Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.



The Lost Art of Postcard Writing

Tina of the always lovely English Muse blog recently had a great post about this Charles Simic essay in the New York Review of Books, in which he mourns the decline of summer travel postcards.



Cross-sectional Chocolate

Edible Geography has a fun article on the odd trend of cross-sectional photography — slicing food in half and then photographing the results. The barbeque one is pretty cool. Via AnOther.



At the Tomb of Tutankhamen

Have a look at this slideshow of photographs by Maynard Owen Williams documenting the find of the century — the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen. The photos were first published in the May 1923 issue of National Geographic magazine.



Cold Comfort Farm Was Just the Beginning

Exciting news for fans of the wonderfully funny Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons — between now and November, Vintage Classics will be bringing 14 novels by Gibbons back into print with new introductions by, among others, Lynne Truss and Alexander McCall Smith. Can't wait.



Maria Anna Mozart: The Family's First Prodigy

Did you know that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had a musically gifted older sister? She was considered to be one of the finest pianists in Europe — but sadly her career was ended by her father when she reached 18, or marriageable age.



Craftydermy

If you like the look of taxidermy but are creeped out by what it actually is, check out this slideshow of pieces from Craftydermy, an art show at the Atelier Gallery in Devon, England featuring animals made from fabric and stuffing. I'm especially charmed by Mr. Fox.



Gloria Steinem Interview

Be inspired by this great Q & A with Gloria Steinem, on the occasion of her upcoming HBO documentary. Choice quote: "This generation of young women is actually much more feminist than we ever were."



The World's Most Complex Dot to Dot Drawing

With over 6,000 dots, Australian artist Thomas Pavitte's DIY version of the Mona Lisa is definitely a challenge — it took Pavitte 9 hours and 15 minutes to connect all those dots.



Lemon Orzo Salad with Asparagus and Tomatoes

I bookmarked this a while ago and I'm really happy I just found it again, as it's a great warm weather supper — lovely with a grilled accompaniment like chicken, tofu, shrimp or salmon. Via A Big Mouthful.





(photo from stadshem via modern hepburn)

automatism atelier

I've just updated my automatism atelier shop with fresh new photos of my Veggie letterpress postcard series — have a look here.


(photo by me)

Meet the Sponsor

The work of the delightful Izabella, designer/creator behind Fifi du Vie, is inspired by, she says, life's "... precious, fun, hilarious, wonderful (and) spectacular little moments." A piece from her collection of handmade silk screen posters, prints and postcards is a perfect way to keep positive and happy thoughts in mind every day. And besides her main shop, you can also visit Fifi du Vie on etsy for more goodness — have a look and be inspired.





This fun Guinness beer design is actually a downloadable digital transfer — print it out on transfer paper, add it to your favourite tee and wear it proudly at the local pub! Created by Pam and Garrett of the Bates Mercantile Company, it's a perfect example of their shop on etsy — great downloadable prints and stationery with a strong Irish influence, thanks to Garrett, who hails from Dublin. The shop also offers handpicked vintage items — one of their antique photos would make a perfect instant ancestor. Happy browsing!

Buffet

This week's links. Enjoy.

Handmade Hats
The near-century old Paul's Hat Works in San Francisco is a very rare shop indeed — they actually make hats on the premises by hand. It almost ended in 2009 — until four female hatmakers (now known as the Four Pauls) took over the business. So great to see an old tradition carried on with such style and energy!

Back to the Future
This is so fun and clever. Photographer Irina Werning has people reenact their old childhood photos in her fab photo series Back to the Future, with fascinating (and funny) results. Slightly NSFW — one brave soul poses partially au naturel, just as she did as a carefree toddler! Via the wonderful for the art of it (on twitter).

Why We Need Art
Seems that in the US, arts funding is once again poised for cuts (as is happening here in Canada, too). Here are some compelling reasons from the science and business sectors as to why this is a bad idea.

The Diary: Three Centuries of Private Lives
The Morgan Library has a fascinating exhibition on right now that looks at 300 years of diaries and private papers — have a peek at the thoughts of notable writers like Charlotte Brontë and Sir Walter Scott. Follow the link for a selection from the show. Via brainpicker.

Going Underground
There's all kinds of curious stuff being stored deep underground these days, from sensitive information and files of rare photographs to tons (literally) of Kraft cheese. Via Andrew (thanks!)

Natural Beauty Guru
Whole Living plays 10 Questions with natural beauty guru Janice Cox. I'm definitely going to try out her favourite recipe for a facial mask, which she describes as "... found right inside my refrigerator — I like to use plain non-fat yogurt with a teaspoon of honey. The lactic acid in the yogurt really deep cleanses and softens your skin, and the honey is great for adding moisture and keeping your skin clear." Sounds wonderful.

Penny Dreadfuls
Design Observer has a cynically amusing slideshow of penny dreadfuls and vinegar valentines — 19th century insult greetings sent out on Valentine's Day. Later examples of the genre are included, too — political correctness is definitely a recent phenomenon (I shudder to think that anyone actually got one of these in the mail).

Eggplant, Ricotta and Parmesan Bake
A delicious one dish recipe from the wonderful Donna Hay. Perfect for a winter supper.


(photo from kitka via the brick house)

John Stezaker

The intriguing work of collage artist John Stezaker incorporates old Hollywood publicity portraits and travel postcards, with results that hark back to the Surrealists. Love. See it in London at the show he has on at Whitechapel Gallery until March 11.


(from today and tomorrow via pinterest)

RHS Postcards

Citrus aurantium by Georgio Angiolini (illustration painted c.1822-1830)

Bengale Thé hyménée by Pierre Joseph Redouté (1759-1840)

Tab XVI by Ernst Benary (1819-1893)

Pear shaped Quince by William Hooker (1779-1832)

Paeonia Russii var. Reverchoni by Lilian Snelling (1879-1972)

Tulipa 'The Claude', Tulipa 'Duke of Sutherland' by Caroline Maria Applebee (c.1799-1854)

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has a lovely new postcard set out, featuring exquisite botanical artwork from the collections of the RHS Lindley Library. Each set contains 32 postcards — 2 each of 16 illustrations. Gorgeous. You can purchase them here.