Michael Grab

January 11, 2017 12:03 AM \

We saw quite a few rock sculptures on our trip through the Canadian Rockies but the pieces were never quite the magnitude of these created by Michael Grab, the master of stone balancing.  The physical ingredients of his art are rocks and gravity and the metaphysical ingredients are patience and an open mind. “Gravity Glue” is the name he has given to his stone balancing practice of which he says:

“The process boils down to contemplative vertical stone arrangement; involving patience, problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptation, slow-breathing, steady hands, and a host of other practiced skills…”

“Gravity is the only “Glue” that holds these structures in equilibrium.”

“Over the past few years of practicing rock balance, simple curiosity has evolved into therapeutic ritual, ultimately nurturing meditative presence, mental well-being, and artistry of design. Alongside the art, setting rocks into balance has also become a way of showing appreciation, offering thanksgiving, and inducing meditation. Through manipulation of gravitational threads, the ancient stones become a poetic dance of form and energy, birth and death, perfection and imperfection. they become a reflection of ourselves in a way; precariously sturdy, mysterious and fragile.”

You can see more of his work on his website, Facebook and Instagram.

Images: Courtesy of Michael Grab.

Posted in: Photography, Sculpture

Julie Sarloutte

January 9, 2017 12:02 AM \

Hard to ignore these paintings with thread created by French artist Julie Sarloutte. The graduate of the National School of Fine Arts in Paris focuses on embroidery to create these detailed pieces where the individual stitches appear to be paint strokes. Her work draws inspiration from what the world news is covering. In her own words she writes:

“In my work I mix elements of folk and everyday imagery, often violent: disasters, war, urban repression … omnipresent in the media. Reflecting the fascination of the screen, I take the time to embroider what usually happens in a split second.”

You can follow the artist on her website and on Facebook.

Images: Courtesy of Julie Sarloutte.

Posted in: Embroidery

Hanna Nyman

January 6, 2017 12:02 AM \

Loving these narrative dimensional illustrations created by Stockholm-based print designer, Hanna Nyman. Her grandmother was a florist and so it is not surprising that cut-paper blooms
has been the focus of her work. On an interview with Bibelot Magazine she says this about her medium:

“I fell in love with paper instantly and learnt how to make paper three dimensional. I don’t really see myself as an origami artist even though I love origami. I use paper in a different way; I cut it and bend it and build pictures with it, as illustrations almost.”

“I like how paper feels and how you can bend, fold or roll a piece of paper. Its a simple material and its easy to handle. You don´t need any machines or much equipment. But what appeals most to me with paper is that something that is just flat and plain can be built in to almost anything three dimensional.”

You can follow the artist on her website, her “Back to Poetry” website and the bulk of her work can be found on Instagram.

Images: Courtesy of Hanna Nyman.

Posted in: Illustration, Sculpture
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