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Figurative sculptor Joan Benefiel decided to further beautify one of Hudson River's scenic piers with a new installation of sculptures to be mounted atop abandoned pilings. The Hudson River Park, stretching five miles up Manhattan’s Westside from Battery Place to 59th Street, is a classic New York park, combining both the old (ancient piers from a maritime past) and the new (a renovated bikeway/walkway and marine sanctuary). It's the perfect place in New York to get away from it all, surrounded by green, water, recreation and, now, art.
"I have long been enamored of the pilings; the submerged logs that once supported the Hudson's busy piers," Benefield says. "Along the recreation path on the west side of Manhattan, many of the piers have long since vanished, leaving the old, time and weather-worn logs jutting up out of the water." After passing the pilings one day, the artist realized they would make the perfect pedestals for her sculptures.
She designed and created a series of 10-foot tall figures to be cast in translucent orange resin, which will draw attention to the pier but also fit in with the landscape, mirroring the scattered height of the New Jersey skyline in the background. Engineered to catch the light, each sculpture will reflect their orange glow across the water.
This Thursday, Benefield's inviting guests to preview the sculptures against the sunset on the waterfront at Pier 42, at Hudson River Park, where they will be installed later this year. It's the perfect excuse to check out the latest public arts collaboration from the Hudson River Park Trust.
Hudson River Piling Project Preview
Hudson River Park's Pier 40 Picnic House
11 June 2009, 6:30–9pm
RSVP required: info [at] hudsonriverpilingsproject [dot] com
353 West Street
New York, NY 10014 map
The venue is located on the water at the end of the finger pier behind the Pier 40 building (where West Houston Street ends at the Hudson River Park, west side of Manhattan).
See another image after the jump. ]]>
]]>Just down the hill from the hustle and bustle of Sunset Boulevard sits the Palihouse Holloway Hotel. I recently had the opportunity to stay at the quiet, NYC apartment-style hotel in the heart of West Hollywood and was expectedly pleased. Perfect for an extended stay, the tucked-away boutique spot has all the amenities of being at home—the one we wish we had—including a full kitchen, washer/dryer closet, flat screen TV, Bose stereo system and ultra-cush bed.
While the suites and residences are a private, quiet sanctuary, the opulent lobby and boisterous French bistro dining area are filled with guests and locals most of the day and night. The rooftop sundeck is the ideal place to take in the views of the city or kickback on one of the comfy Adirondack chairs.
Comfort is key at Palihouse and no detail has gone unnoticed, making you feel simultaneously at home while on vacation/business. In lieu of a card or key, a small fob is used for entrance to a secluded elevator that takes you up to the uniquely decorated, sun-drenched rooms.
Suites at the Palihouse Holloway Hotel start at $400–500; studios $450; residences $600–900 a night. Contact Mr & Mrs Smith for reservations.
See more images after the jump.
Palihouse Holloway Hotel
8465 Holloway Drive
West Hollywood, CA 90069 map
tel. +1 323 656 4100 ]]>
Now in its ninth year, the Bicycle Film Festival is bigger than ever in 2009, hitting up 39 cities worldwide and including a blowout bicycle-inspired art show called Joy Ride.
Before traveling to five other major cities with the festival, four venues will host the show throughout NYC's Lower East Side and Soho neighborhoods starting next week. A group exhibition in collaboration with Anonymous Gallery, both internationally established and emerging artists have created works to express their common passion for the urban bike movement.
Contributing artists include Kenny Scharf, Martha Cooper, Agathe Snow, Scott Campbell, Ji Lee and many more. The artists work in varying mediums and genres, from ilovedust's romantic digital imagery (pictured top) to the delicate mandala by James Jean (above left, click for detail) and Steve MacDonald's bikes depicted with thread (above right), which make up the flyer for the show. Each venue will boast a uniquely curated multimedia installation with live performances, Joy Ride maps and—naturally—a plethora of bike enthusiasts.
See more images, a list of all participating artists and other location details after the jump.
Joy Ride
19-22 June 2009
Opening Night: 18 June 2009, 6-10pm
Sara D. Roosevelt Park/The Pit
Chrystie Steet at Broome Steet
New York, NY 10002 map]]>
Collective Hardware
169 Bowery
New York, NY 10002 map
Puffin Room
435 Broome Street
New York, NY 10013 map
tel. +1 212 343 2881
186 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002 map
tel. +1 212 600 9263
Participating artists: Kenny Scharf, Jonas Mekas, Martha Cooper, Agathe Snow, Kelsey Brookes, Cheryl Dunn, Maya Hayuk, Ryan Humphrey, Kenzo Minami, James Jean, Graffiti Research Lab, Scott Campbell, Erik Foss, Peter Sutherland, Mike Giant, Leo Fitzpatrick, Chiara Clemente, Julia Chiang, Takuya Sakamoto, AIKO, Ellis Gallagher, Gaia, Ji Lee, Chris Stain, Chris Uphues, Falcon Duran, Aakash Nihalani, Paolo Bertocchi, Taliah Lempert, Alfredo Bovel and Shane Bovel, Nesta Mayo, Stewert Semple, Benedict Radcliffe, Ashira Siegel, Steve MacDonald, Brian Vernor, Artus De Lavilléon, James Newman, Kevin Foxworth, Joe Stakun, Andrew McClintock, Marco Mucig, Yatika Starr Fields, Daniele De Lonti, Lisa Romans, Amy Bolger, Wonka, Jacques Ferrand, Marc Sich, Herman Mao, David Komurek, Silver Warner, Patrick Trefz, Made in Queens, Greg Ugalde, Camilla Candida Donzella, Fast Eddie Williams, Tristan Eaton, Robert S.L. Waltzer and Gordon Stevenson, Jud Turner, Suzette Lee, Wiilliam Robbins and Jeffrey Robbins, I LOVE DUST, Maripol and Lino, Dana Goldstein, Rajan Mehta, Nathaniel Freeman, Giftcycle, Amelia Shaw, Jessica Findley, Lauren Silberman, Alessandro Zuek Simonetti, Daniel Leeb, Matteo Di Nisio , Ed Glazar, Bradley Baker, Cecily Upton, Rich Jacobs, Chris Thormann, Massan Fluker
Martha Cooper, "Bushwick Kids" (1978), black and white digital C print of the Bushwick kids with their homemade bikes from scavenged parts
Paolo Bertocchi, "Permutation Fugue" (2008), made from bike rubber
Kenzo Minami, "Draisine," (2009), click image for detail
Jud Turner, "R-Evolve" (2008), welded steel and mixed media ]]>
This video visits Nike's new store in the heart of Tokyo's Harajuku district, interviewing interior designer Masamichi Katayama about how he came up with a way to suit the brand and its locale. Also check out the original story that we wrote about the store opening in November—all courtesy of Nike.
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ID Prints extreme-sports action images are cause for any radical aesthete to rejoice. Their purchasable posters are "staccato-quality offset prints," or in other terms, they are crisp and clean. Produced using only first-rate materials and processes these posters offer both action and integrity that is hard to match.
As action sports have grown so has the demand for posters of these leading athletes. Taking photos of skating, surfing, and snowboarding takes a fearless photographer willing to put themselves in precarious situations under water, in the air, hanging off cliffs and across the globe to capture these images.
These prints and many more are available through ID Prints.
Check out some more of our favorites after the jump.]]>
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Anyone who's experienced the stress of air travel with their pet has thought there's got to be a better way. Alysa Binder and Dan Wiesel thought they could do better, and the result is Pet Airways, which starts flying pets around the country in July 2009.
From drop off to pick up every aspect of the pet's comfort has been thought through, with pre- and post-flight walks, comfortable waiting areas, and boarding on either side if necessary. The animals are walked (or carried) onto the plane where they board the main cabin, escorted by pet attendants. The interior of Pet Airways' planes have been converted to carry 50 pets and the attendants—not pet owners. Kennels in all sizes are mounted to vertical rows, and each pet travels in comfort and safety inside the cabin, not underneath.
The airline hopes to grow to 25 cities in the next few years, but will start out with service to Washington D.C., New York City, Chicago, Denver and Los Angeles, initially once a week. Pet Airways chose a well known and admired turboprop, the Beechcraft 1900 for its fleet, which will be operated by Suburban Air Freight, an Omaha-based carrier. The journey will take a bit longer than most of us are used to as it will stop every few hours to refuel, but the benefit is bathroom breaks for the pets.
The service isn't perfect—the airports are probably not the ones you'll be flying to, and the initial service is limited—but for those who want the best for their pets and can't afford to charter a plane, it's a great start. Launch pricing is only $149 each way—comparable with freight fees on most passenger airlines. Visit Pet Airways for all of the details, and follow them on Twitter.
Watch their commercial below:
via Towleroad]]>
Fiber & Fellow has been on our radar for some time now, but we are especially impressed with their upcoming Fall/Winter 09 collection which is due out late this Summer.
Based out of Long Beach, California, Fiber & Fellow's latest menswear collection might fit better in the woods than on the beach. What I like most is the blend of traditional and contemporary styles making for a sort of highbrow work wear line. Designed by Jayson Santos, all the looks are detailed but clean and straightforward. An impeccably shot look book by Alan Gastelum also helps. More images from the line after the jump.
Available at select retailers or online at Revolve be sure to jump on this collection quick because it will go fast.
via Jeff Hamada]]>
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Once again challenging the iPhone's reign as the touch screen device of choice for over two years, HTC's new model boasts industrial design and interface usability that makes us weigh our options carefully. For early-adopters looking to differentiate themselves from the iPhone-using masses, the Hero may be the answer.
Three years in the making, HTC's Hero notably adds HTC Sense, the first fully customized version of Google's Android mobile phone operation system. It's a setup that packages powerful capabilities in a distinct design, which alone makes for some impressive competition to the smart phone market.
Featuring an angled bottom and beveled edges, the Hero's contours fit nicely in one hand, offering comfortable access to main navigation buttons with just a thumb. The shape also positions the mouthpiece closer to the mouth when held to the ear. An anti-fingerprint coating prevents screen smudges and the white version includes an industry-first Teflon coating, resulting in a durable white surface that's soft to the touch. For added functionality, the design incorporates a trackball in addition to the touch screen.
The 3.2" HVGA display offers crisp resolution optimized for Web and multimedia content. Hardware features include A-GPS, a digital compass, gravity-sensor, 3.5mm stereo headset jack, five mega-pixel autofocus camera and expandable MicroSD memory.
Some features that stand out include a dedicated search button that provides a contextual search experience—whether it be searching through Twitter, contact lists or emails.
Text reflow is another feature not to be overlooked; zooming in on text automatically reframes the words, eliminating horizontal scrolling. (See the HTC Hero walkthrough video below for a demonstration.)
I also love the fact that you can activate silent mode simply by turning it face down. It's a simple but super useful bonus designed for the way we use our phones.
HTC Sense takes a different approach to usability by aggregating communication channels and applications into a single view. Sense integrates Facebook with the address book and status updates and photos, along with Flickr photos, show up alongside text messages, emails and call history in a single view. It even includes a Twitter module on the home screen. It's all thanks to close partnerships with all three brands to create seamless functionality.
What's more, Hero will ship with support for Adobe Flash technology, promising a more complete web browsing experience. With access to over 5,000 applications in the Android Market and full integration of Google services like Gmail, Calendar and Contacts, being one of the first to get this phone doesn't mean you'll be left unsupported.
In an important ideological move, the HTC provides a way to manage all the connectivity of smartphones. Helping to create a division between work and life, a new profile feature entitled Scenes enables different customized content profiles around specific functions or times. For example, a weekend mode potentially highlights social networking functionality, while burying work email towards the bottom of the user interface.
There's no word yet on price, but we expect it will be comparable to the first Android phone as well as iPhones. HTC Hero will be available throughout Europe in July and in Asia later in the summer. A North American version will be available later this year.]]>
In early 2003, photographer and writer Tom Schutyser traveled in a West-East direction along the Silk Road documenting the sights he saw along the way. The resulting show, "Caravanserais a Metaphor," is a photographic glimpse of his journey from Iran through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan to China, shot in black and white.
Opening last week at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris Val-de-Seine in Paris, the exhibition highlights his favorite topic—the ruins of the caravanserais. Built specifically to shelter men, goods and animals along ancient caravan routes, the caravanserais are a reminder of a more prosperous time.
And the title? The Belgium-born photographer feels that the caravansarais are "a metaphor for a successful platform of international exchange and communication" between the Western and Muslim worlds.
Caravanserais a Metaphor
Through 30 June 2009
École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris Val-de-Seine
3-15, quai Panhard et Levassor
75013 Paris, France map
tel. +33 01 72 69 6300 ]]>
Next time you fancy a good, strong cup of tea, check out Kusmi Tea’s addictive collection.
Founded in St Petersburg, Russia, the famous teahouse has been churning out celebrated Russian teas for more than 140 years. Now headquartered in Paris, its Eastern roots remain with Russian blends of black teas boasting names like Prince Vladimir and Anastasia. Whether you go for the green, black, red, herbal or wellness stash, Kusmi only uses sophisticated blends of premium leaves, herbs, and spices.
We also love Kusmi’s baroque style packaging. Reusable tin canisters, they are saturated with ornate and intricate illustrations fit for a czar.]]>
Wearing original Chuck Taylors and knowing how they got started are two different things. Fortunately, new men's footwear site The Shoe Buff offers a crash course in the history of what we wear on our feet. Their "Everything You Need to Know About Sneakers in 1500 Words" includes a "History of Sneakers in 150 words," lists of handy shoe-related websites and forums, as well as "50 Places to Buy Sneakers," with suggestions from L.A. to Singapore.The novel resource is in line with The Shoe Buff's exhaustive coverage of new sneakers, where the well-heeled man can discover a burgundy Clarks Boot or straight tip Oxfords from the Japanese designer Lots.
The site has plenty more succinct and useful how-tos like this one so you never commit a shoe faux-pas again.
]]>Commemorating a 25-year-long relationship, the FTC 3L Slick is the upshot of a recent collaboration between San Francisco-based skate label FTC and snowboarding expert Burton. (click on image for expanded view)
The smoke-patterned zipper detailing and interior lining lay the frame for waterproof zippers and a breathable Dryride Durashell 3-layer coated fabric exterior.
An homage to snowboarding, the insulated yet lightweight constructions keeps the jacket suitable for a multitude of activities--and the interior mp3 pocket helps keep you pushing through on long rides, on either a board or bike.
Additional functional features include a windchill killing fulltime contour hood and fully taped seams for complete water proofing, as well as reflective strips conducive to night riding.
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In Milan it's unusual to find "non-Milanese†design, meaning design that's not linear, clean or somehow a reinterpretation of classic pieces and brands. Decidedly untraditional, Wozzup Mutazionidinterni is the refreshing exception to this rule.
Former set designer Luca Porcelli and Maurizio Duranti, an ex-graphic designer, founded Wozzup in 2007. They work and exhibit their furniture, paintings and objects in the neighborhood of Porta Venezia. Not easy to define, their style incorporates elements from traditional pieces and graffiti, silk and leather, wood and steel, manga and baroque. Is it Grandeur Pop? Or maybe Rococo Comics?
CH met the two designers in their Milan store to get a handle on the sources of their inspiration and the origins of their unconventional approach.
How was Wozzup born?
We come from the worlds of theater and communication and we had the idea of doing something that could help us to freely express our creativity while having fun. The objects and the furniture we have in our showroom are our "business cards." These pieces of furniture and decoration are conceived for the elite, since we use precious materials (from rare woods to leathers and fur), which come from all over Italy.
The majority of our products are made-to-measure and one of a kind. Usually the customers come to us, fall in love with a piece, which is then made brand new for them, with colors, materials, processes and finishing in harmony with their own space. Everything is fine-tuned on the needs and taste of our client.
Read the rest of the interview and see more images after the jump. ]]>
Why do your products look so differnt from the average Milanese style?
We don't care about following the main trends or styles in design. In Milan it seems there's only Armani or Ikea, too linear and essentially similar. Even kitsch here in Italy is not interesting, since it's too heavy and vulgar and often is industrial production. For us it's different. If we like a project, we put it together—even if it takes weeks of working, even if we know it's going to be very hard to sell it. For this reason it's impossible for our designs to be mass-produced.
As a result our taste is unique. It can be defined as kitsch or baroque, but essentially it's a splash of energy into your home. Everything here is handmade and unrepeatable.
Do you guys work directly on your objects?
We design and produce here. We have a big laboratory in the basement, where we make most parts of the work. Of course we have a network of carpenters, blacksmiths, tanners, weavers. The raw pieces and materials are delivered here and we modify and finalize the projects. In this way we are also able to guarantee the highest quality.
Have you ever worked on entire houses or apartments?
We mostly work on small areas of a space, but we also put together entire rooms. Recently we have designed and furnished a teenager's room. His passions are swords and he has a small collection of toy rifles. The leitmotif is steel, with which we have made the prison-like door, a closet with a handle in the shape of a sword and a panel with the rifles. Since he wanted to add a street style touch, a small TV table has been painted with a '80s style portable stereo.
In general, if our clients have clear ideas, we are pleased to develop them together, otherwise we feel free to suggest and give directions. We don't want to play the part of those architects and interior decorators that impose their vision. If the clients want something we don't really like, we do it anyway. If they are satisfied with their choice, we are happy too.
Where do you take your inspiration?
Our inspirations are quite diverse, including movies like "The Forbidden City," natural elements, ad campaigns, TV series, circuses, comics and music. Life itself is our inspiration. Even if Wozzup is rare and unique, the starting point is always daily life. This is the reason why each one of our products has a name, tells a story or recalls a memory.
We never forget that our objects have to be used and experienced. When asked to make chairs for the kitchen we avoid using real leather, since it would be difficult to keep it clean. It's not only about style, but also practicality.
Of course, we are always attracted by the hidden details, like the closets with the back side covered with studded leather. It can be a secret, but in this way a cabinet could become another wall in the room. We also have other pieces of furniture, which are pink and mirrored on the outside and covered with a precious red leather on the inside.
Surprise, narration, fun—could we say these are the keywords for Wozzup?
Everything people buy for their homes is not only for self-satisfaction, but also for friends. We love the idea of our designs being told and described by those who saw, wanted, co-created and bought them. As an example, we have found a very rare transparent snakeskin. The production process is very difficult and now forbidden as it's very dangerous for the tanners. That's real piton skin, but if you do not tell the entire story it can be considered cheap and banal since it can look like plastic.
Who's your typical client?
There's not an average customer in our store. We sold to a young couple who saved money to buy a Lady Oscar painting, to VIPs, to millionaires and to old Milanese women. We've been surprised by the amount of over-60 clients. We started addressing to a young clientele, but we have made many projects for the elderly and probably the craziest ones. We don't have to forget that Milan is the least conservative city in Italy, which is still a conservative Country—in particular when it comes to design and interior decoration. Considering this context, we have been really surprised by the requests of seniors, in particular by those of women.
Check out Wozzup Mutazionidinterni' site for more information on products and ordering.
Wozzup
Viale Tunisia, 14
20124 Milano, Italy map
tel. +39 02 201276 ]]>
An alternative way to show local pride, MikeJames Clothing Company's tees give a shout out to home towns with graphic images of states and area codes. Mark Wahlberg, pictured at right, is even a fan.
The area code shirts are the brainchild of long time friends Mike Kirschenbaum and James Starr. Printed in the U.S. on 100% free trade, 100% cotton American Apparel shirts, each depicts an outline of a state, incorporating the area code into the design. To help kids in the cities represented, MikeJames Clothing company donates $1 from the purchase price to the YMCA. More states and area codes will be released soon.
We met James Starr at the cafe he co-owns with Jason Bernstein The Golden State, a new popular restaurant in L.A.'s Fairfax District, known for their awesome burgers, artfully selected beer list and beer floats made with Scoops ice cream by Tai Kim. The restaurant celebrates some of the best foods in California. With MikeJames t-shirt company everyone wearing their shirts can celebrate their home states too. This writer plans to rock the 323, how about you?
Area code tees are available from the MikeJames site starting at $24. ]]>
A few months ago the LightLane personal bike path was merely a competition entry in conceptual phase. Using high powered laser beams mounted to bicycle seat posts, the light generated so much interest that the designers took it into development.
Alex Tee, a mechanical engineer, and industrial designer Evan Gant, who both work with the Boston-based design firm Altitude, Inc. are currently in the production engineering phase of development. The proposed LightLane model uses two high-visibility DPSS (diode-pumped solid state) green lasers mounted alongside traditional bright red LEDs to crisply mark a broad path on the pavement. We were excited to see the recent video release of early beta testing (see below), which demonstrates the potential efficacy of this product in poorly lit road scenarios.
While the timeline for release is still unknown and the final cost remains to be seen, we're already sold.
Check out product renderings and more images after the jump.]]>
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Photographer Lyle Owerko's Boombox series for GelaSkins is the latest (and one of our favorite) graphic tributes to the giant stereos that ruled the '80s.
His take on the trend draws on his personal collection of 42 ghetto blasters, which he's been amassing for their ostentatious, industrial look since the mid-'90s. The result is a range of Owerko's reverent images printed on GelaSkin's removable adhesives that feature scratch and UV-resistant coating to keep iPhones, laptops and a wide variety of other devices intact while looking sharp.
While Owerko's own nostalgia for the portable stereos stems from memories of heavy metal, punk and ska, his video with Fab Five Freddy for NPR Music explores the history of boomboxes to explain the stereo's affect on all genres—it's well worth a watch.
Known for being one of the first photographers on the scene at the World Trade Center on 9/11, Owerko's images from that day are the subject of the book, "And No Bird Sang." He was also recently named a finalist for the Hasselblad Masters award for his series of Samburu photos.
Prices for the GelaSkins start at around $15 and are available on their website. ]]>
Berlin-based interactive firm Whitevoid is getting a lot of well-deserved attention for their data visualization for Lufthansa's Brand Academy in Frankfurt. Visitors to the center can see all 14,000 Lufthansa and Star Alliance flights worldwide in real time and with a 360° view. The project allows for interaction with flight data, zoom in on specific flights or areas and listening to radio communications, etc.
It also includes equally impressive sound engineering feats, designed by Robert Henke of Monolake.
Read more details on Whitevoid's project site.
via @mikearauz ]]>
French label Aprill 77 emphasizes high quality construction and fabrics and in their first year they have already made an impact on the denim scene. A standout from their upcoming Fall/Winter 2009 line is their Japanese selvedge stretch denim pant and jacket. It's the first we've heard of stretch selvedge denim.
There are only two factories in the world that can produce this type of denim, and in limited runs. Inquiries into how they produce the denim were not answered out of fear of being copied.
Hand washed and made in Japan, the denim weighs in at 13.5oz and is composed of 98% cotton and 2% elastic. Each piece comes nicely packaged in a Bleu de Chine bag, all the better to protect the $430 pants and the $420 jacket. Both drop in September and can be found at Berdorf Goodman or April 77. ]]>
A little over a week ago on 14 June 2009 one of my favorite magazines, The New York Times Magazine, quietly unveiled a new design and format in an effort to cut costs and waste (there were two artist designed covers for the 14 June issue, shown above). Announced in that issue's editor's letter by Gerald Marzorati, I'm surprised how under the radar it went over. It is only the second time they've redesigned the magazine in its 100+ years of existence.
The magazine is now "nine percent smaller—a little off the top, a little off the sides." Marzorati goes on, "...the Great Recession, coming at a time when newspapers and magazines were already struggling to adjust to the Internet age, has put tremendous pressure on print publications to find savings that do not threaten the essential things they offer their readers. Global demand for paper is high; thus the cost of the paper is high; thus using less paper in each issue we produce will save millions of dollars, money we can use to continue to pay for the long-form journalism and ambitious photography fill our pages with each week." To help make up for the loss in space, the publication now uses a new exclusive typeface, Lyon Text, designed by Kai Bernau and Christian Schwartz, because it is unnoticeably more condensed.
This Sunday's issue featuring Rafael Nadal was my second experience with the new magazine and I like it. Art director Arem Duplessis did a great job updating the look in subtle ways including the use of a new contemporary color palette. I love the big photos and graphic treatments that large format magazines afford, but given the times (no pun intended) a reduction in size not only seems appropriate but also an effective way to reduce costs without cutting content or jobs. The smaller size is also easier on public transportation and in bed.
Design at its best can solve problems after all.
Look out for the letters to the editor in response to the new design in the upcoming issue this Sunday, 28 June 2009. ]]>
Lulan Artisans 11°/17° Textile Competition is an avenue for aspiring textile artists to publicize their craftsmanship and be discovered.
Founded in 2005 by Eve Blossom as a sustainable textile initiative, Lulan produces handmade high-quality textiles using organic and renewable materials while at the same time providing sustainable income to over 650 artisans throughout Cambodia, India, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. Lulan achieves great product diversity through incorporating techniques and styles from the various local artists it supports, creating a fascinating dynamic between American and Asian sensibilities.
11°/17° are the approximate coordinates of Vietnam, where Blossom was first inspired to begin her venture. In this spirit, entries should symbolize a melding of contemporary design and traditional asian weaving techniques.
Entries will be received until October 15, 2009, with winners being awarded $1,500 cash and a place in the 2010 Lulan Collection. Visit the 11°/17° Textile Competition site for more details. ]]>
As influential as the music they supported, the Two Tone Records graphic system created an iconic look for British bands that fused Jamaican ska and rocksteady with contemporary punk and pop in the late '70s. Known for the black and white checkerboard and crisp, bold elements, the treatment unified the fashion and music of the period and remains a highly referenced theme today.
Two Tone was the brainchild of Specials keyboard player, Jerry Dammers, who's intention was to create a label with its own identity and sound. Between 1979 to 1985, Two Tone released 31 singles and 13 albums for bands like The Specials, The Selecter, The Beat, Madness, Bad Manners and The Bodysnatchers.
Working under the close creative direction of Dammers, David Storey and John ‘Teflon’ Sims developed the Two Tone style through the creation of sleeves and hundreds of promotional items. After 30 years, Storey pays tribute to the look by re-releasing six limited edition posters of 100 glicèe prints.
The posters are available through Storey for £88 or £450 for all six. ]]>
Dropping today, Context recently teamed up with established gentleman's footwear authority Alden of New England to create the Tanker Boot. The sleek boot offers the expected durability of its namesake with an infusion of style and comfort resulting in a versatile shoe that can be worn with denim or a suit.
The Tanker Boot's silhouette is modeled after the WWI / WW2 U.S military issued boot which features a "Combination Last," meaning "the heel is two widths narrower than the toe box" providing a comfortable fit for most feet. The upper is made from Alden's signature black Novo Calfskin polished for a brighter finish and Alden's super soft glove leather lines the inside of the boot. More durable and better looking, I also love the use of flat waxed laces.
Alden performs all stitching by hand, upholding their reputation as the last American shoemaker to perform by-hand skin stitching. Furthermore, this precision stitching only penetrates the first layer of the calfskin ensuring maximum comfort. A triple ribbed tempered steel shank completes the Tanker's build with exemplary support and structure.
The Tanker is a limited edition commodity, available for $495 exclusively from our friends at Context Clothing. Please note that sizes run about 1/2 size big.
Additional images after the jump ]]>
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With computer technology becoming more mobile, the same applies to its accessories. When on the move, a mobile mouse often needs to perform in less-than-hospitable circumstances and on surfaces other than a mousepad. BlueTrack technology is Microsoft's panacea, which aims to improve mouse response beyond the existing laser and optical methods.
The light beam on a BlueTrack mouse uses a wider, more uniform beam and improves on the contrasting mechanism of previous mice. The resulting mouse can work on any surface that isn't mirrored or transparent, including carpets and granite countertops. This way, it performs just as reliably on an office mousepad or a Greyhound bus seat.
The Mobile Mouse 6000 (pictured above) was recently released in conjunction with a similar 5000 model. Both use BlueTrack and are comfortably sized without being too bulky to cart around. The 6000 features Microsoft's first nano transceiver, which extends only 0.8 centimeters from the computer's USB and stores handily inside the mouse itself (picture above).
The Mobile Mouse 4000 (above) will hit the market in August and has much of the same features as its predecessors in a spectrum of five colors. Powered by a single AA-battery for 10 months, the 2.4GHz wireless ensures connection up to 15-feet.
The Mobile Mouse 6000 retails for $50 on Amazon while the 4000 will cost $40. ]]>
When it comes to street art, it’s difficult not to reinvent the wheel. We often see the same wheatpaste graphics or stencil styles over and over. That’s why we were thrilled that our friend, Berlin artist Aisha Ronniger’s pet project, Papergirl, is starting to gain traction. Ronniger started the project in 2005 when there was still debate over whether or not to punish wheatpasters the same way in which graffiti artists were punished. While most Berliners saw it as a lesser crime, the police force was intent on cracking down on street art.
Ronniger started brainstorming about new ways to show and distribute art in public spaces. A friend told her, “You should be throwing your art around, like the paperboys in America do.†She realized it would be an easy and fun way to distribute great works of art on a large scale, and thus the project was born.
Four years later, Ronniger and the Papergirls and Paperboys of Berlin are still collecting art and distributing it throughout the streets. They ride their bikes, carrying rolls filled with collections of art, throwing them to lucky catchers on the street, in their cars, other bikers, people who might not normally be exposed to urban art. In addition a Papergirl USA project recently launched and new projects are sprouting up in over a dozen cities around the world. We spoke with Ronniger to find out more about the project and how you can get involved. 
Tell me about some of the artists who contribute work.
The project is open for everyone! We want to show a wide range of works and we think you can’t tell anyone what he’s aloud to give away as a present. Papergirl comes from the streets and thus it is the recipient that decides what he likes!
In the first year I contacted artist friends and colleagues from school. The core group of artists came from a streetart background—people that are used to giving away their art for free and understand the pleasure of it! Some of them take part almost every year, for example artists like Kowalski, Boxi, Evol, Tower/Klub7, Gould, Solovei, Cake, Nepomuk and many more.
Now, since we posted open calls on several blogs, there are more and more people coming from all over the world that want to start a Papergirl project in their hometown too! We will also start a Papergirl World-Blog, to connect these people, tell them how it works and let everybody check if there’s a Papergirl where they live too!
Read the rest of the interview and see more images after the jump. ]]>
What happens if someone asks for the artwork? Do you give it to them, or does it have to be a surprise?
It really has to be a surprise! The people who receive a roll are simply lucky and you can’t buy luck. Even the distributors don’t get a roll. If someone is really interested in some artwork in particular then he can contact the artist through their website or Papergirl. Last year we ran a little shop as part of an exhibition and it was interesting to see people’s reaction when they saw how much the works cost.
Do people who receive the work understand the mission?
I would say it is globally understandable as every culture has traditions about giving presents. The only thing that is unusual about Papergirl is that we give it to people that we don’t know and we don’t ask for anything in return.
What is the street art scene like now in Berlin? Is there more or less since police have been cracking down?
I think in comparison to other cities Berlin is still quite relaxed. I think the police still see a difference between pasting and spraying, crime-wise.
How can people around the world start their own Papergirl projects? Give me the easy steps.
First thing would be to simply contact me at info [at} papergirl-berlin [dot] de. We want Papergirl to grow and move to other places, but of course, we are also concerned about whether or not it continues in the same spirit. So we always try and connect and pass on some tips to new Papergirls and boys.
So far we've had requests to start Papergirl in the following cities/countries: Portland, New York and Georgia in the US, Sao Paulo and Rio in Brazil, Brisbane and Perth in Australia, South Africa, Milan, London, Mexico and Costa Rica.
You can check it all out soon at Papergirl.
Images via Michael Holzl and Aisha Ronniger. ]]>
Since we last covered the work of Marcus Tremonto, the New York-based lighting magician has been busy with a host of new projects including collaborations with the Swarovski Crystal Palace and an exhibition at Spazio Rossana Orlandi during this year's Milan Furniture Fair (images after the jump). Recently, Tremonto completed an installation for his first exhibition in Switzerland at the Franziska Kessler Gallery in Zurich.
Part of a two-person show entitled "Between Lines," Tremonto fills a stark white room with his mind-bending creations. Of considerable note is the new series, Paper Landscapes (pictured at top), a flexible, razor thin luminous surface that the artist has been experimenting with for two years.
The Paper Landscapes series draws inspiration from an outdated technology used to generate topographic digital landscapes and was conceived so that users can connect multiples and alter the height of the sheet at select points, allowing for a near infinite set of undulating variations.
Other pieces on view include the illusive Stitch Lamp (right) and the Dali-esque Spill Lamp (below).
"Between Lines" through 30 August, 2009
Franziska Kessler Gallery
Neumarkt 11
CH-8001 Zurich map
Tel +41 79 279 01 01
By Appointment Only 
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Below: The installation at Spazio Rossana Orlandi. April, 2009.
While money can't buy you love, it can come close with a thoughtful, personalized speech written by The Oratory Laboratory. For celebrations ranging from weddings to bar mitzvahs to "other grand affairs," the service is an ideal solution for those who fear public speaking or for those who just need a little help polishing—i.e. most of us.
In this case, we tasked the professional writers behind the service, Nathan Phillips and Victoria Wellman, with a toast to dear old dad.
After filling out a questionnaire with questions designed to pull out personal details and anecdotes (see it after the jump), they delivered a speech that's both sweetly sentimental and sure to inspire a chuckle or two (see below).
The New York-based duo offer other lengths and formats (from a one to two minute "Wilde" to "The Obama") and will work with you over email, in person and/or via webcam to get the sentiments and the delivery right, a process they call "speechification." Contact The Oratory Laboratory through their site to make your meaningful moments even more so. ]]>
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Actor and MC, the Mighty Mos Def has a long list of unique collaborations and projects including starring on Broadway in Suzan-Lori Parks play "Topdog/Underdog," playing a video store employee in Michel Gondry's "Be Kind Rewind" and hosting "Def Poetry" on HBO. Now Mos Def is one of the first artists to release his new album, "The Ecstatic," in a t-shirt format. Combining digital music with t-shirt design, The Mos Def Music Tee features the cover art on the front, tracklist on the back and a unique download code on the hang tag.
Created in collaboration with clothing line LnA, Downtown Music and Invisible DJ, the Original Music Tee was a mix tape release by Invisible DJ. Check out the LnA or Invisible DJ site for the full playlist. An interesting concept to try and sell music, several more Music Tees are in the works for the Fall.
The Mos Def Music Tee will available 7 July, 2009 for $40 from Downtown Music. The album is filled with clever wordplay, obscure but catchy beats, different time signatures and is a great listen all the way through. It's been blasting all day today in the CH office. ]]>
Japan certainly takes its giant robots seriously. As reported by Moe Passion , a blog by an American sailor stationed in Japan, a life-sized replica of a Gundam RX78 Mobile Suit was recently built on the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. It's up until 31 August 2009, so go see it while you can.
More images after the jump ]]>
]]>Les Toiles Du Soleil, or "The Cloth of the Sun," is a 150 year old French company from Saint Laurent de Cerdans that is bringing generations of fabric expertise with its first U.S store in New York.
Les Toiles Du Soleil produces all of their merchandise—excluding a few handbags and fabric inlaid acrylic trays—on site, by hand, using only high quality materials. The colorful napkins, table runners, dishtowels, pillows, place mats offer classic french designs in vibrant colors.
If you don't see what you need Les Toiles Du Soleil will happily make custom orders for upholstery, drapes, etc. using their signature fabrics.
Les Toiles Du Soleil
261 West 19th Street
New York, NY 10011 map
tel. +1 212 229 4730
See more images after the jump. ]]>
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Beverage purists argue that ice should never be introduced to a quality Scotch whiskey. Such thinking rests on the theory that when holding a glass, your body heat will melt the ice, resulting in a diluted spirit and sub-par drinking experience.
In order to make a Scotch cold without diluting it, Scottish whiskey purveyors The Macallan created a clever ice ball maker (pictured above). The machine creates a ball of ice precisely sized to fit into an average tumbler. The spherical nature slows the melting process making it less susceptible to hand warmth, preserving the liquor while keeping it refreshingly cool.
In addition to being practical, the machine is noteworthy as an artifact unto itself. Inspired by Japanese bartenders who hand carve their ice balls, the machine uses two heavy copper plates while gravity slowly presses blocks of ice into perfectly spherical shapes. Watching it at work is almost as enjoyable as drinking the scotch, but not quite.
We recently had the opportunity to try the machine over lunch at Tribeca mainstay Dylan Prime. Along with with The Macallan 18—a sturdy standard bearer, we also tasted Macallan's lighter 17-year Fine Oak and the rare 30-year vintage. With a full flavor and plenty of burn without the bite, we can see why this smooth, smoky scotch is so coveted. ]]>
Parkhaus, the Berlin-based producer of felt accessories, stumbled upon a winning concept with its Suit for 100 Classics, an expanding collection of custom felt seat pads for iconic chairs. Arguably, a well-thought design doesn't need any augmentations. However, it's a sad fact that some of the most iconic chairs from the past century can be uncomfortable.
Take the designs pictured, pads for which are already part of Parkhaus' evolving suite. The classic Navy chair by Emeco (an update by Starck, above left), while notoriously indestructible, is both cold and unforgiving. Jasper Morrison's Ply Chair (above right) is exemplary of the designer's super normal approach, but the chair is also super hard on one's rear. Starck's La Marie Chair (right), the world's first completely transparent chair, features a planar seat and pinched edges. While beautiful it's painful to use for any length of time. The addition of a little cushion might make all the difference between an enjoyable meal and one of numbing annoyance.
Parkhaus seat pads are available in 20 colors and two versions—a 5 mm woolfelt pad or a 16 mm layered pad (3 mm woolfelt sandwiched around a 10 mm foam inlet) for extra cushioning. Now if they'd only produce one for my Hans Wegner Wishbone chair.
View the collection to date at Parkhaus.
via Daily Tonic ]]>
Built's new camera cases are chic and affordable. The Soft Shell Camera Case (above left) is perfect for the simple point and shoot but for more involved photographers the Cargo Camera Bags (above right) will hold multiple cameras, lenses and other gear.
The Cargo Camera Bags feature an exterior composed of double-layered neoprene while the bottom incorporates additional padding for extra protection of those valuables. Built also includes padded dividers that you can adjust or remove as needed depending on your gear.
The Soft Shell Camera Case and Large Cargo Camera Bag are available in a range of patterns and colors through Built for $30 and $100, respectively. A Medium Cargo Camera Bag debuts in a few months for $60. ]]>
Blue Ember's 79,000 BTU 650 iQue grill is pushing the frontier of digital outdoor appliances. Every facet of its design lends itself to precision and versatility, allowing users to grill, rotisserie, smoke, sear, roast and even bake with ease.
The most notable difference from a traditional gas grill is the digital touch screen in front (pictured right). The screen facilitates access to the computer that regulates the multitude of features. Capabilities include two distinct cooking zones that can be individually controlled, automatic digital temperature detection and adjustment, the SonarQue fuel monitoring system that updates fuel levels every 30 seconds and dual meat probes that connect to the computer to ensure accurate cooking and automatically adjust the temperature. This computer allows even rookie grillers to cook with the best, perfectly monitoring your meal to fit your exact specifications.
The physical components of the iQue are just as impressive as the digital ones—Porcelain coated cast-iron grates to maximize heat transfer and reduce sticking, a smoker box for wood chip flavoring, 15,000 BTU stainless steel tube burners, a 12,000 BTU infrared rotisserie burner, three piece lid designed to circulate inner air flow while retaining heat insulation, and perhaps most importantly, a bottle opener.
The iQue is a must have for any grilling enthusiast, available through Lowe's, Sears, and Home Depot stores. ]]>
Whether your father prefers tools or wine and cheese, he deserves some recognition. While you clearly know him best, we've put together a few ideas for the dad in your life for Father's Day.
For once, give your father something he might actually use. Although razors and tools may seem mundane and expected Wahl's Ion Trimmer and Labour & Wait's Small Screwdriver Set keep it compact and classy. Both are versatile and provide multiple uses.
If you dad commutes often (and you've got an extra $40k) you will want to keep him safe and stylish in a 2009 Audi A5. We were lucky enough to test out the vehicle some time ago and were expectedly pleased. Don't be fooled by its aggressive shape—a multitude of amenities, including a superior sound system by Bang & Olufsen, make this ride more luxury than sport. That is, until you step on the gas. If he's a man that spends more time in the air then BuiltNY's Travel Cargo Pack will keep his wires and electronics organized on the fly.
If he enjoys spending time in the kitchen, Mario Batali's Panini Grill and Wusthof's Knife Sharpener are two gadgets he shouldn't be without. Or just let him have the day off from cooking with a gift basket of exceptional cheese from Artisanal Cheese.
Davek's wind tunnel-tested umbrella will keep him dry on the back nine. However, if he prefers to watch it on TV, NuVision's new Lucidium FX5 Series provides the clarity and resolution to see every slope and twig on the course.
All of these products and more gift ideas can be found in the Cool Hunting Gift Guide.
With contributions by Ariston Anderson, Brian Fichtner, Evan Orensten and Tim Yu. ]]>
A Razor, A Shiny Knife
This culinary body dedicates themselves to fashioning unique "educational, social and theatrical" cooking experiences, as evidenced in their ludicrous, gluttonous and absolutely divine proposal: A 24 hour Ironman of consumption, composed of three eight-course meals prepared entirely from scratch. Participants help prepare the meals as well as enjoy them, and also can experience workshops in knife skills, butchering, cooking sous vide, and more. We say go for all three meals (and the wine and cocktail pairings), but you can participate in each meal individually. Menu highlights include Slow Poached Eggs with Crumpets and Tea, Soft Shell Crab Ban Mi, Lobster With Aji, Key Lime and Thai Basil. The event will be held this Saturday, 20 June 2009, with doors opening the night before at 10:00 p.m. at a secret location in Brooklyn disclosed only to confirmed participants. This is certainly an opportunity that doesn't present itself often, so check out A Razor, A Shiny Knife's site for more details and to sign up. All three meals is $300 per person, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Gimme Shelter campaign Photo by Steph Goralnick.
The New York Botanical Garden
Take a stroll through the Edible Garden to eat and learn about how to grow your own fresh produce. Complete with how-to walkthroughs and family friendly exhibitions, a visit to the New York Botanical Garden's June 17-September 13 project is the perfect outing for the weekend chef or foodie. Be sure to stop by during the two Festival Weekends (27-28 June 2009 and 12-13 September 2009), where visitors can experience Conservatory Kitchen Demonstrations and enhance their culinary skills. Tickets start at $20 and are available at the Edible Garden site.
Indy Spirits
The Indy Spirits Expo 2009 is a unique chance to sample meticulously crafted liquors from across the globe and meet the artisans that bring them to you. The Expo gathers those integral to this process, from distillation to distribution, to create a very personal experience. You probably haven't discovered many of these harder-to-find artisanal brands yet (highlights include Scorpion Mezcal, Cachaça Fazenda Mãe De Ouro and Square One's Organic Rye Vodka) and it's a great opportunity to discover them in one place. The Indy Spirits Expo is Wednesday 24 June 2009. General Admission and VIP tickets are available at $50 and $75 respectively at Indy Spirits. ]]>
Wave Books is a poetry publisher clearly smitten with books as objects. Born from the ashes of Verse Press in 2005, the independent Seattle-based press consistently produces volumes that reflect the care and consideration given to the poems themselves. There's no clear thread running through their diverse catalog — Wave, instead, describes its aim as "publishing the best in American poetry by new and established authors." But even this line proves too strict, as a book by French poet Franck Anré Jamme and a collection of short stories by Pulitzer Prize-winner James Tate clearly break these broad parameters.
In addition to the widely-available softcover versions of their books, Wave offers a particularly attractive annual subscription series. Subscribers get a limited-edition, clothbound hardcover version of every book released that calendar year. Volumes are individually numbered, signed and come wrapped in exclusive two-color jackets designed completely independent of the softcover version.
Take the book "Poemland" by poet Chelsey Minnis. The limited hardcover version (above left) differs greatly from the far more common softcover edition (above right) which has a deliberately disorienting barcode motif reflected throughout the book (both designs come from the one-man design shop Quemadura). For Jamme's book "New Exercises" (pictured at top) Wave collaborated with the author on a limited edition box set of silk-screened reflective broadslides printed by Portland, Oregon's Seizure Palace.
Noelle Kocot's cover for "Sunny Wednesday" aptly reflects the tortured voice of its narration, while the glossy design of Mary Ruefle's diminutive book "A Little White Shadow" relies on large portions of deliberately whited-out text.
Combined with a stable of similarly dynamic poets, Wave's dedication to design predicts that it will be a force in book publishing as long as we're still publishing books. This fall, we can expect poetry collections from Rachel Zucker and Dara Weir, as well as "Bluets," a book of lyric prose by Maggie Nelson. For more information on their catalog, or to subscribe for the limited hardcover editions, visit the Wave Books site.
Images from the Book Cover Archive. ]]>
Using fabric and accoutrements from vintage dead-stock, Ludwig offers streetwear apparel with a twist.
Ludwig's new L.A. store, located on the outskirts of Chinatown, features tastefully done pieces for men. Stocked with classics like well-constructed nylon parkas (pictured right) and plaid button-downs for the Ivy League set (pictured below), they also offer the obligatory graphic-inspired tees and caps. Among the more casual gear is the coveted collection of super-soft jersey shorts and tees created from Russell Athletic fabric (pictured below).
Created by Mike Dytri of Subfreakie apparel fame, Ludwig is part of the movement—alongside Generic Surplus, among many others—making streetwear more sophisticated for a generation that understands and appreciates the aesthetic value behind the chosen materials and adornments.
The label's namesake references Beethoven, represented by a drawing of the composer fused with Malcolm McDowell's famous character. Ninety-five percent of the clothes are union-made stateside. Find the line at Ludwig's brick-and-mortar shop and local boutiques like Fred Segal in L.A. and Reed Space in NYC.
Ludwig
720 North Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012 map
tel. +1 213 620 1066
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Environmentally-conscious designer Hiroki Hayashi is cleaning up the recycled-goods world with his new line of home scrubs dubbed Goodbye Detergent. The two main lines, Kitchen Cleaning Scrubs and Outdoor Scouring Pads, utilize the abrasive powers of recycled food remnants like ground peach pits, corn cobs and walnut shells to tackle household clean-up.
Indicative from their name, the earth-friendly scrubs are so effective that you won't need to apply detergent except on the most viscous grease—saving you money while lowering the amount of toxic chemicals introduced to the environment.
The cornerstone of the Kitchen Scrubs Line is the Spaghetti Scrub (pictured right). A loose and flexible sponge it's perfect for penetrating kitchen grime's deepest depths. For outside use, Goodbye Detergent's three types of outdoor scouring pads (below) are durable enough to vanquish tough stains on BBQ grills but gentle enough to clean patio furniture without leaving a mark.
Goodbye Detergent's products are 100% recycled and recyclable, and eliminating the need for detergent sets a new standard for green cleaning products. Hayashi's spaghetti scrubs and outdoor scouring pads will be available for $11 and $9 respectively from Roland Products. ]]>
A ten-sided plywood structure surrounding a miniature meadow of indigenous vegetation, "A Clearing in the Streets" is a temporary landscape in downtown Manhattan's Collect Pond Park. The installation, commissioned by the Public Art Fund, reflects artists Julie Farris and Sarah Wayland-Smith interest in creating momentary organic interventions within the urban environment.
Their work arrives at a moment when both public demand and municipal support for greening the city appear to be at an all time high. Still, grand public projects, like the High Line, often take years to come to fruition. Without a doubt, landscape designers such as Farris and Wayland-Smith stand to play an immediate, increasing role in shaping the experience of city living through small-scale installations. Cool Hunting recently had the opportunity to ask the designers a few questions about their practice and their dreams for New York.
One of your interests lies in exploring ways to re-introduce nature into the dense urban environment. As the global populace moves more and more toward urban habitation, do you think we need to broaden our definition of nature itself? After all, isn't the built environment arguably a natural product of humankind?
Yes, I think we would agree that our collective urban vision is at a point where we need to broaden the definition of “nature" in the city. While there may not be many opportunities to build large-scale parks, there is tremendous potential for even very small landscapes or natural environments to have a strong impact on urban residents. Our work explores temporary landscapes, insertions of nature into the urban environment, that have the potential to change the way we think about nature and our relationship to it.
We are also interested in using innate processes in nature to help resolve some of the environmental problems of large cities. For instance, we can use vegetation to absorb rainwater and release it into the air, lowering urban temperatures. In this way, nature can become a construction material. Our meadow is a constructed slice of nature. We carved out a small space in a paved plaza and brought in topsoil and seedlings to create a context for this natural cycle of growth that takes place. 
There are few opportunities within New York to introduce large-scale organic landscapes. Apart from haphazard attempts at "greening" the city by plunking down planters, how can the city respond with creativity to our need to stay connected to the "natural" world?
Interview continues with more images after the jump. ]]> It is without question that most city residents crave the most fundamental natural elements—trees, grass, flowers—as these are elements that are so connective and universally enjoyed on an immediate, visceral level. However, landscapes in the urban context often engender intense feelings of communal ownership, as they are perceived as permanent and unchanging. This sense of permanence is often a huge constraint, both economically in terms of long term associated maintenance costs, but also in terms of freedom of design. The concept of a temporary landscape in cities gets around these constraints.
Landscapes do not necessarily need to be permanent and in fact are often even more powerful and more indelibly imprinted on our memory if they are not. Landscapes are organic and as temporary installations can be recycled and reconfigured in new locations. Much like the flux and transformation in the cycle of the city itself, landscapes are parallel ecosystems constantly changing and adapting to their environment.
Can you give a few examples of recent projects that exemplify your approach to temporary, organic installations within the city?
In the past few years there have been some compelling temporary installations that incorporate organic materials. Public Farm 1 at PS 1 in Long Island City merged sculptural installation and urban farming and Robert Smithson's "Floating Island" created a small piece of a romanticized landscape and set it in motion on the rivers around Manhattan. We also admire projects like Paris Plage, providing a temporary beach along the Seine for residents to sunbathe on lounge chairs in sand in the center of Paris. Projects that make use of the waterfront, even for a temporary period, are much needed in this City. Although not temporary, some permanent parks have started to use more naturalistic plantings with native species, i.e. some gardens along the Hudson River Park have native plantings that require little maintenance and are very attractive.
What would your ideal New York look like?
Sarah: In my ideal New York there would be a much stronger interconnection between nature and the built environment. This could begin to be achieved with many more green spaces, vegetated rooftops and walls, temporary landscape installations, and increased access to the waterfronts. Living in the city cuts one off from seeing the cycles of nature, but art and design can frame our experience of the natural world and bridge that gap; spaces such as The High Line and James Turrell's "Meeting" at PS 1 achieve this.
Julie: I imagine temporary landscapes could be constructed in areas in desperate need of green space—almost as an open air series of landscapes galleries built on public and or private lands, construction sites, or interstitial spaces—that explore or reveal a specific aspect of a site or natural element and simultaneously provide much needed green recreational space. These landscapes could inhabit sites for a season or two, offering residents programmed events, and attracting people to them. Afterward they could be moved to a new site and reconfigured as something new, creating an exchange of landscapes across the five city boroughs and always addressing the unique conditions of each site.
"A Clearing in the Streets"
Through October 2009
Collect Pond Park
New York, NY 10013 map
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The New York leg of the ninth annual Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) kicks off today and with it comes a series of limited edition bike saddles from Italian manufacturer San Marco. An exclusive first look, the Concor Supercorsa comes in five different colors, each corresponding to one of the three dozen cities participating. The seats have a nabuk (a tyoe of ultrasuede) cover and come in blue (New York), black (London), green (Milan), yellow (Paris) and red (Tokyo), each labeled with its respective city and the BFF logo.
There will only be fifty saddles in each color available online for €95 when the festival opens in that city. More images after the jump.
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Born Oskar Humlebo in the Swedish village of Färila, Moto Boy first fell in love with music during a boys choir rehearsal in a London cathedral at the mere age of eight. After joining a choir back home, discovering the guitar and then leaving home to study music in a neighboring city, Moto Boy spent his teens exploring jazz and experimental music. The result is hair-raising music that evoke feelings parallel to that of a Jeff Buckley song or a David Lynch movie.
We sat down with Moto Boy to ask him a few questions about his new self-titled album and plans for the future.
Who is Moto Boy and where does the name come from?
He is the superhero of romance. Romance can't be boring, it has to be rough, it has to be tender. This world needs it and I didn't want to wait for anyone else to do it so I did it myself. I guess I've always felt somewhat frustrated that life in general never came close to the romantic beauty of some great music or art, like Édith Piaf or John Bauer, until I realized it's all about perception and action, and I chose to see and portray the world that way. It's very pretentious I know, but so is life and love, and I do not wish to wait for death to be a salvation, I want beauty now—I want it all and I want it now.
Your newest self-titled album is full of beauty, what was your motivation behind making it?
Really I had to, there was no alternative. I've wanted to do it since I was ten and luckily for me I met Martin of Songs I Wish I Had Written who wanted to release it. The motivation is love, kisses, longing, sex, beauty, dirt, angels—all the intense moments. It's what makes everyone so touched by music of whatever kind, whenever and however.
One of your songs on the new album starts with a music box, was that the idea behind making promotional ones?
Everything is digital today, so it was interesting to do the opposite and go back to the absolute basics. Music on a steel machine is very romantic.
Can you name a couple of albums for a typical Moto Boy lover?
I would say Serge Gainsbourge's La Decadence, Édith Piaf's Mon Dieu, Sebastien Tellier's La Ritournelle, The Doors' You're Lost Little Girl, Tom Waits' San Diego Serenade and Air's How Does It Make You Feel to name a few.
Where are you touring next?
There are some shows in Sweden and Finland this summer and probably Germany this Fall. I've just been to Moscow for a show, that was a trip I tell you, very special place—extremely beautiful and very rough.
When will you play in North America?
Hopefully very soon. I was in the U.S. when I was 12-years-old for only one month, so I'm eager to go to both Canada and the U.S. soon. I have this dream of road-tripping North America in a huge T-Bird, or even better on a motorbike—it has to be the best place for that kind of trip. All I need really is the flight ticket and some bookings, and then the rest will follow. I personally believe North America and Moto Boy would be even better together than Brangelina.
What are people missing if they haven't heard your music?
Something to love or something to hate maybe, I don't know, but have they any love for romance or uninhibited devotion of beauty, or just a general wish to skip the usual music/concert/artist crap and do something relevant together. I think they would appreciate a Moto Boy show and let it be part of something new and beautiful in their lives. At least that's what I'm trying to do myself.
The Swedish Model has one promotional musical box to give away, all you need to do is send an e-mail to ilovemotoboy [at] theswedishmodel [dot] org with an original idea on how to best raise funds for a Moto Boy tour in North America. You will automatically be added to their mailing list and be entered into the competition. ]]>
We are all fed up with the cat and mouse game when it comes to the legalities of current music distribution models and file sharing. The Swedish Model is an organization that consists of seven Swedish indie record labels working together to restore focus on the creation of music rather than the distribution of music in the digital age. A worthy cause, the Swedish Model arranges festivals, seminars and lectures to discuss the future of the music business and provides listeners with a way to explore great Swedish music.
We met with North American Operations Manager Jonas Edvinsson to ask him a few questions, learn more about The Swedish Model, his role with the company and any future plans.
How did you get involved and what is your role with The Swedish Model?
I've been working in the music scene since I was a teenager. I’m an electronic producer, DJ and have managed labels, distribution, etc., so I know many of these guys pretty well, and love them all. When I got married earlier this year and decided to move to Canada I approached them, crossed my fingers and got the deal! Now I'm operating The Swedish Model in North America.
What bands or acts are represented by The Swedish Model?
We're currently involved with over 40 different artists, all Swedish. The first wave we are concentrating on is Division of Laura Lee—a cult Fugazi-style rock band with an upcoming fourth album, Andreas Tilliander—best techno/dub/electro-producer in Sweden since the 90s, also known as Mokira, Lowfour or Familjen, The Fine Arts Showcase—Malmö-rock with Gustaf Kjellvander, Moto Boy—a magical atmospheric act, The Bethlehem Beard Corporation, Marions and Boeos Kaelstigen—a young, sweaty, techno/trance-duo.
What barriers are there when it comes to promoting Swedish music abroad?
Luckily there aren’t any! People love Sweden and our music. I was hanging out with Peter, Bjorn & John after their latest gig in Montréal and we were talking about how Canada and North America always treats Swedish bands so well. We usually focus on tours just south of the Canadian border, we haven’t ventured too far south as yet but look out Texas, we will be there one day!
What's you favorite band or label that you represent?
Division of Laura Lee and Andreas Tilliander have a great reputation and well established audiences so they are very satisfying to work with. I’ve been surprised lately about the new-found attention for Moto Boy, who has such a cool song writing style and amazing voice. Also the guy behind Bethlehem Beard Corporation, at only 15-years-old, has started to raise many eyebrows.
How can a reader gain access to the music?
If you are in Canada you can support your local record dealer by paying them a visit, otherwise you buy tracks on iTunes or other favorite online retailers. If you decide to follow us on Twitter, Facebook or through our newsletter we are very generous with free downloads of singles and remixes.
For more information on the organization, labels involved and bands represented by The Swedish Model, visit their website. ]]>
Josh Owen's 8125 Calculator for Monroe, the leading producer of commercial calculators, is a robust instrument in an age of throwaway gadgets. An embodiment of the "less but better" design philosophy espoused by the godfather of industrial design, Dieter Rams, Owen designed the elegant 8125 with improved sight lines, added functionality and a 30% footprint reduction. This is an adding machine that will make even the most taciturn accountant break a smile.
More images after the jump.
via designboom ]]>
]]>Hawaiian-born fashion designer Alexandra Cassaniti takes her surf style to the street with a silk-screen printed bicycle bag.
Adding a touch of style, the unisex adjustable bag is fastened to your handlebars by two leather straps while a sturdy zipper keeps your contents secure inside the pouch. Available in Cassaniti's original "Striped" or "Hairy" patterns, the 100% cotton, limited-edition bags are handmade in Minnesota.
The bag's details include a small leather pocket in the front for holding coins and small objects, and small brass rings on each end of the 14-inch long canvas bag, perfect for hanging your keys while en route. Durable yet fashionable, it's a great companion both on your bike and off.
The bicycle bag is available for purchase for $120 from Ooga Booga or Alexandra Cassaniti's websites.
Also on Cool Hunting: Alexandra Cassaniti's Summer Bummer Collection ]]>
While walking in Soho the other day, I came across a fabulous antique-chic jewelry stand helmed by New York based artist Blue Bayer. Blue uses found objects such as gears, clocks, lockets, spoons and evil eyes to create Victorian, steam punk-style jewelry in his Lower East Side studio/gallery/shop called Blue Gear Works. With each unique piece, he prides himself on exquisite craftsmanship using classic American vintage ornaments in a time when mass production is so undeniably uninspiring.
Some of his recent work features a single blue eye, a symbol of protection used to ward off evil in many cultures. Blue's take on the locket features a carved out key-hole creating an unusual frame for the beloved picture inside. Blue ships daily from his Etsy and Ebay stores if going to his store is not an option.
Blue Gear Works
225 East 2nd Street, 1W
New York, NY 10009 map
+1 615 496 6513
bluebayer [at] gmail [dot] com
Open by Appointment
View more images after the jump. ]]>
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We’re pleased to welcome the legendary pop culture artist and father of the Agit Pop Movement Ron English as a contributor to Lost At E Minor, writing about his favorite creative and cultural discoveries of recent times. English has just completed a successful showing of new works called Lazarus Rising at the Elms Lesters Painting Rooms, in which he paid homage to Picasso’s 1937 masterpiece, Guernica, transcribing it to reflect our troubled times alongside an extraordinary body of new works.
Keep an eye out for English’s posts on Lost At E Minor over the coming weeks as he joins contemporaries such as Shepard Fairey and Tristan Eaton as recent guest writers. ]]>
Any fan of introspective music on the alternative end of things must check out The Wailing Wall's debut album, Hospital Blossoms. The brainchild of NYC-based musician Jesse Rifkin, The Wailing Wall brings together an immensely talented group of musicians to tell a story of sadness, acceptance and catharsis. Rifkin relates the concept behind the album to a phoenix rising from the ashes; it's about embracing the pains of life and being able to blossom out of them, cleansed, content and ready for the next trial.
Using the layout of the album as structure, the track listing lends symbolism. Morning and Morning #2 are the first and last songs, respectively. Morning opens the album with the chirping of birds and menacing growls of thunder, while Morning #2 closes with a crescendo of chaos that suddenly cuts to silence, speaking to the cyclic chaos of life's tribulations.
A wide range of conventional and not-so-conventional instruments flavors the entire album, with Rifkin himself playing everything from guitar to gamelan, mandolin to accordion and harmonica to harmonium. His captivating lyrics are no less intentional; to explain his lengthy writing process Rifkin cites Twain, "The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug."
His masterful composition skills shine especially strong in the CD's title song, "Hospital Blossom." In fact, its a track so captivating that I lost myself in listening to it repeatedly, nearly missing my interview with Jesse.
An impressive compilation, the entire album is now available online for free download, courtesy of JDub Records. ]]>