There is indeed a site for everything. I get a lot of inspiration from old mechanicals and discarded technologies and this site is a treasure trove of old gas tube, bulbs, etc. Show here are two WWII German valves. I love the fact this is how electronics used to work. It was more elegant and frankly dangerous.
An excellent exhibit of illuminated texts and parchments displayed in the side galleries on the second floor of the Met. Which is nice because the galleries are softly lit and sparsely occupied due tho the fact that most people cruise by to other galleries. My two favorite works by far are the Diagram with Crucifixion and Diagram with Zodiac Symbols (shown above). Drawings like this one were meant to be studied and meditated upon in order to fully understand the meaning. (It includes twenty reference contents!) The detail and the complexity are awe-inspiring. Drawing such as these with the attention to detail are definitely inspiring to my own work. I love the fact that I know something important is being communicated here, but I have absolutely no idea what it is.
And this is why my job is so great, yesterday I had the pleasure of installing some of George Widener's work at Ricco/Maresca Gallery (this exact work in fact). Widener has quickly shot to the top of my favorite artists and someone I need to investigate more. A high functioning autistic savant with a taste for dates. While enjoying this piece, I was struck by how my work has similar traits to his. Kindred spirits? Who knows, but I love his work.
I stumbled upon this site quite by accident and a fantastic site it is. Compiled by Thomas B. Greenslade, Jr, this site is composed of images and short descriptions of over 1800 historical physics teaching devices culled from nearly 70 collection. It is like a catalog to the greatest science exhibit that never was. This has been an ongoing project since the mid 70's and it shows. I have found endless inspiration paging through the collection.
A fantastic museum in the heart of Paris that is often (actually completely) overlooked. Started in 1794 as "a warehouse for new and useful innovation", it is marvel to behold. Three floors organized into 7 catagories, the museum has more than 3000 inventions on display. Including a working Foucault's Pendulum (dated 1855 and used in the Universal Exhibition).
