Bucket List Saturday: Redwood Forest

I don't just want, I need to see the redwoods. I love trees to start off with, and these giant beauts are so spectacular and awe-inspiring. I've even thought of having my wedding there á la Sean Parker (maybee on a tighter budget...).

//also sequoias

Floral Friday: An Introduction

Hi my name is Joanna, and I am a flower-aholic. Sure, I love receiving flowers and buying them for my room, but I also love dried flowers, arranging flowers, floral photography, and simply wandering through a garden. I think I'll start out with general compilations of images that have struck a chord. Later on, I may spotlight a specific flower or floral design projects/companies.

Design Thursday: Typography

I love many forms of design from fashion to furniture to interior, but in the past year, my affection for typography has taken the forefront. I took an Introduction to Graphic Design/Typography course last spring, and thus began my love affair with Helvetica and white space. 

Some particularly impressive/unique typography-based designs.

Wise Wednesday: On Protests

On Wise Wednesday, topics will run the gamut from international news to new topics in neuroscience to random philosophical musings based on recent readings. Anything that I find fascinating that also helps keep ya intellectually stimulated.

The unrest in Kiev has featured prominently in the news for quite some time now. It seems strides are finally being taken, as the new parliament will now be voting on candidates for a new government who have been proposed by protest leaders. Keep an eye on Russia though; they hated seeing Ukraine do a trade deal with the EU.

Lesser known, at least 13 have been killed in Venezuela due to clashes between protesters and security forces. They, too, are protesting the government. The President, Nicolas Maduro, is being blamed for the country's inflation and crime as well as for jailing student protesters. The following are images from those protests.

Fashion Tuesday: Fashion Photography

Many in the fashion world go without great recognition, one set being the photographers. Fashion photography is a stunning and complex art form. And yes, I believe it is art. Sure, the purpose is to showcase clothing and/or accessories, but successful fashion photographs reveal raw emotion; they tell a story. The name Mario Testino or Annie Leibovitz may ring a bell, but there are countless others who do stunning work and, if mentioned, would draw blank stares. I challenge you to start reading that fine print next to the gorgeous photos next time you're skimming Vogue or Harper's. Good job knowing the models, editors, and street style stars; now start brushing up on the photographers.

A selection from a few of my favorites, in order: Juergen Teller, Mert & Marcus, Peter Lindbergh, Paolo Roversi, Karl Lagerfeld, Nick Knight, and four unknowns.

Music Monday: On Repeat

So I do this thing where I get hooked on one or two songs and play them over and over and over again. The latest: synth-pop from Bombay Bicycle Club's latest album & Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. (coming to Metro 3/14!)

p.s. How sick is this year's Bonnaroo lineuppp

Art Sunday: Egon Schiele

I came across this first painting a few months ago, and I immediately fell in love. I later discovered it was by the artist Egon Schiele and began to explore his work. I am fascinated by his figures, including his nudes and self-portraits. He expertly employs color and line to form tenuous, gestural expressions. The color is muted, yet at the same time, bold. The line undulates, forming the ragged outline of a figure expressing the gamut of emotions from aggressive to despairing. Take a look. 

Bucket List Saturday: Northern Lights

I could stare at the stars for hours. My fascination continues with the stunning, shifting Aurora Borealis. Take me to Iceland please.