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.
Macro Photography
February 9, 2022

Macro Photographer Captures Eye-mazing Portraits Showcasing the Swirling Beauty of the Iris

The eyes have a mystical quality to them. We refer to them as the “windows to the soul” and look into them to know someone’s true feelings. Photographer Giannina Roche is entranced by eyes and has dedicated her creative practice to capturing their beauty. She photographs macro shots of eyes, showcasing the varied and swirling colors of the iris. Placed against a black background, the eyes appear as abstract art rather than a photo.

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Birds
February 3, 2022

Male Same-Sex Foster Penguins Are Proud Parents of an Adorable Newborn Chick

Congratulations are in order for two male Humboldt penguins at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York. After adopting an egg last year, Elmer and Lima—the same-sex foster couple—successfully incubated an egg and became parents to the new hatchling on January 1, 2022. Elmer and Lima formed a “pair bond” for the current breeding season and are the first same-sex foster couple at the zoo.

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Illustration
February 1, 2022

Geeky Valentine’s Day Cards That Let Pop Culture Characters Bring the Romance

Illustrator PJ McQuade (aka Castle McQuade) has assembled a collection of Valentine’s Day cards perfect for the pop culture aficionado in your life. In the creative sentiments, McQuade pairs portraits of characters from our favorite movies and television shows and has each of them express their affections in their own way. (There's even a card featuring the internet's “breathtaking” boyfriend, Keanu Reeves.)

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Cats
January 31, 2022

Meet Willow, the Bidens’ “First Cat” That Has Just Moved Into the White House

The White House has a new furry resident roaming its hallowed halls. On Friday, January 28, the Biden administration announced that the first family had adopted a gray shorthair tabby cat named Willow. First lady Jill Biden was the driving force behind Willow's adoption. The cat had a memorable introduction to her nearly two years ago; Dr. Biden was giving a speech at a Pennsylvania farm where Willow was living.

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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.