Looking at the photos taken by Aaron Groenom, very easy to get lost in this starry wonderland. A series of photos Dark Places - a collection of works in which the artist from South Dakota contrasts the beauty of the universe to various natural or man-made forms on Earth. Using long exposures, it captures the magical landscape filled with fabulous atmosphere, striking color palettes and far-distant galaxies.

French sculptor Pierre Matter was born in 1964. “A mystical child, then a tormented teenager, he studied mathematics half-heartedly. It was only logical that he headed naturally, though initially in an erratic manner, for the mysterious universe of artistic creation. His slow progression in this field led him to try out many kinds of expression and material, from oil to gouache to ink, from comic strips to canvas, and also bas-relief in stone.”

This is one of our latest hand crafted chess set designs. A weathered/worn look is incorporated into this set, as well as a steampunk themed perimeter decor. Natural cracks, chips and scuffs are used and even highlighted to enhance this rustic feel. A series of these and non-weathered versions will be presented on etsy in the upcoming weeks.

Young African lion Asali (R) jumps for a bungee-ball toy as her father Jambo or “Bruiser” looks on at the opening of a savannah-themed makeover of the lion enclosure at Taronga Zoo August 29, 2006 in Sydney, Australia. The renovation includes sandstone rock features, a wading pool, and red ochre crushed granite substrate in a move to make the enclosure more closely resemble the natural habitat of the African savannah. (Photo by Ian Waldie/Getty Images)

Kevin Russ, a photographer & image moderator for iStockphoto, grew up in Arroyo Grande, California. In 2003, he made the move to Portland, planning to study at Multnomah Bible College. Finding the workload to be minimal, Kevin invested in a camera, filling his free time and finding himself instantly smitten with the craft. A year and a half later, photography had evolved into his full-time job. However, after 4 years of consistent portrait work, Kevin became burnt out and took a step back from photography altogether. Two years later, he picked up the camera again and now spends the majority of his time on the road, exploring & photographing the rustic landscapes & wildlife he encounters.

Donna Dotan has a self-described obsession with symmetry. Her prowess with architectural photography is well applied in her personal project, “Reflections from Above”, where she captures striking images of New York City reflected in the glass of skyscrapers. She describes the project as a treasure hunt, and says that she is looking for an all-glass skyscraper to add more reflections to her series. (Photo by Donna Dotan)