Archive for June, 2011
Andrew Bell’s “O-No Sashimi” collectables are debuting this year at Comic-Con in San Diego. These are so much fun! His supermarket sushi-box packaging is a great touch. Andrew also creates plenty of other monster-related art which can be found in his Dead Zebra online shop.
These colorful works are by Darrell Black, an American visual artist living in Frankfurt, whose work spans both painting and sculpture.
Another Iceland obsessed post coming your way! I immediately fell in love with Morgan’s beautiful portraits of Iceland, whose sometimes rainbow-colored and sometimes snowy landscapes have the same arresting appeal about them as they do in person. I was absolutely smitten with her equally stunning photographs of Joshua Tree National Park in California (after the jump) and her photographs of Europe which evoke a fragile timelessness while capturing the spirit of a place so flawlessly. Simply gorgeous.
Brazilian artist Claudio Ethos recently completed the mural below, his largest to date, at the intersections of Main & 5th street in downtown Los Angeles. Speaking of street art in L.A., MOCA is currently showing “Art in the Streets”, up until August 8th, 2011. 
Check out Claudio’s work HERE.
Botín claims to be the world’s oldest restaurant. It’s also where Ernest Hemingway set the last scene of his novel “The Sun Also Rises”. Image by Gayle Wheatley.
For those seeking a unique place to sleep in Spain’s capital, look no further than Casa de Madrid. This boutique retreat in an upscale 18th century building is located in the heart of the city, just steps from both Madrid’s iconic Puerta del Sol square and the Royal Palace, as well as a metro stop and some of the city’s top dining spots. Facing the Royal Opera House and situated in what is arguably Madrid’s best neighborhood, Casa de Madrid is surrounded by countless architectural gems.
Staying here is like rooming at a friend’s house, that is a friend with impeccable design taste. You’ll have plenty of privacy, as there are only 7 rooms, each individually decorated down to the smallest detail. With stylish touches like painted wall murals and custom furniture, most of the rooms are travel-themed. There’s an “Indian room” and “Spanish room”, as well as the standout “Greek room”, with its painted murals showcasing panoramic ocean vistas, adorned with Greek columns below a bright blue ceiling painted with gold suns.
Fairytale view of Madrid, image by Gayle Wheatley.
For the anniversary of electric guitar legend Les Paul’s birth, Google has put together a brilliant piece of interactive art on their home page. Rolling over the guitar strings with your mouse or pressing keys on your keyboard both simulate strumming, and there’s even a record button where you can make your own music, then play it back. Genius Google, genius.
How Spaniards love their ham! Everywhere you go in Spain you’ll encounter windows and ceilings filled with ham hocks and restaurants showcasing full pig legs on a chopping block.
Bocadillos, sandwiches without condiments on a baguette filled with cured meat, cheese, and sometimes seafood (my perfect idea of a sandwich!), are a national snack and they are delicious! In Madrid the Museo del Jamon (Museum of Ham) food chain is the quick and easy place to go for breakfast, bocadillos, cervezas (beers), or a much needed snack after a long day of walking.
