martin usborne: mute - the silence of dogs in cars

It seems to be UK week accidentally. Martin Usborne is another photographer from across the pond. He's a got a marvelously diverse portfolio, ranging from portraits, to travel, to animal shots. I particularly like his "Mute - The Silence of Dogs in Cars" series, which captures man's best friend as he/she waits for his/her master to return.

Usborne comes across to me, in both his words and photos, as a person with wit but also a lot of heart. He doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, and at the same time he is genuine and empathetic.  This seems especially evident here and is a reoccurring theme as you peruse his site. To read the story behind this particular project it becomes even clearer. As an aside, I don't know how he did it, but I find it remarkable how many of the dogs coordinate with the cars they are in.

For more of my favorites keep going after the jump. Also be sure to check out another great series, "Dead Fox". "Ha" and "hell yeah" are all I have to say about that one.

now here is a pet friend

Last night I took some photos for my friend's super secret new collaborative music project. This is Beatrice, the studio's mascot... or I have proclaimed her as that if she doesn't already hold that title. Don't let this cute face fool you; she's fierce, in a completely adorable way... no-one ever tore my arm apart so sweetly.

Can't wait by the way to share the photos and details of the project. You're in for some outstanding music.

love the one you're with

This is pulled from my childhood archives. Purely ridiculous, I posted it on Flickr forever ago when I went on a scanning spree. I don't think I've ever posted it here. Whenever I need a good chuckle I look at this image from "Pet Friends", a book apparently that is about befriending yourself or the vanity of poodles. Enjoy.

kittens

Completely ridiculous but you gotta love this kid's imagination. And this is my very lazy post for the day. Adios.

[ via You Might Like This ]

wiener time

I think if I ever get another dachshund I would like a long-haired one. I will need a bigger lap before moving forward with that though.

[ Doug Hock via Celections ]

wiener time

Because it's been a while...

[ Serena Photography ]

[ Converse shoes via Draplin Design Co ]

[ Lab Partners via Uppercase Journal Issue 3 ]

[ David Hasselhoff via The Long and Short of It ]

meg hunt

I discovered Meg Hunt's work via Share Some Candy and I especially love the above image. Fun, great colors, and very retro-y.

MEG LINKS:
[ Blog ]
[ Website ]
[ Twitter ]

in and out

I think this ad might be on to something. I'm going to have to try it out... the double bowl system, not the laxatives.

This image is part of a campaign which I found over on I Believe in Advertising. Some comments on this post made me laugh because they can't laugh about it. Yeah it's silly, but come on... just a chuckle at least?

need to want less: companionship pt. 2

I am really excited to be able to offer one of my Need/Want designs. As much as I don't feel comfortable giving myself a pat on the back, I really can't deny that it makes me happy if something I make makes someone else happy (so many "makes" and "happy" in there). So even though I feel like I make silly things I guess at least a couple people like them.

If you happen to be one of those people you can purchase it at Wall Blank. It comes in two sizes (at a very reasonable price). You will please Biggie and Boo (my dachshunds, little friends, cuddle bugs, and the source of much hilarity) and me too, allowing me to continue to pay bills and all that fun stuff. I am so bad at self-promotion, but apparently have no problem with guilt trips. And on that note, if you perchance missed your opportunity to buy my previous Wall Blank print (the horse in the field... for some reason I do not believe in photo titles yet my other junk feels naked without one), you can buy it again. You can get it here. And now I end my very parenthesis laden post.

Oh and thank you so much if you do buy something! And if you don't, I still love you.

humiliating end of the road

I am indeed very much an animal lover so I feel slightly ashamed of myself for loving the site Crappy Taxidermy so much. BUT I would be a giant stick in the mud if being passionate about critters meant I had to completely abandon my sense of humor. I also am from Texas and it's part of your upbringing to develop an appreciate for taxidermy in some form or another. So with that I bring you another glorious website to waste some time on. It's pure ridiculousness.

valero doval

This artwork by Valero Doval gets an A+ from me. It's silly and colorful but that's why it earns high marks. To me this series is sort of reminiscent of John Baldessari, an artist that I love. I don't know, maybe just a little bit. Not a bad comparison either way.

my name is earl

This is Earl. He's my boyfriend's cat. We have a love/hate relationship. He loves me when he feels like it and hates me when he feels like it. It's all very unpredictable. I have the scars to prove it. But I mostly kid here. I think we are truly friends.

yes please

This photograph is part of the Press Photographer's Year awards exhibit which will be displayed in London.

FYI: Before I die I must hug a baby elephant. Although that could result in a massive adorable overload and bust my heart. I am willing to take the risk.


Photo Credit [ Rosie Hallam ]

lazy rabbit

Kind of like a silly rabbit but with less Trix and more carrots.

[ Image via BuzzFeed ]

cat fancying

Trust me, this is probably one of the best cats ever. To my friends John and Emily, don't worry, I promise this is where my envy will end... no need to invest in a pricey kitty guard.

more wiener time

Yes, I know I have a problem. I also know that all of this dachshund stuff appeals to almost no-one that is reading this right now. So thanks for allowing me to get this out of my system. Again.


German postcards


Dachshund pillow



Dachshund purse





I wonder if these dogs know these dogs



Dachshund ear buds

free tony

Coincidence is a weird a thing. I have been scanning some old photographs lately. Just around that time I read a post on the Day-Lab blog about the Tiger Truck Stop on I-10 in Louisiana. Oddly enough one of the photos I rediscovered was of that very place. It was probably almost 8 years back which is how long the tiger has been there (if not longer).

To backtrack a bit... the Tiger Truck Stop is home to a lone tiger, and he lives in a cage on the property of said truck stop. It's a tourist attraction to be sure... it lured me in. Fascination aside it's also really sad and a bit heart wrenching. Who knows what kind of care he gets but regardless living in such solitude in a tiny cage seems unjust and definitely not the quality of life such a majestic wild animal should have.

Hearing that this fella was still captive made my stomach turn. I am however glad that there is a movement underway to try to free Tony. I encourage everyone to sign the petition as well as read up on other ways to help on Big Cat Rescue's site.

more archives

I uploaded some more photos from the ole archives. I love this picture, and not in a I'm full of myself way, but how amazingly adorable way. The kangaroos deserve all the credit.

In other news, I think I ate too many Girl Scout cookies. And I wish my pinky would stop being weird.

biggie birthday

Today (actually yesterday... sorry delayed internet acknowledgment) is my other little man's birthday. Biggie Smalls, pretty much called Big/Biggie/BB, turns 3 years old. He's my bold, outgoing chunk trunks that loves to sleep on his back and to burrow. He got his name because he was the biggest of his litter and by breed is typically a smaller dog; Biggie Smalls seemed like a good fit.

He's also pimpin'. Needless to say he keeps his nose clean however and will not meet the same fate as his human namesake. Sidenote... he came this close to be named Victor. Don't ask me why but my brain was stuck on that name. I can't see it now. Love you my BB!

BIG LINKS:
Biggie Smalls [ Hypnotize ]
Notorious Trailer [ Apple ]
Official Website [ Notoriousbig.com ]

and for something better...

I don't care if this photo is fake... it totally made my day. Ah... smile.

[ photo cred Worth1000 ]