Because I'm a Doll by Kazuki Takamatsu

Beautiful, serene-looking dolls posed amidst dark, sometimes macabre and violent backgrounds are the subjects of Japanese artist Kazuki Takamatsu's series of paintings, "Because I'm a Doll".

Takamatsu mixes both traditional and modern techniques to create his signature "depth map style" paintings. Depth maps are computer-generated images that show the distance of the surfaces of an object or scene from a viewpoint. These images are used in creating 3D animations and computer graphics. However, instead of using a computer, Takamatsu uses gouache to achieve this effect. He painstakingly paints layers of semi-transparent gouache to create the illusion of depth. The monochrome color scheme adds to the evocative atmosphere of his creations.

His usual subjects are innocent, melancholy young girls as either victims or perpetrators of violence, but for this series, a lot of his subjects are female ball-jointed dolls. I'm not sure why he used dolls this time. Perhaps to emphasize fragility? Or maybe it's a criticism on the expectations placed on girls?

Below are some of my favorites from his series.

Photo credits: Kazuki Takamatsu's Facebook Profile

Kirsty Mitchell's Wonderland

If you have a Tumblr or Pinterest account, I'm sure you've encountered some of Kirsty Mitchell's work from her Wonderland series. But did you know that aside from the photography and editing, she made all the props and costumes herself? My mind was blown when I learned about that. Look at all the detail and artistry! Amazing.

However, what's more amazing is the story behind this set of photos. It's an ongoing project (3 years long and counting) that she did to honor her late mother, who was the best storyteller she knew. It's a touching story, and you can read about it here. Reading it gave me an even greater appreciation for her work.

Below are some of my favorites from the set:
(You can view the whole gallery here)

The Storyteller

Lady of the Lake

Gammelyn's Daughter, a Waking Dream

Spirited Away

The Beautiful Blindness of Devotion

A Most Beautiful Death

An Ocean of Tales, Till the Shores of Home

The Ghost Swift

The Queen's Armada

Gaia's Promise

Kirsty says there are still six more photos left before the series ends. I can't wait to see the conclusion. I'm sure it will be magnificent.

Source: Kirsty Mitchell's Official Website

Haru & Mina

I am head over heels in love with photographer Hideaki Hamada's precious photographs of his sons Haru and Mina! Gosh, aren't they the most adorable? I just love the candidness and the storybook quality of the photos. I feel all warm and nostalgic just looking at them.

These are some of my favorites. I hope you like them, too!

Source: Haru & Mina

Kate MacDowell's Porcelain Sculptures

I chanced upon Kate MacDowell's works while browsing through Tumblr and instantly fell in love. Her porcelain sculptures delicate and elegant, but upon closer inspection, you'll realize they convey darker, more macabre messages.

Kate's works are all symbolic of humanity's often destructive relationship with nature. The artist herself says it best in her own words:

"...the union between man and nature is shown to be one of friction and discomfort with the disturbing implication that we too are vulnerable to being victimized by our destructive practices."

Canary

Memento Mori

Solastalgia

Soliphilia

Venus

Learn more about Kate and her works by visiting her official site.

Mall's Second ACEO Release

My all-time favorite artist, May Ann Licudine aka Mall, released her second batch of ACEO pieces last October 22, 2012. I was ready to snag one that day, but I got distracted by work and missed out on the ones I wanted to get. FAIL. I'll have to content myself with just staring at the pieces from my computer screen again. (_ _)

Below are my favorites from the hundred-and-one pieces she made. For the complete set of ACEO pieces, you can read her blog post about it. :)

You can find out more about Mall and her work at her blog, deviantArt, and Flickr.

Theme Thursday: Dark Mori Girl

Dark Mori girl is Mori girl's more gothic sister. The baggy and layered silhouette and the nature and vintage motifs are still there, but the lace is tattered, the flowers and feathers are dark (or even dead and dry), the make up is more striking and primal, and the cute woodland fauna are replaced with skulls and skeletons.

Photo sources: Strega's Forest, Feather & Moss Curiosities, and Necrosarium

As ShadyOaks on Tumblr puts it:

"If a mori girl is a sheep, the black forest girl is the wolf. She and the romantic goth have many interests in common, the metaphysical and the macabre are as fascinating and beautiful a facet of nature as life and light. Rather than letting the “memento mori” idea get them down in the dumps, they allow it to let them appreciate living while respecting death."

I've been recently toying with the idea of dressing up Blair in dark mori girl fashion. There is a mystery in her eyes that I can't quite put a finger on; I only know that she has a darker side to her. I've also been stalking the DoA marketplace for a Minifee Miyu SP head, which would be perfect for dark mori!Blair. Ahh, ideas, ideas. Now if only my income was directly proportionate to my wants!

Midnight Reverie by Audrey Kawasaki

Audrey Kawasaki takes a more graphic approach to her art in her latest show, Midnight Reverie. Her use of black gives an eerie effect to her pieces. Her girls look even more enigmatic, and somehow quite menacing, compared to her older works.

Deep Waters

Lost in Thought

May There Be

Possessed

You Come First

Source: Audrey Kawasaki's Official Blog