Posts by Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
Photography
August 13, 2019

Interview: Human-Like Micro-Expressions of Endangered Animals Around the World

For over two decades, photographer Mogens Trolle has captured stunning wildlife pictures on all seven continents. Trained as a zoologist and wildlife biologist, he specializes in mammals and uses his knowledge of them—as well his keen eye—to capture each creature’s unique personality. His photographs, especially those of monkeys, showcase micro-expressions that look like the kind we’re used to seeing on other humans.

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Tattoos
August 7, 2019

New York Public Library Staff Reveal Their Meaningful Literary Tattoos

Tattoos offer an artistic way to pay homage to life’s passions. For the staff of the New York Public Library (NYPL), literature is their life—and they have the body art to prove it. A recent blog post on the NYPL website features a selection of staff members' tattoos that celebrate their favorite books, inspiring authors, and even now-defunct card catalogs. Each design is as different as their positions within the library.

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Photography
July 29, 2019

Perfectly Timed Photo Captures a Person “Holding” a Total Solar Eclipse

The magic of forced perspective photography can make even the most impossible feats seem real. Photographer Albert Dros demonstrated this with an amazing image of a recent total solar eclipse in Chile. He captured his model, Bart Lablans, “holding” the eclipse once it had reached its totality. If the picture of Lablans reminds you of the of travelers who seemingly push, lean on, or hug the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s supposed to.

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Art
July 17, 2019

50+ Doodle Ideas That Everyone Will Have Fun Sketching

Do you find yourself scribbling in the margins of your notebook? In school, were you scolded for drawing while the teacher was talking? If so, chances are that you like to doodle. Although doodling is often the source of admonishment, there are many benefits to these quick and often mindless drawings. Doodlers are more focused, even when they are engaging in other passive tasks.

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My Modern Met

Celebrating creativity and promoting a positive culture by spotlighting the best sides of humanity—from the lighthearted and fun to the thought-provoking and enlightening.