MANIAC Pumpkin Carvers have turned the art of carving a pumpkin into quite a business. Creating 'promotional' and 'custom' pumpkins, their artful work is often used at Hollywood industry parties and movie launches, company events, hotel and restaurant lobbies, retail establishments and more.
Marc Evan and Chris Soria are the masterminds and talent behind Maniac Pumpkin Carvers. Lifelong friends and colleagues, both are graduates from Parsons School of Design who started creating together at the age of 12.
Outside of October, Marc and Chris are professional creatives, involved in art, illustration, murals, photography, and visual innovation, but during the month of Halloween, these guys rule the pumpkin carving realm.
Hand crafted with detail and attention in a full creative studio, Maniac Pumpkins bring fascination and allure to any home, lobby, bar, restaurant, club, or social environment.
Specializing in intricate carvings, Maniac Pumpkin Carvers turn ordinary pumpkins into glowing portraits, pictures, logos, lettering, wraparound designs, and all manner of monsters.
Maniac Pumpkin Carvers are committed to being environmentally responsible. They use locally grown pumpkins and green practices whenever possible. All of their promotional materials are printed by Jakprints with soy inks on recycled paper.
Custom pumpkins carved from photos:
These works of art make the perfect centerpiece for any social gathering from halloween and birthday parties to weddings and corporate events, attracting attention and leaving lasting impressions.
all images and info courtesy of Maniac pumpkin carvers and Wired Magazine.
In advertising, when attempting to come up with a fresh idea or execution, it is often said "it's been done". The same can hold true of many art related disciplines and clearly the juxtaposition of miniature figurines with ordinary objects has proved to be but one of the concepts often executed.
Here are just four (and there are more) artists/photographers who have created visual narratives by placing tiny human figurines with ordinary and mundane items.
1. Baktana by Ami Drach and Dov Ganchrow
Ami Drach and Dov Ganchrow are artists/industrial designers who combined their talents in 1996 to form an Israeli-based design studio located in South Tel Aviv. They collaborate on everything from lighting design and furniture to medical products and dinnerware (you may have seen their "hotplates" on designboom).
One of their lesser known projects, Baktana, is a series of miniature figurines juxtaposed with found objects, creating little narratives. I just love them, so I wanted to share them with you. The tiny monochrome figurines are those often used in architectural models or with model trains. By placing them in and around such mundane objects as pencil sharpeners, wire brushes and keys, they create stories of their own.
Another artist who creates narratives by combining miniature figurines with found objects is talented photographer Vincent Bousserez and his Plastic Life Series. Coincidentally, he even uses some of the same objects, like the brush:
A few more images from Vincent's Plastic life series: He has an enormous amount of images in this series, and you can see them all here.
3. Jason Barnhart
San Francisco photographer Jason Barnhart has also shot a series of HO scale figurines with found objects- or in many of his images, food. You won't find these images on his site but he contributed them to JPG magazine under the name CultureSpy:
An anonymous street artist who goes by the name of Slinkachu, has a series named "Little People Left In The City To Fend For Themselves." What make his or her work slightly different than the others is that the series is a street art installation, placing these out in the world, as opposed to being created in a studio. The images below show the narratives as close-ups and then as they are seen in the environments.
There's been some hubbub over the chrome finished Audi R8 in this years' 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. The shiny R8 5.2 FSI V10 coupe shown above and below has been turning heads and making the blogs, car mags and auto news.
The Chrome Finished Audi R8:
But they aren't the first to apply a shiny chrome finish to a car, and certainly won't be the last.
Take a look at all of these cars, 25 of different models, with chromed and mirrored painted finishes.
Previously chrome finished Audis:
The Chrome finished Bugatti Veyron Pur Sang:
Various Chrome Finished Mercedes:
Chrome finished Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano:
Chrome finished Lamborghini Murcielago LP640: The above car actually belongs to 50 cent. Below is the finish being applied to the car by Alsa Corp:
Chrome finished Porsche Turbos: above 2 porsche photos courtesy of Adam Haranghy
Chrome finished Lexus IS 250:
Chrome finished Hummers:
Chrome finished BMW M3s: above image courtesy of tuninggarage.ro
Chrome Shelby GT500: above photos and finish by Chrome & Carbon of Dubai.
Chrome finished Volvo: Unknown (tell me if you know this model and make, please)
Chrome finished Prototype car for Volkswagon by Gustavo Motta of Sao Paulo:
Most of these amazing finishes were provided with Mirra Chrome paints by Alsa Corp . What is MirraChrome®?
MirraChrome represents the latest in Reflective Paint Coating Technology. It can be referred to as Chrome spray paint, or Spray Chrome Reflective Paint or Chrome Paint. It's near microscopic particle content provides superior surface orientation. This particle alignment is the key to MirraChrome's shine. While many attempts have been made by others to achieve a "chrome paint" no one has come close. Through a rigorous development process we have established the specific process and coatings to allow MirraChrome to achieve remarkable brilliance and be clearcoated. That's right, clear-coated. Alsa's MirraChrome can be topcoated with high quality automotive rade poly-urethane clearcoat such as Alsa's Speed Clear or any other topcoat without losing its true chrome look.
"SUPERVISION" by berlin photographer kerstin zu pan "Beauty in unusual circumstances comes easily to the camera of Kerstin zu Pan, one of Berlin's most original photographers. Her photos are moments amid stories - playful wild stories that leave the reviewer guessing. Her work is expressive, ebulliant, and strange. There is always more here than is apparent at first glance." --Clayton Maxwell, Eyemazing 3/2007
Thanks so much to Kerstin for her permitting me to reproduce these photos.
Credits: Concept & photography: Kerstin zu Pan Wig & Hair: Acacio da Silva Make-up & Lashes: Karla Neff Model: Britta Thie / Viva
See her other wonderful works at her website as well as information about editions, commercial requests and bookings here. Kerstin zu Pan Photography
In 1979, UWD (Unique Wood Designs) began by building yachts, boats and canoes. After thirty years they had developed a very high quality boat-building and carpentry workshop, so they began looking ahead.
Their experience and innovative ideas led them to envision a company that today is called Unique Wood Design and is a net of workshops cooperating with young creative designers. They design and craft handmade wooden bathtubs and washbasins,a combination of their carpentry tradition and modern boat-building technologies.
They developed a unique wood coating technique; numerous layers allow deep wood penetration with a coating that is outstandingly durable and fully waterproof. It protects the wood from scratching and UV radiance. It also has antiseptic properties. Apart from the practical part of our coating technology, there is also an aesthetic side. The multi-layered woods they apply bring out the original wood grain give it the effect of incredible depth and variety of textures.
Their wooden bathtubs and washbasins are manufactured utilizing two carpentry technologies: hardwood - the most durable wood form, and veneer technology which allows a wider range of unique colors and effects. They use the best quality woods coming from controlled falling plantations. Their products are made of various European, Asian and African woods.
Here's a look at some of their most unique and beautiful pieces:
Sinks: above: Nel corner sink in American walnut above: Kyla sink in Sapele above: Gilda sink in Sapele above: Nuriel pedestal sink in Sapele above: Rhea sink in Ash above: Lavonne sink in Ash above: Oriana sink in Padouk above: Vivena double sink in Maple above: Maris double sink in American Walnut
Bathtubs: above: Serena tub in American Walnut above: Tiara tub in Whitened Oak above: Nova corner tub in Wengé above: Sidra tub in Oak above: Beatrice tub in Sapele above: Eureka tub in Ash above: Kassiopeia tub in Wengé above: Nerfernerfer Tub in Padouk
There are not many utilitarian house cleaning items about which I'd rave, let alone devote a blog post. But as my neighbors know, and some of my Facebook friends, I'm a freak for my Dyson.
As the owner a smooth coated Jack Russell Terrier who is generously allowed on all my furniture when I am often clad in the expected cliché artist's uniform of mostly black clothing, I couldn't live without my trusty Dyson vacuum. I know, I know, you think they are ridiculously expensive. Well, let me tell you, I've put more mileage on my Dyson than on my car in the past few years and it's been worth every cent.
That said, it is with great glee that I announce their two new limited edition all white vacuums! The new BLUEPRINT EDITIONS of the DC24 and DC25 are an homage to past inventors and their inventions.
Both The Dyson DC24 and DC25 BLUEPRINT are limited edition Dyson Ball™ upright vacuum cleaners that celebrates engineers. Theycomes with a Flat Out™ head for cleaning thoroughly under low furniture and appliances and is a limited time offer. The DC24 Blueprint will be sold exclusively at Target for $429 and the DC25 can be bought at the Dyson online store for $529.99
click on image below to enlarge detail of the Dyson DC25 BLUEPRINT:
Below is the official press release:
JAMES DYSON CELEBRATES INVENTION AND GREAT INVENTORS
Dyson launches two new limited-edition vacuums highlighting the importance of engineering and perseverance
Chicago, IL – (October 2009) - In honor of finding engineering solutions, Dyson launches two Ball vacuums: DC24 and DC25 Blueprint. The limited edition machines offer an insight into the methodical design process used by Dyson engineers. The DC24 and DC25 Blueprint machines symbolize Dyson prototypes through use of white polycarbonate plastic, annotated by original engineering notes, formulas and testing data.
“Once we develop an idea, it goes into prototyping. Testing technology is the only way to make sure it works better. The notes on the machines track the progression of improvement.”
Dyson Blueprint is also a celebration of heroes of modern invention: Thomas Edison, Buckminster Fuller and Charles Goodyear and their ability to embrace failure as a lesson, part of the process and not an obstacle. These design giants exemplified true perseverance – learning from one failure to another, to offer the world technology that changed the way we live.
“They are mostly known for their forward thinking but it was the refusal to give up that showed the world their true brilliance,” said Dyson. “Having an idea is far from invention – actually seeing it through is infinitely harder.”
Engineering heroes and their stories:
•Thomas Edison found 10,000 different ways that did not work but refused to give in when most would have. Working through hundreds of materials and thousands of prototypes -using human hair, cedar, horn and even bamboo - Edison finally found the answer to the light bulb – carbonized cotton thread.
above: one of Thomas Edison's patent drawings from 1880
•Methodically teaching himself structural engineering after failing college, Richard Buckminster Fuller believed that getting rid of what didn’t work was the first step forward. Studying networks such as beehives and fishing nets, Fuller created his geodesic dome, an inspiration for many structures around the world including Disney’s Epcot Center.
above: Buckminster Fuller's Geodesic Dome
•Between stints in debtors’ jail, Charles Goodyear spent nine years developing vulcanized rubber in a makeshift laboratory. After years of testing every conceivable concoction, he found his solution by chance after dropping a rubber sample on a hot stove. He was able to transform it into the hard, smooth springy substance now used in almost every walk of life.
above: Charles Goodyear and his vulcanized rubber made what we now know as the tire possible
Like his heroes, James Dyson is no stranger to the laborious design process and back-to-back failures. Out of frustration, Dyson set out to find a solution to the bad performing vacuum. Working through more than 5000 prototypes Dyson successfully created the first vacuum that did not lose suction. Like many inventors, the solution came from an unexpected place, a sawmill. It took more than five years, but in 1993, James Dyson offered the world the first cyclonic vacuum cleaner.
Both limited-edition machines are available in early October 2009 through the end of the year. DC24 Blueprint will be sold exclusively at Target for $429. DC25 Blueprint will be at mass retailers nationwide with a MSRP of $529.
About Dyson: Research, Design and Development is at the core of Dyson. One third of the people at Dyson are engineers and scientists with expertise in fluid, mechanical, electrical, EMC, thermal, chemical, acoustic and software engineering. They are constantly designing new products as well as challenging and improving existing technologies. Dyson has over 1,200 patents and patent applications for over 250 different inventions (May 2008). Dyson’s RDD investment has quadrupled over the last 5 years. The total number of Dyson vacuum cleaners sold worldwide since 1993 is over 24.5 million (2007) – and still counting. 10 million of these were sold in the last 3 years.
above: God in a can? And for only $19.97? That's a deal.
Here we are, over 2 years later and it's time for an update. FLOWmarket is a temporary or pop-up store that travels around the world, selling what they term" new generation luxury".
Previous stores: Zurich, may 2005 New York, june 2006 Taipei, jan-march 2007 Shanghai, july-sep 2007 Singapore, jan 2008 Seoul, may 2008 Copenhagen, 2005 - 2009
At current there are no brick and mortar stores, but their collection of products can be purchased online. However, the items available are different than when I first wrote about them.
Whereas the items in their pop-up stores are in diverse packaging, like those shown above, they now sell 73 different items online, but each is a single small can costing $19.97 USD.
Here are a few examples:
In their own words:
FLOWmarket is a store that materializes our immaterial needs. FLOWmarket is about next generation luxury. FLOWmarket is designed from the notion that change happens when we as individuals change our mindset. FLOWmarket has due to its simple and universal form been able to succesfully cross cultural boundries between Europe, US and Asia. FLOWmarket is often asked by journalists if they should label it as design, as art, as business or as activism. FLOWmarket have had temporary stores open in Copenhagen, Zurich, New York, Taipei, Shanghai, Singapore and Seoul. FLOWmarket opened its first store in 2004. FLOWmarket is created and designed by Mads Hagstrøm. Shop FLOWmarket here. Product photography by Niclas Jessen.
To read about their original project and philosophy, the FLOWinstitute and more, go here.
Sculpted entirely out of wood, the Arctic Rock series by Studio JSPR is a collection of high gloss white furniture whose unusual hard angular accents resemble both origami and of course, its namesake... Arctic Rock.
The collection consists of tables, chairs, bar stools, seats and accessories for hotel, restaurant, or home living purposes. And there is a matching vase available, the ‘Diamond Vase’, made out of Bone China, that has been developed in collaboration with Pol’s Potten.
The collection:
The Bone China vase:
About JSPR: JSPR is an interior design brand that is always creating remarkable new collections and unique interiors. Their passion is to create designs that both stand for high quality products and for innovation and creativity realized through professional craftsmanship. Among JSPR’s clients are hotels, restaurants, shops, architects, and individual consumers.
JSPR is always experimenting with new innovative materials in its production studio. This results in a unique range of handmade product and furniture collections. Aside from this, JSPR also creates custom-made interiors, both in the Netherlands and abroad.
Studio JSPR was founded in 2005 by Jasper van Grootel who graduated at the Design Academy Eindhoven under supervision of Oscar Penya. Now, in 2007, we consist of a 6 man strong independent designer team which stands for the solid base of our company. Creative designers, supported by a technical and economical educated staff, make sure that every product or project is realised to everybody's maximum satisfaction.
Studio Lichttoren 270 5611BJ Eindhoven The Netherlands
Paris-based Gold & Wood is yet another eyewear designer who creates high-end sunglasses and eyeglasses for the discerning luxury and design loving crowd. And, of course, a celeb clientele. Look out Luxuriator, you've got some serious competition.
Studded with genuine diamonds and/or gemstones and utilizing the finest materials such as platinum, 18k gold, horn, carbon fiber, titanium and exotic woods, their styles, craftsmanship and attention to detail is among the finest.
With many styles to choose from and different amounts of bling, their large range of bejeweled frames will leave you drooling.
But that's only one facet of their several collections. They have many lines and styles that include rimless, partial rim, sporty, oversized, colorful, monochrome, glam, subtle, not so subtle, modern, retro, wood and titanium, wood and carbon fiber and even more frames.
I'm going to share their newest and most drop dead styles with you, but be sure to visit their site when you're done reading this, because they have many other styles, too.
Starting at the tippy-top, the Prestige is their most expensive pair, with hand shaped horn temple stems, solid platinum accents and high quality diamond-studded temple hinges and bridge:
Made up of 253 brilliant cut diamonds and 11 princess cut ones, these bejeweled, platinum and horn rimless frames are said to have required all the considerable skill of a master jeweller in order to set the select stones with the greatest of care. And the price reflects it at $55,000.00 USD.
More images of The Prestige:
Obviously most can't afford the Prestige, but don't fret, they have other diamond studded frames in their Temptation and Bling-Bling collections. Some have yellow gold, white or rose gold temple stems with diamonds at both the temple hinge and the nose bridge and some just on the temple stems or hinges. Various colored shades and finely crafted horn or carbon fiber temple bars are also options. Take a look:
As if that weren't enough, they are equally adept with other materials. Their modern wood, titanium and/ or carbon fiber glasses are stylish but unique. Some styles mix organic materials and exotic woods with metals and/or colors, creating a huge range. Here are just some of them:
Wood Eyewear
In their own words:
At GOLD & Wood workshops, passion and time drive the hands of the artisans who craft each component, one by one, in the purest tradition of exclusive eyewear. Because everything here is handmade, it takes three days to craft a pair of temples of such remarkable quality. Taking the time to do it well: There lies the expression of the luxury.
Over the past few years, the artisans and designers at Gold & Wood creating ever-more successful models, slowly forging a different, exclusive and authentic collection. Their discreet and stylish looks, as well as the quality and nobility of the material used in Gold & Wood frames, give them their uniqueness. Such workmanship is guaranteed to excite the enthusiasm of buyers, connoisseurs and collectors everywhere.
Every set of frames bearing the Gold & Wood signature has received the most attentive care by our eyewear designers and craftsmen.
They are assembled and adjusted by hand then inspected and approved by an experienced controller. The tests performed on the frames – and particularly on the spring-hinges are a guarantee of workmanship and reliability.
Fatboy, whose products I have not been a huge fan of in the past ( see... "Fatboy. Great Furniture Or This Decade's Bean Bag Chairs?") have added some interesting designs to their products making them more appealing to me - and probably you.
Fatboy, if you don't already know, is the Dutch company that designs and sells colored and Marimekko covered bean bag items for adults, children and pets as well as hammocks and ottomans (or poufs as they've come to be called) that work indoors and out. They also sell bags.
At the 2009 Maison et Objet show they introduced some new items to their collection; the Djeksuns, the Edison Grand Lamp and the Desswerrum, a pillow that functions as a hot water bottle.
Djeksuns: The new Fatboy Djeksun is made with an exclusive and stylish fabric that has the cool effect of changing color when your own bodyweight stretches the surface of the fabric.
Available in three styles, the bean bag chairs are hilariously named after members of the Jackson Family- a nod to their own 'color-changing' skin.
Also a new addition to their line is Edison The Grand, a giant lamp:
With its oversized body this lamp displays a robust elegance even when unlit and it doesn't require a table to stand on to do so. This lamp stands perfectly by and the no nonsense finishing and aesthetics makes this object suitable for both indoors and outdoors.
And coming in 2010, the Desswerrum, a refillable hot water bottle/pillow to keep you cozy: Shop Fatboy products here.
Companies like Art Casket will specialty paint metal caskets, making them individualized, but modern? Hardly. above: metal painted coffins from Art Casket are more like airbrushed van art than modern design
And some of you may even have seen the slew of printed and custom graphic cardboard eco friendly coffins by companies like Colourful Coffins, Creative Coffins and Dying Art on various blogs or sites, like those shown below.
above: cardboard printed coffins may be modern, but they certainly are not stylish
When it comes to truly modern coffins, there are hardly any to speak of. That's why I wanted to show you some of the ones that do exist.
Now For Truly Modern Coffins:
1-6. Coffin-tec
above: Architect and modern coffin designer, Gregor Darius Haiduk
German-based Architect Gregor Haiduk also happens to be a modern coffin designer. His Coffin Tec caskets are custom made to order and crafted from NDF natural woods and colored lacquer finishes. The carrying bars are made of iron or copper and fastened with copper or metal modern fittings. White linen lined interiors add to his faceted and unusual caskets. These are truly works of art.
One of his first prototypes, designed in 1998: Later produced models to follow.
The Cross: The Organ: The Octavian and The Classic: The Dolphin casket for children: Casket for premature infants: Visit Coffin Tec here. 7. Uono Cocoon Coffin
The Uono Cocoon coffin is a modern oval pod with a high gloss lacquer finish that is entirely made by hand. Developed by Andreas Spiegel in cooperation with various funeral directors, the very modern lightweight Cocoon coffin is available in 14 different colors.
The handles are neatly tucked into the design and easily extend for handling. It is specially made of a material that is firm, but actually bio-degrades in 10 to 15 years:
8. Luigi Colani's Eternity 2000 The Eternity 2000, a modern coffin by designer Luigi Colani for Epocca of Germany: This coffin was mass produced in Germany and sold, but is no longer in production, nor can I locate the company. My apologies.
9. J. Marlow's Modern Motorcyle Lover's Coffin J. Marlow Company of Michigan also makes custom caskets. The Motorcycle Lovers coffin is clad in whip-stitched black leather with biker-like accents. The design is taken from the concept of a saddlebag with the added touch of stainless steel exhaust for the handles and the old school look of the chromed fishtail ends. The top is accented with chrome studs:
10- 11. Modern Coffins By Joe Scanlan
Things That Fall is a gallery that offered two beautiful sleek modern coffins by artist Joe Scanlan. Joe Scanlan is the artist who created the DIY coffin for IKEA.
The Custom is an elegant and unique vessel crafted in Australia entirely from Tasmanian Blackwood. As the brand name implies, Custom is no off-the-shelf coffin, with not one of its construction angles being a reasonable 90 degrees.
Day Bed is just as meticulously crafted as Custom, but its care is devoted to a gorgeous inlaid surface that creates an illusory, coffered effect. Very clean and very modern.
Both the Custom and the Daybed caskets each cost $15,000. and are sold. Things That Fall.
12. Lux Mortem Caskets
Another designer, Brian Tenorio, is on the brink of introducing a line of upscale designer coffins. The Lux Mortem designer caskets are designed and made in the Philippines. Simple and sleek, the upcoming designs are said to range from classic designs to contemporary artforms. The launch collection will be available in Manila’s top funeral parlors in November 2009.
above: renderings of the Radiance and the Emerald Cut caskets Lux Mortem will be launching these lines in 2010.
13. TenderRest NextGen Coffins And for those who prefer a more eco-friendly resting place, TenderRest of New Zealand offers a line of Bamboo coffins whose simplicity and modern style is an elegant, lightweight and earth friendly alternative.
14. The Ecopod And there's the Ecopod. More modern in function and materials than looks per se, the Ecopod from ARKA is made by hand from recycled newspapers and hand finished with paper made from recycled silk and mulberry leaves, the Ecopod is available in a range of colours with screen printed motifs, plain white, or gold.
Screenprinted Ecopods: Gold ecopod:
The inner base of the Ecopod is covered with a natural calico mattress and the interior painted light cream, or white, using eco-friendly paints. As an optional extra, the walls of the interior can also be lined with feathers in a choice of colours, including white, red, cream or pale blue.
Although this isn't an available option, this project by artist and designer Charles Constantine deserves noting:
15. The Memento Coffin/table
In the artists own words: Memento is a dual purpose piece of furniture that functions as a coffee table during its first stage, and as a coffin in its second. Memento will absorb the life and love that occurs around it, and will create personal identifications with the coffin, through the patina it acquires over time. Memento creates value through the symbolism inherent in the design.
The body is meant to be placed in a fetal position, which gives the piece its shape. This way the body can be buried facing the east, toward the rising sun, which is a common symbol of rebirth. The casket is made of pine, and treated with a soap finish, making it ecologically friendly. The open bottom construction, will help the body reintegrate into the environment faster. Memento is an attempt to bring one of our most sacred rituals back into the hands of the family, by encouraging home death care. See more of Charles Constantine's work.
Ah, now I can rest in peace. And in style.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- If you never saw my post on Coffin Couches, now would be a good time to check it out.
above: All those tacky little knick-knacks, tchotchkes, and whatnots will look a lot nicer if they were placed in this.
Loosely translated from their own words, originally in French: We (5.5 Designers) created the Meuble à collection (piece of furniture for collections) as a way to immortalize the objects of which we often have difficulty disposing. Ordinarily placed on the mantel, a shelf or buffet, they gradually settle into our environment and we find it difficult to refrain from amassing them. This symptom of the chronic amassing of objects is called 'collecting', an old-fashioned and popular practice in which one gives sentimental value in the context of 'overconsumption'.
Inspired by the small scale 'houses' used to hold perfume bottles, crystal animals and other thingamajigs, this piece of furniture allows you to store and display the objects you covet. It helps to reconcile the passion some have for objects like miniature cars or thimbles with the knowledge that the more that one collects around the house, the more these objects collect dust and take up room.
Mattel hasn't slowed down. Get ready for more collectible Barbie dolls that play on popular culture, past and present.
They just released their Heidi Klum Barbie Doll.
The doll, designed by Robert Best, even includes a simulation of her actual 10 carat fancy yellow diamond ring given to her by husband Seal and bejeweled golden sandals.:
And their soon-to0be-released Christian Louboutin Barbie Doll. Barbie® by Christian Louboutin (the world renowned shoe designer) dolls have been produced in a limited edition of 7,700 produced worldwide. pre-order the Christian Louboutin Barbie here.
Also available for pre-order are their Women of the 80's dolls (Debbie Harry as Blondie, Joan Jett and Cyndi Lauper).
above: Fabio Viale exhibit photos courtesy of lifthin
Like many a famous Italian sculptor before him, Fabio Viale works in marble. Chipping away, polishing, bringing life to a block of rock. Unlike many a famous Italian sculptor, Fabio's marble pieces look like styrofoam, rubber tires (tyres), paper airplanes, popcorn and even a modernized David, tatts and all.
The impressive tromp l'oeil effects he gets from marble will blow your mind:
While other sites like jailbreak collective and Today and Tomorrow have done a nice job sharing a few of his pieces - his styrofoam-like Mona Lisa and skull and the making of video and literal launch of his all marble canoe/ boat, I'd like to share some of his other work that I find fascinating as well.
Black sculpted marble that looks like tire tread and tires (tyres):
White sculpted marble that looks like popcorn:
White sculpted marble that looks like paper: Giant white marble balloon:
Classic Greek and Italian marble sculpture with added tattoos. Kouros with tatts: Pieces from Michaelangelo's David, with tatts: And, of course his carved marble pieces, in the likeness of the Mona Lisa and a skull, that emulate styrofoam:
Cerealart, the Philadelphia gallery of artist multiples, is selling ceramic sculptures that also function as bongs, by pop artist Kenny Scharf. Available in limited editions of white, purple, green or orange, and one-of-a-kind hand painted ones, each is stamped signed on the bottom.
above: Cereal Art’s Debbie Mangel with a bong by Kenny Scharf
The Purple, Orange and Green versions shown below are on sale through Nov.15, 2009: above: Object To Enjoy (Orange, Green or Purple), Kenny Scharf Size: 9 x 5 x 15.5 inches /23 x 13 x 39.4 cm Material: Ceramic Edition: 200 of each (orange, green or purple), stamp signed
At $400 dollars a piece, the three colors shown above are presently on sale for 25% off through November 15, 2009. Visit www.cerealart.com and enter the coupon code KSOBJECT to receive the 25% discount.
NOTE: Unless you are a card carrying legalized medical marijuana user, smoking marijuana is illegal. This sculpture / pipe is for tobacco use only.
The ceramic sculpture/pipe below is also available in white, but limited to only 50 and not on sale: above: Object to Enjoy (note: white is not on sale) Size: 9 x 5 x 15.5 inches /23 x 13 x 39.4 cm Material: Ceramic Edition: 50, stamp signed Price: $450.00 USD
And the following limited edition Objects (not eligible for the discount), are each one of a kind and hand painted by Kenny Scharf:
Size: 15.5” h x 9” w x 5” d/ 39.4cm h x 23cm w x 13cm d Material: Ceramic and Metal Edition: From an edition of 25 unique individual pieces hand-painted by Kenny Scharf. Price: $6,500.00
About Cerealart: Cerealart develops, produces and distributes a range of three-dimensional visual artist's multiples. The sculptural designs are conceptualized by critically acclaimed internationally recognized contemporary artists who are interested in exploring the possibilities presented by consumer culture. Authorship is published and highlighted as an integral part of each work.
The designs are limited production editions and are distributed through Cerealart, Museums and galleries throughout North America, Great Britain, Europe, Asia and Australia and New Zealand.
Some of Kenny Scharf's recent work: above: Kenny Scharf, Purplosion, 2009, oil and silkscreen on linen,72 x 60 inches (182.9 x 152.4 cm), Paul Kasmin Gallery
above: Kenny Scharf, Journey to the Center, 2009, oil, acrylic, and silkscreen ink on linen, 84 x 84 inches (213.4 x 213.4 cm), Paul Kasmin Gallery
above: Kenny Scharf, Chocolate Glazed with Sprinkles in Space, 2008, oil on linen, 40 x 40 inches (101.6 x 101.6 cm); framed: 41 x 41 inches(104.1 x 104.1 cm), Paul Kasmin Gallery
Artist Bio: Kenny Scharf was born in Hollywood. His work is instantly recognizable, with idiosyncratic cartoon creatures popping up in the oddest of places: in paintings, on functional objects, or piled up on top of each other to form huge totem poles. Scharf shot to prominence in New York during the 80s as part of the deeply influential generation of artists that emerged at that time.
He was part of an East Village trio with Keith Haring, his studio mate, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. His artwork has been exhibited extensively and can be found in numerous international museum collections including The Guggenheim Museum and The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, The Eli Broad Foundation in Los Angeles and The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. Kenny Scharf is represented by Paul Kasmin Gallery - 293 Tenth Ave. New York, NY 10001 and 511 27th Street, New York, NY 10001 -
What is Somnus-Neu? Somnus was the Roman god of sleep — Neu is German for New- Thus new sleep.
Somnus-Neu® is an evolution of the idea of “technology convergence” and high design, bringing together into one space, comfort, design, connectivity, audio, video, lighting and experience.
Programmable Lighting A soft hue emanates from the underside of Somnus-Neu® your bedroom lit from the “night-light” zone, one of three distinct lighting zones built in, all of which are highly efficient and fully programmable LED lights. With 16 million possible color combinations, everyone can create their own unique shade, as mood lighting, underside lighting or reading light. Research has shown that color and light add are valuable components to the way we feel. Now there’s no excuse not to feel good.
Audio Everyone these days knows that music and sound can enhance and create our environment. Your music, Your media, Your environment. The heart of Somnus-Neu® audio is a Class D digital amplifier, which is highly energy efficient and produces less waste through heat than a typical Class A/B amplifier. Speakers fixed in 5 different points within the space create a listening experience controlled entirely by you. From soft waves rolling in as you embrace sleep, to hard hitting rock’n'roll, plug in your MP3 player, store your own music or stream it in from the outside.
Upscale design We’re connected through an ever growing internet community, the world at our fingertips, we at Yoo-Pod Ltd love being connected, we figured you might too. So we provided two touch-screens, one for you and one for your partner, recessed into the sides of Somnus-Neu®. Simply raise the screens from their hidden position, bring the arm around to place it in your perfect position and connect to the world.
Movies In Bed The real VIP movie going experience is right here. A giant movie screen lives hidden in the top end of Somnus-Neu, lower i57oftravelerst into position to take advantage of the “best seat in the house” – Yours. We incorporated a High Def video projector and brought the theater right to you. Hit the button, lower the screen, encapsulate the space with the automatic privacy curtains and experience the real thing.
Every detail in Somnus-Neu® is considered, the upholstery the hand-crafted wooden bed head, the 100% recycled composites that create the form and shape, nothing has been overlooked. We understand also that people are individuals and as such have allowed for certain customization within the design. Different wood selections and upholstery are possible.
Here's a fun little animated video as to how the data trail works with the Somnus Neu:
Who is behind this?
Founded by Grier Govorko (below), Yoo-Pod Ltd owns exclusively the Somnus-Neu® concept, registered trademark and design.
About the designer: Grier’s willingness to push boundaries has landed him much critical acclaim. His production design for the Chili Peppers’ 3-day concert run at Hyde Park in London –a concept which centered around a massive 100-meter wide video installation– has risen to the level of legend in production design circles. Nominated as production designer of the year in 2005 for exemplary work for the Red Hot Chili Peppers — he has been the designer behind all world tours since 2000.
Somnus-Neu® is planned for release in 2010.
Below is some wishful thinking on their part (Richard, are you listening?), this 'faux' branded image was posted by Somnus Neu on their facebook page. all images and info courtesy of Yoo Pod Ltd.
It's that time of year again. When the drool-worthy calendar by Lavazza is released.
For the past 18 years, the annually produced calendar has been unavailable to the public and created with the talented firm Armando Testa for Lavazza's clients. Legendary photographers ranging from Albert Watson to Annie Leibovitz have had the honor of shooting the piece and more and more the yearly release is eagerly anticipated. Every year the calendar gets much deserved favorable and flattering press coverage along with other coveted and exclusive, and coincidentally Italian, calendars like Pirelli's or Campari's. And like the past two years, I have the entire calendar, behind the scenes shots and a making of video for you.
This year's calendar is yet another visual spectacle. Shot by photographer Miles Aldridge in a "Futuretrò" style, this years' them is the universal languages of Music and Photography.
British photographer Miles Aldridge was given the task of visually interpreting six of the ultimate Italian classics: Va' Pensiero, Guarda Che Luna, 'O Sole Mio, Con Te Partirò, Baciami Piccina and Nessun Dorma.
Now don't just gloss over the music and admire these beautiful photos. The classic Italian pieces of music are moving and inspiring. If you're not familiar with them, look them up and have a listen. You even have the opportunity on Lavazza's site to download an mp3 version of the tear-provoking classic Nessun Dorma by Antony and the Johnsons (in conjunction with Sony Music) here.
The photographer talks about the project and some behind the scenes shots: above: Miles Aldrige shooting the calendar
"This project instantly reminded me of Fellini". Miles Aldridge talking on set, at the Cinecittà studios in Rome, about the Lavazza Calendar. "Through the music, melodies and arias I glimpsed stories that told bittersweet tales, dramas, rebirths. I was reminded of characters and stories from films like La Strada and La Dolce Vita".
Even the six Calendar models are strong-willed heroines. "I didn't just want six beautiful girls. I wanted six women who could prove they were larger than life".
The life of Aldridge (married with four children and living in London) is all about light and colour. "I can draw inspiration from anything: a bright red garage in Soho, a woman wearing a green coat crossing the street. The fabulous orange in pictures by Francis Bacon or a palette of colours put together by the Wizard of Oz".
Aldridge prefers artificial shades: phosphorescent yellow, bubblegum pink, the bright green of imitation grass, and deep blue - not sky-blue or the marine blue found in wall frescoes, but the unidentifiable blue of an air hostess's uniform, or the blue of Italy's national football team. He also draws great inspiration from early colour films: "I love the way that Technicolor has always broken everything down into areas of pure colour, giving the shadows a brilliant shade of blue".
More behind the scenes shots:
The Video of the Making Of:
Credits: Supervision & Coordination Lavazza Corporate Image, Advertising Department Photographer Miles Aldridge Creative Project Armando Testa Creative Director Michele Mariani Art Director Andrea Lantelme Copywriter Michele Pieri Production Federico Levizzani, The Box Films Set Designer Andy Hillman Stylist Alice Gentilucci Hair Stylist Malcom Edwards Make-up Artist Alice Ghendriah Photographer Assistants Pawel Pysz, Alex Sjoeberg Post Production Tapestry Models: Bianca Balti, Georgia Frost, Lydia Hearst, Daisy Lowe, Alexandra Tomlinson, Alek Alexeyeva Special thanks to Chantecler gioielli and also to Roberto Cavalli, Cavalli & Nastri, Diego Dolcini per Jo No Fui, Dolce & Gabbana, Fisico, La Perla, Sergio Rossi, Sebastian
Dutch designer/artist Bas Van Beek has earned a reputation as an anti-elitist artist and a harsh critic of others.
When it comes to working with ceramics, he playfully combines existing objects, exemplifying that present technological processes may be used for generating new forms which devalue the meaning of limited editions.
But his five Hybrid vases for Pols Potten, the Netherland modern interior design company, are what I wanted to share with you. Available in white, silver or gold, they fuse animals with objects to become functional and fun pieces.
Artist Bas van Beek's Hybrid ceramics for Pols Potten:
Wolf Watering can vase: Rooster vase: Bambi vase:
Fred Vase:
Three of his hybrid vases glazed in gold lustre were part of his exhibit at the Glass and Ceramics Gallery in Wroclaw: above photo courtesy of designws
One of the world's most spectacular triplex residences, the ClockTower, with views to die for and a price tag of $25 million, has just gone on the market. Perched atop One Main Street in DUMBO, Brooklyn, the light, airy and open modern space is punctuated by four enormous functioning clocks that double as windows.
Originally built in 1914, the iconic ClockTower space, already famous for its four gigantic clocks, has been transformed into a 7,000 square foot penthouse with fabulous living and entertaining quarters, state-of-the-art technology and arguably NYC's most extraordinary views.
The ClockTower residence was designed and renovated by David Walentas, the developer and principal of Two Trees. Walentas, who had the vision to shape DUMBO into the sought-after neighborhood it is today, spent years crafting the ClockTower into a discerning, unique property. "We meticulously re-created the original space into a home that offers arguably one of the world's greatest views," said Walentas. "The ClockTower itself rises close to the East River and offers sweeping vistas of the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge and the entire New York City Skyline."
Atrum is open through the three floors:
The elevator to the ClockTower has a private key access and opens onto a contemporary atrium. The ClockTower boasts strikingly modern design, superb entertainment spaces, and comfortable living quarters, with panoramic views throughout the residence. "It supersedes real estate; it's a work of art that cannot be duplicated," said Asher Abehsera, Vice President for Two Trees residential properties.
Panoramic Views:
Spacious walk-in closets, solid rift-sawn white oak floors, an Italian custom-made kitchen featuring white lacquer cabinets, stainless steel, Pietra Cardosa countertops and Gaggeneau appliances are all part of the residence's luxurious and functional appeal.
Kitchen:
Above all, it is the allure of the four clockface windows, the overwhelming natural light, and unrivaled views that distinguishes this spectacular space from all others. Even the gorgeous pedestal bathtub in the master bathroom looks out onto sweeping vistas of lower Manhattan:
Master Bath:
6,800 SF TRIPLEX TOWER IN THE 1914 LANDMARK CLOCK TOWER BUILDING
16th Floor 3,095 sf / 16’ ceiling 17th Floor 2,330 sf / 11’ ceiling 18th Floor 988 sf / 15’ceiling 19th Floor 400 sf / private roof deck
Floor Plans (click to enlarge):
SPECIAL FEATURES • Four 14’ diameter clocks with glass faces provide panoramic 360° views • “Smart Home” technology includes integrated Crestron system for heating, air conditioning, • lighting, audio/visual system and sun control • Private Elevator & Staircase: Custom glass enclosed 3-story elevator and architectural wrap-around stair featuring stainless steel and glass railing and solid white oak treads • Kitchen by Canova: Custom Italian kitchen with cabinets in white lacquer, Pietra Cardosa stone and stainless steel countertops with integral sinks and appliances by Gaggenau and Sub-Zero • Bathrooms feature natural stone fl oors with radiant heat, glass wall tile, European designed fixtures and fittings by Dornbracht • Wood floors throughout are solid, rift-sawn 5” white oak planks • Central 4-pipe fancoil system for heating and cooling
MONTHLY COMMON CHARGES $2,687 ANNUAL REAL ESTATE TAXES $20,958 (2008/2009) OFFERED AT $25 MILLION
For more information call Asher Abehsera at 00-1-646-724-2880.
About The Management Company: Two Trees Management Co. owns most of the Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO ("Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass") as well as significant properties in the Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Boerum Hill area. The company's holdings include 13 buildings and the second largest portfolio of commercial space on the Brooklyn waterfront, which spans 3 million square feet. all images and information courtesy of Two Trees Management Co.
above: one from each of Hirst's series; Hypnotic, Transcendent and Hallucinatory Heads.
A lot of blogs have been covering artist Michael Leon's colored gypsum skulls lately and I've seen many a post on everything from crayon skulls to skull flash drives. But if you're an art fan and a skull fan, I can't think of a more fun combination that the series of Damien Hirst's 'spinner' painted skulls.
above: Hirst with his diamond encrusted skull
I'm sure most of you are familiar with artist Damien Hirst's diamond and platinum skull. Lauded as the singularly most expensive piece of sold art at 100 million dollars, the skull, titled "For The Love Of God".
above: For The Love Of God, the 100 million dollar diamond encrusted platinum skull by Damien Hirst
A common theme in his own, as well as many other artist's work, Hirst has created several other versions of skulls that you may not know about and that are available for purchase.
In this latest series of 50 painted skulls are three categories manifested as three variations of form: Hallucinatory Head, Hypnotic Head and Transcendent Head, with each skull a unique result of the now famous and highly sought after ‘Spin’ painting technique.
The skull is one of a number of recurring motifs not only in Damien Hirst’s work but also in the history of art, and in this special edition has been reworked back in to his signature. The technique is simple but the result relies on complex ideas about mortality and the history of mankind, touching on specific anthropological and historical readings, with compelling, celebratory and seductive results.
A suggested memento mori of a more uplifting and contemporary slant, Hirst’s proximity to the subject of death is ever fresh, rewarding and daring, seeking to challenge the often morbid art historical approach to the subject. His skulls engage, they fix us with their own kind of gaze, imploring us to see the comedy within them. Here, the image of death is less unknowable, more approachable, a little lighthearted, even, whilst possessing something of an ancient relic or offering to the gods. Influences of the Mexican celebration, Dia de los Muertos, fuse ritual and anthropology with ornament, demonstrating the crux of Hirst’s practice wherein the philosophical and eternal become part of the vocabulary of modern life and modern aesthetic.
The Hallucinatory Heads
These are multi-colored glossy spinner paints on partial plastic skulls (no lower jawbone):
The Transcendent Heads
These are multi-colored glossy spinner paints on plastic full skulls with eyeballs:
The Hypnotic Heads
These are black and white glossy spinner painted plastic heads of full skulls with empty eye sockets:
specs for all: 210 x 140 x 140 mm Household gloss on plastic skull
all information and images are courtesy of The Other Criteria, which is the only place where these skulls shown above can be purchased.
Ah, it's that wonderfully creepy time of year again, All Hallow's Eve. Therefore it's time to bring you more gory creepy photography (and now jewelry, too) from the talented horror photographer Joshua Hoffine.
If you didn't see my post about his wonderful work and creepy photo prints for sale last year, you can, and should, read that here.
Here's a few more recent chill-raising images Joshua has added to his portfolio since last year.
New jewelry Joshua's wonderful photos are available for purchase as well as jewelry he has begun selling that incorporate some of his images into gothic pendants: buy his jewelry here.
I'm pretty sure we don't need any more Hello Kitty art or collaborations, but be that as it may, Sanrio's omnipresent little cartoon cat with the big head, Hello Kitty, is celebrating 35 years and will be reinterpreted by 80 contemporary artists at Culver City's Royal/T art space this weekend. And no doubt, the show will be packed with trendy art and toy lovers.
I've got the official press release as well as a sneak peek at 20 pieces of the art and items in the show for you. press release: It’s Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary and SANRIO is celebrating in a big way. In addition to launching a variety of special, limited edition products, SANRIO will introduce Three Apples, a multi-dimensional exhibition and celebration of all things Hello Kitty running from October 23 to November 15 at Royal/T in Culver City, CA.
above: The Royal/T in Culver City, a 10,000 square foot Japanese-inspired art exhibition space, retail store and “cosplay” maid café, located within the city’s vibrant arts community.
This is the first time that SANRIO has produced an event for the Hello Kitty fans in North America. The exhibition as well as all events will be open to the public, free of charge and will offer something for all Hello Kitty fans, no matter their age.
Three Apples -- so named as a nod to Hello Kitty’s weight as listed in her official bio – features an unprecedented lineup of over 80 celebrated artists, who’ve been invited to interpret their creative vision of Hello Kitty in unique, original works that will be on display and for sale. The art exhibition at Three Apples will be curated by Jamie Rivadeneira, owner of JapanLA, a Los Angeles boutique that specializes in "cute" Japanese and American products. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit L.A. Works, a volunteer action center.
Here's a sneak peek at 20 or so of the pieces that will appearing in the show (and not just the ones sent out with the press release!):
Photographers Markus & Indrani's four photos of Lady GaGa X Hello Kitty in the show:
Jason Mecier's portrait of hello Kitty made entirely of Hello Kitty items: details:
Buff Monster: Buff Monster cites heavy metal music, ice cream and Japanese culture as his major influences. His signature Pepto pink palette is a symbol of confidence, individuality and happiness and can be found in all his works, including fine art paintings, design projects and toy collaborations. Featured in numerous publications, including Juxtapoz and The New York Times, Buff Monster works tirelessly day and night to spread happiness, joy and a love of pink.
Colin Christian: Colin Christian was born and raised in London where he was influenced by music, fashion and counterculture. Inspired by old sci-fi movies, pinup girl/supermodels, anime, ambient electronic music and H.P. Lovecraft, his original fiberglass figures and sculptures are cartoon realism eye candy. Christian's work has been featured on The Today Show, and he created the world's largest mouse trap for pest control company Truly Nolen, which is now featured in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Frank Kozik: above image courtesy of Hello Vinyl Frank Kozik is a prolific artist, graphic designer and toy creator who has been featured in Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Spin and Details. Credited with single-handedly reviving the art of the concert poster, Kozik has produced hundreds of full-color, limited edition, silk screened posters under his belt for such renowned artists as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Ice T, Jane's Addiction and The Beastie Boys. His art has been featured in over 60 exhibitions worldwide, including Tokyo and London, and Kozik's signature vinyl toys are coveted by collectors from around the globe.
Gary Baseman: Gary Baseman defines "pervasive art," blurring the line between toy culture and fine art with his strong iconic imagery, unique collaborations and unforgettable experiential gallery exhibitions, including his 2009 solo show and Basemanesque festival "La Noche de la Fusion." A leader in the global art movement, Baseman is a three-time Emmy award winning creator/executive producer of the animated series and film "Teacher's Pet," designer for the best selling game "Cranium," and Entertainment Weekly named Baseman one of the 100 Most Creative People in Entertainment.
Natalia Fabia: Natalia Fabia is known for her signature glitter veneer oil paintings of sultry seductive women and modern ay Belle de Jours. The Los Angeles artist cites Toulouse-Lautrec, ornate interiors, punk rock music and sparkles among her inspirations. A media darling, Fabia has been featured in Juxtapoz, Inked, LA Weekly, New York Arts and on television series Miami Ink. Her custom jewelry line, HookerFeathers, adorns celebrities and fans alike.
Ron English: Ron English, the painter whose "Abraham Obama" image struck a chord with so many during the 2008 Presidential Election, straddles three genres when creating his art: Pop Surrealism, Abstract Expressionism, and Neo Realism. When he's not working on gallery-type pieces, English heads outside to slap posters over billboards and has been known to leave traces of his art around international cities. Considered one of the fathers of modern street art, he has initiated and participated in illegal public art campaigns since the 80's, and his murals include the Berlin Wall and the Palestinian separation wall.
jeremyville (detail): Yosuke Ueno: Nate Frizell (detail): Melissa Haslam: (special thanks to Arrested Motion for the images of the works by Amanda Visell, Melissa Haslam, jeremyville and Nate Frizell)
Luke Chueh: Luke Chueh's paintings playfully weave light and dark narratives, connecting Pop Culture, Street Culture, and Geek Culture. Featured in Nylon magazine, Juxtapoz and Entertainment Weekly, Chueh's highly-sought after, minimalist work is best described as "a balance of cute & brute walking the fine line between comedy and tragedy" and his paintings have been reinterpreted into the popular toy/urban vinyl format by numerous respected brands.
Amanda Visell: Amada Visell's work combines images of childhood folklore and fantasy, and naughty "not quite fit for the tuck-you-in-with-a-nice-bed-time-story crowd." Many of her signature characters like Drunky McSkunky or The Pink Elephant are cute with a dark side. Along with her unique illustrations, Amanda has ventured into the toy world as well with her own plush company, My Switcheroo, which has released a plush Frank Kozik monger that stands over 2 feet tall. She also created artwork for Disneyland for the anniversary of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, as well as other events.
Three Apples -- so named as a nod to Hello Kitty's weight as listed in her official bio - features an unprecedented lineup of over 80 celebrated artists, who've been invited to interpret their creative vision of Hello Kitty in unique, original works that will be on display and for sale. The art exhibition at Three Apples will be curated by Jamie Rivadeneira, owner of JapanLA, a Los Angeles boutique that specializes in "cute" Japanese and American products. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit L.A. Works, a volunteer action center that creates and implements hands-on community service projects throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
The show is said to include works by 80 artists. In addition to the artists' above, other featured artists in the show include:
* Friends With You (FWY) is an artist collaborative founded by Miami-based artists Sam Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III. Since its conception in 2002, FWY has promoted the artists' common message of magic, luck, and friendship, through its popular designer toy line, public art installations, new-form playgrounds, published works, live performances, and animation, motion picture, and multimedia projects. FWY has been featured at many of the most prestigious events in the global creative community including Art Basel in Miami and Pictoplasma in Berlin and was created with one basic concept in mind, to become Friends With You!
* Huck Gee is a contemporary artist, illustrator, toy maker, and designer best known by toy enthusiasts for his iconic "Skullhead" character. Influenced by Japanese and Hong Kong pop art, Gee calls his style "Bastardized Asian Pop Culture." In 2005, Gee partnered with KidRobot and Barneys New York on a unique project with fashion designers Marc Jacobs, Jil Sander, Dries Van Noten, Rick Owens, and Duckie Brown, and in 2007 Gee's KidRobot collaboration with artists Tristan Eaton and Paul Budnitz was accepted into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.
* Simone Legno is the Italian artist behind the highly popular tokidoki brand. Growing up in the punk scene in Rome, Simone likes to mix the edginess of girls with tattoos and brightly colored hair with his Japanese inspired illustrations. Legno's iconic imagery has been featured on numerous apparel and product collaborations, and most recently, the tokidoki creative director teamed up with mega retailer Target to feature Legno's designs on a series of custom items. Recognized worldwide, tokidoki has been featured in publications from W, Paper and Vogue to The New York Times, Variety, and Vanity Fair.
* Tara McPherson, a NYC based artist who got her start working on Matt Groening's "Futurama", creates art that's about people and their odd ways - calling upon personal issues and experiences for inspiration. Named the crown princess of poster art by Elle magazine, McPherson has created visuals for numerous bands including Beck, Modest Mouse and the Melvins. In addition to toy collaborations with various big name companies, McPherson's art was featured in the award winning film Juno and has been published in numerous magazines including Vanity Fair, Esquire, Juxtapoz, Marie Claire, and Spin.
Sanrio and Judith Leiber are launching a new handbag and accessory collection for Hello Kitty’s 35th Anniversary. The collection features Austrian crystal minaudieres including a “Retro Kitty” curved oval clutch, the “Pink Tulip” airstream, new “Hobo” style with silver handle, double sided mirror compact and key fob. The exclusive Hello Kitty Collection by Judith Leiber, will be available in October 2009 at Judith Leiber boutiques and online as well as at Sanrio’s flagship boutiques and on display at the Three Apples exhibition.
The Hello Kitty Robot will make her first appearance at the show: Some of the commemorative merchandise available at the show: two new mimbots to celebrate the 35 years: Other items launched to commemorate the 35th anniversary: And lastly, just a few of the yummy-looking Hello Kitty baked goods from the Royal/T to be served at the opening: Images courtesy of Sanrio
Hello Kitty 35th Anniversary Design History Video from Sanrio, Inc:
You may not want to drop thousands of dollars on a doghouse, but if you can (or are crazy enough to), this one is a beauty. Inspired by Bauhaus architecture, the spacious CUBIX is a hand built modern house for large or small dogs.
Designed by an architect, and entirely hand-crafted, the modern doghouse is made of wood and glass. The home has a seemingly free-floating roof with built-in water drainage as well as a cleaning flap on the back.
details:
The house is one of four luxurious styles designed and manufactured by the German company Best Friend's Home, and is available in three sizes:
Large: the larger size (in centimeters): Width 140 / Depth 160 / Height 140 cm, price: 4,250 EUR or $6,319.30 USD
Medium: the medium size (in centimeters): Width 100 / Depth 70 / Height 100 cm, price: 4,100 EUR or $6,096.27 USD
Small: the smaller size (in centimeters): Width 70 / Depth 85 / Height 70 cm price: 3,950 EUR or $5,873.24 USD
One of four style homes from Best Friend's Home, other impressive designs include a Fairytale castle, a Traditional Colonial, A Georgian Manor or they will create a custom one for you.
Other styles available:
About Best Friend's Home: Founded in Paderborn, the Germany-based company is the brainchild of Communications Designer Doria Keppler and Event Manager Andre Heinermann. "People who have a sure sense of design and aesthetics like to apply that to all things that surround them. "The type of Dog houses we'd like to have purchased and installed in our garden simply didn't exist" recall the two managing directors. "Eventually, we decided to develop and build them ourselves." Voila, the idea for Best Friend's Home was born. In collaboration with an architect, they created four types of houses; CUBIX, FAIRYTALE, ALABAMA and LÖNNEBERGA.
above: Andre Heinermann and Doria Keppler
All the best friend's dog houses are hand crafted from high quality wood and weather resistant paint. They have unbreakable real glass lens and each has the "Best Friend's Home" stainless steel plate with serial number
Orders can be placed online here or by telephone. T. +49 (0) 5254 9350916 F. +49 (0) 5254 9350920
Gucci is asking you to connect and reflect with their newly launched viral site, selling a single contemporary style of Gucci sunglasses for men and women.
Designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini and specifically for the "digital generation", the GG3108/S is for women and has the iconic Double G on the temple. The men's style, GG1622/S has the single G on the temple. Both styles are available in a variety of colors:
Women's: Men's:
What makes the site viral or social?
Visitors can browse the site by city or sex which changes the ambience, images, languages and background music. Music plays during photo uploads and you can use the slider to change the background to emulate dusk to dawn.
New York: London: Milan: Berlin: Barcelona: Tokyo:
Or upload your own images to see them on the site: GucciEyeWeb
above: The Giant and Giantess (enormous marionettes by Royal de Luxe) reuniting.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the falling of the Berlin Wall, an unusual, and BIG, event took place in Germany in the first week of October.
In the first four days of October nearly two million people celebrated “The Berlin reunion” with the BIG GIANT and the LITTLE GIANTESS. Sunday the GIANTS’ tale ended with their celebratory parade through the government quarter. When the LITTLE GIANTESS and the DEEP SEE DIVER left Berlin by boat, hundreds of thousands said Good bye to the two fascinating GIANTS from the waterfront between Moltkebrücke and Elsenbrücke.
the press release: spielzeit’europa | Berliner Festspiele and the legendary French street theatre company Royal de Luxe will present a theatrical event in October on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. On their journey through Berlin the two giant marionettes measuring up to 15-meters high, the Little Giantess and the Big Giant, tell a fairytale of finding each other again after a long separation. The event takes place under the patronage of the cultural minister Bernd Neumann and comprises the main event celebrating German Unification Day. Royal de Luxe will enchant Berlin’s public with their enormous figures and will revive the emotions of 1989.
Brigitte Fuerle, artistic director of spielzeit’europa, will present “The Giants Arrive – A Fairy Tale for Berlin” from 1 - 4 October open air and with free admission. At important locations throughout the German capital, such as the Brandenburg Gate, Unter den Linden and the Rotes Rathaus (Red Town Hall), Royal de Luxe will tell a story particularly created for Berlin: ”We chose to deal with the theme of a drastic separation rather than an explicitly political one,” explained Jean Luc Courcoult, artistic director of Royal de Luxe. One day sea monsters ripped the city in two. One of these parts was then surrounded by a wall, causing the Big Giant to become separated from the Little Giantess. But then the Big Giant went searching…
“In a poetic and moving fairytale told in an incomparable manner and with a tender gaze, the giants render the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall into an unforgettable event. An event that deals with the great fortune and vast emotions of 1989 as a gift to the city and its people, as well as with the painful past and with all viewers from near and far. An October fairy tale for Berlin.” Brigitte Fuerle, artistic director of spielzeit’europa.
For 30 years Royal de Luxe have been representing exceptional street theatre, which the company practices throughout the world. Under the group’s founder and artistic director, Jean Luc Courcoult, in recent years Royal de Luxe have created fantastic theatre events using enormous human and animal figures that are guided by up to 40 actors and that move with incredible liveliness. In this way they delighted all of London in 2006 and went on to transform the streets of Santiago de Chile into a gigantic theatre festival in 2007. As part of spielzeit’europa in 2008 Royal de Luxe created the installation “La Révolte des Mannequins,” by which they captivated the pedestrians in front of KaDeWe’s display windows for an entire week.
“The Little Giantess and the Big Giant will bring magic to Berlin.” Joachim Sartorius, director of the Berliner Festspiele
The Story:
A moving and impressive celebration using the amazing giant marionettes created by Royal de Luxe, the photos tell the beautiful story better than I can.
The Giantess is awoke from sleep, showered and dressed and marched through town where she travels in a boat and slicker, eats a lolly and rides a scooter before meeting up with the Giant.
The Giant emerges from the water, where his helmet is removed and he is marched through town, awakened by music and finally led to Brandenberg gate where he will be reunited with the Giantess.
After being reunited, the Giant and Giantess spend the evening at The Brandenburg gate.
The next day they are awakened, each marched through the town and finally placed on a boat together where they sail off and bid farewell to Berlin.
A special thanks to Nina for her beautiful video of the event, shown below.
Designer Phillipe Starck has created both a new hard drive and a mobile flash drive for LaCie, both of which look as good as they work.
The Hard Drive:
The hard drive is available in 1tb or 2tb and blends polished and matte aluminum in an eye catching design.
One of the most remarkable features of the LaCie Starck is its intelligent touch-sensitive surface, which responds to your touch. You can fully customize the front panel of the LaCie Starck so that it opens the application of your choosing, depending on whether you use a short tap or a long touch. It's easy to use and efficient.
Description: Desktop Hard Drive 2 TB, USB 2. Rate of transfer: 60 MB/s. Required configuration: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS 10.4, 10.5, 10.6. Material: 3mm of resistant aluminum casing. Dimensions: Length: 19,5cm, Width: 11,5cm, Depth: 5,2cm. USB 2.0 cable. External power supply. Quick install guide. Warranty: 2 years. Date of production: 2009.
Mobile Drive
The mobile drive is available as 320g or 500g and whose case is also is a blend of high polished and matte aluminum. A convenient aspect of the LaCie Starck is its embedded USB cable, which allows you to maximize its compact nature and portability. It's easy to extract your cable, as well as coil it back inside of the drive.
Description: Mobile Hard Drive 320Go,or 500Go USB 2. Rate of transfer: 60 MB/s. Required configuration: Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS 10.4, 10.5, 10.6. Material: Aluminum. Dimensions: Length: 13,8cm, Width: 9,2cm, Depth: 2cm. USB 2.0 cable. USB power-sharing cable. Quick Install Guide. Warranty: 2 years. Date of production: 2009.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, so it's even more fitting (pardon the pun) for me to introduce you this fiercely fashionable brand.
PRVCY PREMIUM is a collection of high-end jeans for men and women that bear a signature trio of lines on the back pockets deemed the "lifeline' design. Aside from flattering both the butts of men and women (and many a hot celeb), the back pocket stitching represents the inspiration and cause behind the collection; support for the cure, research and awareness of breast cancer.
The lifeline design is inspired by the leap of faith Carolyn Jones, CEO and Founder, experienced during the last days of her mother, Mrs. Jean James’ life. Mrs. James, who battled with breast cancer, gave her daughter the inspiration to leave her corporate occupation and embark on a journey to find what would give her true happiness. In homage to her mother, Carolyn Jones created the name PRVCY (pronounced Privacy) as her brand name after learning of her mother’s longing for more privacy from her hospital gown.
According to the company CEO, the three threaded “lifeline” design tells the story of complacency in her own professional life to the tragic loss of her mother, only to triumph in a fulfilling career after taking her mother’s advice to strive for passion in her work.
Her passion is evident in the well-made, fiercely fashionable upscale denim line for both men and women. Up to 10% of ALL sales of the PRVCY line go toward breast cancer awareness and free mammogram programs. The company has thus far donated thousands of dollars to fund and provide free mammograms to women across the United States and will continue to do so.
Now that you can appreciate what the company does for breasts, take a look at what their jeans do for your butt. Despite the signature pattern on the back pocket, they have tons of styles and variations in the dyes, colors, stitching, cut and fit. Some have buttons, some are more embellished and they even have a denim skirt and shorts in addition to the jeans.
For women: For the men: Skirt: Shorts:
To see a bunch of very A-list celebrities wearing PRVCY, some wonderful videos, the complete collection and where to buy, visit PRVCY PREMIUM here.
Note that they have another collection as well; Privacy Wear is a more affordable collection, whose partial proceeds also go toward funding mammograms and breast cancer research. This collection includes t-shirts, jean jackets, handbags and sells breast cancer awareness books and online donations.
Like most Halloween-loving people, Scott Cummins carves pumpkins every year for the October holiday. Unlike most people, his pumpkins really are carved. In other words, they resemble sculpture more than most because he utilizes the depth of the pumpkin as much as actually perforating completely through the skin. His pumpkins are almost more impressive when not lit from within.
Whether it's a likeness of "The Dude" from the Big Lebowski, A Star Wars Storm Trooper, or the shark from JAWS, his unbelievable pumpkins and are created without stencils, no 'funkins' and no tricks.
Using 'every tool imaginable', Scott says his pumpkins take between 1 and 2 hours. Given the detail and the uncanny resemblance to his subjects, its' hard to believe they don't take longer.
Here are some of his 2009 pumpkins:
The "Dude", Jeff Bridges from the Big Lebowski: Greedo from Star Wars: Robot Chicken: Arnold Schwarzenegger as The Terminator: others:
And here's a few of my favorites of his from years past... Wallce and Grommit: Stormtrooper: Beetlejuice: Gremlin: Rabbit from Donnie Darko: Gollum: JAWS: Albert Einstein: Scott doing some live carving in Boulder, Co: and in Topsfield: Carver extraordinaire Scott Cummins: learn more and see more at his site: Want to see nerdy, geeky and tech pumpkins? then check these out from last year.
Orange pitches Glastonbury Solar Concept Tent Orange has revealed their vision for the tent of the future. Utilising cutting edge eco-energy technology, the Orange Solar Concept Tent will allow campers to keep in touch and power their essential camping gadgets.
The Concept Tent has been designed in association with American product design consultancy Kaleidoscope and builds on learnings from the original Orange Solar Tent that was trialled at Glastonbury in 2003, as well as 2004’s Orange Text Me Home Dome. Having worked closely with Glastonbury for the last eleven years, Orange know the importance of keeping in contact with friends while on site and undertook this concept project to look at how the festival goers communication and power supply needs might be met in the future.
Photovoltaic Fabric
Latest research shows that by weaving specially coated solar threads into conventional fabric, revolutionary new ways of capturing the sun’s energy could soon become a reality. These radical advances mean that rather than relying upon familiar fixed panels, designers were free to conceive how a tent of flexible solar fabrics might look.
The Concept Tent’s solar shell uses this technology to full effect with three directional glides which can be moved throughout the day to maximise its solar efficiency, capturing the optimum amount of energy which can to be used throughout the tent in a variety of new and exciting ways.
Glo-cation technology To avoid festival-goers ever losing their tent, the Concept Tent would be fitted with innovative “glo-cation” technology. Glo-cation works by enabling campers’ mobile phones to identify their tent using either an SMS message or automatic active RFID technology (a longer range version of that used in London Underground Oyster cards); both would trigger a distinctive glow in the tent helping identify it from a distance. Wireless control hub The heart of the Concept Tent is a central wireless control hub which displays energy generated and consumed as well as providing a wireless internet signal; all information is displayed on a flexible, touchscreen LCD display screen.
Integrated into the hub is a wireless charging pouch which powers mobile phones and other portable devices without the need for messy wires and multiple chargers. The ‘magnetic induction’ technology passes an electric current through a coil embedded in the charging pouch, this in turn generates a magnetic field which creates a charge and powers the battery.
Groundsheet heat Also controlled by the central hub is an internal heating element embedded within the tent’s groundsheet; this under floor heating is triggered automatically once the interior temperature falls below a set level.
Kaleidoscope Strategist, Finn McKenty, said: “The development of photovoltaic fabric will revolutionise festival tent design, in working with Orange we have created a vision for a solar tent that we believe is a great glimpse of what’s to come.”
Ian Smith, Head of Sponsorship, Orange UK, said: “Since becoming Official Communications Partner of Glastonbury Festival in 1997 Orange have strived to enhance the camping experience through a variety of sustainable initiatives. Our vision of the concept tent builds on this heritage and recognises the revolutionary effect cutting edge solar technology and wireless communication could have on festival goers’ camping experiences.”
Whilst currently only a concept, the vision of the Orange Solar Concept Tent has been designed to celebrate Orange’s 11th year at Glastonbury. This year, Orange Chill ‘n’ Charge tent will be at Glastonbury again, providing 600 mobile phone charging points, free internet access and live music. The Orange Chill ‘n’ Charge tent will be open from Friday to Sunday, 10am-10pm.
Mike Rantilla, a Senior Associate Architect with the Freelon Group designed this amazing residence for himself on 1804 Pictou Road in Raleigh, North Carolina. Nestled amongst the trees, the cantilevered home received the 2009 AIA Triangle Honor Award.
This private home literally springs upward from the pristine wooded site. Wedged between zoning setbacks, a stream buffer and a steep slope, the home squeezes vertically into a three story scheme, elevated above the uninterrupted ground plane flowing beneath. Each floor is expressed as a discrete rectangular volume, clad in a different material and spun radially from a 40 foot tall, 18 inch thick solid concrete shear wall. Fully cantilevered stair treads project from the shear wall allowing light and views to pass through. Vertical circulation always maintains a close connection to the diagrammatic and structural centroid of the building.
Feel like drooling? Here is a huge gallery of photos of the home for you plus a video.
Design Within Reach is co-hosting CAN IT!, a charity auction to benefit DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS.
CAN IT! is being produced by Danish design company Vipp in celebration of their 70th anniversary. This noteworthy event will feature an exhibition and auction of Vipp trash bins that have been transformed by 35 leading figures in the worlds of architecture, art, design, fashion and entertainment.
The 35 customized Vipp bins will be on display for the public and advance bidding at the DWR: Tools for Living store in New York City, from October 15 to 28, and will be auctioned at a gala event hosted by DWR, Vipp, DIFFA and model Veronica Webb at DWR’s flagship SoHo location on October 28.
All proceeds from the auction will be donated to DIFFA to support their important work.
Thanks to Vipp, I have images of all the fab trash cans up for auction here. The descriptions were provided by the artists/designers. Those without descriptions are because none were given.
Cole Garrett and Yves Behar (Fuse Project): Cole Garett: "Our VIPP bin is inspired by the 30 foot-long bamboo mural we painted for clients and at our loft, featured on the front of the New York Times Home Section, HGTV and Gazelland. Bamboo is symbolic of good fortune and the leaves made of recycled cups represent peace and tranquility."
"PAY ATTENTION by Yves Behar (in memory of Franz Schnass) for DIFFA and Vipp: "The orange street-cone like design says “Pay Attention” to the world around you, it’s people, it’s challenges, it’s potential...Design is a way to “Pay Attention” too, especially to the less fortunate of us that are sick, diminished physically, and whose spirit shows us that courage and pride in the face of adversity is a gift that shines on all of us. So..”Pay Attention”.
Robert Geller: "To transform this bin I recreated the tough yet romantic aesthetic of my collections for this very practical object. When I began this process I was designing my spring-summer 2010 collection and translated the mood of the collection to the bin. We covered the entire bin in washed leather and accessorized it with aged chains, worn-in leather and chiffon flowers. The bin suggests a sense of decaying beauty which is a look I am very into."
Robert Verdi: "The waste bin is WHITE, and you put TRASH in it, or ON it, in this case."
Nigel Barker: "Trash is normally described as unwanted waste material and therefore your trash-can should be your best friend so to speak...... I have spent weeks up on the ice in Northern Canada and the shot we wrapped the Vipp bin in is called 'Frozen Cauldron.' It depicts the change in landscape as the beautiful, perfect, icy landscape metamorphoses into a frozen explosion before it melts away to nothing."
Veronica Webb: "Taking my cue from the lean iconic lines of the VIPP can, the “giraffe” women of South Africa’s Ndebele Tribe who adorn their necks with stacks of golden rings immediately came to mind. Africa as much as our own back yard is the epi center of beauty and the epi center of the fight against AIDS. I was able to realize my full vision with the help of two very talented artists, Mary Davis, interior designer and recent Parson's graduate and world renowned photographer Nigel Barker. I am grateful for their help and contribution in the global fight against AIDS. "- Veronica Webb.
Shelly Sabel: "Lite-Bright trash can. Materials: Vipp pedal bin, lite-bright pegs, electro luminescent flatlight, perforated steel, tie-down straps. This piece is inspired by the 1970's Hasbro toy - lite-bright, late sixties, early seventies graphics and psychedelic art."
Olaf Breuning: Color bin - "The inspiration is the work with the four colors, red, blue, yellow and green...nothing more. The funny thing is that the works end up referencing the abstract painters from the last century. I guess there is just a few options to do with four colors...in case of the bin they just drip down. In other words...there is not really a big concept about it. I just want to make it colorful and happy."
Lady Bunny: "I knew somehow I wanted to put my bin "in drag." I toyed with the idea of adding a wig, but an over-sized eye did the trick and I'm pleased that it resembles a bin from H. R. Puf 'N' Stuf or perhaps from Peewee's Playhouse. Of course, since the eye is blue and with long lashes and even a little bloodshot, the bin was modeled after my own blue eyes and lash-heavy make-up style. Billy Erb helped me execute the design for my piece so I'm grateful to him for executing my design so perfectly. And as anyone has seen me perform can attest to, This "lady" certainly knows a thing or two about trash!"
Mike Perry: Before Time.- "A hot bed of activity constantly changing and growing creating new patterns and textures. This is how it all started. Elements moving and changing to create compositions."
Sune Wagner: It's called "No. 73"- "It was essentially inspired by Warhol and Pollock. The idea was to have Warhol do a Pollock, factory style. The industrial silver mixed with black works as a direct link to New York city circa 1960's, some years after Pollock's untimely death."
David Rockwell: "With the Vipp bin, I wanted to reinvent and invigorate the everyday household ritual of opening and closing the trash bin. When you press the foot pedal of the Vipp bin, the can lights up with 1100 LEDs. Just by bringing an element of surprise and delight to that act transforms it into a small-scale celebration."
Kiril Kirov Razortooth: "The bin was inspired by the first decade of the new millennium, eerie reminiscent to the beginning of the XX century. The bin is kind of a modern Pandora’s “box” and the Siamese twins represent Yin-Yang. Unfortunately the opposites are very much alike and our good side is still well concealed. We like to believe as in the legend that at the very bottom still lays hope."
Helena Christensen and Izhar Patkin:
Rikke Korff The Furies and The Selby:
PUNK DOTS: RIKKE KORFF & THE FURIES "Dot patterns are a much loved signature of The Furies, referencing the playfully feminine classic Polka Dot and the importance of the circle in traditional Asian decorative arts. For the VIPP bin, we amped up the Rock n' Roll spirit of The Furies by embellishing our dot pattern with hardcore metal spikes, which explode off the mysterious matte black surface."
The Selby: "The can was designed using my watercolor paintings of animals including many wearing looks from Fall 2009 runway shows, styled by Aya Kanai. Hard core fashion fans may be able to guess what some of the looks are!"
Magnus Berger and Michael Aram: Magnus Berger: "One of the ideas of The Last Magazine is to have the reader decide whether it's frame able or disposable. I've been to friends houses where they have used our magazine as art on the wall which is of course very flattering. But I'm also into the idea of how street advertising posters look on scaffolding in New York. Especially when they get weathered and torn. I guess this is somewhere in between."
Michael Aram: "In my work, I dwell on what I call “integrated design”, by which I mean that the “Object” is the “Sculpture”. The fantasy for me is that the object is so perfect in its form, that it’s function, although essential, is an added bonus- or in the case of the bin, almost a surprise! In world mythology, Pears represent bounty and gluttony. What more perfect for a receptacle of waste than a golden symbol of excess? I imagine the enchanted forest of my dreams where all we needed would be found on the forest floor, and each step would reveal one wondrous object after another, which we could gather to make our houses."
Swathi Ghanta/ KidRobot:
Camilla Staerk: "For my Spring '07 collection, which was called 'walk with me' and was inspired by the girls in David Lynch's 'Twin Peaks', I developed the accessories from a 'liquid lace' material which I created by fusing lace with rubber. My VIPP can is based on this thought.""
Jes Gordon:
James Charles: "“Can It” - got me thinking about Rubbish/Trash and I realized how all our office trash cans were always full!! The inspiration is to get smaller trash cans for less trash! Not larger Trash Cans for more stuff to throw away!!! Less is truly more in this day and age!"
John Baldessari and Jonas Hecksher Etypes: John Baldessari: "I'm always unsure about throwing things away. Because by nature i'm a recycler and pac rat. I feel certain i'm not the only one in the world with this characteristic. Also, i think we should learn to recycle like other countries in the world."
Evette Rios:
Avi Adler and Ami James:
David Stark:
Lady Pink: "I've been painting brick-women covered in colorful graffiti for years, nude masonry monuments lovingly vandalized. They represent the solid inner strength all women have underneath. I also paint brick texture on objects and apply my beloved friends graffiti names on the brick, a tribute to those living and dead."
And some more sedate versions from designers (left to right) Calvin Klein, Oscar De La Renta and Ralph Lauren:
Calvin Klein: "In considering the Vipp bin design, we took inspiration from the wool elements in our Fall 2009 Men's Collection. This wool overcoat, for example, is the epitome of luxury and comfort. These elements also carry over to our Home Collection and designs. By covering the Vipp bin in our wool Kravet fabric, the piece blends seamlessly into any Calvin Klein room."
Oscar de La Renta: "The inspiration for our bin is a striped fabric from Oscar de la Renta’s upcoming line of fabrics for Lee Jofa."
Ralph Lauren: "Inspired by Vipp's timeless design integrity and quality craftsmanship, Ralph Lauren adds an unexpected layer of luxury with chic black alligator and refined silver accents."
The 35 customized Vipp bins will be on display for the public and advance bidding at the DWR: Tools for Living store in New York City, from October 15 to 28, and will be auctioned at a gala event hosted by DWR, Vipp, DIFFA and model Veronica Webb at DWR’s flagship SoHo location on October 28. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is not the first charity auction put on by Vipp, be sure to see the great pieces from past Vipp Auctions here. Be sure to check out the some trash cans from Vipp charity auction of years past here.
I've always had an aversion to the word 'crafts'. It makes me think of those heinous crocheted toilet paper roll covers or wooden Geese families for the front yard. And although I respect anyone who labors at creating a personal expression, it is true that some results are only good for a giggle. Which leads me to introduce you to a website named Regretsy.
I absolutely love that someone has done this. And am thrilled that it wasn't me. The site "Regretsy" pokes fun at the well-known e-commerce site Etsy, which allows users to sell their handmade (and homemade) crafts, jewelry and art.
By scouring the of listings on etsy, and accepting submissions from readers, Regretsy manages to find and categorize some of the most god-awful ugly or just plain disturbing items available on the site (lots of genital-related art and items, too). And yes, they actually link to purchase the item if it is still available.
Above: a rusty cheese grater turned clock for sale on Etsy. Price? $28.00 (and no, you don't get the cigarette with it)
Their "disclaimer" says it all:
Don’t get us wrong. We like crafts.
We just don’t like these crafts.
Yes, we know these people put their hearts into it. We know it took hours and hours. We know how mean it is to laugh at their creations. And we regret being the only web site on the internet that makes fun of things.
But what can we do? We’re immature.
Besides, art is totally subjective. Who cares what we think? I barely care and I’m writing this.
Listen, if you like something you see here, don’t argue with us, go and buy it. Seriously. Click on any photo and you’ll be taken to the seller’s store*. We’re only too glad to have made the introduction.
Otherwise, we’re just going to sit here and look at the amputee kitten paintings and vulva earrings and laugh so hard that we pee in our reusable Pokemon pads.
- The Regretsy team
Below are some of their picks from categories whose names include "Dead Things" and "Pet Humiliation". Each item below is an actual listing from Etsy.
It's hard enough to keep your computers up to date these days, but now you not only have to keep up with technology, but with the Joneses, now that the hardware case itself can be a status symbol.
GHE (Gaiser High End) creates what they call "First Class Computers", luxury PCs that integrate 24k gold, tri and bi color gold, Cubic Zirconia, Palladium, Silver and Steel designs to their hard drive cases. They will do surface gilding on front or front and back and give you many options of finishes.
In lieu of cubic zirconia, you can have real diamonds or gemstones of any kind upon request. The unusual materials include Damascus layered steel and Mokume Gane (wood grain steel) or they will work with you to create a custom design. The designs from the GHEdesign PC series can also be combined and they will be happy to create individual designs according to your requirements.
They can also provide you with other casings or technical components. If preferred, they can also provide each designer casing without the technical interior.
