catch of the day: elephantine

Being more of a wordsmith myself, I always am impressed with blogs that effortlessly tell stories through images. I discovered Elephantine through the author's kitchen shop, Mignon Kitchen Co, and was instantly attracted to her foodie (and seemingly francophile) style. What I like best about Elephantine is its not-entirely-posed aesthetic. Dishes are shot in preparation; mouthfuls, just moments before being consumed.

[slideshow] Rachel's training in design and appreciation of simple, grey days (influenced, I'm sure, by her Seattle stomping-grounds) pervades her motley assortment of posts - which feature far more than food. The vibe is more calm "staycation" than ravenous world traveler - a visual (re)treat in the truest sense.

catch of the day: gentl & hyers

In New York, you encounter quite a few self-promoting artists - many to the point of cockiness, despite the overwhelming competition. But when you meet people who are truly talented, so comfortable in their own skin and creativity that they humbly approach you as "just another normal human being", that is a truly exceptional experience. Such was the case with Martin Hyers. My photographer sister and I were attending the Kinfolk social in Brooklyn, and struck up a conversation with a friendly neighbor in line for drinks. When he mentioned he was a photographer, my sister enthusiastically noted his name. It wasn't until later that we discovered he was not only a lovely person, but one half of the exquisitely talented Gentl & Hyers.

[slideshow]

Photo credit: Gentl & Hyers Blog: Hungry Ghost (http://www.hungryghostfoodandtravel.com)

The couple's work goes far beyond food, from travel to portraits to interiors. Their elusive aesthetic - captured moments that perch briefly before assuredly slipping away - renders all subjects equally beautiful.

Yet it is knowing that this remarkable art springs from graceful hearts and hands that makes it all the more gorgeous.

catch of the day: cinemagraphs

Graphic designer by day, photographer by freelance - it goes without saying that my sister knows a thing or two about aesthetics.  But she's really outdone herself with this new find. Cinemagraphs, the creation of graphic artist Kevin Berg and artist Jamie Beck, crank up the quirk and the romance of a photo's "moment in time".  Still images come to life with a surreal quality that echoes the magical realism of cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel (Amélie).  The art thus becomes two-fold: not only framing a gorgeous initial photograph, but also selecting the details that are highlighted in motion.

The results are truly awe-inspiring - as breathtaking as they are innovative.  So don't be surprised if flatscreen cinemagraphs become the picture frames of the future.

To see more cinemagraphs, click here.