Elegant Dimensional Renderings of Animals and People by Maxim Shkret

Moscow-based illustrator Maxim Shkret conjurs the flowing hair of people and the tangled fur of beasts in this lovely ongoing series of digital illustrations. Mixing a unique method of 3d modeling with carefully applied shadows, each piece evokes the form of a paper-like sculpture. You can see more on Shkret’s Instagram.

Geometric Light Installations by Nicolas Rivals Bathe the Spanish Countryside in Red

As part of his project La Línea Roja, Paris-based photographer Nicolas Rivals constructed bright red light configurations installed outdoors while on a trip through Spain. Each temporary piece was captured in a series of long-exposure shots that reveal an unusual juxtaposition between fabricated objects and the natural world. You can see more from the series on his website and Instagram—and if you liked this also check out James Nizam, Barry Underwood, and this short film from 3hund.

Porcelain Vessels Inspired by the Ocean Sculpted by Jennifer McCurdy

Guided in her ceramics studio by nature’s symmetrical and asymmetrical forms, artist Jennifer McCurdy works with inspiration from everyday objects, producing vessels that imitate natural specimens such as malformed conch shells and burst milkweed pods. Her sculptures are habitually one color, a white the same shade as the ocean’s surf. Keeping a very limited palette allows McCurdy to highlight the hollow areas of her pieces, casting shadows from her chiseled patterns.

“I use a translucent porcelain body because it has a beautiful surface, and it conveys the qualities of light and shadow that I wish to express,” said McCurdy in her artist statement. “After throwing my vessel on the potter’s wheel, I alter the form to set up a movement of soft shadow. When the porcelain is leather hard, I carve patterns to add energy and counterpoint. I fire my work to cone 10, where the porcelain becomes non-porous and translucent.”

McCurdy occasionally adds 23 carat gold leaf detail to the inside of her pieces, allowing them to glow from the inside. You can see more of her ocean-inspired vessels on her website, as well as within the pages of the book The New Age of Ceramics currently available in the Colossal Shop.

Incredible Fungi Timelapse from Planet Earth II

This stunning timelapse footage from the new Planet Earth II series on BBC One captures a wide variety of unusual fungi as it blooms at night. The clip is from the latest Jungles episode (UK only) and includes a few specimens that were shot for the very first time by Steve Axford whose fungi photography we’ve shared here many times. Unfortunately, watching Planet Earth II anywhere outside the UK legally is almost impossible until early next year, so you’ll have to hang tight for the whole episode.

Whimsical Storybook Beasts and Birds Illustrated by Vorja Sánchez

Barcelona-based illustrator Vorja Sánchez depicts comically surreal storybook creatures that look like a cross between mutant dinosaurs and shadowy demons—but also captures the very lifelike spirit of birds and other animals. Working with a variety of mediums from pen and link to watercolor or spray paint, each piece is inspired by events in his daily life, an observation he makes while walking through the forest or drawing from a recent stint living in Nicaragua where he organized painting classes for children and adults. Sánchez has just begun working as a full-time artist in the last few months and is currently wrapping up work on an illustrated book. You can follow more of his artwork on Facebook and Instagram.

Folded Aluminum Lamps Project Feathers and Antlers When Illuminated

When Tel Aviv-based designer Chen Bikovski was growing up she was fascinated by pop-up books, especially engaged with the immersive experience that came with the turn of each page. Interested in transforming this idea to work with her design practice, Bikovski founded Popup Lighting, a series of lamps that turn into magical creatures like deer and peacocks when illuminated.

“The idea behind Popup Lighting was to create a permanent light fixture that would bring a magical ambiance to any space,” said Bikovski on her website. “A multi-dimensional light that would inspire the senses and ignite the imagination.”

Bikovski’s fixtures seem like minimal aluminum sculptures until their light is switched on—the origami-like works suddenly appearing as deer or peacocks. Streams of light behind the lamps create the effect of horns and feathers, subtly casting patterns that make each work come alive.

Both of her designs can be found on the Popup Lighting shop in an array of colors. You can see more on her Instagram, while also taking a look at some light experiments with cacti that may soon join the shop! (via My Modern Met)

Porcelain Sculptures Inspired by English and Japanese Botanics by Hitomi Hosono

Merging botanical forms from England with the delicate plant shapes from her childhood in Japan, ceramic artist Hitomi Hosono produces delicate layered sculptures that appear as frozen floral arrangements. Often monochromatic, the works are focused on carved detail rather than color—repetition of form making each piece uniquely beautiful.

“The subjects of my current porcelain works are shapes inspired by leaves and flowers,” said Hosono in an artist statement. “I study botanical forms in the garden. I find myself drawn to the intricacy of plants, examining the veins of a leaf, how its edges are shaped, the layering of a flower’s petals. I look, I touch, I draw.”

Hosono’s plant-inspired works were recently exhibited with Adrian Sassoon gallery during The Salon Art + Design fair in NYC November 9-13, 2016. You can see more of her work on her website, as well as in the book The New Age of Ceramics currently available in the Colossal Shop. (via cfile.daily)