Texture, it makes all the difference

An exhibition of works by Amelie Scalercio has just opened at Lowrise Projects, and has highlighted a crucial element in aesthetics.

Texture! Omg.

Amelie Scalercio's work is imaginative and lovely in execution, and there are some intriguing ideas around masking and disguise going on.

What won me over though was the use of timber. I don't know why grainy wood invokes such a sense of groundedness.  Why does a timber grain add more to this painting than a simple painted ground would?

Whatever is going on, the wood is a deft touch, and beautifully sets off the painted figures.

A Vast Ocean: Amelie Scalercio

Exhibition Details:

Amelie Scalercio - Slow Swords

Lowrise Projects Until 10 March 2012

Totally Amazing Glass Landscape Fish Bowl OMG

Is this not the most beautiful fish bowl of all time?

It's like the shangri-la for goldfish. Or perhaps a Robin Boyd house, hung with Charles Blackman paintings. If I was a fish it's where I would aspire to live, no doubt.

Unless I was one of those fancy fish who likes a bit of actual plant life. But they're fusspots, so we'll ignore them for now.  Any self respecting guy with fins would be happy to paddle around such a lovely glass mountain.

I love that there's texture on the inside mountain shape, casting shadows and providing a sharp contrast to the super smooth outer bowl.

Nice work Aruliden!

And there's plenty more joy to be had at Designboom...