googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DTBT_ATF’); }); As an artist myself, I’ve received quite a bit of flack from fellow artists because I tend to work in a more realistic style. And that’s nice and annoying, because it’s hard to do. The criticism stems from the fact that this approach apparently isn’t creative enough (to which I say SHOVE IT). My personal pettiness aside, however, I guess I can see where they’re coming from. For that reason, I want to introduce nay-sayers to an artist by the name of Howard Lee. He works in a hyperrealistic style, and I dare anyone to tell me that his creations aren’t…well…creative. I mean, look at this. It’s fun, amazing, and way better than anything most of us could ever pull off. YouTube / Howard Lee googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCBM_BTF’); }); Satisfying, isn’t it? YouTube / Howard Lee There’s only one real piece of candy in this pile. Just let that sink in. YouTube / Howard Lee googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCI1_BTF’); }); But watching him work is where things get really dumbfounding. Check out the process he used to draw that bafflingly realistic Coke can and bask in his artistic glory. The hot dog video is making me so jealous. So, so jealous. Why not keep this attack on my self-confidence going? To learn more about Howard Lee, be sure to check him out on YouTube! If you need me, I’ll be busy feeling bad about myself. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/realistic-still-life/
When we were little, our stuffed animals served as fluffy confidantes. They sat with us at our tea parties, they stayed close at night to fend off bad dreams, and they comforted us when we were sick. What they didn’t typically do, however, is teach us important lessons that would ultimately stick with us for a lifetime. But one Japanese organization aims to change all that. Second Life Toys allows parents to send their kids’ damaged stuffed animals in for “transplants” to teach them about the beauty of organ donation. While thousands of people are registered organ donors in the States, the issue gets little attention in Japan. Second Life Toys There are quite a few reasons why Japanese people have mixed feelings about organ donation. For one, belief systems in Japan dictate that bodies should be whole upon cremation, which understandably discourages them from registering. Second Life Toys Along with that, the 1968 Juro Wada case, which involved harvesting organs from a braindead patient at a point when the determination of brain-based death was still hotly contested, embedded an association between organ donation and unethical activity deeply into the cultural consciousness. Representatives from Second Life Toys believe that they can flip the script on this pressing issue by teaching kids the importance of organ donation at a young age. Second Life Toys Their program walks little ones through the process in a way that they can understand. Here’s how it works. Second Life Toys A parent sends photos of their child’s damaged toy to the company, and upon approval, they mail the stuffed animal in for “surgery.” Using parts from donated toys that look much different than the rest of the recipient, they repair the defect and mail it home. Second Life Toys And the program works the other way, too! Those who choose to donate unused toys receive letters from the company explaining how their toys were used to save stuffed animals in need. Their goal is to help young people develop positive attitudes toward organ donation. Second Life Toys For more information about the initiative, check this out! The best way to make change is to work from the ground up. After all, children are the ones who will build a better future someday. If you want to learn more about this project, be sure to check out the company’s website. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/organ-donor-toys/
