I like words, and organising things, and photographing other things, and being silly and laughing heaps, and you know... stuff
13222 stories
·
12 followers

longseasons:

1 Share

longseasons:

Read the whole story
bluebec
2 days ago
reply
Melbourne
Share this story
Delete

D Roll

1 Comment and 5 Shares
Under some circumstances, if you throw a D8 and then a D12 at an enemy, thanks to the D8's greater pointiness you actually have to roll a D12 and D8 respectively to determine damage.
Read the whole story
bluebec
2 days ago
reply
Melbourne
Share this story
Delete
1 public comment
alt_text_bot
2 days ago
reply
Under some circumstances, if you throw a D8 and then a D12 at an enemy, thanks to the D8's greater pointiness you actually have to roll a D12 and D8 respectively to determine damage.

https://www.thefarside.com/2024/12/23/2

1 Share

Read the whole story
bluebec
2 days ago
reply
Melbourne
Share this story
Delete

9 Martín Ron Murals That Redefine Urban Art

1 Share

Martín Ron, born on March 13, 1981, in Caseros, Buenos Aires, is a renowned Argentine muralist celebrated for his large-scale, hyper-realistic artworks that transform urban landscapes worldwide.

His journey began at the age of ten, painting neighborhood walls, which led to his first solo exhibition in London in 2015. Over the years, Ron has adorned cities across Argentina, England, Spain, the United States, Australia, Turkey, Qatar, Russia, and Belgium with his vibrant murals.

His distinctive style blends elements of fantasy with everyday life, turning mundane cityscapes into captivating visual narratives. Recognized among the top ten muralists globally, Ron continues to inspire and engage communities through his dynamic public art.

LINKS: http://ronmuralist.com.ar // Instagram // Facebook


1.

A towering mural by Martín Ron titled "Reflections," located in San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Argentina. The artwork depicts a young person crouching, wearing a translucent plastic raincoat with vibrant reflections, holding purple flowers. The figure’s mirrored image appears below, seamlessly blending into the surface. This hyper-realistic piece, rich in detail and color, occupies the side of a tall urban building, contrasting against the muted cityscape under a cloudy sky.

Reflections – Mural by Martín Ron in San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Argentina for San Nicolás de los Arroyos.

More photos here.


2.

A monumental mural by Martín Ron in Banfield, Buenos Aires, Argentina. This artwork features a young girl in a floral dress standing barefoot on a reflective, heart-shaped sculpture. She reaches up with a yellow paint roller, seemingly painting a vibrant, pixelated background of multicolored blocks that extends across the tall building. The striking mural is part of an urban landscape, surrounded by city architecture under a pastel-hued evening sky. A smaller mural by Martín Ron can also be seen on a neighboring building in the background, adding depth to the scene.

Mural by Martín Ron in Banfield, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

More photos here.


3.

A stunning mural titled "Olivia Looks at the Sky" by Martín Ron, located in Córdoba, Argentina. The artwork depicts a young girl with long hair wearing a pink jacket and holding a shiny, reflective silver star-shaped balloon. She stands barefoot, reaching upwards with one hand as if pointing to the sky. The mural covers the side of a tall building, with sunlight dramatically peeking over the rooftop. The vibrant colors and hyper-realistic details contrast beautifully with the clean lines of the surrounding modern architecture and the open street below.

“Olivia Looks at the Sky” by Martín Ron, located in Córdoba, Argentina.

More photos here.


4.

Another view of Martín Ron’s stunning mural in Miramar, Argentina, showcasing a young girl in a colorful polka-dot swimsuit diving headfirst into the water. Her hands are extended above her head, and her hair floats as if suspended in water, creating a dynamic and immersive underwater effect. The mural, painted on a 35-meter-high water tank, features vibrant blue hues and intricate detailing, making the entire structure appear as if it’s filled with water. The idyllic neighborhood and bright sky in the background amplify the captivating realism of the scene.

5.

A breathtaking mural by Martín Ron on a 35-meter-high water tank in Miramar, Argentina. The artwork portrays a young boy wearing a swimsuit, captured in a serene underwater moment as she holds her nose and descends gracefully. The mural masterfully incorporates the cylindrical shape of the tank, creating the illusion of water ripples enveloping the structure. The vibrant blue tones blend harmoniously with the sky, while the realistic details make the image appear lifelike. The brick base of the tank adds a charming contrast, grounding the towering art piece in the surrounding neighborhood.

Mural by Martín Ron on a 35-meter-high water tank in Miramar, Argentina.

About and more photos here.


6.

A striking mural titled "Oryx Going Ahead" by Martín Ron, located in Doha, Qatar. The artwork depicts a majestic oryx, a symbol of Qatar, appearing to step through a crumbling wall, blending hyper-realistic art with architectural features. The mural creates an illusion of depth, with the oryx emerging from a nighttime cityscape visible through the hole in the wall. The beige, traditional-style building contrasts sharply with the vivid details of the oryx and the urban backdrop, highlighting the seamless integration of art into its environment. The bold design embodies movement and cultural significance.

“Oryx going ahead” by Martín Ron in Doha, Qatar.

More photos here.


7.

A large mural titled "Reflections" by Martín Ron, located in San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Argentina. The artwork features a young girl in a pink jacket, resting her head on her hand in a pensive pose. Her image is mirrored below, creating a symmetrical and reflective effect, with the lower reflection holding a small green plant. The mural is painted on the side of a tall building, standing out against the surrounding cityscape and the expansive green and golden fields in the distance. The hyper-realistic details and emotional depth of the piece draw attention to its urban environment.

“Reflections” by Martín Ron in San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Argentina.

More photos here.


8.

A captivating mural by Martín Ron in Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina, depicting a young woman holding a shiny, reflective heart-shaped balloon. The balloon mirrors her face, creating a mesmerizing effect that blends realism and surrealism. The woman, wearing a white tank top and denim jeans, has a small tattoo of a silhouette on her upper arm, adding a personal touch to the artwork. The mural is painted on the side of a modern high-rise building, with neutral tones that contrast beautifully with the vibrant details of the artwork. The urban surroundings and soft blue sky enhance the mural's visual impact.

By Martín Ron in Bernal, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

More photos here.


9.

A nostalgic mural by Martín Ron in San Telmo, Buenos Aires, Argentina, featuring a striking portrait of a woman in a vintage style. She wears a soft yellow hat and bracelets, her pose exuding elegance as her face rests gently on her hand. The artwork is seamlessly integrated into a partially exposed brick wall, blending old-world charm with modern urban aesthetics. Yellow accents add a touch of vibrancy to the muted tones. The mural is located in a narrow courtyard surrounded by buildings, with construction tools and a wheelbarrow in the foreground, further enhancing the mural's connection to its environment.

Mural by Martín Ron in San Telmo, Buenos Aires.

More photos here.


What do you think about the murals by Martín Ron? Do you have a favorite?

Read the whole story
bluebec
5 days ago
reply
Melbourne
Share this story
Delete

Repairing the World with LEGO: Jan Vormann’s Dispatchwork Project

1 Share
A split image showing two LEGO brick repairs by Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project. On the left, a crumbling red brick wall is patched with vibrant LEGO bricks, creating a colorful mosaic within the cracks, while a black iron bar runs diagonally across the repair. On the right, a corner of an old stone wall is restored with multicolored LEGO bricks, blending playful creativity with urban decay. Both pieces highlight the fusion of art and functionality in transforming damaged structures.

What If LEGO Could Repair the World?

German artist Jan Vormann has turned the idea of fixing cracks in urban landscapes into a global movement with his Dispatchwork project. Using colorful LEGO bricks, Vormann repairs crumbling walls and structures, transforming decay into vibrant art. His playful installations, found in over 40 cities, challenge us to see imperfections as opportunities for creativity.

More Lego: Street Art by näutil – Lego


"A close-up of a street art installation by Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project, where a corner of a weathered stone wall is creatively patched with vibrant LEGO bricks. The colorful LEGO repair contrasts beautifully with the dark, aged stones and cobblestone pavement below, blending playful design with the textures of urban decay.

The Global Movement of LEGO Repairs

Vormann began Dispatchwork in Bocchignano, Italy, in 2007, and his project quickly spread worldwide. By filling gaps and cracks in aging buildings with LEGO bricks, his work contrasts the weathered tones of old structures with the bright colors of modern play. Some installations use just a few bricks, while others incorporate thousands, creating an eye-catching patchwork of color.


A crumbling red brick arch repaired with colorful LEGO bricks as part of Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project. The vibrant LEGO patch fills the damaged area, contrasting sharply with the surrounding traditional bricks, while a black metal bar runs through the arch. In the background, a park with trees and people can be seen, adding an urban context to this playful intervention.

How Jan Vormann Turns Cracks Into Colorful Masterpieces

Each repair tells its own story, inviting viewers to reflect on urban decay and restoration. What makes Dispatchwork unique is its collaborative nature: passersby are often encouraged to participate, adding their own LEGO creations to the repairs. This transforms each artwork into a shared expression of creativity between the artist and the community.


A whimsical LEGO installation from Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project, shaped like a colorful face silhouette, seamlessly integrated into a crack in a weathered stone wall. The vibrant LEGO bricks, featuring red, blue, yellow, and green, stand out against the muted tones of the natural stone. A nearby metal pole covered in stickers and graffiti adds an urban touch to the scene.

LEGO Art That Inspires and Connects Communities

Jan Vormann’s project reminds us that art isn’t limited to galleries—it can be part of the everyday world. His work brings smiles to those who encounter it and sparks conversations about urban imperfections. It’s proof that even small creative gestures can leave a big impact.


A small and subtle LEGO repair from Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project, filling a crack in an old, weathered stone wall. The LEGO bricks, arranged in green, yellow, white, and orange, form a clean and colorful line that contrasts with the rugged texture of the surrounding wall. The repair blends functionality with artistic charm.

Explore More

Want to see more of Jan Vormann’s Dispatchwork? Visit the official Dispatchwork website to explore additional installations and learn how to participate in this colorful global movement.


More Lego: Rule Breaker by Lego Jacker (8 artworks)


A vibrant LEGO repair from Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project, filling a corner of a crumbling wall with multicolored bricks. The repair includes numbered LEGO pieces, such as '3' and '1,' and features small decorative flower prints. It contrasts sharply with the aged, rusted metal pipe and the peeling gray paint of the surrounding wall, adding a playful touch to the urban decay.
A weathered white plaster wall repaired with colorful LEGO bricks as part of Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project. The LEGO pieces fill cracks and missing bricks throughout the structure, creating a striking mosaic of red, blue, yellow, green, and other colors. The playful repairs contrast with the aged and deteriorating surface of the wall, bringing a vibrant artistic element to the urban environment.
A concrete pillar repaired with colorful LEGO bricks as part of Jan Vormann's Dispatchwork project. The vibrant LEGO pieces fill the missing section at the top, standing out against the dull gray cement and blending creativity with functionality. A blue car is parked nearby, adding to the urban setting of this playful intervention.

What do you think about Lego art like this?

Read the whole story
bluebec
5 days ago
reply
Melbourne
Share this story
Delete

A Floating Sauna, Made with Unrecyclable Wind Turbine Blades

1 Share

It is ironic that wind turbine blades, which typically last for 25 years, have decidedly un-green deaths. The fiberglass blades are not recyclable, and when they are decommissioned, they're typically crushed and burned as both fuel and raw material for producing cement. The crushing process alone burns a lot of energy, and burning the crushed parts as fuel creates CO2.

Enter Reverlast, a Finnish company that's come up with a unique way to repurpose the blades. Company co-founder Johannes Peace, an engineer and sailor, realized that the fiberglass blades are made the same way as boats. And like boats, wind turbine blades are specifically fabricated to weather a harsh marine environment for decades.

What the company does is use the blades for useful waterborne applications. "We repurpose turbine blades to build floating docks and pontoon structures," says company co-founder Ossi Heiskala. "This reduces the need for traditional pontoon materials like concrete and polyethylene plastic, making the solution even more environmentally friendly. Our prototype dock prevents roughly 2.6 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, and the larger and more numerous the docks we build, the greater the impact."

Peace and Heiskala launched Reverlast this year through Finland's Kiuas Accelerator, a startup incubator. For their first project, they're tackling a community sauna at Aalto University:

The sauna itself is a traditional wood-heated barrel sauna, assembled from a pre-made kit. But instead of being placed on land, it will be installed on a dock that floats on pontoons made from four wind turbine blades. The pontoons are filled with polystyrene, and each weighs over 300 kilograms.

The dock is more stable than a traditional floating pontoon dock and extremely durable. The fibreglass layer in the blade sections used for the pontoons is up to 6 centimetres thick—far more robust than the 1-centimetre layer typical in sailboats.

"The pontoon is incredibly strong—it won't break, that's for sure. Our job is to design the other parts to ensure they'll last for decades as well," says Heiskala.

The dock pontoons were cut from the midsection of the blade. The narrow tip of the blade, in turn, could be used for lighter structures, such as swimming platforms, Heiskala envisions.

"We're starting with floating docks because our team has a lot of expertise in that area. However, we already have more ambitious plans—the sturdier sections of the blades could be used for larger structures, like breakwaters," he explains.

The sauna should be ready by next spring. And as they grow, Reverlast will have no shortage of raw materials: Ten to 20 turbine blades are decommissioned each year, and that number is scheduled to grow in the next decade. Wind turbine operators, who are responsible for the cost of decommissioning the blades, will be happy to have them taken off of their hands.



Read the whole story
bluebec
5 days ago
reply
Melbourne
Share this story
Delete
Next Page of Stories