Blimey, it’s a tad cold out there at the moment. However, this January’s curated creative goodness below is sure to make you feel nice and warm.
So spend the next few minutes warming your cockles on these five things that got me gingered up this January 2025
1 | Olga Karlovac – photographer
A real sense of movement from this moody black-and-white photographer
Olga Karlovac is a talented Croatian photographer. She is known for her stunning black-and-white photos. These photos capture deep human emotions and moments of mystery.
Her style stands out because she embraces imperfections. Her work has a dreamy feel. It is almost otherworldly. This effect is achieved through blurred lines, movement from long exposure, shifting focus, or grainy textures.
These photos invite us to slow down and notice the fleeting, beautiful moments of life that often go unnoticed.
What makes Olga’s work even more special is how she pairs raw emotion with a sense of elegant design. Instead of going for perfect, polished images, she celebrates the beauty in imperfection, letting her photos tell powerful, introspective stories that really make us think.
2 | ladrondechatarra – the Junk Thief
An Argentine artist who transforms scrap metal into unique biomechanical sculptures
Guillermo Galetti, better known online as the “Junk Thief,” grew up in rural Argentina, where his knack for creativity took root in the most unexpected places. As a kid, he loved turning scrap materials into imaginative toys, often inspired by the bits and pieces he found in his dad’s workshop. Aeroplane and car parts became his raw materials for wild, inventive projects.
Fast forward a few years, and Guillermo found himself teaching in Patagonia. Here, he combined his love for blacksmithing with his role as an educator, creating metal models that mimic sports movements.
From skate simulators to intricate sculptures his creations bring motion to life in a way that’s both fun and educational for his students.
Guillermo’s innovative designs earned him a massive social media following and even international recognition.
For Guillermo, this isn’t just about making cool stuff—it’s about showing what’s possible when you combine passion, creativity, and purpose. His work is a celebration of transformation, and he’s on a mission to inspire people everywhere to see the beauty in reinvention.
I was completely blown away and mesmerised by the movement of some of his creations. You need to see them working to see how brilliant they are.
3 | Alan Schaller – photographer
Stunning high-contrast black-and-white photography
Alan Schaller is a London-based photographer known for his stunning black-and-white imagery that captures the beauty and complexity of human life. His work is a masterclass in contrasts – playing with light, shadow, and bold compositions to highlight the emotions and stories of his subjects.
Whether he’s shooting candid moments on bustling city streets or crafting surreal portraits, Alan’s photos draw you in and make you feel like you’re part of the scene.
What sets Alan apart is his ability to find magic in the everyday. He transforms ordinary moments—like a commuter staring out a train window or a dog in mid-leap—into extraordinary works of art. His Instagram is a treasure trove of striking visuals, and his passion for storytelling shines through every frame. Alan’s work reminds us to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the beauty in the world around us.
4 | Barry Can’t Swim – electronic dance music
Edinburgh-born producer and DJ
If you haven’t heard of Barry Can’t Swim yet, where have you been? Known off-stage as Joshua Mainnie, this Edinburgh-born producer and DJ is absolutely smashing it in the electronic music scene.
Mixing jazzy grooves, dance beats, and live instruments, Barry brings a fresh, feel-good vibe that’s impossible not to love. His musical journey started young—he was just nine when his grandad handed him a piano, and the rest is history. Fast forward to 2023, and his debut album When Will We Land?, released on the legendary Ninja Tune label, didn’t just turn heads—it stole the show. BBC Radio 1 named it “Best Dance Album,” and it even snagged a Mercury Prize nomination!
Whether you’re a die-hard dance fan or new to the scene, Barry Can’t Swim is a name you’ll want to remember. With his creativity and charisma, he’s not just riding the wave of electronic music – he’s making his own splash, and he’s well and truly at the top of my playlist.
5 | Eastside Cottages – holiday cottages
Stunning Scottish remote holiday cottages
Eastside Cottages, located in the picturesque countryside of East Anglia, is a charming self-catering accommodation perfect for a peaceful getaway.
The cottages are nestled in tranquil surroundings, With a variety of cottages to choose from, each one is uniquely designed to ensure a cosy and memorable stay. These could be on my short list of places to stay for this year’s getaway!
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