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.
Art
October 30, 2015

Clever Illustrations Playfully Reveal the "True" Meanings of Idioms

Idioms are a clever way to convey emotions and make comparisons, but what if you aren't sure of what they're supposed to mean? Keren Rosen imagines the literal, true definitions of idioms in a playful ongoing project. The simple, cartoonish images break down the meaning of each word and illustrate their individual definitions. Then, Rosen combines the two or three disparate elements into a single amusing composition.

Read Article

Environment
October 28, 2015

Extraordinary Entries from the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest

Last month, we featured a selection of the spectacular entries in the 2015 National Geographic Photo Contest, and we're pleased to share even more works from the competition. The chosen entries showcase the stunning diversity of our world, through both landscape and culture. They depict an exciting buffalo race in Bali, a dream-like field of blue flowers, and the mystical light of Machu Picchu.

Read Article

Design
October 20, 2015

Nomadic Couple Built a Stylish Trailer Home for $50,000

Like many people, Brian and Joni Buzarde wanted to own a home, but they didn't want to be tied to one particular location. Their solution for housing mobility was an unconventional yet practical one–they built a dwelling that would travel with them. The couple's trailer, nicknamed Woody, was designed and constructed by Brian and Joni, a true DIY project from beginning to end.

Read Article

Art
October 13, 2015

Giant Floating Dandelion Made of Over 3,000 Hand-Blown Glass Orbs

Artist Wolf Buttress has created a sculptural installation that looks like a giant dandelion wafting in the breeze. Its center, surrounded by delicate, tiny florets, mimics the flower's wispy shape and feel. Titled Lucent, this larger-than-life orb is suspended above a darkened, reflecting pool that mirrors the brilliant illuminated tips, doubling its stunning presence. Although it has the soft appearance of a dandelion, Buttress produced Lucent with another, much larger, natural body in mind–the universe.

Read Article

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.