Hidden Planets in an Everyday World!

Imagine that you’re going on a casual stroll through the park when suddenly, something catches your eye. As you walk closer, you notice a perfectly round object, glistening inside the nook of an old oak tree! “What is this?”  You pick it up and feel like you’ve got the whole world in your hands, instantly wanting to share this miracle with someone else. And the best part? You can! Get ready for the global scavenger hunt of a lifetime. 

No matter where you turn your head in this world, there is underlying magic hidden among everyday objects. But how much wonder and beauty are we missing in our busy lives? 

Well, in this case, you may just miss what glass artist, Josh Simpson, has hidden all around the world. Just like if you look closely at the petals of a flower, you’ll notice the golden pollen pompoms and jewel-like drops of dew, when you look closely at your surroundings, you may be surprised to find a glass, otherworldly globe, staring back at you. 

How this little globe of wonder got there is a testament to the magic we can mold for others!

Image courtesy of Josh Simpson Glass// Facebook

Since 1976, Josh Simpson ¹ has been creating unique little worlds that fit perfectly in your palm. These marble planets are a colorful swirl of the imagination, displaying a different spectacle for each beholder. One person may see a coral reef blooming with vibrant sea life, while another may find an island volcano erupting into the pillowy sky.

Here’s the real kicker though— in addition to offering these planets for sale in sizes ranging from tiny to huge, Josh also hides some of these spherical works of art all over the Earth! Sometimes he hides them himself, and sometimes he has help from fellow travelers. This multi-decade endeavor is called The Infinity Project, and we’re about to give you a glimpse inside! ²

Make sure you have your glasses on! You’re about to get a closer look at Josh’s process, and holy guacamole, it is stunning to watch!

Great Big Story is one of our favorite creators! You can check out their library of work by visiting their website. And if you want to view more of Josh’s work, there are loads of gorgeous photos of his glass art on his Instagram!

Have you picked your jaw up off the floor? Good, because there is more.

Planning to go on a trip soon? You can request for Josh to send you a glass planet! Visit his website to fill out an application and partake in the Infinity Project yourself. Josh chooses one or two people each month to help him hide his planets. I bet it’s a blast deciding where to cleverly hide them!

Image courtesy of Josh Simpson Glass// Facebook

Can you dig deep and find inspiration in your own past?

Josh stumbled into this imaginative body of work by taking what he was passionate about and transforming it into something that has never been done before. Now, whether or not you believe in destiny, there’s no doubt that Josh’s love for nature, travel, cosmology, and his own nostalgic experiences led to this one-of-a-kind adventure.

For a closer look at this, here are a few lovely examples of artists we have featured on EWC. Each one has used their individual talent and experiences to beautify our world in a way that nobody else can!

These artists all have something in common: the impermanence of their work.

While the works of the artists mentioned above have been worn by the elements or faded with time, Josh’s work is a bit different in that he chooses to gift them to someone he’ll likely never meet. I don’t know about you, but if I made something as awesome as his Infinity Planets, I would struggle with letting them go! I suppose letting your imagination soar about who is on the receiving end is all part of the magic.

So, how can I participate in this underground society of hidden surprises?

Photo by Dylan Perrier, Courtesy of Josh Simpson Glass and The Infinity Project

So glad you asked! If you love the idea of surprising a stranger with your creativity, check out the art abandonment Facebook group. ⁴ It’s filled with posts by people who anonymously left a bit of art for someone else to discover! Or, you could try your hand at knitting a pair of mittens and leaving them for those in need on a chilly day, or drop a handmade necklace to remind someone they are loved.

There’s no end to the ways you could brighten someone’s day!

Like Josh’s Infinity Planets, some of the most lovely things we come across in life are unexpected. And to make any surprise even more magical, make sure you add a little touch of yourself into it—there will never be another like you!

Keep dreaming and notice the beauty around you!

~Renee