* lovely curiosities *

Spiritual Bubble Wrap: Final

2011-10-26T21:12:00.001-07:00

2 different idea's. One examining Eastern Philosophy and another interpreting Western.

Spiritual Bubble Wrap 2

2011-10-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

More work in progress...

Spiritual Bubble Wrap

2011-10-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

I am exploring bubble wrap popping as a modern way of meditating.

Tree Wrapping

2011-10-22T15:45:00.001-07:00

Kids come up with the most amazing idea's.

Steve Jobs Connected the Dots

2011-10-20T10:39:00.001-07:00

“Creativity is just connecting things. When you ask creative people how they did something, they feel a little guilty because they didn’t really do it, they just saw something. It seemed obvious to them after a while. That’s because they were able to connect experiences they’ve had and synthesize new things. And the reason they were able to do that was that they’ve had more experiences or they have thought more about their experiences than other people. “Unfortunately, that’s too rare a commodity. A lot of people in our industry haven’t had very diverse experiences. So they don’t have enough dots to connect, and they end up with very linear solutions without a broad perspective on the problem. The broader one’s understanding of the human experience, the better design we will have.” – Steve Jobs, Wired, February, 1995

Poster Machine: Bubble Wrap

2011-10-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

I've decided to go back to school for an MFA in Graphic Design. I'm in the midst of my first semester and I've been obsessed with wrap. My first project was to create a "Poster Machine". The objective was to design a process for making posters and the printed end results have to all be different.

Think BIG

2011-10-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember this store in NYC in the 80's? I wish they were still around today. I would buy one of those HUGE pencils to use in school.

Andrée Putman Designs Bathtubs

2007-04-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

I just love how Andrée Putman has updated the traditional footed porcelain bathtub. She can do no wrong in my book.

Enamel Art

2007-04-26T19:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday during lunch I took the time to check out the new exhibit at the Long Beach Museum of Art. The show is called Painting With Fire. It's a small and beautiful show exhibiting enamel art from this country over the past fifty years. There were handful of vibrant Mid-Century pieces that I was drooling over. I wanted to photograph them all, except they would not let me. Painting with Fire: Masters of Enameling in America

P.S. Kudo's to my friend Richele for teaching me how to code my links to make them live!

Modern Version of Stained Glass

2007-04-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

Eco-Friendly lamps made from a mixture of hot glue and ethylene vinyl acetate (a non-toxic thermoplastic that melts at a low-temp). The plastic can be re-melted again which allows Wurman to recycle 100% of his materials. http://wunderwurks.com/

Moss Will Open In LA

2007-04-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

In a matter of weeks, a second Moss is due to open on Melrose Avenue, in Los Angeles. http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2007/05/moss200705

Keri Smith/ Writer & Illustrator

2007-04-11T07:46:00.000-07:00

I just love her blog called "The Wish Jar" (http://www.kerismith.com/blog/). She oozes with creativity and seems to wake up every day with an inspirational thought. Here are some of her ideas: "1. Go for a walk. Draw or list things you find on the the sidewalk. 2. Write a letter to yourself in the future. 3. Buy something inexpensive as a symbol for your need to create, (new pen, a tea cup, journal). Use it everyday. 4. Draw your dinner. 5. Find a piece of poetry you respond to. Rewrite it and glue it into your journal. 6. Glue an envelope into your journal. For one week collect items you find on the street. 7. Expose yourself to a new artist, (go to a gallery, or in a book.) Write about what moves you about their work. 8. Find a photo of a person you do not know. Write a brief bio about them. 9. Spend a day drawing only red things..." And the list goes on, and on, and on, and on... literally.

This is an actual house.

2007-03-28T14:32:00.000-07:00

I'm sort of freaked out by the fur ceilings. But, this house is outragous. Via http://desiretoinspire.blogspot.com/.

The Man Who Reinvented Movie Titles

2007-03-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Saul Bass reinvented the movie title as an art form. By the end of his life, he had created over 50 title sequences for Preminger, Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, John Frankenheimer and Martin Scorsese.
"Design is thinking made visual." – Saul Bass

The Most Beautiful Typewriter Ever

2007-03-23T09:15:00.000-07:00

Valentine Portable Typewriter, c. 1969
"to me design...is a way of discussing life. It is a way of discussing society, politics, eroticism, food and even design." – Ettore Sottsass

Millie won't swing.

2007-03-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

I tried to get her on our new swing, but she just won't have it. I spent 30 minutes on Saturday painting this black square. I'm totally inspired to do more graphics on my fence now.

Great Little Design Bible

2007-03-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Some Excerpts from "It's Not How Good You Are,
Its How Good You Want to Be, by Paul Arden":
~ Don't be afraid of silly idea's.
~ Don't put your own cleverness in front of the communication.
~ Don't give a speech, put on a show.
~ Doing a layout means having an idea.
~ Rough layouts sell the idea better then polished ones.
~ If you get stuck, draw with a different pen.
~ Those who fail in school are not interested in the facts;
or maybe the facts are not put to them in an interesting way.
~ When the client won't buy, do it his way, then do it your way.
~ Get out of advertising.
~ Do not try to win awards.
~ You don't have to be creative to be creative.

http://www.amazon.com/Its-Not-How-Good-Want/dp/0714843377

Juxtaposed Shelf w/ Religious Books

2007-03-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Brillant! The world's most influential religious texts are brought together and presented on the same level, their coexistence acknowledged and celebrated. Designed by Mike and Maaike.
http://www.blankblank.net/collection/mikeandmaaike/religion/index.php

Happy St. Patty's Day

2007-03-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields...

Ireland, 2002

Mint Locations

2007-03-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Barbara's Barn Somewhere In Northern California
How beautiful it would be to throw a party here? http://www.mintlocations.com

Miss Mildred In My Office

2007-03-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

She's all grown up!

Catherineholm Enamelware

2007-03-12T18:37:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing alot of this vintage enamelware around lately. There is one scene in the movie Running With Scissors where they focus on a green Catherineholm teapot right before the mother blows her lid! You can also find a happy yellow bowl on the cover of Blueprint magazine this month. I wonder though... Does enamal rust? Many of the Cathrineholm designs were created by a woman named Grete Prytz Korsmo, wife of architect Arne Korsmo. Catherineholm was the name of the manafacturer in Norway.

Running With Scissors: Modern Set Design

2007-03-10T09:09:00.000-08:00

I just rented the DVD Running With Scissors. The story was decent, but the styling and set design were so great. If you like modern vintage styling this is a must see.

LA Modernism Show

2007-03-08T08:16:00.000-08:00

In Santa Monica. Don't miss it! http://lamodernism.com/

Modern Showerhead

2007-03-01T08:37:00.000-08:00

Banquete Chair

2007-03-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Created especially for Moss by Fernando and Humberto Campana. Each chair is handmade and will vary from the one shown here. This chair would be perfect for a kid's room! www.mossonline.com

Handmade Leather Goods

2007-03-01T08:14:00.000-08:00

It's all about handcrafted products and Henry Beguelin is a master. He meticlously details his leather goods and they become a work of art. His old-fashioned skills create styles that are new. He makes everything from shoes, bags, furnishings and more. He marks all of his work with a handmade little stick figure. www.henrybeguelin.it

Need an Agenda?

2007-03-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

I love this agenda from APC. The typography is so clean and modern. I believe they used Bell Gothic. It's $90. That is only $22.50 considering it's for four years. www.apc.fr

Collage Artist: Catherine Dudley

2007-02-28T07:43:00.000-08:00

Catherine is a good friend of mine that lives here in LA. Unfortunatly, she is leaving soon and moving to Austin. Catherine and I studied at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago together. Her work is so graphic, beautiful, and inspiring. I love her use of found objects, text, and color. You can view her work now at the Stellar Somerset Gallery in Palo Alto, California. In the meantime, check her out at CatherineDudley.com. PS> I'm hoping she's going to give me a piece of her art for our wedding gift.

New Identity for Saks

2007-02-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

The designers at Pentegram are the best. I love what they've done with the Saks logo. Basically, they sliced into 64 components that are arranged in different configurations on bags and boxes.

Green Chicken Rocker

2007-02-26T11:12:00.000-08:00

I came across this interesting sculpture in The NY Times Style Magazine from this Sunday. http://www.hayonstudio.com

Japanese Buddhist Textiles

2007-02-26T08:26:00.000-08:00

Japanese Coats and Buddhist Futon covers made from antique and vintage Japanese fabrics. They would make awesome wall hangings. Beautiful pieces with spiritual characteristics. Available at www.srithreads.com.

Sustainable Furniture

2007-02-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Eco-conscious desgns from Enviroment Furniture. Made from 100-year old reclaimed Brazilian wood. Their flagship store ERA is located at HD Buttercup in LA.

Doggie Sushi Bowls + PomPom Leash

2007-02-21T19:02:00.000-08:00

I'm considering these items for Miss Mildred. http://www.furrylittlemonsters.com

Ralphie, Oh Ralphie

2007-02-21T18:36:00.000-08:00

Great chairs at not so great prices! http://rlhome.polo.com/rlhome/default.asp

Color Meaning

2007-02-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

I took this picture of lifevests when I was in the Bahamas. Lately I have been obsessed with the color ORANGE. Which led me to google it and learn what the meaning behind it is. Here are some other definitions of color.

ORANGE combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. Orange represents enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction, success, encouragement, and stimulation. Orange increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people.

RED is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire, and love. It enhances human metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure.

YELLOW is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. When overused, yellow may have a disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms.

GREEN is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision.

BLUE is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven. Avoid using blue when promoting food and cooking, because blue suppresses appetite.

PURPLE combines the stability of blue and the energy of red. Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is associated with wisdom, dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic. Light purple is a good choice for a feminine design. You can use bright purple when promoting children's products.

WHITE is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection. White can represent a successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity.

BLACK is associated with power, elegance, formality, death, evil, and mystery. When designing for a gallery of art or photography, you can use a black or gray background to make the other colors stand out.

Lovely Vintage Textile

2007-02-20T07:47:00.000-08:00

Not sure who created this wall hanging, but it's awesome.

Calypso Home in Santa Monica

2007-02-19T09:23:00.000-08:00

Yippee! Christiane Celle has opened a home store in the Brentwood Country Mart. So pretty to look at. http://www.calypso-celle.com/

Vintage European Textiles

2007-02-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

Huge awesome modern pillows made from vintage fabrics. I also love their nightshirts. The fabric almost has a soft canvas/denim feel to it. They have alot more then what is on their site. Try emailing her for more goods. http://www.euro-linens.com/

Palm Springs Modern Show '07

2007-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

We had such a great weekend. I love Palm Springs. The modern show was very impressive. Soooo many beautiful modern works of art. I was surprised to see that most of the vendors were all from the west coast such as Modern1.com, Farnsworth-Pierson, Downtown, VoilaGallery.com, PSModernWay.com, Reform-Modern.com, and ModernArtifacts.

Long Beach Modern Home for Sale

2007-02-14T09:07:00.000-08:00

My realtor has posted a new well-preserved modern home for sale in Long Beach. It was built in 1951 bt the architect Anthony Thormin. http://www.uniquecaproperty.com

Sculptural Pillows

2007-02-08T09:57:00.000-08:00

Another lovely Valentine's Gift Item. http://www.oromono.com

Lovely Porcelein

2007-02-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

Think Pink! http://www.danimdesigns.com/

Perfect V-Day Gift

2007-02-07T20:21:00.000-08:00

Kill two birds with one stone. Light a candle and pour waxy-oil all over your lover. Purchase it at http://www.jimmyjane.com/ and also enjoy their gorgeous gift wrapping.

Le Labo

2007-02-07T20:17:00.000-08:00

I was recently in NYC and stumbled into the Le Labo store in Nolita (right next to my old favorite restaurant Cafe Habana). I was so impressed with their interior design, packaging, products, and website. http://www.lelabofragrances.com/

Juara Spa Products

2007-02-07T20:16:00.000-08:00

Beautiful packaging and soothing scents. http://juaraskincare.com/

My Thailand

2007-02-06T08:16:00.000-08:00

Luxe Travel Guides

2007-02-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

http://www.luxecityguides.com/
i honestly don't know what we would have done without our luxe travel guides while we were in thailand.

Chris Benz Fall/2007 @ NYC Fashion Week

2007-02-06T07:38:00.000-08:00

i love the mixture of unexpected colors in this collection.

My Bedroom Dresser

2007-02-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

I love my bedroom dresser, although it's way to small. I think it's time to find a new one.

Proenza Schouler for Target

2007-02-05T08:31:00.000-08:00

Not bad, not bad at all...

2007-02-02T16:22:00.000-08:00

woof.

2007-02-02T15:49:00.000-08:00

Meet our new puppy Miss Mildred. She likes to go by the name of Millie. She's a 4 month old Norwich Terrier. I flew all the way to Arkansas to get her. I'm in love!