Paintings and Sketches by Ivan Alifan

Ivan Alfian is a talented artist currently residing in Canada and son of the Russian painter Anna Razumovskaya.

Here’s what Ivan has to say about his artistic process:

Art is beyond an image of perception and creativity. Art is part of the past, present, future, where one can interpret their own view. Painting allows me as an artist to express my strengths or my vulnerability. Each brushstroke builds up a story, a life and, a passion.

‘Social Lights’ by Seymour Templar

Social Lights is a project by Brooklyn–based photographer Seymour Templar where he documents New York social life and individuals interacting with their connections with their smart phones. In this beautiful photo series, Templar candidly captures unsuspecting people interacting with their phones, their faces bathed by the blue glow from their device's screen.

10 Beautiful Fall Foilage Spots in United States

Autumn is the season when we see the nature slowly going to sleep before wake up again in springs. That process offers some of the best nature scenery that a man can see – golden, yellow and red hillsides creating amazing landscapes. On this list you can read about ten beautiful foil foliage spots in United States where you can enjoy and celebrate nature.

1. Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Glenwood Springs is located in Northwest Colorado where the Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers converge. Colorado offers colorful landscapes throughout the year, but it’s worth visiting this fall as wherever you look you’ll see scenery of snow-capped mountains in the distance and many trees which change the color in front of your eyes.

2. Newfane, Vermont

Just like Colorado, Vermont belongs to the group of states which are great for fall visits. Be sure to take a trip to Newfane, one of the best foil foliage spots in New England. The leaves begin to change in mid-October, making the hills look amazing, and last for several weeks.

3. Camden, Maine

Camden, Maine, is yet another place in the US Northeast which lures adventurers on road trips every fall. Leaves in many different colors and shades are hanging over the little roads before dropping on the ground, creating very romantic ambient.

4. White Mountains, New Hampshire

Although the name suggests something else, White Mountains in New Hampshire found their place on this list because of their golden and red shades over the fall. There are few highways which offer all the scenic views, but there are also plenty of trails along the Kancamangus Highway where you can “dive” into the forests and fully enjoy the blessings of nature for this time of the year.

5. Adirondacks, New York

Located only four hours drive from the world’s largest city, it is unbelievable how relaxing could be this place. A perfect weekend getaway for anyone who is tired from the tensed life in New York, Adirondacks’ hillsides is streaked with vibrant colors from the forests of sugar maples and American beech. You can also take the Amtrak’s Adirondack Service, which is considered to be one of the most scenic train trips in North America.

6. Tunnel of Trees, Michigan

If the name makes you think that this is one of the most beautiful foil foliage spots in United States, you’re right! It is located between Harbor Springs and Cross Village, along M-119, this drive is surrounded with plenty of canopies by broadleaf and pines, creating an ideal Autumn landscape.

7. Eastern Sierra, California

Northeast is not the only scenic place to visit this fall. Despite the common belief, American Southwest can offer some Autumn ho spots, too. Eastern Sierra is located in the Yosemite National Park, and offers as much as one national park could. Make sure you visit Lundy Canyon Falls, a short hike with stellar views of rushing falls, golden willows, and yellow aspens.

8. Skyline Drive, Virginia

Skyline Drive is the only public road in the Shenandoah National Park, and is surrounded with the Blue Ridge Mountains, which trees in fall create spectacular view that could easily distract driver’s eye. However, don’t hesitate to take this 105-mile road trip for at least once in your lifetime.

9. Sevierville, Tennessee

The little town in Eastern Tennessee provides yet another chance to visit fall foliage this autumn. This area lacks in rain in recent years, making leaves start changing later, letting you enjoy it for a few weeks longer than other places. The rolling hills near the Smokey Mountains are all covered with leaves in golden and red, providing magnificent scenery.

10. Rocky Mountains

The classics for American tourists, Rocky Mountains, are beautiful in every season, so it is a great idea to wait for the tourists to clear out from their summer holidays and visit the breathtaking fall foliage in autumn. Be sure to take your trip in October or November, just before the winter season starts.

10 Celebrities – Environmental Activists

Environmental Activists have never had as much support by the masses as they have today, and big part of the credits go to Celebrities have went green. This is a list of ten names of Celebrities – Environmental Activists and their activities that put them here.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio simply loves the Earth. Back in 1998 he established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation advocating the environmental issues. His website has an area where he talks about the Earth, too. His activities are broad, as he is on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council, Global Green USA and International Fund for Animal Welfare. Finally, he used his extraordinary artistic skills to produce the environmental documentary 11^th Hour. The best of all – he is not just a preacher: he drives Toyota Prius.

2. Bono

There’s no need to explain how much has the U2 leader done for the world and the environment, so I’ll list just a few: he has campaigned a lot for the general issues in Africa, including environmentalism, has founded or co-founded several organization which fight malaria and HIV/AIDS, several organization that fight poverty, has fundraised a lot, he has promoted a practice of good business of factories in Africa, South American and India…

3. Hayden Panettiere

Hayden Panettiere is only 22 years old, but is mature enough to understand how serious the environmental issues are, and brave enough to take action about it. The young star used well the influence by her celebrity status and tried to stop the hunt of whales in Japan, which can be seen in the documentary The Cove (2008).

4. Robert Redford

Robert Redford deserves special praise for his efforts for environmentalism. The famous actor have spent over 30 years on the board of the Natural Resources Defense Council, giving a great contribution for several US mayors make the climate changes problems a priority in their agendas. Despite that, he has campaigned toward protecting Utah wilderness. He doesn’t talk too much about his activities, but what he has done has to be appreciated.

5. George Clooney

George Clooney is placed among the celebrities – Environmental Activists due to several reasons. First, he practice what he preaches – he drives an electric car, while his advocating activities include founding of OilChange, a campaign which aim was raising awareness about American dependence on foreign oil. He has also made a documentary about Darfur and all the awful things that happened there, which are related to the broad environmental issues.

6. Pearl Jam

As the band guitarist Stone Gossard has once explained: “we’re looking at our supply chains, where our CDs are manufactured, what kind of chemicals go into those, how far they have to fly…doing everything to counteract as much of the bad stuff we do as opposed to the good stuff.” These guys really care for the planet. They have also partnered with many organizations helping them to contribute toward offsetting the carbon emissions.

7. Edward Norton

The famous actor advocates the use of the solar energy, as well as he uses it. He founded the BP Solar Neighbors Program, which donates solar panels to one family in need always when a celebrity buys one for himself. The aim of the program is making the celebrities buy more solar panels, because in today’s society they’re among the best advocates of any idea.

8. Ed Begley Jr.

Ed Begley Jr. preaches a lot about environmental issues, but he practices it as well. He even made a reality show which explained the wide audience about the positive aspects of going green. He showed the world how he composts his garbage and relies exclusively on thermal and solar energy to power his house. He definitely hit the target and deserves praises!

9/10. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

The world’s most popular and most influential celebrity couple uses their social power wisely toward achieving important goals. They put every humanitarian effort everywhere they can, supporting tons of charities, among them Brad’s work with Global Green USA which develops environmentally friendly homes and is also helping to rebuild New Orleans. Also, they established the Jolie/Pitt Foundation which keeps donating anywhere needed.

Thomas Doyle’s Apocalyptic Dioramas

Using ordinary materials found around the house, New York based artist Thomas Doyle creates dioramas that feature tiny hand-painted figures surrounded by domesticity and destruction. In the solo exhibition “Surface to Air,” houses hover safely above their ruined and burnt foundations while soldiers huddle below. A family goes about its business inside a home that has been cleaved in two. A subterranean house juts from the earth, as a family trudges through an ash-strewn landscape above. Reflective of the apprehension endemic to our times, Doyle’s works also communicate a timeless longing for the stability of home, hearth, and family.

“Surface to Air” will also debut Doyle’s new Foregone series, consisting of photographic portraits of the child figures that feature prominently in his sculptural work. Measuring just a few millimeters high, each figure is hand painted and then photographed in an enlarged format, revealing detail unseen by the naked eye. Coated in a patina of microscopic debris, the figures reveal the limitations and random nature of painting while evoking the tenderness and anxieties of childhood.

Surface to Air runs through December 17, 2011 at LeBasse Projects in Culver City.