The Wide-Eyed Legless

acqua di giogia...

 

The first time I saw this commercial was during the holidays last year, and I was completely captivated by it. Sure, the model is gorgeous, but the cinematography is breathtaking. The sweeping views of the ocean, the rain forest, the frolicking—why can't that be me, God? Why? So of course I went to the mall to experience the "Essence of Joy", and yes people, it was joyful. Acqua di Giogia is one of my favorite fragrances. It's great for hot summer nights with friends or friends with benefits. ;-)

 

Video via YouTube, Images via Tongue In Chic and Fragrantica

 

rifle paper co...

 

Loving this birthday card by Rifle Paper Co. The gold foil accents and metallic envelope make it extra special. You can buy them in singles or in a box set here.

 

Images via Rifle Paper Co.

 

musing on...

...this painting by Zan Von Zed, and that custom wall tentacle by ArtAkimbo.

 

Images via Flickr and Etsy

 

jill greenberg's glass ceiling...

 

The last time I saw a Jill Greenberg photo was on the cover of Gwen Stefani's second solo album The Sweet Escape. (Sad, I know.) Man, have I been missing out. This beautiful art series titled Glass Ceiling came about when Jill was shooting a fashion spread for the US Olympic Synchronized Swim Team. As with fashion, high heels were involved, and the juxtaposition of swimming in stilettos proved thought provoking. Whether these photos represent the absurd lengths women go for beauty and power to succeed in life is up to the viewer, (as with any piece of art) but for me, for today, or even this moment, I think they are lovely shots of beauty, color, composition, and strength.

All photos © Jill Greenberg

Images via Strytllng, and My Modern Met

 

the mermaid books of summer line-up...

 
 
 
 
 

Holy sea cow that's a lot of mermaid books! (Sorry, I couldn't help myself.) I'll be posting about each of these beach reads on their publication date, but for now, I thought I'd get a list going. Also, in October, there's another YA mermaid novel to devour: Between The Sea and Sky by Jaclyn Dolamore. I'll have to do a Mermaid Books to Fall For line-up for that. If this isn't proof that mermaids are hot right now, I don't know what is. 

June 26th 2011 - Ninemia by Marilena Mexi (Sequel to Antara)

June 28th 2011 - Fins Are Forever by Tera Lynn Childs (Sequel to Forgive My Fins)

July 4th 2011 - Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

July 12th 2011 - Undercurrent by Tricia Rayburn (Sequel to Siren) 

July 12th 2011 - Siren's Storm by Lisa Papademetriou

July 21st 2011 - Ripple by Mandy Hubbard

July 31st 2011 - Everblue (Mer Tales #1) by Brenda Pandos

 

Covers via Google Image Search

 

 

underwater in art...

I'm super obsessed with this new tumbler blog by underwater photographer Elena Kalis. Underwater in ART is filled with videos and slide shows of today's most innovative and inspiring underwater photographers (Like Cal Mero featured in this post.) Swim on over to Underwater in ART and get lost in the awesomeness.

 

Images via RedBubble and Cal Mero

 

lady gaga's mermaid saga continues...

Who is YUYI THE MERMAID?

That is the question little monsters are dying to know. On June 24th, Lady Gaga tweeted: A reincarnation of my birth+artistic spirit. In incubation, awaiting a human lover to save her. YUYI THE MERMAID: http://t.co/j6USJJe coming

Hmmm...first the blue hair, then the fish tail on Le Grand Journal, but then there's the complete redirection of her Edge of Glory video. Now Gaga is in "incubation"— manifesting a new alter ego? A new video? Curiouser and curiouser, as Alice would say. Over Lady Gaga's short yet remarkable career, she's given us little homages to her love for mermaids. Every time I see her gray/pastel hair I always think of the 1976 Russian live action film of The Little Mermaid.

All these Gaga mermaid moments have to lead to something, and I hope she reveals whatever it is soon. So what do you think? Leave a comment, little urchins.

 

Images via Bonjour Girl, Style In Spades, and Google Image Search

 

 

my money is on ariel...

...because we all know she can outswim a shark. Jaws vs. The Little Mermaid swimsuit by BlackMilk clothing.

Have a great weekend, urchins...

 

Images via Movies.com, and Fanpop

 

donato giancola's epic mermaids...

Entertainment Weekly just released the first photos of Peter Jackson's The Hobbit, which got me thinking about Donato Giancola, a master fantasy artist who has done books, fine art, and trading card art for the Lord of the Rings franchise. In his personal works, Donato offers us his take on mermaids, and this is so not Little Mermaid territory. Each painting looks like a snapshot from some epic battle or harrowing escape. His mermaids, who mostly appear wounded or dead, are still hauntingly beautiful, even with their (realistic) shale-gray skin. If only Peter Jackson would take on a Hans Christian Andersen story next...

 

Images via Donato Art

 

tom frost matchbox series...

Bristol-based illustrator Tom Frost steals my mermaid heart with his matchbox series of prints featuring a pipe-smoking mermaid, boxing sailors, and a delightful lighthouse. For a gallery show, Frost translated these popular prints into 3D wood installations. (Oh, how I wish I could see them in person.) He even added three more matchboxes to the series. Keep it coming, Mr. Frost. Prints and other 3D art are for sale on his online shop.

 

Images via The Boy Frost