Talented sculptor and artist Ryo Shimura, a graduate of the Tokyo University of Art and Design, makes detailed plastic figurines of endangered species, highlighting how species are disappearing from the planet, due to “environmental problems such as deforestation, air pollution, warming…resulting in mass extermination”.

Shimura’s latest creation, “29000→600” represents the loss of hippos in the wild due to loss of habitat and poaching. His slumped-over pandas are particularly poignant, but his Meerkat crayons are tad more upbeat.

However, it does seem a little out of place to use plastic for the disappearing species since plastics, and fossil-fuels from which they are derived, often are a causal factor in stress on the environment and animal species – perhaps the use of a plastic as a medium is intended as an ironic statement.

Visit: http://shimura-ryo.blogspot.com/

Knowledge to Grow Shaped Trees is a recently published book written by Peter Cook and Becky Northey, the world’s leading tree shapers. The knowledge contained in this book is their answer to a growing worldwide demand for information on what is known as the “pooktre” shaping method.

This book has 42 years of the authors’ real-life experiences of tree shaping; the information is given in a clear step-by-step process. The knowledge is easy to put into practice because the book contains so many photos along with an explanation of exactly how it’s done, creating a platform to allow individuals, with no previous experience, to begin shaping trees into all kinds of fantasy forms and useful items. The ideas provided in this book encourage people to live in harmony with the environment. With this new knowledge, and an understanding of tree lore, you will be more observant of the trees that grow around you.

The book starts with a young man riding his horse along the lonely surf beach of Fraser Island and finding a large hunk of ambergris (secretions from the intestines of sperm whales used in perfume), which comes from the largest predator on earth. The young man sold it and bought 160 acres of old growth forest in the mountains of southern Queensland and continues to the present day with a peaceful property covered with many beautiful examples of pooktre.

The authors explain which tree species are suitable for the pooktre treatment, and just as important, the trees to avoid. They explain the principles of why a tree species will work or not, using many real examples to explain the importance and practical use of tree lore. Some knowledge is unique to pooktre. Some techniques, such as grafting, and wind staking, have been so refined they have become new techniques in their own right.

Knowledge to Grow Shaped Trees has over 350 images and illustrations and 20 content packed chapters full of great information, but this is not just another “how-to-book”, they also share the underlying principles of tree lore which governs their artwork. The book Knowledge to Grow Shaped Trees demonstrates that trees are dynamic living beings and what can be achieved when you work cooperatively with them.

The Solar Winds Cultural Arts Center is a design proposal from artist Michael Jantzen for a large solar and wind powered structure dedicated to being used for a wide variety of cultural arts activities.

“The center is composed of seven conical shaped modular structures that are merged together at their bases. Each of the seven are fitted with a large vertical axis wind turbine designed to be integrated into the shape of the apex of each of the conical shaped forms,” explains the designer. “Four of the south facing cone shaped structures are fitted with large, integrated photovoltaic solar cell arrays. These solar cell arrays are backed with specially designed solar heat extraction systems.”

The wind turbines, solar cells, and solar heat extraction systems provide all of the electricity, space heating, and water heating energy needed to operate the center. Whenever there is a surplus of energy generated by the structure, it is distributed to the local community energy grid.

The tall conical shaped segments of the structure also function to naturally ventilate the center as air is drawn in at the base of each segment and vented out through uniquely designed air exhaust ports at the top. Each of the seven conical shaped segments of the structure are also equipped at the top with skylights, which naturally illuminate the spaces below.

The clustering of the seven conical structures created an enormous cavernous space that is ideal for cultural arts events. The perimeter of the structure, and in-between the seven conical shaped segments, includes a multitude of flat shaped shade roofs and bridges between several of the segments in order to form platforms for outdoor events.

Visit: www.michaeljantzen.com