art & photography
Star Wars Concept Art
Some amazing original concept art by Ralph McQuarrie, the conceptual designer and illustrator behind Star Wars, has been posted on Buzzfeed. It’s really worth a look – as much to see the role that art like this has played in how the films turned out, as it is to see a fantastic retro SF gallery.
Covers
Animated vintage book graphics. It’s only a matter of time before these are actual covers, surely?
Notes from Bruges
Been quiet around here as I’ve been on holiday. Aside from watching the NFL at Wembley, I visited Bruges. A beautiful city, which seemed to have escaped the worst of WW2 and consequently it’s ancient streets and buildings remain intact. Plenty of beer, chocolate, art and history to keep anyone happy. I imagine if you wanted to be a full-time writer of history or fantasy, then this place has enough inspiration to keep you going.
Forgotten French Ghost Signs
There’s a Tumblr and Instagram account called Pixdar photographies, which is dedicated to forgotten french signs, faded shop fronts and old-fashioned typography. It’s rather nice to see this stuff still around. In the UK it tends to be more northern towns where you see a few of the ghost signs, where hasty development hasn’t erased them entirely.
Miniature Books Collection
Take a look at Jozsef Tari’s collection of miniature books. It’s certainly one way of saving on space, although I bet reading them isn’t easy.
Notes from the Lakes
Three days of escaping to the Lake District, before (finally) a house move at the weekend. Hence the lack of posts (and potentially a further lack next week, when I’m without an internet connection). We stayed at an old rectory, near the west coast. Darted inland to various lakes – Coniston, Windermere, and Bassenthwaite. Even managed to visit a whisky distillery, which was brilliant. Much-needed rest before a hectic few days ahead. Life is good, but very busy.
Dales Light
I have no idea where this was taken. We drove around for hours somewhere around Nidderdale and Swaledale, between dark heather and this. Middle-earth of another kind.
The Art of Neil Blevins
Amazing artist who’s done concept work for Incredibles, Cars, and Wall-E. Many more images over at his website.