July Links: 2016

• 30 fantastic websites to lose yourself in.

• A lone man spends 53 years building a cathedral by hand.

• This tablecloth is perfect for artists who do fairs and events!

• How to be a creative genius.

• 14 illustrations that are all too real if you have anxiety.

• I think most freelance artists can relate to the work avoidance cycle. 

• What we can learn from artworks in progress.

• Here's what happens when an independent artist takes on a big retailer.

• I love these botanical tattoos by tattoo artist Pis Saro.

June Links: 2016

• I'm in love with this beautiful, floral Tattly Parlor wallpaper designed by tattoo artist Tea Leigh.

• The surreal and darkly whimsical illustrations of Phivi Spyridonos are amazing.

• How to explore your creativity when your job isn't that creative.

• I adore the simple beauty of these pencil shaving flowers by Haruka Misawa,

• Overcoming the pull between creativity and criticism.

• Tokyo shop Ameshin creates beautiful, edible Japanese lollipops from taffy that use techniques that date back to the 8th century.

• If you've ever wanted to spend the night in a Van Gogh painting, you're in luck!

May Links: 2016

• I'm in love with this beautiful, floral Tattly Parlor wallpaper designed by tattoo artist Tea Leigh.

• Street Anatomy founder Vanessa Ruiz discusses reinvigorating anatomy through art. 

• With just a pencil and paper, a patient found escape inside State Hospital no. 3. 

• I'm fascinated by these incredibly organic, surreal synthetic fabric sculptures by Mariko Kusumoto. 

• Artist Miho Hirano's oil paintings combine ethereal women with the natural world. 

• I just added this gorgeous print by Yelena Bryksenkova to my collection. It combines so many of my favorite things: kitties, coffee, dreary days, and books! This one is next on my wishlist. 

• The science behind nature's patterns.

• Lisa Congdon's commencement address at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design was a powerful reminder for creatives, both old and new. "Show up every day. Show enthusiasm. Bring energy to your work and your working relationships. Remain humble. Grow the strength to persevere through every hardship, rejection or criticism. Conduct business with professionalism and integrity. Use your superpowers for good. And last of all, be patient with yourself."

April Links: 2016

• These beautiful pottery designs were created using chemical reactions.

• Are you a freelancer who hasn't gotten paid for an invoice? Join the club. 

• I love how you can carry a little bit of nature with you when wearing these lovely terrarium necklaces. 

• 5 exercises to help boost creativity and divergent thinking.

• Does the work of narcissistic artists really earn more at auctions?

• In praise of melancholy and how it enriches our capacity for creativity.

• Caitlin McCormack's crocheted animal skeletons are amazing.

• A visual celebration of Prince and his legacy through his album art over the years. 

March Links: 2016

• Author Susan Cain discusses why creative people are rarely seen as leaders. 

• I really enjoyed this interview with illustrator Olivia Knapp, one of my favorite artists!

• Using the arts to promote healthy aging is brilliant!

• This device creates elaborate pictures using drops of coffee.

• Some artists are seeing red over a new "black". 

• Amy Judd's paintings of mysterious, faceless women are absolutely captivating.

• Using 3D technology, floral human figures digitally bloom from dried flowers. 

• In praise of melancholy and how it enriches our capacity for creativity. 

• I love these intricate, hand-carved bookmarks by designer Massimo Moreale.