Keep in mind that time is moving backwards on this graph, from left to right:  

So, what does this tell us about how our planet is evolving? Of course, one must keep in mind that measuring biodiversity millions of years ago is an inexact science; as well as the fact that [...]]]>

Keep in mind that time is moving backwards on this graph, from left to right:  

So, what does this tell us about how our planet is evolving? Of course, one must keep in mind that measuring biodiversity millions of years ago is an inexact science; as well as the fact that graphs like this wont display a sudden (within a century or two) drop in biodiversity. Also, I got the graph from the Wikipedia Biodiversity page.

In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet [...]]]> Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

-William Ernest Henley

I’d like to tap into some of this:

The turritopsis nutricula species of jellyfish may be the only animal in the world to have truly discovered the fountain of youth.

Since it is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature polyp stage and back again, there may be no [...]]]>

I’d like to tap into some of this:

The turritopsis nutricula species of jellyfish may be the only animal in the world to have truly discovered the fountain of youth.

Since it is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature polyp stage and back again, there may be no natural limit to its life span.

The key lies in a process called transdifferentiation, where one type of cell is transformed into another type of cell. Some animals can undergo limited transdifferentiation and regenerate organs, such as salamanders, which can regrow limbs. Turritopsi nutricula, on the other hand, can regenerate its entire body over and over again.

Via Yahoo.

Oh, and kudos to all you cool folks who understood the title of this post.

Here is A Psalm of Life, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

Tell me not, in mournful numbers, Life is but [...]]]> I admit I’m usually not one for poetry; but every once in awhile something strikes me in just the right way. Plus, posting poems is an easy way to keep this blog from going stale while I’m busy.

Here is A Psalm of Life, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
Life is but an empty dream!
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.

Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
Dust thou art, to dust returnest,
Was not spoken of the soul.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each to-morrow
Find us farther than to-day.

Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.

In the world’s broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life,
Be not like dumb, driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!

Trust no Future, howe’er pleasant!
Let the dead Past bury its dead!
Act,–act in the living Present!
Heart within, and God o’erhead!

Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;–

Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o’er life’s solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.

Let us, then, be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait.

First, have yourself a gander at Mark Farrari’s artwork.

To make these, Farrari used only an 8-bit color cycle with HTML 5. Below is a sample of his work (Keep in mind this is just a screenshot; be sure to follow the link, because the actual work moves and changes):

There is [...]]]>

First, have yourself a gander at Mark Farrari’s artwork.

To make these, Farrari used only an 8-bit color cycle with HTML 5. Below is a sample of his work (Keep in mind this is just a screenshot; be sure to follow the link, because the actual work moves and changes):

There is this tendency among artists (and I include myself in this, even though I usually don’t use the word “artist” to describe myself) to become materials-obsessed. To get hung up on what you are using and to always want something better.

I understand this more then most. Hell, one of my links is Notebook Stories. I’ve been obsessed with finding the perfect notebook for years, one that offers me the perfect balance of portability, quality, and I hate to admit it: looks (though like any good obsession, I’ll probably never be satisfied.)

I’ve spent thousands upon thousands of dollars over-the-years on supplies (and now I spend even more on new programs, hardware, and upgrades: the digital age is expensive!) What has all this money gotten me? Well, actually a lot. I’m not downing expensive supplies, no matter how ridiculously overpriced (I’m looking at you, PrismaColor!) These supplies are often worth it, their quality undoubtedly superior.

But when it comes to the fundamentals of what makes a good artist, these supplies won’t do much. Think of it like driving; a brand new AC Cobra 427 won’t do much for a 14-year old who has never been behind the wheel. And in fact, teaching this 14-year old how to drive in a AC Cobra 427 probably won’t yield any benefits that teaching him in a 1985 Honda Civic would yield (and I bet some would even claim teaching him in the Cobra would be detrimental.)

And this hints at the dark side of supply obsession, when it becomes a crutch and a gimmick. Supplies become ’15 days to instant weight loss’ and a ‘get rich scheme’ all in one. Subconsciously, the frustrated artist (and nearly all artists are frustrated) views new supplies as a shortcut to achieve what they want to achieve.

To quote Kung Fu Panda (and no, I am not above quoting Kung Fu Panda) “There is no secret ingredient…there is no shortcut.” This goes far beyond art. In life, there are no rules that, if dutifully followed, free you from the burden of living (if you wish to call it a “burden.”) No logical algorithms that will free the mind from the need to think. No guru on a hill that will fix all problems with a vague and knowing platitude.

If you want to learn the fundamentals of drawing, a number 2 pencil and a piece of computer paper will do the job; you don’t need to buy a set of 9H to 9B drawing pencils and an expensive sketchbook (though better materials will become a necessity at some point.)

This is why I like what Mark Farrari has done, using a highly limited set of tools, he created some incredible images; and it just goes to show you: that it is the artist that makes the art.