These hand-painted chalkboards by Valerie McKeehan are nothing short of adorable, and every piece is truly unique. Valerie first designs the hand lettering and illustrations in chalk, then meticulously paints over it "using a technique that preserves the realistic look of chalk with the durability of acrylic paint." I'm sure these matte print chalkboard art pieces would look perfect in any home kitchen, coffee shop, or even as wedding decorations! I'm especially loving the John Mayer lyrics. :) Check out more of her chalkboard art at http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyandVal!
I recently discovered this Tree series by Korean photographer Myoung Ho Lee and was immediately mesmerized by the stunning simplicity of each photograph. It's fascinating how something as simple as a white cloth can transform the way we see things. Framing a single tree with a large white background dramatically changes the photograph to create a slight sense of fantasy, as if the tree is just a facade or a photograph within a photograph. It really draws attention to the beautifully exquisite branches and textures that usually fade into the background unnoticed. The tree almost starts to feel a little out of place in its own home if you stare at it long enough. Absolutely breathtaking, aren't they?
Brace yourselves now for "the unseen photographs of a legend that never was." Seriously. Are you ready for this? Vivian Maier was a children's nanny in New York in the 1950s and never showed a single one of her photographs to anyone. Her ~100,000 undeveloped film negatives (shot mostly on her Rolleiflex camera on the streets of New York and Chicago) surfaced decades later in 2007. Unfortunately, Vivian died in 2009 before she could be reached. However, she left behind some of the greatest street photography I have ever laid eyes on. A truly inspiring story and phenomenal photographs that capture raw emotion and the beauty of city life. These are just a few of my favorites (the last one is a self portrait of Vivian herself!):
And last but not least, the Tunnel of Love. And no, I'm not talking about the Springsteen album...I'm talking about a luscious, vibrant green tunnel found deep in the forests of Kleven, Ukraine. I think 'ethereal' would be the best word to describe it, just from what I've seen in photos. The dreamlike tunnel is 1.8 miles long and serves as both a passageway for a private train and a popular spot for lovers. It is believed that if two people are truly in love and cross the tunnel while holding hands, their wishes will come true. Definitely adding it to the top of my list of places to visit before I die. Time to book a flight to Ukraine! Who's coming? :)
Hope everyone had a wonderful month of April! Spring is now in full bloom, which means it's officially time to break out the sunglasses and sandals (...and the Claritin). Let the May celebrations begin!
xx Kristin
