Photographer Tao Ruspoli just returned from six days in Haiti with Artists for Peace and Justice. His beautiful and haunting images not only show how dire the living conditions were in this tiny country even before they were hit with the earthquake, but the incredible spirit of the Haitian people as well.  If you’re moved to help, there are many organizations who need a hand as hospitals, doctors and volunteers are overwhelmed including Friends of the Orphans and Partners in Health.

all photos copyright Tao Ruspoli 2010

There is a good chance if you’re reading this that you don’t really “need” anymore stuff. The friends and family you’re buying gifts for this year most likely have their basic needs covered. Why not give the gift of education to some excited kids in Kenya and El Salvador in their names?

This past weekend I attended a fundraiser/holiday shindig in Venice, California (hence the surfing imagery) that supports an organization called One Kid, One World.  This small group of dedicated volunteers head to Kenya and El Salvador multiple times a year and work with remote communities to help students and teachers build/rebuild their schools. Why not give some books, a desk or a classroom in your friend or family member’s name? It may not look as shiny as the new whatever-you-were-about-to-buy initially, but its value will far outlast it.

Unlike so much of what is called ‘creative’ online, his projects are thoughtful, innovative and feeling. It’s not about advertising, art school or crazy tricks. And, hell, even it if was, the work still seamlessly weaves the human experience with its inherent aesthetic beauty. Jonathan seems to come from a true place which is probably why so many people are drawn to his work. His work truly inspires me to be a better artist, photographer, designer.

Until now, these projects have only be viewable online.  This medium has not failed him by any means, but now we can hold the We Feel Fine project in our hands! The book is gorgeous, beautifully designed and executed. We Feel Fine: An Almanac of Human Emotion, is a perfect holiday gift (and only $20 on Amazon.) About the project:

Drawing from a database of more than 12 million individual sentences collected over 3 years from personal blogs on the Internet, We Feel Fine presents a comprehensive contemporary portrait of the world’s emotional landscape, exploring the ups and downs of everyday life in all its color, chaos, and candor.

Jonathan will be signing copies of his book at Powerhouse Books in Dumbo, Brooklyn from 7-8pm this Saturday, December 5th. He even has RSVPs from about forty of the bloggers in the book, including one coming all the way from Dubai!

This post is equally applauding the work of Scottish photographer David Eustace and the concept behind The Anthropologist. Eustace took his daughter Rachel on a right-of-passage road trip across the western US and documented every bit of it. The Anthropologist posted the gorgeous resulting images and tender reflections.

I am completely enamoured of The Anthropologist’s purpose as stated on the site. I couldn’t believe it more whole-heartedly and started Detangle with this thought in mind:

[The site] is a testament to the idea that revealing the passions of one person can result in the progress of many.