Nov 28, 2008

Artwork: Tee Fury Charity Collab

Artist collaboration (mine is the bottom left corner) brought together by WOTTO of Teefury.com only for Nov. 28th!

I'm very pleased to be part of this fun charity project, benefiting Movember. They run events to promote awareness for men's health issues, including cancer and depression.

Artwork: Tree of Love

Fall Leaves Artwork

Tree of Love is a digital illusration (e-card) inspired by the dark art styles of Tim Burton and Gris Grimly--brooding artwork with a positive spin.

Inspiration: The Rape of Europa

The Rape of Europa Artwork

The Rape of Europa documentary (from Menemsha Films) is based on the book of the same name by Lynn H. Nicholas. It's a emotional look at the plundering of art in World War II by mass murderer and rejected artist, Hitler (as explored in the film, Max) and the Nazis, the social effects of the loss, art's place in culture, and the Monument Men (who protected cultural treasures during the war).

From the film, it was reported that millions (!) of artworks were stolen from historical sites, museums, and countless victims of the Nazis. Some of the classical pieces were from Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. Others included the (Hitler dubbed "Degenerate Artists") works of Van Gogh and Picasso. Backed by old news reel footage, The Rape of Europa is a compelling story--not just from an art perspective, but a cultural one. Religious artifacts (Torahs, bells, etc.) and the classic art treasures were housed in underground Nazi caves for the intention of being sent to Hitler's (unbuilt) museum of art. Translating the millions of lives severed from the Holocaust into material objects is an astounding one. The film also touched on the stories of soldiers and their conflicts of saving lives vs. preserving historic monuments. Interviews from residents, victims, and historians recall the role of art for them--it was a source of history, memory, culture, and ultimately, identity.

Nov 26, 2008

Artwork: Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall Leaves Artwork

Fall Leaves illusration is a subtle ecard design for the famous feasting day, Thanksgiving! Hope you enjoy yourselves!

Nov 25, 2008

Video: Bruce Lee Nokia Commercial



Amazing editing in action for the Dragon himself, Bruce Lee.

Inspiration: Christophe Szpajdel Logos

Christophe Szpajdel Logo Design

Christophe Szpajdel does very cool logos for "Death Metal" band. There's a nice gothic quality to his work, reminiscent of the amazing Margo Chase.

Nov 18, 2008

Photo: Dancing


Dancing
Originally uploaded by shaire productions
Quintessentially San Franciscan--bright, bold, and carefree.

Nov 15, 2008

Photo: B-Boy in Aerial Pose

Part of the World Famous Dance Crew photoshoot.

Nov 13, 2008

Photo: Theatre


Theatre
Originally uploaded by shaire productions
Lovely geometric curves and lines.

Inspiration: Bucky Paper Design Possibilities

Sherrie Thai's Dada Book

Microscopic View of Bucky Paper

Bucky Paper,, or carbon nanofiber (an achievement of nanotechnology), has been in the works for a few years now. It's suppose to have the dexterity of regular paper, could be cut with scissors, yet be as strong as steel. Sounds like the Superman of papers, eh? I wonder though--if and when it hits the commercial market--how affordable would it be and would the general public have access to it? The speculation for uses is pretty impressive:
biological applications, replacement of metals for usage in planes, tv's, and more. Instead of "going green", we could "go bucky". (Cheesy, I know) This power paper could perhaps lessen the need for certain natural resources--metal and wood--but of course, I'm no scientist, so hopefully, it's environmentally sound.

As an artist/designer on the constant lookout for new materials, bucky paper sounds very promising. Besides the noble uses for it, this could open new doors for printing technology--if it is in fact printable. Fast-forward to a world with affordable bucky paper. . . Given that we live in a user-generated society--we could perhaps place personalized artwork on household furnishings--countertops, refrigerators--or even cars and bikes. Perhaps textbooks for schools? Or simply having archival gallery materials.

Nov 10, 2008

Photo: Tattooist at Work

Taken at the State of Grace Tattoo Show in San Jose, California.

Artwork: Dragon O Illustration

Sherrie Thai: Dragon O Illustration

This dragon was originally created in pen/ink and vectorized on the computer. I'll eventually create another design with this circular shape for a tee design, but for now, enjoy it digitally. =0)
For a larger view, click here.

Nov 9, 2008

Photo: Glass Textures


Glasses
Originally uploaded by shaire productions
Simple textures of glass cups with the Canon XTi.

Inspiration: The Simpsons Marketing Campaign

The Simpsons Burger King Poster

The Simpsons D'oh of the Dead Design

The marketing team behind The Simpsons have been hard at work. Going into their 20th season (wow!), their fire is far from diminishing. From the success of the Kwik E-Mart/7-11 takeover and the partnership of Burger King last year for the movie launch, the famous yellow family are still at it again. . . Gentle Giants toy manufacturer has produced the Treehouse of Horror series, while Burger King is looking forward to another partnership. On The Simpsons' website, there's a partnership with Zazzle for seasonal products in honor of Dia de Los Muertos, cleverly titled, "D'oh of the Dead". Click here to check out The Simpsons' (awesomely-designed) site.

Nov 5, 2008

Photo: Femininity


Femininity
Originally uploaded by shaire productions
Beauty defined. Simple black & white portrait via the digital Canon XTi.

Inspiration: Wallace & Gromit, PhotoJojo, and BlueCanvas

Wallace & Gromit Harvey Nichols Ad

The loveable characters of Wallace & Gromit lend their charm to the ads for lifestyle store, Harvey Nichols. Click here for more details.

If you're interested in learning more about digital photography or getting new project ideas, check out Photojojo.

I've also placed a few artwork pieces on an artist social networking site, Blue Canvas. The Flash player is pretty nifty--artwork becomes embedded into the module and viewable in a seamless way.

Nov 4, 2008

Artwork: Darkness Falls

Darkness Falls

This artwork was created while in a Halloween mindset. The concept was to replace a human backbone with a snake and a ribcage as wing elements. It veered away from that a bit, so I may revisit the theme a bit more later. The influences for this piece were artwork from Giger (bio-mechanical elements), mysticism, tattoo art, and alchemy (symbols in the background). Traditionally drawn with pen/ink, then scanned, and digitally colored. Larger image here.

Nov 3, 2008

Photo: Frida Figurine

I love this figurine--Frida Kahlo immoratalized as a Dia de Los Muertos handicraft in San Francisco.

Photo: Checking the Camera

Halloween--when in costume, everything appears amusing--even mundane tasks such as looking at the camera/cellphone.

Photo: Abstract Shapes


Abstract Shapes
Originally uploaded by shaire productions
I'm a strong believer that there's beauty in everything no matter how mundane. This photo is of geometric simplicity from the top of a ship.