Curio: Costumes, Designed

Alexa here. As I've been on a bit of a clothes-buying binge the last few days (Pats and Eddy were a less-than-subliminal influence), I thought of John Woo for my curio post this week.  No, not that John Woo; this John is an illustrator living in Hong Kong with a bit of a thing for Star Wars and fashion.  John makes illustrations of film characters dressed in the likes of Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garcons, and Band of Outsiders.  There is a J. Peterman vibe to the illustrations that I find hilarious. (Sidenote: remember when J. Peterman had all those Titanic-inspired items? Yeah, I bought the necklace. My only excuse is I was much, much younger then.) Here are some samples; you can buy prints at John's etsy shop.

Click for more, including Edward Scissorhands and T-1000...

Click to read more ...

Curio: Peter Strain Illustration

Alexa here. I recently came upon the work of Peter Strain and was instantly wowed.  Peter is an illustrator living in Belfast who has a vibrant, ink-saturated, dirty design aesthetic. He also happens to be the artist-in-residence at the Queens Film Theatre in Belfast, so he has focused much of his time on film posters for the indie cinema house.  And, lucky for us, he is selling prints of many of these posters at his shop. Here is a sampling, but really, you should check out all his work here.

More including Memento and The Lost Boys...

Click to read more ...

Curio: 2011's Most Inspirational

Alexa here with a year in review request straight from Nathaniel. Certain types of films seem to inspire visual artists more than others.  And it isn't as simple as gorgeous cinematography or art direction; anything from a note of eccentricity, an atmospheric soundtrack, or a well-held cigarette can create an indie poster storm. (Or anything directed by Wes Anderson.) With that in mind, here are my picks for the five films of 2011 that are most likely to send future artists into fits of creation.  Or, at the very least, the films that I would love to see artists of all stripes take on, so I can continue to write about them next year.

5. The Future 

With a talking cat, time travel, and through-the-roof indie cred, Miranda July's second film is rife with elements that make you want to see the world through a new lens. As always, she comes close to being too cute, but the film's understanding of our collective urge to disconnect from the world, and even stop time, is enough to leave it in our minds for some time.

4. Hugo

With his glorious 3D version of Paris in the '30s, filled with enough gears, springs and levers to fill a steampunk festival, Scorsese manages to celebrate the early days of film without eulogizing. He made a Melies for the 21st Century.

3. The Artist

Similar to Hugo in successfully making something new from a foundation of nostalgia. Its black and white photography, 1.33 aspect ratio and glowing performances take the 20s and make them sharp, clear and fresh.  And hopefully it will get more art students to watch the likes of Man with a Movie Camera, The Passion of Joan of Arc and Sherlock Jr.

2. The Tree of Life

Terrence Malick's films have always been the stuff of still photographer's wet dreams, and this one is no less, with images of the sun, trees, and cosmos that make you want to point your camera to the heavens. And float like Jessica Chastain.

1. Drive

The most singularly cool movie of the year, with style in spades, 80s-infused titles and a soundtrack to drive to.  The eruptions of violence beneath its smooth candy surface made for one terrific ride. And I live in hope that it will make scorpions eclipse owls and birds as a craft favorite.

Honorable Mention: The Muppets

Here's hoping that the return of Kermit, Gonzo and Animal inspire more felting and designing to come. But please, next time, more Miss Piggy.

If you were to pick up a paintbrush or craft box which 2011 films would most inspire you?

Curio: Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Alexa here. This morning I'm already on my third holiday food-and-drink-induced hangover, and there's only more to come. (How else to gird oneself for facing all those wonderful people?) Here are a few handmade goodies in the spirit of the holiday party, film-themed of course. 

Remember to eat before you drink: these Ralphie cookies would do the trick.

Next, the cocktail. Here are some posters to inspire a choice by Harshness.

Now you're ready to smile as wide as Buddy the Elf! Joyful print by Erin B. 

Curio: Cinema Comics

Alexa here. I've never been a huge follower of comic culture (although a graphic novel or two has found its way to my heart, such as Asterios Polyp.)  In fact, I've learned of the existence of certain comics because of the film version: I first took notice of The X-Men thanks to Hugh Jackman's Wolverine, and Watchmen may have been an acclaimed graphic novel, but I'd never heard of it until Zack Snyder took it on.  So I'm getting a twisted pleasure from the reversal in these comic versions of films I spotted on etsy.

Sarah Silverman (no, not not that one) sells hand-drawn comic zines looking to Audrey Hepburn, Margot Tennenbaum and The Devil Wears Prada for inspiration. You can buy copies here. They'd make cute stocking stuffers at only $11 each.

Click to read more ...