History
August 21, 2020

Sommelier History: How Poison-Detecting Servants Became Respected Wine Connoisseurs

The 2012 documentary Somm exposed many Americans to the fascinating hidden world of sommeliers. Somm followed four men studying for the exam that confers the highest qualification in the field: Master Sommelier. But to many people, sommeliers may still be something of an enigma. How can one make a career out of pouring and tasting wine? The answers might surprise you. What Is a Sommelier? Simply put, a sommelier is a wine expert.

Read Article

Art
August 21, 2020

Artist Turns Face Masks and COVID-Related Objects Into Miniature Outdoor Adventures

For almost a decade, Japanese artist Tanaka Tatsuya has spent every single day crafting miniature scenes made of everyday objects and tiny figurines. His ongoing Miniature Calendar series sees teeny subjects posed in miniature worlds where broccoli is a tree, a thumbtack is a table, and rice balls are mountains. However, ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, Tatsuya has opted for incorporating objects that reflect the “new normal.

Read Article

Design
August 20, 2020

Designers Create a Retro Mini Kart From the Original Volkswagen Beetle

Mexican designers at Aldekas Studio are the latest creatives to transform the classic Volkswagen Beetle into something new. Their Bugkart Wasowski is a mini kart that uses the fender of a Type 1 Beetle in an inspired design that merges old and new. This vintage-inspired bike has a retro look that will make any Volkswagen enthusiast go wild. The firm, which also specializes in vintage car restoration, may have been inspired by previous mini kart projects.

Read Article

Sculpture
August 19, 2020

Artist Transforms Discarded Mechanical Parts Into Steampunk-Inspired Animal Sculptures

While most of us discard old and broken items, Russian artist Igor Verniy turns metal scraps into stunning steampunk-infused animal sculptures. Spanning a myriad of species from birds and mammals to reptiles and insects, Verniy's impressive models are hand-assembled from old car parts, watches, electronics, and more. “My love of natural science and engineering, plus my passion for robots and science fiction, requires me to create something unique and alive,” Verniy tells My Modern Met.

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.