Tim Burton's ALICE IN WONDERLAND

The imagery that's been released by USA Today hints at something wondrous, menacing, and true to the original without being overly familiar. Promising. The cast includes Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, Michael Sheen as the White Rabbit, Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, Christopher Lee as the Jabberwock, Alan Rickman as the Caterpillar, Stephen Fry as the Cheshire Cat, Crispin Glover as the Knave of Hearts, and newcomer Mia Wasikowska as Alice Kingsley.



Links:
Alice in Wonderland (USA Today)
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Wiki
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (British Library)

ARCTIC MONKEYS - Diamonds are Forever

I love this performance from the Arctic Monkeys. Happy Wednesday.

Links:
Arctic Monkeys
Diamonds are Forever (YouTube)

JENNIFER SHIMATSU

I really like Jennifer Shimatsu's paintings though the titles shave off a dimension.



Links:
Jennifer Shimatsu (Fourteen40)
Jennifer Shimatsu (ArtSlant)
Jennifer Shimatsu (TrustYourStyle)
Jennifer Shimatsu

PJ HARVEY & JOHN PARISH: Black Hearted Love

This song takes me places.

Links:
PJ Harvey
John Parish
PJ Harvey (Island Records)
PJ Harvey & John Parish (Guardian)
PJ Harvey Wiki
John Parish Wiki
PJ Harvey & John Parish (YouTube)

Featurette: MARK WEAVER

Mark Weaver's photographic and design work is like an extra sweet tea; have a look.




Links:
Mark Weaver
Mark Weaver (Flickr)
Mark Weaver (Behance)

Ex Libris Jack Raven: TOVE JANSSON's MOOMINS

For more than five years, I have been reading to my son Jack Raven an ample selection of children's literature. In this new series of posts I'll be introducing the artists and writers that rank among his favourites.

We are currently working through Tove Jansson's Moomin books which are full of wonder, wisdom and invention. Nine books were originally released in Swedish between 1945 and 1970 as well as five picture books and a series of comics written and illustrated by Jansson. The Moomins are a family of furry, hippo-like creatures who have a somwhat Bohemian outlook on life.

What I find so compelling about these stories are the strong characterisations and honesty all set within a world full of challenges and frights that remains benign without being banal. For my son, it's quick pace and curiosities keep him enthralled, its humour keeps him smiling, and its invention has him thinking.

The publisher Sort Of Books has recently released lovely editions of the picture books The Book about Moomin, Mymble and Little My and Who Will Comfort Toffle? in the UK. For information about Moomin books where you are, visit The Moomin Trove.




Links:
The Moominvalley of the Tampere Art Museum
Sort Of Books
The Moomin Trove
Tove Jansson Wiki
Moomin Wiki
Tove Jansson (Guardian)

Featurette: FRITZ FABERT

Fritz Fabert's portfolio, particularly his archaeological collages from derelict buildings, are worth a look.




Links:
Fritz Fabert
Fritz Fabert (ALTphotos)
Fritz Fabert (Conscientious)