If It's Hip, It's Here (Archives)

Red Vines, Candy & Junk Become Celebrity Portraits In The Hands Of Jason Mecier.

above: Kim Kardashian made of Red Vines & Black Licorice twists

Los Angeles born, and now San Francisco-based, mosaic artist Jason Mecier creates portraits of famous personalities with assemblages crafted of candy, food, yarn, dried beans and just plain junk.

In his licorice mosaics, He artfully twists red and black licorice to create uncanny likenesses of some of today's most popular entertainers and images from popular culture.

above: detail of Kim Kardashian made of Red Vines and Black Licorice

In his "junk" portraits, the objects he uses to craft the images include things relevant to the celebrity or personality of his subject, such as the Campbell's soup cans and banana used to compose a portrait of artist Andy Warhol:

Red vines and black licorice:

Mo' Nique:

Michael C. Hall as Dexter:

Elizabeth Berkely in Showgirls:

Taylor Lautner:

Robert Englund as Freddy Kruger from Nightmare on Elm Street:

Other Candy
Taylor Swift made with Good n' Plenty Candies:

Pam Anderson made of various hard candy and candy bars:

details:

Christina Aguilera made of candy:

The Olsen Twins made of candy:

The Spice Girls made of candy:

Some of his impressive "junk" portraits.

Mary Louise Parker (star of HBO's Weeds):

Conan O'Brien:

Tina Fey:

Chelsea Handler:

Donald Trump and detail:

Frida Kahlo and detail:

Singer Pink:

Kathy Najimy:

RuPaul:

President Obama:

And, not on his site, is his portrait of Snoop Dogg made entirely of, you guessed it... weed:

To see more, visit Jason's website.

New Candid Canisters By Jonathan Adler.

Jonathan Adler has just added a slew of new high-fired porcelain stoneware containers to his collection of "Candid Canisters." From Peyote to Peroxide, the eight new storage boxes are glazed in high gloss black and white stripes. Eyelashes, Caffeine, Dope, Ganja, Shrooms, Peyote, Pep Pills and Peroxide vary slightly in size, but each comes with a matching lid and makes it chic to hide your stash or vice.

There's even one for your dog:

Buy them here.

Previous Candid Canisters in the collection:

Please note that all shown canisters vary in size. For prices, measurements and to purchase, go to Jonathan Adler.

Spiritually & Physically Balanced Furniture. The New D/ZEN Collection By CTRLZAK.

Once again, the art and design studio CTRLZAK infuses Eastern philosphy into Western design like they previously did with their ceramiX project. Their latest coffee table and stool designs, the D/ZEN collection, consists of wooden blocks cut asymmetrically and balanced upon a symbolic silver cast twig leg. A reflective surface on the top or underside of the tables/stools is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

The D/ZEN coffee table and stool by CTRLZAK was inspired by the spiritual and physical balance of Buddhist Zen practices. Archetypal forms that sustain objects and people, imperfect forms in perfect balance. The stick is man’s little touch, which supports nature but reminds us that everything is temporary.

CTRLZAK will present the new D\ZEN project in the upcoming Milan Design Week, the 12th to the 17th of April, 2011.

Don't forget to check out their wonderful CeramiX project, too.

EFFEN VODKA Presents The Art of Design. March 16th In Santa Monica.

If It's Hip It's Here, along with other Los Angeles area bloggers and companies, has the honor of being one of the co-hosts of The Art of Design event with EFFEN Vodka that takes place tomorrow night. The event, open to anyone over 21 years of age, will feature local mixologists competing to design the most Provocatively Premium™ EFFEN® Vodka martini.

Sample cocktails, vote on your favorites and watch a local artist and fashion designer reveal pieces inspired by EFFEN Vodka. Complimentary Happy Hour, too.

I hope to see you there!

When:
March 16, 2011 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Where:
William Turner Gallery at Bergamot Station Arts Center
2525 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica CA 90404

How:
Only those 21 years of age and older can attend.
Please click here to get on the guest list

RSVP

Three Super Hot Outdoor Wood Fireplaces From AK47

Three wonderful wood burning outdoor fireplaces that also serve as gathering spots for entertaining. The Zero, The Rondo and The Zen from AK47 are simultaneously modern and rustic. Made of steel, stone and copper, the large round fireplaces are as great looking when in use as they are when not in use. All three styles featured here are sold in moderately easy to assemble kits.

The Zero

Zero is a wood fireplace for outdoor use designed for pleasant outdoor moments. Design and art blend to form a new furnishing accessory and its mission is very simple: bringing people together.

It is provided with a closing disk that covers the combustion chamber, so as to prevent residual material getting out in the event of rain or wind:

Not just the fireplace but also the container for firewood which, when not in use, can also be a useful storage surface:

Supplied in a ready-to assemble kit

The Rondo

Rondo is a wood fireplace for outdoor use with supporting structure in steel and round stone sitting. The natural elements of fire and stone are simply combined together with a modern design, thanks to technology and craftsmanship.

It is provided with a closing disk that covers the combustion chamber, so as to prevent residual material getting out in the event of rain or wind.

If necessary, it can also become a comfortable supporting base and the natural chromatic variations of stone guarantee uniqueness.

Supplied in a ready-to assemble kit:

The Zen

Zen is a wood fireplace for outdoor use with a circular steel crown and built-in brazier.

Stone, gravel, volcanic lapilli and sand are only some of the natural elements that may be used to complete the Zen.

It is provided with a closing disk that covers the combustion chamber, so as to prevent residual material getting out in the event of rain or wind. Zen can also be sunk in the ground.