The rockin’ and rollin’ antics of women’s (and men’s) derby skating is whipping it’s way into the hearts of angsty teens, resulting in the creation of junior leagues popping up in several states. Meanwhile, the feisty 20-30 and even 40 somethings touting bruises, fishnets and funky socks adorned with cross-bones and cutlery, continue to tear up the tracks to sell-out crowds. Yes, I am a wanna-be and despite being told, “you are too little and somebody will break you” I don my gear and grease the track in preparation for try-outs this spring. In frequenting the local roller rink, I have however, been re-introduced to a world of quad skating that I thought had died in the early 80′s when I traded my Barbie skates for some “totally rad” roller-blades.

I’ve since realized that Rhythm, Jam and Artistic quad skating is alive and well across the globe. Artistic skating in particular is something akin to the ice-dancing that mesmerizes my mother during the Winter Olympics and I am finding that it is just as fast, difficult, athletic and bruise inducing as practicing for derby. With artistic skating, I seem to get my ass handed to me on a much more personal basis. I can take my angst out on myself, my skates or the rink, instead of someone who, for all I know could be the nicest person in the world and has really done nothing, other than the fact that she needs to GET OUT MY WAY! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still all for a bit of healthy tactile competition, but, I’m glad to know that there is an alternative to derby that is just as sexy, saucy and (ignoring the music choice in this video) pretty bad-ass!

Almost two years ago now, we posted this little bit of animation by an artist known only as blu. Collaborating with artist David Ellis they’ve gone ahead and topped(?) their last outing. I like the use of three dimensional object and more color in this newest venture, but I personally like the older one better. For one, I don’t like seeing the artists in the stop motion. I prefer to just see the animation as it seemingly takes its form on its own. Still, this is some pretty impressive stuff. If you have a couple of minutes, definitely check this out.

produced by studio cromie
music by Roberto Lange

Joshua Hoffine, self-described horror photographer, has made some creepy images here, full of elaborate sets and costumes and make-up. I saw these and immediately knew that I had to share them with you guys. You can check out his official website, or take the jump to see some of my favorite photos of his.

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I can pretty much guarantee that you won’t find anything cooler to do with 8 minutes and 33 seconds of your time today than watch this awesomely artistic footage of a woman performing sand art. I don’t know much about it because the site which pointed me over to YouTube to check this out is all in French and the YouTube description appears to be in Russian. But honestly who cares? For someone just puching around a bunch of sand, this is extremely fascinating. Watch this.

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As I briefly mentioned in my Lolla Recap post, the little shops and artists that set up in the “green zone” at Lollapalooza is a must stop-by for anyone attending the festival. Even if you don’t buy anything, the artistry and interesting bits of jewelry, clothing and art is really fun to browse through.

While I found a really cool belt buckle at one end, by far the best booth and the one I spent the most time in was William Stidham’s “Sacred Heart” art tent. The giant murals of several iconic musicians are instantly eye-catching and upon further examination entrancingly engaging. I’m no art critic but I know awesome when I see it – these paintings are awesome.

While mostly paintings of musicians were on display at Lolla, William delves into other celebrities and subjects as well (like his Wine, Women and Dreams series). From the Pope to Honest Abe Lincoln. But browse through the gallery and I can guarantee you’ll find something to your liking if you’re any sort of music enthusiast at all (e.g. Dave Matthews, Hank Williams, Bob Marley, Dolly Parton, Bono, Ray Charles, Sting, Jim Morrison, John Lennon, Willie Nelson, SRV, Miles Davis, Elton John, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and of course Elvis – just to name a small handful).

“The Sacred Heart Series is a collection of iconic paintings imbibed with the sacred heart imagery that I grew up with in the Catholic Church. Each of his sacred hearts has touched the world with the gifts that they have been given. Using their heart energy, these artists and shape shifters were able to change people’s lives through the use of their gifts. Without them the world and the way we experience it would be a little dimmer.”

I got a chance to talk with William for a while and he was a super gracious “host” in his tent – letting a few of us take shelter from the rain for a little while even knowing we weren’t planning on a purchase – and very friendly and interested. A super cool guy that even though I didn’t have the funds on me to purchase a full print, he and his hooked me up with an awesome guitar pick necklace of which you can interchange the hand painted guitar picks with any artist you choose. Definitely take a second to go over to his web site and browse through the imagery. Some of it is breathtaking and who knows? You might find something you’ll want to hang on your wall or maybe even a gift for someone else.

My two personal favorites (Miles and Dave):

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In future wars, battles won’t be won with smart missiles or sniper rifles. No, it will be won with information and the collection and sharing of said information. Support your country today with one of these fine propaganda posters that encourage net neutrality, responsible Tweeting and the use of great apps like Google Earth!

a few more beneath the fold…
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Rock and roll style. To coincide with Pearl Jam’s latest effort, Backspacer, the band has placed “puzzle piece” images that when brought together complete the entire album cover; designed by political cartoonist Tom Tomorrow.

Apparently if you click on a piece of the puzzle and bring all of them together (hidden around the internet – good luck) you will be rewarded with something that “is better than the usual free MP3.” I personally don’t care too much, nor do I have the time and patience to go hunting for these things. But if you do, I can get you started with one of the first pieces over at Wired.com.

Good luck. And whatever it is you get for free when you win, be sure to cut me in on the deal for starting you out.

Holy crap this site I found is beyond rad. GigPosters.com has various ad campaign posters for just about any band you can think of… and I mean any band. I found several local bands from Minneapolis in the listings and of course all of the big names.

But what matters here is the imagery. These are wonderfully artistic posters of the highest order from thousands of designers from around the globe who strive for perfection when advertising some of their favorite bands at some of the world’s greatest venues.

Showcasing the worlds largest historical gig poster archive, this massive online art gallery is home to thousands of designers from around the world. Visitors can browse and comment on gig posters, join the large community in the forums, chat, and purchase posters in the classified ads section.

I’ve placed a few of the other posters under the cut, but be sure to head over to Gig Posters and find your own favorite band. Again, damn these are cool.

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-Richard Prince, Untitled (Cowboy), 1989

-Frederic Edwin Church, Twilight in the Wilderness, 1860

-Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942

-Ramón Casas, El bohemio; Poet of Montmartre,1891

- Caspar David Friedrich, Moonrise over the Sea, 1822