Category: WOW

Artist Debra Bernier creates fanciful sculptures from the nature that surrounds her in Victoria, Canada. Working with driftwood, Bernier studies the shape and form of each piece, carefully carving out or adding to the natural material to form these delicate, feminine figures. “When I work with driftwood, I never start with a blank canvas. Each piece of driftwood is already a sculpture, created by the caresses of the waves and wind,” Debra shares. “The wood tells a story and I try to think of its journey as I hold it in my hand. I extend or shorten the curves and contours that already exist into familiar shapes of animals or peoples’ faces.”

Debra’s work is not limited to wood, as she often incorporates shells, clay, stones, and other found objects to compliment her figures. Like nymphs sprouting in the forrest and along the seashore, the sculptures are a true fusion of humanity and nature, often evoking themes of fertility and motherhood. The incorporation of shells, a symbol of fertility in many cultures, helps draw out this association. As a modern-day reinterpretation of prehistoric stone Venus figurines, these talismans evoke calm contemplation, which Bernier expertly captures in beautifully framed photographs. “The finished pieces are a reflection of not only my life, my family, and children, but of an eternal, sacred connection we all share with nature,” she says. You’ll certainly never view a piece of driftwood the same way again!

Both original artwork, as well as prints, are available via her Etsy shop.

Debra Bernier: Facebook | Etsy
via [Little Things, Bored Panda]

All images via Debra Bernier.

The elixir of life may very well exist in a small Italian village called Acciaroli located south of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. While known for its quiet fishing villages, beautiful historic buildings, rolling hills and dramatic coastlines, Acciaroli is also home to an unusually high number of centenarians, with an incredible one in 10 residents living past the age of 100. Researchers from Rome’s La Sapienza University and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) teamed up earlier this year to study residents from Acciaroli in hopes of better understanding the secrets to longevity and vitality.

There are around 2,000 centenarians, out of a population of 60,000, in the region of Cilento where Acciaroli is based. This ranks it alongside other places with similar numbers for longevity, such as the interior of Sardinia in Italy and the island of Okinawa in Japan.

The researchers analyzed blood samples from 81 elderly people in the region and found that they had remarkably low levels of adrenomedullin, a hormone that helps with blood circulation and assists in feeding nutrients to the body while efficiently taking away waste products through the capillaries. As a result, elderly residents had levels similar to those in their twenties and thirties.

Above photo credit: Angelo Babbaro

Photo credit: Giuseppe Maria Galasso

While scientists are still trying to identify the exact attributes of these residents that may lead to longer lives, it is believed to be a combination of a healthy diet (based on vegetables, herbs, and fish), along with ample exercise and genetics. The elderly people exercise regularly by gardening, trekking steep streets, as well as eating plenty of olive oil, locally-caught fish, and home-reared rabbits and chickens. They also add local herbs to their meals. Rosemary is thought to help with brain function and according to Dr. Maisel, a cardiologist from UCSD, the type grown in the region may be unique. “When we tested it, we found a dozen different compounds in there.”

Locals also seem immune to certain common diseases found in other parts world. “We found that they don’t have the sort of chronic diseases that we see in the US such as heart disease, obesity and Alzheimer’s,” said Dr. Maisel. “We noticed that they don’t suffer from cataracts. Most people in the US, if you are over 80, you have cataracts. We saw none.”

Photo credit: Giuseppe Maria Galasso

It was in the Cilento peninsula that Ancel Keys, an American scientist, also first identified the health benefits of what came to be known as the Mediterranean Diet. Keys’ recommendations advised plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and generous quantities of olive oil. Based on his research in the 1950s, he and his wife wrote best-selling books on the subject—Eat Well and Stay Well and How to Eat Well and Stay Well the Mediterranean Way. Keys lived in Pioppi, another coastal village in the Cilento region, for 28 years and passed away in 2004—just two months short of his 101st birthday.

The same researchers now hope to embark on a more comprehensive study of all 2,000 centenarians in the area, and create tools based on their lifestyles as suggestions and guidelines for how to help others age well.

Photo credit: Aproache2012

via [Inhabitat, The Telegraph]

Christopher Duffy of Duffy London designs furniture that infuses a sense of whimsy and wonder into each unconventional form. Over the past few years, he and his team have created imaginative tables that are supported by both balloons and falling dominoes. Now, Duffy London has expanded their array of stunning pieces with the Abyss Horizon table, a design that recalls the deep, seemingly endless depths of the sea.

The circular table features layers of stacked wood that resembles a 3D geological map. As the organically-shaped tiers descend, the bluer they appear. “I was looking into sheets of thick glass at my glass manufacturer’s factory, and noticed how the material darkened as they added more layers—the same way the sea does as it deepens,” Duffy recalled of his initial inspiration. “I wanted to use this effect to replicate a real piece of the Earth’s sea bed. Like a mythical power had lifted a perfect rectangle straight from the Earth’s crust to use as his personal ornament.” To further this illusion, the base of the table is jagged and rocky, as if it were just exhumed.

Abyss Horizon is limited to 25 editions. Each table is handmade to order and can take up to 20 weeks for delivery.

Duffy London: Website | Instagram | Facebook
via [designboom]

By transforming space into place, a densely populated area of Bangkok, Thailand has regained vital community meeting places in the form of oddly shaped soccer fields. The Khlong Toei quarter of the city was lacking in areas for neighborhood teenagers to congregate for safe and productive gatherings. Ingeniously, AP Thai, in collaboration with CJ Worx, gave trash-laden, asymmetrical tracts of land a makeover, transforming them into areas where locals could play soccer, Thailand’s most popular sport. Local teens, who may live in the same apartment block, but never interact due to a lack of community space, now have the chance to mingle and show off their skills on the field, increasing the community bond.

While Khlong Toei is believed to be a neighborhood without any usable space, AP Thai found this was not the case. “We strongly believe that ‘Space can change one’s life’ and seeing the community brought together to enjoy [the fields] meant that we achieved our goal.”

For some inhabitants it was difficult to conceive of playing soccer on such a strange field. In reality, their forms opened up new perspectives—and not only about the game. The concept of “useless” or “wasted” space has been inverted, showing that outdoor recreation can be inserted into the urban fabric in even the most unexpected environments.

Another field, before:

After:

Before:

After:

Before:

After:

The shape of the field doesn’t take away from a fun, communal game of soccer.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cf3Cjpn9qHY?rel=0&w=750&h=422]

AP Thai: Website | Facebook | Instagram
via [designboom]

Portuguese artist Bordalo II has had a busy summer as he sped from Aruba to Estonia installing his animal sculptures in public locations. A close look unveils the fact that these creatures are uniquely formed from reclaimed materials. In the hands of Bordalo, tires, car bumpers, door panels, and entire vehicles are cut and shaped to create the final sculpture. While many artists’ first stop in town may be an art supply store, he instead makes his way to the local junkyard, sourcing material in a manner that shows his visionary eye for what these scraps can become.

The media itself is central to Bordalo’s mission. “The idea is to depict nature itself, in this case animals, out of materials that are responsible for [their] destruction,” he shares. “Sometimes people don’t recognize that their simple routines are too much, we are using too many resources too fast and turning them into trash, waste, and pollution.”

In addition to a stop in Arkansas for The Unexpected, the artist completed several works in Aruba for the Aruba Art Fair. A brown pelican—an animal removed from the endangered species list in 2009—is affixed to a rusting ship and bobs in the clear waters, mirroring the plethora of pelicans found on the Caribbean Island. In Estonia, the artist created a flying squirrel—a rare mammal in Europe that is only found in Finland and Estonia. In recent decades, the flying squirrel has seen its habitat disappear due to deforestation, causing an alarming decrease in the population. Thus, Bordalo’s public sculptures provoke the viewer beyond their aesthetic beauty, pushing contemplation about how human actions impact local fauna.

Above: Flamingos at Festival Iminente in Oeriras, Portugal

Fox in Forth Smith, Arkansas for The Unexpected Festival

Pelican in Aruba for Aruba Art Fair

Weasel in Hamburg, Germany for MS Artville

Weasel, work in progress

Yuwana in Aruba for Aruba Art Fair

Flying Squirrel in Tallinn, Estonia for JJ -Street Baltic Session Street Art Jam

Bordalo II: Website | Facebook | Instagram
via [Colossal]

It’s hard to understand just how big (or small) something truly is, especially when it appears in an unfamiliar context. Kevin Wisbith has put some exceptionally “large” things into perspective by placing them into situations where we have a better grip on scale. So for those of us who cannot conceptualize the true width of a B-2 Bomber or the world’s largest oil tanker, Wisbith’s comparisons will provide clarity and even surprise you.

The series of 10 images is called A Quick Perspective, and it’s a digital compilation featuring architecture, nature, science fiction, and design. Wisbith has done the math and seamlessly combined two disparate subjects for a head-scratching effect. Even if you have a vague idea of something’s size, seeing it in another context will change your perception of it. The Death Star, for instance, might seem massive on film, but it’s only a quarter the length of Florida. On that scale, it’s much less menacing!

Check out A Quick Perspective, with Wisbith’s original captions, below.

Above: The 2.6 Trillion Dollar Rock
The Dionysus asteroid is part of the Apollo asteroid belt. The Dionysus asteroid is estimated to be 1.5 km wide or 4921.26 feet. The value of the resources estimated to be within the asteroid is around $2,600,000,000,000. If the asteroid was placed above the Golden Gate Bridge, it wouldn’t even surpass the bridge span.

The Death Star
Although the Death Star doesn’t exist in reality, it’s truly the biggest and most bad-ass machine ever conceived. The Death Star’s estimated width is around 99 miles across, or around 1/4th the length of Florida.

The Mir Mine
The Mir Mine located in Russia is one of the deepest mines in the world. The official depth is 1,722 feet deep. If the 2nd tallest building in the United States, the Willis or Sears Tower which is 1,729 feet tall was placed in the mine, the tip would only stick out 7 feet past ground level.

B-2 Bomber
The B-2 Bomber is one of the worlds most advanced and most expensive airplanes in the world. What most people don’t realize is how big these things really are. The wingspan of a B-2 is 172 feet which is 12 feet wider than an NFL football field.

Worlds Largest Oil Tanker
The largest oil tanker ever produced was the Seawise Giant which spanned 1,504 feet. If placed in the main lake in New York’s Central Park it would only have 350 feet of extra room on the front and back.

The Titanic
When it was built the Titanic was one of the largest ships built. It’s total length was 882 feet and 9 inches long. Since then ship building has come a long way. The United States aircraft carrier the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan is 1,092 feet long. If the Titanic was placed on the deck of the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan the ship would have 210 feet of deck room left.

The M-1 Rocket Motor
The M-1 Rocket motor was designed back in the 1950s for the NASA space program and would have been the biggest motor ever built had it been constructed. It’s designed diameter was 14 feet, or wide enough to fully cover a Smart Car with 2 feet to spare on either side.

The Pulmonoscorpius kirktonensis or (Breathing Scorpion)
Prehistoric bugs were larger than average day bugs due to the higher oxygen levels. The Pulmonoscorpius kirktonensis was a species of scorpion that grew to 24 inches long, or the size of a normal house cat. Personally, I’m glad I these things don’t exist anymore. I’d never go outside ever again if they did.

Largest Radio Telescope in the World
As we continue the hunt for extraterrestrial life, we continue to build bigger and bigger telescopes. The biggest radio telescope to date is the Chinese Guizhou province telescope that is 1,600 feet in diameter. If placed in downtown Las Vegas it would cover half of The Mirage, all of the LINQ, all of Harrahs, and most of Venetian.

Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is currently the tallest standing structure in the world. It measures in at 2,722 feet tall. If placed in New York it would stretch almost 1,000 feet past the One World Trade center and almost 1,300 feet taller than the Empire State Building.

Kevin Wisbith: YouTube
via [Colossal, Imgur]

All images and captions via Kevin Wisbith.

We all know that a dog is man’s best friend, but what about a rabbit, a cat, and a guinea pig? In her sweet series, My Son and His Pets, photographer Ana Rosenberg documents her son’s undying companionship with these cuddly creatures.

The New Jersey-based photographer, artist, and mother-of-two captures intimate photos driven by intense yet tender emotion. With her children—11-year-old Analis and 8-year-old Alexander—as her primary subjects, Ana paints a raw and engaging picture of childhood. In My Son and His Pets, she zooms in on the touching relationship between Alexander and his furry friends.

Shot in a stark black-and-white palette, the series conveys a timeless and sentimental aesthetic. Ana shoots her son connecting with beloved pets, offering an glimpse into his world. Whether he’s cuddling with his puppy, blowing bubbles with his cat, goofing around with his rabbit, or lovingly cradling his guinea pig, each interaction visually expresses the innocence and tenderness of his youth.

Foregoing photographic perfection and striving instead for emotional energy, Ana successfully creates pieces that are both meaningful mementos of her son’s fleeting childhood and beautiful works of art.

Ana Rosenberg: Website | Flickr | Instagram 
via [Feature Shoot]

All images via Ana Rosenberg.

Most weddings experience their own form of unwelcome surprises, with some are easier to remedy than others. A wardrobe malfunction, however, ranks high among the things that brides want to avoid. Unfortunately, this exact scenario happened to a woman named Jo Du right before she walked down the aisle—as her bridesmaids were helping her into her gown, the zipper broke.

Unable to repair the dress, wedding photographer Lindsay Coulter suggested that they visit the next door neighbor’s house and ask for a pair of pliers. One bridesmaid went and returned with good news: the adjacent dwelling was hosting a family of Syrian refugees and the father happened to be a master tailor. Better yet, he’d be happy to help if needed.

“After a few minutes of further attempts there was a knock on the door,” Coulter wrote on Facebook, “and the neighbor along with the tailor and his son arrived to help, sewing kit in tow.” She left to snap photos and came back as Ibrahim Halil Dudu, the tailor, was putting the final stitches into the bride’s dress. Coulter captured the moment in a few photos.

Coulter learned that the Syrian family had just moved to Canada four days ago. “They didn’t speak a word of English,” she recalled, “and had been communicating by using Google Translate.” Continuing, “I couldn’t help but stand back in awe of the situation.”

The heartwarming sight was especially moving considering the turmoil the Halil Dudu and his family had seen back home. “Every weekend I take photos of people on the happiest days of their lives, and today one man who has seen some of the worst things our world has to offer came to the rescue.” Coulter said. “I’m in awe of the families who have welcomed these strangers into their homes and lives, and I’m inspired by the resilience of the Syrian people. We are truly blessed.”

Lindsay Coulter: Website | Facebook | Instagram
via [A Plus, The Huffington Post]

When the city of Antwerp needed a smart design to help them unite the city’s 500 port authority employees under one roof, the brief was multi-faceted. Not only would the building need to accommodate future expansion—Antwerp is Europe’s second largest port, handling 26% of the continent’s container shipping—but had to integrate the heritage of the protected former fire station already on site. In 2009, Zaha Hadid Architects unveiled their competition winning design. The project is one of 36 begun before Zaha Hadid’s passing in March and presents a magnificent solution in the voluminous structure that hovers above the fire station. By leaving the historical building’s facades exposed, the new architecture creates contrast and pays homage to the Belgian city’s past while harkening toward the future. The choice to build upward is not without historical precedent, as the original structure was intended to be a tower.

At 364 feet in length, almost twice that of the fire station, the New Port House expansion offers panoramic views of the Scheldt River, with the facade intended to reflect the changing colors and moods of the river. The glittering structure is composed of both opaque and transparent triangular facets that symbolically recall Antwerp’s status as a leader in the diamond industry. The facets also allow for controlled natural light, assuring a bright atmosphere that is less reliant on artificial light sources. Waterless lavatory fittings and motion detectors minimize water consumption, while parking accommodates 190 bikes and 25 electric cars. The waterfront location also afforded the possibility to transport much of the building material via water. A combination of these elements helped garner the building a “Very Good” BREEAM environmental rating. 

With a public reading room and library positioned in the enclosed courtyard of the fire station, the architecture considers both public and private sectors. In addition to new office space, the five-floor extension includes meeting rooms, an auditorium, restaurant, and an external bridge that connects to the old building. Whether it’s received as a floating ship or a glittering cluster of diamonds, Zaha Hadid Architects have created a piece of architecture destined to reshape the waterfront. 

Above: Photo via Hufton+Crow

Photo via Hufton+Crow

Photo via Hélène Binet

Photo via Hufton+Crow

Photo via Hufton+Crow

Photo via Hufton+Crow

Photo via Hufton+Crow

Photo via Hufton+Crow

Photo via Tim Fisher

Photo via Tim Fisher

Photo via Hélène Binet

Image via Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid Architects: Website | Facebook | Twitter
via [designboom]

Costa Rica is well known for its lush rainforests, astounding volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. The country also has a reputation for actively focusing on climate change initiatives and can now boast the title of running on 100% renewable energy for 76 straight days (and counting).

According to Costa Rica’s National Centre for Energy Control (CENCE), June 16, 2016 was the last day that fossil fuel-based energy was used on the national grid. Throughout August, the country has accumulated 150 days of renewable energy in 2016 alone. (Data for September activity use will be forthcoming.) This is the second time the Central American country has run for more than two months straight on renewable energy. In 2015, Costa Rica powered itself for almost 300 days (in terms of electricity generation) without burning oil, coal, or natural gas.

Above photo credit: Arturo Sotillo

Photo credit: Wiki Commons

Costa Rica is unique in that it’s powered on a mix of hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar energy, with hydropower providing about 80% of the total electricity for August. Geothermal plants contributed to about 13% of electricity generation in August, while wind turbines provided 7%, and solar 0.01%.

This impressive achievement is due to a couple advantages the country holds. Costa Rica is only about 19,700 square miles—a bit smaller than West Virginia at 24,231 square miles—and has a population of about 4.87 million people. This small population requires much less energy. Additionally, Costa Rica’s primary industries are tourism and agriculture versus energy-intensive industries such as mining or manufacturing. Heavy rains have also helped four big hydroelectric dams run above their usual capacity, allowing the country to turn off its diesel generators.

Even with these advantages, Costa Rica continues to make sustainability a top priority. The country is leading a massive hydroelectric project called Reventazón, run by the Costa Rica Electricity Institute (ICE). “Revantazón is the largest public infrastructure project in Central America, after the Panama Canal,” explained Mashable’s Maria Gallucci. “The dam’s five turbines will have a generating capacity of 305.5 megawatts – enough to power around 525,000 homes.”

Photo credit: Steve Jurvetson

While Costa Rica is undoubtedly setting an example in terms of how much focus it places on environmental sustainability, it also faces its own challenges. The country recently delayed its goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2021 to 2085. However, based on the progress the country has already made, 365 days of zero fossil fuels is surely on the horizon.

Photo credit: Trish Hartmann

Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE): Website | Report | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube
via [IFLScience, Mashable]