The art of Samurai Jack

First of all, I am a big fan of Samurai Jack. After watching an episode, you will agree it has all the right ingredients to leave you well nourished: great style, animation, interesting story, humor, and not to mention it even reminds you the importance of being a good person. I, however, will focus on none of that—just the breathtaking artistry and skillful technique of those who collaborate on the background art of Samurai Jack. One person in particular who creates some of the most dynamic backgrounds I have ever seen is Scott Wills (can't find a website for him though. Scott, give us a call... we will make you one).

Full team of contributors:
Bill Wray
Dan Krall
Jenny Gase-Baker

Touched Echo rocks you to the bone

On February 13, 1945, Dresden, Germany's Brühlsche Terrasse was the site of a controversial air raid by the British Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Force.

Berlin-based artist Markus Kison jolts poeple back to that time via this unique sound memorial that it requires the participation of your body.

Leaning on the railing while covering the ears, one can hear an oral simulation of the airplane attack that has been called "one of the worst examples of civilian suffering caused by strategic bombing."

The bone conduction picks up atmospheric sounds, like car traffic, which are accentuated by sound conductors built into the structure for this purpose.

The participants themselves re-enact the actions of the Germans who experienced the roaring B-25 bombers and explosions—the ones who stood in this very spot covering their ears over half a century ago.

Bravo to an eloquent vehicle that successfully elicits empathy no matter which side of the contraversy you are on.

Vania Zouravliov

If you haven't yet checked out Russian-born artist Vania Zouravliov's artistic monograph (published in September), please do. This guy, a member of London's Big Active, generates work that so acutely epitomizes the phrase "hauntingly beautiful," it's sure to send you on a heart-felt expedition of delicious melancholy. Admit it, there's a goth inside us all.




Vania was also a part of the collaborative illustration effort Poe: Illustrated Tales of Mystery And Imagination, a.k.a. some of the best Poe-inspired art that I have ever seen.

Western Spaghetti by PES

These folks know how to rock the stop motion around the clock.

You can check out a hi-res version of western spaghetti or see more great work at their website: here

Tasty stuff, thank you PES.

Designed to Make Us Smile

Paris-based company Atypyk graces us with these ingenious takes on familiar everyday products . . . because there's almost always a humorous side to everything.

Pencils with various moustache options (Clark Gable, Burt Reynolds, Salvador Dali, etc.) for those moments you rest yours on your upper lip

Kite

Pizza Plate

Drink Coaster

Secret Agent Umbrella

Bookmark

WoooHoooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Poster by Shepard Fairey