The Art of Victor Hugo

The other day I was lucky enough to get to see Les Miserables at the 5th Avenue Theater downtown. I had only ever heard the soundtrack and seen the film, so getting to enjoy both together was such a treat! One thing that stood out to me was the scenery backdrops. In reading the program, I learned that they were paintings of and based off of some of Victor Hugo's actual artwork! They say that had he chosen to pursue a career as an artist he could have been among the best and most innovative of his century. It's always amazing to me to learn about people who are just so beyond brilliant and gifted in so many areas. Don't you think? Anyways, here's a sample of his art I thought you might enjoy. Some of it still seems so modern....

Underdog No Longer: American Movie

I know I'm probably a bit behind the curve but the 1999 documentary American Movie has just blown my mind! Netflix kept recommending it to me and for some reason I had just always felt pretty "meh" towards the synopsis. But last week iTunes grouped it in a category titled "Funnier Than Life" along with Winnebago Man, Anvil, Roger & Me, and some other hilarious documentaries, so I decided to give it a go. And man, do I feel stupid for not giving it a chance before!

It's been haunting me....in a good way...every day since I've seen it. I feel like I've gained some dear friends in the process. So I wanted to spread the love. WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY NOW. You won't regret it a promise. In fact, I might just go watch it again!

"It takes a village to make a movie, but when that village is Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and not Hollywood, CA, the results are at times bizarre, comical, and very American.  With  the help of his mother, his 82-year old uncle, and local cast of hilarious and lovable characters, filmmaker Mark Borchardt fights his way through internal and external roadblocks to achieve his goal-to make his movie, his way. AMERICAN MOVIE is the story of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, his mission, and his dream.  Spanning over two years of intense struggle with his film, his family, financial decline, and spiritual crisis, AMERICAN MOVIE is a portrayal of ambition, obsession, excess, and one man’s quest for the American Dream."

Shannon Archuleta: Botanical Tattoo Extraordinaire

Someday I dream of heading out to San Fran's Mission District and getting a botanical tattoo from Shannon Archuleta. She's is SERIOUSLY the BEST tattoo artist I've ever come across, specifically when it comes to her brilliant botanical, Mucha, and Mehndhi inspired tattoos! She seems to really understand the contours of the body and how best to accentuate different areas. I wish I could share all my favorites here but unfortunately her flickr photos are restricted. But I highly encourage everyone to sort through all her photos. They are BEYOND inspiring. P.s. Some of these are obviously in progress, can you imagine how beautiful they will be one they're complete? My God!

Hipster Gold

What do you get when you combine Decemberists front man Colin Meloy and his folksy illustrator wife Carson Ellis? Wildwood! 

Cute right?