No sense denying the warmth and beauty of these Russian camera schematics. I have spent an unhealthy amount of time on ussrphoto.com. But there is so much to look at. And, inexplicably, I’m feeling a little nostalgic for The Cold War.

Flavorpill posted a nice bit today about Simon Monk’s paintings of superheroes in bags. And, while I love a comic book character (my first true crush was on Speed Racer), I am much more drawn to his series of slightly generic plastic toys in bags. The objects themselves are less caricature and more iconic childhood, which is far more interesting to me personally. Suggest reading his about page in order to better understand the reasoning behind his work.

I love Bibliodyssey! I never know what I am going to find there, but it’s invariably interesting and always always edifying. This time around it’s these 15th century drawings of weaponry. Even though I come from a long line of pacifists, that won’t keep me from appreciating Martin Merz’s draftsmanship in these weird, dangerous and quite unusual images. For a little bit more history go here. And click on the various links to learn even more.

One of my favorite books. It measures in at 5.5″ x 8″. Part of a series of volumes that the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris put out years ago that are sadly no longer in print. The hand in these drawings is both expert and full of delight. The book itself is intimate in a way that not many are. It is true about all design being found in nature. I go back to these pages over and over again. I am particularly fond of the curlicues.

Saw these yesterday over at Picture Book. Always always a satisfying read! Tony Hong drew these tree rings on an 18′ x 24″ panel. Other people’s obsessions can be so satisfying.