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

Pride of Soldiers, A Scabetti Sculpture in A Highly Secure Military Location.

'Pride of Soldiers', this unique three meter diameter sculptural light commissioned for the Land Forces Command Head Quarters in Utrecht, has rarely been seen before due to its highly secure location.

above: The Kromhout Barracks houses the Royal Dutch Land Forces Command Head Quarters.

The newly erected Kromhout Barracks (which are really beautifully designed) stand on the outskirts of Utrecht and were designed by leading Dutch practice Meyer en Van Schooten Architects.

Dominic and Frances Bromley's unique commission, Pride of Soldiers, will only ever be seen by strict invitation. These photographs (by Frances Bromley, Jannes Linders and Stefan Van Weelden) are now the only access many will have to this remarkable work of art, as it is sited in one of the most secure places in the Netherlands; the Royal Dutch Land Forces Command Head Quarters.

above: Pride of Soldiers in the Kromhout Barracks, Netherlands by Dominic and Frances Bromley.

Installed in the Netherland's new Kromhout Barracks outside of Utrecht, this beautiful bone china sculpted light serves as a monument to the Armed Forces. The unique piece, comprised of many stylized soldiers hanging vertically to form a sphere, was crafted by Dominic and Frances Bromley of Scabetti.

The ceramic forms are slip cast fine bone china, cast by hand in the Potteries of Stoke-on-Trent:

The piece stands an impressive three meters in diameter hovering over a large table within the barrack's conference room.

Progressing around the room there's an extra dimension that reveals itself; each soldier stands in perfect formation and comes together to create the Lion of the Armed Forces emblem, with the central light at its heart.

Designing a piece so dramatic and specific to the location was a brave move for the accomplished duo and combined their unique technical and artistic approach. Pride of Soldiers must surely stand as the Bromley's most significant work to date.

View this and more installations by Scabetti on their website.
To purchase a sculpture or discuss a commission, contact the studio directly.

Lego Wars: Pop Culture Meets Luxury Brands In Chromogenic Prints by Dale May.

above: V3PO Louis Vuitton by Dale May

Photographer Dale May's LEGO WARS at the Samuel Owen Gallery are a collection of photo that combine popular culture with commercial imagery and luxury brands. LEGO Star Wars minifigs juxtaposed against Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Tory Burch logos - even set against the famous Tiffany Robin's Egg Blue, are produced as chromogenic prints and face mounted to archival acrylic backed with aluminum. The pieces are large (with the square images available as 24" x 24" and 48" x 48" and the rectangular images measuring 24" x 48") and prices start at $2400 for the limited edition prints.

Coco Vader:

Chewy Burch:

Personally, I'm not a huge fan of Dale's people, fashion and advertising photography because I find them too digitally composed, somewhat cliché and a little forced, but in the case of these, that style works. These also illustrate an eye for composition I don't as readily see in his other work.

Tiffany Trout and Tiffany Trooper:

Baby Boba:

Stormtroopers:

Chrome Trooper and X-Ray Trooper:

X-Ray Trooper LightBox:

Rebel Pilot:

Obi Wan Saber and Darth Vader Saber:

The Samuel Owen Gallery describes the series as follows:
The LEGO WARS series is a photographic study of popular culture, commercial advertising and nostalgia. As an adult, Dale May revisits these tiny plastic Lego toys and photographs them in a way that returns them to the epic importance they once had as a child, reminding us why we needed to collect every single piece.

Trooper Mob:

Biker Scouts:

Royal Guard:

Yoda (front):

Yoda (back):

Helmet pile:

Rainbow Coalition:

Iconic, nostalgic, yet timeless, the artist brings a new look to a subject that’s common place. Dale leaves nothing to chance, not only is the work impeccably crafted and well thought out but the material he has chosen to produce the Lego Wars series was no accident. Dale felt that the entire piece of art should resemble the high polished glossiness of the subject itself. Crafted in archival acrylic and backed with aluminum dibond, the work is given a look not unlike the plastic Star Wars Lego or something in Darth Vader’s home, the Death Star itself!

Once made from molded plastic, standing just over an inch, and in danger of being stepped on, these characters now stand tall, speak to us and demand attention!

You can purchase the prints here.

Absolut Vodka Goes Couture With Their Limited Edition Crystal Pinstripe Bottles.

Following the success of their partnership in 2010 (the rock crystal cut Absolut bottle shown below), Swedish labels ABSOLUT VODKA and design duo Skogsberg&Smart have teamed up once again to create the next generation of their much publicized new limited edition crystal bottles crafted by centuries old Swedish glassmaker Reijmyre .

Last year's collaboration:

above: The first collaboration between Absolut and Skogsberg&Smart yielded the above limited edition crystal decanter crafted by Reijmyre in 2010

The new 2011 hand-blown, hand-cut and hand-engraved bottle design, the 'Pinstripe Bottle', is inspired by the heritage of Savile Row's iconic pinstripe tailoring.

The bottle, which comes in clear crystal or black crystal, is presented in an exclusive handmade treasure chest along with two matching tumblers. Each one is numbered and signed by the master crafter following approval.

Only 800 of the clear crystal bottles and a very limited number of the black crystal bottles -only 10- have been made and are priced at $1500 and $10,000 respectively.

The Black Crystal Pinstripe Bottle:

The Crystal Pinstripe Bottle:

photos by Pelle Bergström.

The limited edition bottles are presented in the pin-striped, fabric-lined and clad box with two matching crystal tumblers:

The exquisite set is available around the globe at selected airport duty-free stores and luxury retailers.

images courtesy of absolut.com, ihavey luxury blog and Skogsberg & Smart

Books Carved Into Intricate Japonesque Landscapes by Artist Guy Laramee.

Another novel idea. Artist Guy Laramee is a composer, an author, a painter, a film director, an anthropologist and yes, a book-carver. The Canadian multidisciplinary artist has a series of old leather bound books out of which he carves beautiful mountainous and eroded landscapes. Below are many of his pieces.

Dan Golden, the illustrator/artist whose irreverent designs I have shared with you in his fabulous carpets and pillows has created some designs exclusively for one of my favorite home decor stores, Crate and Barrel's CB2.

The six items Dan designed exclusively for the store include the following two ceramic mugs, one platter, two plates (dishwasher and microwave safe) and pillow.

Shop for the above items here.

Below is an interview with Dan Golden by Sandra for CB2's blog, In The Loop.

Artist Profile: Dan Golden, Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Where was your favorite place to live?
I haven’t found my absolute favorite place to live just yet, but can tell you that it will have lots of space and incredible views.

What’s your favorite room in your home?
Either the living room or the bedroom; the living room because it’s filled with art & design books, paper, pens and inspirational objects. The bedroom because it’s where we can just chill out and rest/think.

What are your sources of inspiration?
Experiences—alone, with friends, with new people…making connections. And the usual suspects: artists, films/filmmakers, designers, music, books, etc.

What do you drive?
Well, I drive a 2002 Volkswagen Jetta, but I would really love to drive one of these: a vintage Jaguar e-type, a 60s Mercedes 220se, or a BMW model 2002. One day.

What one item do you wish you owned?
Hmmmm….maybe a Rothko.

What are your interests outside of design?
I love comedy/comedians, movies, music, technology, graphic novels (Daniel Clowes type stuff), napping, running, and laughing.

Form vs. Function?
Form and Function, but not necessarily always at the same time.

Your personal decorating style is?
Minimal and vintage.

What’s your favorite element/possession?
Can a dog qualify as an element? If so, then definitely our dog Nutley—he brings a lot of happiness and humor into our lives.

What was/is your biggest indulgence?
Probably my vintage Rolex watch. I obsessed on getting a classic stainless steel oyster perpetual Rolex watch for a long time and finally found the one I was looking for. It has a certain personal significance to me so it’s a very special possession/indulgence.

Do you have one low budget decorating tip?
Draw on your walls.

What’s the best career advice you ever received? Ever gave?
Years ago—when I was a waiter/aspiring singer-songwriter—I met Tom Waits. His advice was to be original and not try to be like anybody else. This advice was simple and true, and applies equally to being a designer.

Dan Golden
CB2

Ready, Aim... Frame. Bullet Casing Portraits of Lennon, Lincoln, Kennedy and Others.

above: Abraham Lincoln (detail), made with real used bullet casings

Another artist who has found a way to use ammunition in his work, David S. Palmer, joins the ranks of these talented folks about whom I've written; Al Farrow uses bullets in his amazing reliquaries, Unearthen makes stunning jewelry of bullet casings and gems, Jason Clay Lewis has a series of engraved bullets and artist Walt Creel uses bullet holes to create his artwork.

Referred to as "The Lake House" by its present owners, this five story, four bedroom, four bathroom, 8,694 sq foot home overlooks Lake Tahoe on a lot measuring just under a half an acre in Incline Village, Crystal Bay, NV.