Wu Guanzhong 吴冠中 is a striking Chinese painter whose work has helped define modern Chinese art. Born in 1919 in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, Wu went on to study at Ecole Nationale Supérieur des Beaux-arts in Paris, before returning to China to teach art. Wu was the first living Chinese artist to have a solo show at the British Museum in 1992.
Wu’s art contains a whisper of Western influence, and his painting technique hints at his classical European training. Yet his striking paintings and large-format works on paper bravely explore the balance of white space and form in a way that is distinctly Chinese, marrying dramatic use of line work with a mature color palate.
(Click Here For More Wu Guanzhong)
Our editorial staff will be out all month traveling in China. We’ll be gathering bunches of fresh stories and adventures to write home about. Keep an eye out for upcoming features and posts on Chinese artists, food, design, and travel!
[ image via Nostalgic Collage ]
Afraid of sharks? Do you suffer from Selachophobia? Now there’s a cure:
Who wouldn’t want to be eaten by this adorable guy?
[ via Nerd Bastards ]
Emily Weil is a talented artist based in Oakland, California who creates stunning large-format watercolors. Her mixed media Abstract Series (pictured here) combines watercolors with varied materials such as charcoal, ink, pencil, pastel, and even some good old “French dirt”. In addition to her work as an artist, Emily is also the founder of Red Eye Design, a graphic design studio with an impressive client list that includes Bon Appétit, UC Santa Barbara, and Sony Entertainment.
Culture Vixen caught up with Emily to find out more about her creative process:
Culture Vixen: How did you get started as an artist?
Emily Weil: I’ve always had a pencil in my hand, it seems, since I was little. Went to art school (CCAC), studied graphic design. Along the way I took various watercolor workshops, loving that medium. A year and a half ago I stumbled upon the artist and gifted teacher, Leigh Hyams, teaching an art workshop at Esalen, on the central California coast. She encourages her students to toss out the rules, and things learned at school, and be true to the feelings and passions that move us as creative humans, using our own powerful, personal voices. I try to express myself authentically and honestly. I certainly work best when I am not worrying about the final product, or what someone more talented than I am might think about my work!
: : : CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL INTERVIEW : : :
Inspired by old sci-fi movies, pin-up girls, anime, electronic music, and H.P. Lovecraft, Colin Christian transports us to a world of sculpted magic. His work ranges from anime-fashioned heads to robots, to the capsules pictured here.
(Click here to view more of Colin’s work…)
Seven Definitive Tearooms Making Steam in Los Angeles
If you are as particular about your tea as I am, you already know that L.A. is a mecca for tea lovers. From rose petal elixirs served in tearooms on Melrose Avenue, to sleek tea-based cocktails you’ll discover out on the town, L.A. is stronghold for both unique and classic tea spots. The following are a sampling of the city’s steamiest hot spots:
1. Jin Patisserie
Jin Patisserie takes afternoon tea to the beach—Venice Beach, that is. Nestled behind an orange door on eclectic Abbot Kinney Boulevard, Jin Patisserie’s tranquil garden welcomes tea goers with soothing sounds of fountains and urban forests of bamboo. The owner, Kristy Choo, hails from Singapore and is a graduate of the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco. Her teahouse is a fresh blend of Asian aesthetics and fusion pastry concoctions.
I love the British saying “Storm in a Teacup”, taken literally by designer John Lumbus. These adorable interactive tea cups have golden boats that ride rolling mechanical waves when you turn the handle. Lighting even flashes from the storm clouds! True, one will set you back a pretty penny at £550.00—but still, they are just gorgeous!
Storm in a Royal Delft Tea Cup and Storm in a New English Tea Cup
[ via laikingland.co.uk ]
E-glue is a French company that specializes in design for kids. Not only is their website colorful and filled with adorable interactive characters, but their giant wall stickers are great for making rooms happy and fun.
[ via e-glue.fr ]
Ever wonder what things would look like if the world suddenly came alive in yarn? Then have a peek at this unique video. Click here to see the making of this stop-motion video.
[ via ghostlyferns.typepad.com/blog ]
