Arcade Lounge

Every so often you come across an artist who really does say something new, Shawn Smith is one such artist. He is a genuinely talented guy, and I love what he does, as I’m certain you will.

Fascinated by the fuzzy intersection between the digital world and reality, Shawn Smith typically makes sculptures from tiny cubes of wood that are tactical, three-dimensional versions of pixelated images – ‘re-things’ is what Smith calls his sculpture.

“My work investigates the slippery intersection between the digital world and reality. Specifically, I am interested in how we experience nature through technology”. To view more of Shawn’s work take a look at his website Shawn Smith Art

This is definitely my favourite peice, called “Vicious Venue” it’s made using balsa wood and mixed media.

When I started this post some cool new sunglasses seemed a perfect purchase for the lovely weather we’ve been having, but in typical English summer tradition it’s now raining and it’ll be an umbrella I end up buying! Still these amazing Super Mario sunglasses might just be the thing to bring the sun out again.

Etsy seller ketchupize is selling these hand-painted Super Mario Bros sunglasses for approximately £29.00. These customised wayfarer style glasses are also available with Pac-Man designs and are beautifully painted on both sides.

Landscape photos are often beautiful to look at but generally quite serious stuff but 8-bitscapes flips that convention on its head with their series of prints.

Originally created by artist/illustrator Jamie Sneddon and photographer Kevin Rozario-Johnson, 8-bitscapes combines fantastic pictures with elements of classic video games. Sonic running for rings in Köln. A Mario Kart banana peel dropped by an unseen Toad (it’s always Toad) ready to cause catastrophe for the approaching car. And, our favorite, Speedy the ghost waiting to seek his revenge on Pac Man in a converted Manhattan.

Each of the print runs is limited to 150 or less, so pick one of these up to hang on your wall before they become harder to find than an original Atari to play Pac-Man on! Available from  8-bitscapes  £50 – £690 per print.

Why are we talking about interesting drinks mats? To shamelessly mention our very own drinkUP Arcade Buttons Coasters, that’s why. Here they are…

But there are some other great sets out there, nearly as good as ours, which would create a talking point wherever they are.

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