Collage

A lovely new collage of all the images from the blog so far for the new Facebook welcome page
facebook.com/TheMaimed
Remember to 'like' & share

©

Snowtown

From the opening shot Snowtown will grab hold of you with a grip tight enough to squeeze the life out of you. It's incredibly dark and bleak and at times difficult to watch however in its bleakness there is a beauty in the cinematography and some of the most powerful and impressively natural performances you are ever likely to see.

After the hard-hitting introduction of the horrifying subject matter within the first 7 minutes, the story unfolds like a dark, sinister shadow gradually creeping across the screen. Set in a small Australian town in the late 1990s and based around the impoverished lives of a single mother (Elizabeth played by Louise Harris) and her four sons and, more importantly, the company she keeps. Elizabeth regularly hosts meetings where the discussions focus on the problem of local sex-offenders and the lack of any suitable justice, which is where John comes in. John is the self-styled, self-appointed protector of the community, doling out his own sadistic brand of punishment as he sees fit. At first you may find yourself asking whether or not John (played by Daniel Henshall) is a necessary evil, after-all his arrival in the family unit certainly brings a confident and much needed father figure to the home, someone for the brothers to look up to and learn from. However, before long you realise that the evil he has introduced to Jamie's (Lucas Pittaway) life is in many ways far worse, far more terrifying and far more tortuous than the life he was dealing with prior to John's arrival. 

Many of the graphic and violent scenes are as brutal and realistic as the real-life story the film is based on and the only respite you'll get from the at times sadistic imagery are the stunning and beautiful atmospheric shots, sometimes of the landscape or maybe just a calm evening in front of the television. Particularly striking is the imagery of a pet snake pouncing on, then coiling itself around, its prey, very much like John's all consuming control over his 'family' and friends. 

It's hard to believe Snowtown is based on real life events surrounding the infamous murders in a small Australian town in 1999. The film is unflinching and gruesome in its recollection of what took place and it demands our attention; the cold bleak subjects and settings frame the horrifying narrative perfectly whilst the excellent sad and brutal performances from an astounding cast cement Snowtown rightfully at the top of the critics' lists.

Snowtownis available to preorder and I strongly suggest you do so as it is my official selection for the film of the year.

Meek's Cutoff

This is one of my top film recommendations for 2011, released in the UK in April, Directed by Kelly Reichardt.
Set in 1845 the film sees a group of settlers travelling across the Oregon desert who find themselves stranded in the harsh conditions. They are torn between following the advice of Meek, a cock-sure self-styled frontier guide who seems to be leading them on a merry dance, or following their prisoner; a native American AKA the presumed enemy of their people.
The casting is superb, and the central performances from Bruce Greenwood as Meek and Michelle Williams as Emily provide Meek's Cutoff with the conflicting voices of reason and potential insanity. The bleak yet beautiful settings also deserve a mention as they provide the oppressive, omnipotent hand of doom that persistently tightens its grip around the weary, dehydrated travellers' throats.

In a year when the great True Grit was deservedly taking up all the limelight for the whole genre, Meek's Cutoff deserves special recognition.

The Scandinavian Home

I just found this amazing bookand got a bit scan-happy, I love Scandinavian design so this should keep me busy for hours.

All images: copyright © The Vendome Press

I highly recommend it, it's available in hardback here: The Scandinavian Home

Don McCullin

Shaped by War: Photographs by Don McCullin
Imperial War Museum: 7 Oct 2011- 15 April 2012
Don McCullin is one of the most important photographers of our generation. For more than 50 years, his uncompromising black and white photographs have shaped our awareness and understanding of modern conflict and its consequences. Shaped by War presents the largest collection of Don McCullin’s work ever seen on public display.

More info

Croche Cafetin

By far the best restaurant/cafe/bar I've ever had the pleasure to visit. If you're lucky enough to find yourself in the historical town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, about 28 miles NW of Madrid you should stop by this great venue. The food is incredible and the interior Parisian design is stunning & drenched in character.

Hein Troy

Velux Sunlighthouse, Pressbaum

This is amazing.

William Eggleston

William Eggleston is an American photographer famous for his ability to make the ordinary seem extraordinary, the mundane appear unsettling. His images grab you with their vivid colour and haunting atmospheres whilst, to my mind there's often the suggestion of something sinister or perhaps lonely and isolated dwelling the shadows throughout much of his work.

Copyright © The Eggleston Trust

You can purchase a selection of his prints from the Egglestone Trust website.

Olly Moss

I want to bring your attention to the fine work of Olly Moss, particularly his film posters. I'm so envious of the way he builds an amazing piece around the smallest detail of his subjects. His prints are always limited and available in small quantities, so think fast if you want to own one.

Copyright © Olly Moss

Before you ask, the Star Wars prints are sold out and will never be re-printed.

Snowtown

Check out the trailer for Snowtown. Perhaps, the best film of the year.

Raven by Tomer Hanuka

I'm a huge fan of Tomer Hanuka. His work is mind-blowing, powerful and never ceases to amaze. Raven is a recent limited edition silk screen print, inspired by Poe's classic poem.

Copyright © Tomer Hanuka

His art is at once beautiful and gruesome; a greasy, sinister and sometimes violent shadow is always creeping through, or glistening around the edges of every picture he creates.

Yoshi Kametani

Yoshi Kametani’s ‘Plastic Spoon’.

Copyright © Yoshi Kametani

The project evolved over 4 years of interacting and building relationships with the residents of Muirhouse Edinburgh, one of the most deprived council schemes in the UK. The full collection can be seen as part of an exhibition of new artists at The Photographers’ Gallery, London.

Christmas wish list - #1

Check out these stunning shades designed by Timba Smits. 

X-Ray Sunglasses RRP: £150.

Gloss black acetate frame・Laser etched skeleton bone inner temple art ・CR39 UV lens in gradient grey ・COLAB signature etched onto lens ・Limited edition – 1000 individually numbered pieces worldwide.

Chanel

No 5

Love this retro Chanel No 5 poster.

Eddie Marsan

Check out the trailer for the upcoming film Junkhearts, in which he gives a great performance as a good samaritan. He's a great actor an it's about time he was getting lead roles and being recognised for his talent. Judging from the trailer, it appears to have been shot beautifully and has used some excellent gritty locations.

Also, here's the film poster:

Leica D-Lux 5 Titanium

It's my dream to own a Leica, they're elegant, beautiful and subtle yet with all the power and technical ability of any semi pro (and even some fully pro) digital cameras. They're all out of my price range but hopefully one day I'll be able to justify the expense to myself even if I have to cut down on central heating and meals and other similar non-essentials.

The limited edition D-Lux unites quintessence of style with the refined elegance of titanium. Its fast Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens ensures excellent imaging quality and covers a wide range of photographic genres, while its manual setting options guarantee photographers even greater creative freedom. RRP: £855, but cheaper here (Inc Luxury Leather Case)

Sketch

I don't know the artist, but I love it. I love the simplicity and the perfection. To me it's suggesting a lack of individuality, a young girl has been shaped by a life she is born into without choice. Her shape is pre-defined, recognisable and easy to place, easy to organise.

Architect

I want to live in this:

A scale model by Olaf Gipser, beautiful. This appeared in Wallpaper magazine/website as part of a 'calendar' of featured architects of the year.

Japanese Fixie

Here is a poster for a Japanese Pedal Day, by Pacific Pedal Life Design.