is an inspiring exploration of human consciousness.
: It delivered what is perhaps the most poignant animated sequence ever created. 
is a brilliant comedy series about what it takes to run a Shakespeare festival. And what it takes to be creative. 
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: For the visual artist in you. Produced by David Fincher and Spike Jones. Incredibly rich visuals used to tell a simple, universal story. Exquisite. 
. Which in turn gave us the innovative transmedia marketing campaign for the movie. 
is a must read.
Chandler Burr renders the complex science of fragrances into compelling poetry.
by Ken Robinson will inspire you.
recounts a neuroscientist’s experience with a stroke and her recovery. It is an inspiring exploration of human consciousness.