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May 31, 2007

Parvez Taj

Blogparveztaj

Hot new artist Parvez Taj now at 2Modern.com! A unique blend of graphic art and photography, printed in Giclee on canvas or watercolor paper, makes Parvez Taj's pieces a must have! The subject matter ranges from almost abstract, with Central, to very objective, with Renewable Energy. Some, like Tart Black & White, feel more like a painting, while others, like Nickest, feel more like a straight photograph. All very unique, and all very affordable!


Modern Philadelphia

2Modern Design Talk is going to take you on a little tour across the United States, looking for the best in modern lifestyle resources by major metropolitan city. We are starting with Seattle and zig-zagging our way to New York. If you have any suggestions for our directory, which we will be constantly improving and adding, please let us know by providing comments to the posts.

Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvia, has been ever-present in American history. A major center of the American Revolutionary War, and homes to such people as Edgar Allen Poe and Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia continues to be ahead of its time throughout the ages. When it was first built, it was one of the first cities to be built on a grid system, and today boasts some of the best modern architecture in their newly re-developed downtown area. Whether you are looking for a piece of American history, a contemporary art museum, or a bustling night life, Philadelphia is the place for you.

Phil1

Modern Furniture:
NyLoft
Cherner Chair
Emeco
Kenneth Cobonpue
New Moon
Richard Schultz

Phil2

Modern Architects:
Cecil Baker & Associates
Composite Inc.
Dommert Phillips
Erdy McHenry Architecture
Jon Wagner Architect
Kieran Timberlake Associates
Susan Maxman Partners

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Modern Architecture:
One Liberty Place
Two Commerce Square
Hopkinson House
Kennedy House

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Modern Art Museums:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
Rodin Museum
Institute of Contemporary Art
Art Alliance
Woodmere Art Museum
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts

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Modern, Etc.:
Independence Hall
Edgar Allen Poe House
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Lights of Liberty

Here is a link to all the other modern cities: http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/travel/index.html

May 30, 2007

Thomas Paul

Thomas Paul is the fabulous designer of these delectable plates and pillows. He really knows how to accessorize! Pick up all the goods at Velocity Art and Design in Seattle or online. More modern design at 3blacksheep.Tp_aviary_robin_3

Tp_folkdinner_3 Tp_damask_moss Tp_flock_plumdark Tp_feather_scarlet_2 Tp_blossom_pumpkin

May 29, 2007

Prue Venables

Last week I went to an opening at the Rex Irwin Gallery in Sydney to check out Prue Venables' work up close and personal.

Prue creates the simplest yet most complicated forms I have ever seen. The pieces are one-off and hand thrown using Limoges porcelain. After the initial form is made it is gently but precisely altered, giving this complicated process a simple and unique aesthetic.

The translucent finishes are so inviting that it was hard to hold back from touching the work. (but I maintained gallery etiquette)

I also had the honor of having a delightful chat with Prue and she agreed to give us an interview for a future post. I can't wait!
Prue_venables_black_bowl_2007Prue_venables_large_black_bowl_blacPrue_venables_pair_of_white_bowls_2Prue_venables_yellow_and_white_grou
thanks to Rex Irwin

--sdotg--

May 28, 2007

Wallpaper by Flavor Pill

New Orleans wallpaper-ers Flavor Paper recently showcased an eclectic mix of fresh designs in NY for the ICFF.


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more modern design at 3blacksheep

ICFF 07

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ICFF was super! Saw lots of great product and enjoyed a weekend in New York. Love MAGIS! A lot of their chairs work for residential or commercial application. Some even outdoor. This makes specification easy for projects of all types.

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Luzifer, again one of my favorite lighting lines. Moody pods and structured floating lights. A modern lighting solution for walls.

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MuNiMulA has a cool new chair. Designed to fill every comfort angle, this chair has a pivoting seat and back.

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I also really liked the suspended drawer system on MuNiMulA walls. Perfect for prefab housing, office environments or any modern setting needing storage. The design blends organic and industrial into a nice harmonious blend of Modern.

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Rick Lee was good too. I love how Rick and his wife work together to fuse fashion and furniture. A combination I have always thought logical. Check out their inspiring showroom in San Francisco.

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Rick's been popping up everywhere lately in the press. It was good to see his designs in person.
This CNC Table (part of a 4 Seasons series), takes inspiration from Autumn. Made of Plyboo.

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So much to see. Sustainability really made it's mark at this year's show. Everyone has their hands in the green movement somehow or another. A trend that's soon to be more of a staple in design, It will be fun to watch what designers and engineers can come up with to push the limits on resourceful materials.

One Thing Leads To Another

I first saw Normann-Copenhagen at my favorite Modern Design store in Brussels, Espace Bizarre. I was immediately drawn to the bright colors and practical design of the strainer.
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I never have enough cabinet space in my kitchen and this line of products looks good, is sturdy and can be folded flat to save room in the dishwasher and your cabinets. Perfect!

Next, I went to Normann's website and found so many more things to fall in love with:
The Familia set of pots and pans is so sleek and modern, they are like a work of art for your kitchen (bonus that they function, too!).
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These user-friendly Normann Knives are have a sturdy hand-grip that makes them feel like an extension of your own hand. Their unconventional shape and design makes them irresistible.
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And finally, there is Woofy. I can't tell you how many times I have struggled with what to do with the masses of tangled cords all of my electronic devices spew around the house. It completely ruins the clean lines and minimalism of the modern home. Not anymore, Woofy will house all of your cords in his belly and stand by looking great for all of your friends to admire.
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I can't possibly show you all of the things that I loved from Normann-Copenhagen. You'll just have to see for yourself!
All photos Normann-Copenhagen

May 27, 2007

Found Objects

Margaux Lange explores the Barbie doll's role in American culture in her jewelry work. Lange states in her bio, "I take pleasure in the contrast and contradiction of something mass-produced being transformed and revealed as a unique, handmade, wearable piece of art." If you are in the Seattle area, stop by the Facere Jewelry Art Gallery to see her work in The Signs of Life exhibition (open until June 7).

On the topic of found objects as jewelry, I must mention the work of Mona Wallstrom (found via jewelry.metals.objects.). Wallstrom's Evidence series contains brooches made from unidentifiable found objects.

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1.Margaux Lange, Like Breathing, Sterling silver, plastic, pigmented expoxy resin
2. Margaux Lange, The Kiss Necklace, Sterling Silver, plastic, epoxy resin
3. Mona Wallstrom, Well
4. Mona Wallstrom, Saved

until next week!
Annie

Look What The Starck Brought!

The other day I went to the zoo with a bunch of other moms.  3 out of the 5 moms had a Maclaren stroller.  Intruiged, I did some research to find out what's behind the brand's allure.  Started in 1965 by an aeronautical engineer, the Maclaren Buggy was the first of it's kind.  Light-weight, durable and easy to collapse, the original B01 buggy has morphed into a complete line of strollers and other baby necessities. Of course, I had to run right out and get one.  But which one?  I've avoided strollers for these first 6 months of my little girl's life, preferring the good old Baby Bjorn.  She hates the car seat/stroller base option that I had pinned my hopes on, so I've just avoided the whole issue.  But, now she getting bigger and my back is getting more and more sore.  Enter the Philippe Starck designed
Maclaren Stroller: Mcclaren_stark
Well designed and engineered right.  I'm a convert. 

May 26, 2007

Antoine Proulx

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Brothers Marc and Richard Desplaines are the founders and designers behind Antoine Proulx, a decidedly American collection with references of bygone eras and faraway lands.  Each of their collections represent luxury in its most contemporary form.

Their O Series is soft and glamorous, bridging more transitional and traditional styles.   The O Series is rounded and soft, a contrast to more angular modern design.
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The smooth, geometric surfaces of the Czech Series were inspired by the Cubist movement in Prague in the early 1900's.  This is one of Antoine Proulx's collections that do not incorporate steel, and relies on angles to create motion.
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Motion and a sense of imbalance are evident in the Belgium Series, where the furniture appears to twist and turn.  Pieces in this series would truly be a focal point of conversation  in any room.
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Clean lines and the marriage of steel and wood dominate the French Series, the line that helped launch Antoine Proulx in 1993.  This line exemplifies traditional building methods, and even the external hardware is handmade in their shop.
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Finally, I wanted to highlight their Executive/Office Series.  This collection is designed for those of us work from home.  This is the evolution of office furniture, in which pieces look and feel like furniture for your home.  Wire-management systems and power strips are incorporated within the desk tops.  Sizes can be customized to fit your own office space.
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The furniture of Antoine Proulx is designed to be passed down from generation to generation.  While being uniquely contemporary, the pieces if Antoine Proulx are most definitely timeless.

May 25, 2007

F Maurer

I love fusion concepts in modern design and the Vienna Cd shelf by F Maurer is no exception.  Based out of Vienna, Maurer utilizes Austrian baroque influence in a frighteningly modern way. Love it!

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more modern design at 3blacksheep

May 24, 2007

Modern Oslo part III

This is the last part of the post for modern Oslo. In this one, we will see just how aspects of the Nordic culture can be incorporated into modern architecture, sometimes with spectacular results.
In the photo below, you can see the Foreign Affairs Ministry, opposite the palace, nearby Ibsen's house. In fact, at this very spot, Ibsen's first house in Oslo used to be. till he moved to his last one as his wife complaint that it was drafty and cold. If she saw this modern building, chances are she would rush to return. Check out how the overall design of the building repsects and encompasses traditional Nordic form.

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Another example of this style of building is the following, near the Christiania Torv square. It looks magnificent - funny thing is the bistro at the ground floor served Greek food!

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In this square, there is the peculiar Hansken sculpture of a hand showing a spot on the ground. This is supposedly the spot where king Christian IV in 1624, showed the new location of the city, after it was burnt for the 14th time! It stands across ths treet from the building in the previous photo, as well as the old Town Hall (built in 1641, now houses the Theater Museum). You can just see the museum at the far left of the picture.

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Another area of the city where the old merges with the new is Akker Brygge. In remodelling this old port area, many of the buildings retained the style and structure of their predecessors, but with a modern touch:

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Some of the buildings in this area though are thorougly modern, without a hint of the past-they even have balconies! This is Akker Brygge from the sea:

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Some more buildings of the area: one can find almost any kind of land use in this part, from appartments to banks to shopping centers to cafes etc.

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Lots of modern sculptures lie around this area, one of the most beautiful is this gentleman:

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Of course our mini Oslo tour would not be complete without one of the most beautiful modern buildings in Oslo: the City Hall. Oslo Rådhuset was inaugurated in 1950, but the building had started in 1931 it had stopped during the war, plus it had to undergo lots of modifications during the planning stages - just think: the contest for the design was announced in 1916! The whole area of Pipervika, where it is situated, was remodelled in order to accomodate it.

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The building was designed by by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson. Arnebrg is considered to be one of the best Norwegian architects, certainly the best of his era. In the big hall, decorated with murals, the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held every year.

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This is one of the clocks on one of the twin towers - I want it for my living room!

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And here is a view from the sea. It is said that this building represents a form of Neo-Nordic Renaissance. I could not agree more. It surely is one of the heralds of functionalism in Norway.

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For those of you who want to read more on Norwegian architecture, there is a great article here. And I cannot wait for the new Oslo Public Library to open - it is designed by OMA as is the whole area of Vestbanen it lies in!

Ending with an art note as usual, this is a strange mass of mesh figures that used to be in the Akker Brygge Area but is no more. I really liked this hanging over a sidestreet there.

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Brave Space

Blogbravespace

Brave Space has all new products in their classic and beautiful bamboo look. The modern Stagger Server is a new, low version of the Bamboo Stagger. Add some Server Cabinets for some great closed storage space. Kick back in the wonderfully Bauhaus-esque Lounge Chair and Lounge Ottoman. The functional Hollow Dining Table is capable of storing linens in the slim opening just under the tabletop, match up with a few Hollow Dining Chairs for a complete set!


Tiny Showcase

Tiny Showcase has become one of the web's best art resources.  Built around a simple idea - every week they offer up a new small, limited edition print for an affordable price (generally $20,) the site has taken off like wildfire since it's first print went up in February of  2005. Prints often sell out within minutes, and showcase creators Jon Buonaccorsi and Shea'la Finch work with a true medley of artists, famous and newcomers alike. Last fall Tiny Showcase started a flickr pool showing the prints in people's homes -  a nice way to see the artwork in real spaces. Here are some of my favorite Tiny Showcase prints from the past, including a few that are still available. Make sure to check in every Tuesday at 7:30 EST (4:30 PST) to see the newest offering and have a chance to grab one before they sell out.

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1711 by Andrea Offerman

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Loosen Your Grip by Grant Barnhart

Camillaengman

Mr Busby's emergency landing by Camilla Engman

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I Miss My Dad by William Schaff (still available)

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Seafoam Paper Boats by Jen Corace (available as a t-shirt with an accompanying letterpress print)

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freestyle friends by Matthew Furie

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untitled by Frederico Pazos

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In the Grass and In Just Such an Old House by Marci Washington (still available)

May 23, 2007

Modern Orlando

2Modern Design Talk is going to take you on a little tour across the United States, looking for the best in modern lifestyle resources by major metropolitan city. We are starting with Seattle and zig-zagging our way to New York. If you have any suggestions for our directory, which we will be constantly improving and adding, please let us know by providing comments to the posts.

Best known for Walt Disney World and other theme parks, Orlando is a huge tourist attraction for people throughout the world, estimating about 52 million tourists each and every year. And it’s no wonder, with towering skyscrapers, top-rated entertainment, and amazing art museums. Downtown Orlando is even undergoing a major redevelopment to make the city even more modern and outstanding.

Orlando1

Modern Furniture:
Furnish A Home
American Signature Furniture
Ashley Furniture
Kane’s Furniture
Pier 1 Imports

Orlando2

Modern Architects:
C.T. Hsu
DLR Group
Farmer & Company, Inc.
Florida Design Professionals
KBJ Architects, Inc.
KZF Design
MRI Architectural Group

Orlando3

Modern Architecture:
CNL Center II
Lincoln Plaza
Citrus Center
Premiere Trade Plaza Office Tower II

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Modern Art Museums:
Orlando Museum of Art
The Mennello Museum of American Art
Thomas Kinkade Signature Gallery

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Modern, Etc.:
Disneyworld
Universal Studios, FL
SeaWorld Orlando
Titanic Ship of Dreams Exhibit
Orlando Science Center

Here is a link to all the other modern cities: http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/travel/index.html

May 22, 2007

New Rug Shop

Blogrugshop

Now you can shop for great rugs even easier on 2Modern! The New Rug Shop lets you Shop By Material, Shop By Style, or Shop By Designer. All your favorite angela adams, HZL, notNeutral, Nurseryworks, Gus* and Judy Ross rugs neatly organized for a faster and easier shopping experience!


Outdoor Modern

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Even before Chicago licensed the Cows Parade concept from Switzerland and launched the North American debut of the exhibit several years ago, there was plenty of inspired outdoor brilliance. The truth is, by the time the artfully painted cows started appearing in major cities all over the country, we had all but shut our eyes to the stunning array of benches, fountains and lights that were natural backdrops our outdoor landscape. Sure, the last place you expect to see a purple, life-size cow wearing pearls, earrings and a Pucci top is on the downtown office promenade. Still, the novelty fizzled. Luckily, our trusted street structures remain equally as dazzling and far more useful. A brilliant compilation of these creative outdoor accessories can be found in Links International's new book Street Furniture. The book is chock full of photos and details installation processes, materials and finishes. Very cool.

Soothing Aloe

by Anand from sdotg

The first time I saw Jeremy Cole's Aloe range I literally did a somersault ! 

The Aloe collection is based on the forms of the tropical cactus and its fleshy-leaves. According to Cole, a London-based New Zealander, it's just a lucky bonus that they work so well as lights. I wish he would give me some of that Kiwi luck.

He based the lights on the life stages of the plant -- the bud, the blossom and the shoot.

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1. Aloe Bud  2. Aloe Blossom  3. Aloe Shoot  4. Aloe Noir Blossom  5. Aloe Table & Standing

Seeing these bad boys in person is amazing !  They make you look at ceramics and lighting design in a whole new way. The mix of the hand-cast porcelain, transparent acrylic base and the polished aluminum fittings comes together so well that you don't even realize all the design goodness that's happening in there.

Images and bio courtesy of www.jeremycole.net

May 21, 2007

Magis

Blogmagis

Bright and fun, new furniture and accessories from Magis can cheer anyone up! The Air Chair or Air Armchairs are a great way to add extra seating for a party, then just stack and store afterwards. The Boogie Woogie Shelving System adds more then just shelving space, it adds style to any room or store space! Can't find the right barstool for that Tiki Bar? Try to Lyra Stool! And if Fido should need a home to call his own, the Magis Dog House is a fabulous alternative.


May 20, 2007

New York and Memphis

If you can make it to New York or Memphis this June, you are in luck!  On June 1-3 SOFA New York will take place at the 7th Regiment Armory.  This "International Expositions of Sculpture Objects & Functional Art" is THE jewelry viewing opportunity not to miss (over fifty galleries from around the world will be exhibiting).   SOFA also offers a free lecture series with admission. 

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1. Nakano Kaoru, Sponge Brooch, Lesley Kehoe Galleries 2. Claude Schmitz, Brooch, Charon Kransen Arts 3. Hee-seung Koh, Weight Story, Gallery GAINRO 4. Stephanie Jenis, Skyscraper, Sienna Gallery And if that's not enough, jet on over to Memphis from June 13 - 16 for tha annual SNAG Conference, "Directions Unknown"  Looking Forward, Learning from History".  Don't let the name SNAG fool you, the Society of North American Goldsmiths includes artists working in MANY other medium.  Some of the events at this year's conference include, a juried student exhibition, lectures, a gallery tour, and YES- a final night dance party!  See the lovely METALSMITH magazine for a feel. . . See you next week! Annie

Wowo Pet Products

I love the line of Wowo pet products by Vurv Design. They are so quintessentially cool and complement the décor in any modern home. The products are made of gorgeous bent plywood and come in 5 different finishes to blend in with your existing furniture. My favorite item is the Wowo Dog Pod.
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Described as an "Eames chair for your best friend", it's mid-century curves and fluffy pad look sleek while serving to create a cozy den where your small to medium sized pet can lounge in style. Vurv designer Glenn Ross has also made the bed available as an attachment to Vurv's Platform Bed for people so you and your modern pet can sleep side by side!
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All photos from Vurv.

Find your PLACE

You love modern architecture. You're interested in Green Design. You need a house and You want choices. Check out PLACE Houses.  A Seattle-based company that offers architect designed kit houses.  Available in Tiny, Small, Medium and Large, these pre-fab houses are innovative, hassle-free and can be customized to fit a variety of lot sizes and locations.  Place Place1 all photos: PLACE Houses

May 19, 2007

Divine Inspiration

This week, I thought I'd share some cool finds from other people's homes.  I've been trolling the web looking for product ideas, but most of this week's joy came from looking up stuff I saw in other people's kid rooms.

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This boy's room from NY Mag is rad - I especially love the Marcel Wanders Little Flare clear-legged table.  The story about an art adviser's NYC rental  claims that "radioactive green" is the next white.  They also claim that the apartment was designed on a "modest - almost laughable budget" - you be the judge.

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June's Room won Apartment Therapy's Smallest Coolest Nursery Contest.  As you look at the photos, keep your eyes out for the fabric walls.

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I simply adore IKEA hackers - they have the duel knack for making me feel like a complete loser while feeding into my belief that I can make just about anything (to date, I've made just about nothing).  Lilybee's Bug Table may be my revenge - I can see this working in any color contact paper or with purchased die-cut vinyls. Via IKEA Hacker by way of Curbly.

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Boodalee's red, white and blue Circus bedding reminds me so much of Ed Emberley's art that I thought I'd kill two birds by mentioning them both in one post.  The bedding is 250-thread count percale and also comes in the blue and orange City pattern, or green and orange TreesEd Emberely's drawing books make terrific gifts for kids four to fourteen.

Marvelous Mediterranean

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The gorgeous spring weather has me thinking of the sunny style of Mediterranean design.  Originating in the northern Mediterranean countries of Greece, Spain and Italy, Mediterranean design features textured walls, furnishings with ornate legs and hardware, and bull-nose edging on counters and mantles. 
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The style can be very formal, or clean and functional.  The bright blues of the sea and sky are often incorporated, as are those hues found in the native Mediterranean landscape, such as Terra cotta, yellow and lavender. Mosaic tiles, bronze and iron are heavily featured.
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If you are interested in bringing any of these style elements into your home, one resource I recommend is Mediterranean Modern by Dominic Bradbury.  This marvelous book features 25 homes from Northern Africa to Southern France, each style featuring clean lines, open floor plans and melding indoor-outdoor living. 
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Catherine Haig's Mediterranean Style will help ease any fear of bold colors, as her book presents a relaxed, harmonious style.  The vivid hues presented in these wonderful photos will showcase the warmth and coziness of Mediterranean design.
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Another fun resource to check out is Mosaic Crafts: 20 Designs for the Modern Home by Martin Cheek.  These stylish projects show how you can incorporate mosaics into a contemporary setting.
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LUCY.D

Austrian design collective LUCY.D takes old china and revamps it with simple graphics and glitz for a whole new take on recycled dishware.

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I really love that a lot of designers today are re-using and recycling designs of times past to create amazingly modern style that comes served with a side of sustainability.

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More modern design at my blog 3blacksheep!

May 17, 2007

Aoki Jun

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Japanese architect and designer Aoki Jun has an impressive collection under his belt designing for the likes of Louis Vuitton, Mitsubishi, Hyatt and national museums and gallery's throughout Japan and the world. This Wedding Chapel in Osaka, Japan consist of 1500 interlocking rings to form the exterior walls and sheets of organdy fabric for the inside.

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Aoki Jun must be too busy to name some of his projects so this house design is simply "G." I adore the simplicity and elegance of his work.

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Be sure to visit his site for a plethora of architectural purity.

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A day late, a dollar short
See more at 3blacksheep

Artist Interview: Emily Nachison

The artist interview this week is with  Emily Nachison, a 23 year old former fibers major from San Diego who is currently based in Oakland, CA. Her large scale pieces incorporate multiple mediums and imagery that is both comfortingly familiar and sometimes almost frighteningly strange. I talked with Emily about her process, inspiration and aspirations. 

Emily currently has a joint show with Robin Wienert up at Transmissions Gallery in Berkeley, CA (through May 31st) and starting June 9th you'll be able to see her work at August in Oakland, CA.

If you’re interested in contacting Emily or learning more about her work please go to her website.

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"White Mega Fauna" screenprinting and hand painting, MX dye, cotton poplin, 5' x 10'

What is your favorite thing about creating art?
When you learn through making. Occasionally when I'm really absorbed in a project I come up with some of my best ideas and best resolutions. The best pieces I’ve made have been learning experiences.

Can you talk about the process that went into making a specific piece?
"At The Gates" [below] involved a few different technical processes. I screen printed it, painted it with dye and then devored it (a process which eats away all the cotton part of the azeta-poly cotton it’s printed on but leaves the polyester.) At one point I painted the bottom half of it dark blue, and it was a completely different piece, and it really [looked bad.]  So I erased the bottom half of it (with a bleach like substance) and then dip dyed the bottom half of it in hot pink. It was really a last minute resolution that saved the whole piece, and that’s what I really like, when those spontaneous things really make the piece.

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"At the Gates" screenprinting and hand painting, MX dye, devore, azeta-poly cotton, 12' x 11'

What is the most challenging thing for you about making/creating art?
I can get lost in the planning process and never actually make anything. I over think things a lot.

How do you come up with the imagery you use in your work?
A lot of it comes from traditional storybook imagery, particularly early 20th century illustrations. My work is also very influenced by girlie 1980s cartoons and Japanese art.

What is it that draws you to this storybook/folkloric imagery?
It's just something that’s always been really interesting to me, that has been a big element in my imagination since I was a little kid. I like how overly embellished some of the illustrations and some of the stories are, while at the same time they're very raw, they just depict very raw human nature a lot of the time.

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"Tribute" sceenprinting and hand painting, MX dye, thiox, china silk, 4' x 6'

What are you inspired by?
I'm actually really inspired by music. It has the power to get inside of people. People really respond to music and that’s the way I'd like my art to be. When art gives you that adrenaline rush that good rock n' roll does I think its really successful. There have also been several women in my life -- teachers, mentors, my mom, who have showed me that you can have a successful career, family, and artistic life and that’s truly inspired me.

How has your work changed over the last year?
I think its becoming darker.

Where do you think your work is going next?
I'd like it to start going into a more installation oriented direction, really incorporating the space that the viewer is in, combining more sculptural elements with the printed elements. I want to work more with paper and do some really big printing on paper and do some cutouts with it. I'm also interested in glass casting and I generally want to get back into working more sculpturally.

 

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"Yellow Hide" dyed goat hide, woven blanket, squirrel tail, army surplus inflatable mattress acrylic textile ink, waxed linen thread, leather burner, 4' x 5'

Modern Oslo part II

Continuing our walk around Oslo today! First stop a lovely sculpture nearby the building where House of Oslo is. Very intriguing work of art. In Greece it would have drown endless comments due to the resemblance of the hand gesture Greeks usually do when pissed off with someone.

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One of the first impressions one gets once walking out of the new Oslo airport terminal towards the parking lot is the control tower - a very imposing sweeping structure designed by Aviaplan, a consortium of architects and engineers:

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The day we visited the Munch museum to see an exhibition of Egon Schiele, there was an interesting building made of containers, nearby the parking lot.:

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Apparently this is the container gallery GAD , it consists of ten containers and houses contemporary artists. It is of course, mobile! I love the simplicity and practicality of this concept. It looks unusually nice for containers!
Walking in downtown Oslo, I found a great use of a big blind wall (covering a parking building). The play of texture and volume is amazing - it looks like a geometric waterfall of concrete:

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And on another building downtown  I spotted these amazing columns - seems like the building is standing on nothing!

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To close off today's post, another modern sculpture situated outside the Oslo Konserthus, which we visited in my previous post.

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More from Oslo next week!

May 16, 2007

nebo peklo

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oh how i love neblo peklo.
shop for more watercolor wonders here.

Modern Miami

2Modern Design Talk is going to take you on a little tour across the United States, looking for the best in modern lifestyle resources by major metropolitan city. We are starting with Seattle and zig-zagging our way to New York. If you have any suggestions for our directory, which we will be constantly improving and adding, please let us know by providing comments to the posts.

Miami has gone through a series of transformations over the decades, from its glamour days in the 1950s to its retirement enclave in the 1970s. Today it has become an affluent community, rich in the arts, appealing as much to businesses as it does to tourists.

Miami1_2

Modern Furniture:
Idea Home Design
Kreativa For Kids
Herval USA
Floridian Furniture
ScanDesign Contemporary Furniture
Thomasville

Miami2_2

Modern Architects:
Gallardo Architects
Cuhaci & Peterson
Robert Barnes & Associates
RVL Architecture

Miami3_2

Modern Architecture:
Fontainebleau Hotel
Brickell on the River North Tower
Santa Maria
Ten Museum Park
Espirito Santo Plaza

Miami  

Modern Art Museums:
Miami Art Museum
Miami Art Central
The Wallflower Gallery
Bettcher Gallery
Museum of the Americas

Miami5_2

Modern, Etc.:
Bayside Marketplace
Wings Over Miami Air Museum
Parrot Jungle

Here is a link to all the other modern cities: http://2modern.blogs.com/2modern/travel/index.html

May 15, 2007

Fairest of Them All

Mixmirror

There comes a point in every homeowners' decor aspirations when they are sidelined by the great wall. Indeed the great wall has thwarted too many housewarming parties to count. the great wall is a wall area that so obviously needs a mural or photo that no matter how striking anything else in the room is, your eye immediately settles on it and ponders the possibilities. Still, before you rush out and hire a muralist or shell out big bucks for original artwork or photography, consider mirrors. We are all familiar with their ability to enlarge a space, but if you are also in the market for beauty, texture and variety then this set of etched mirror wall tiles by Anna Buechin for Umbra should be high on your list. The tiles are deliciously diverse, gloriously detailed and the perfect reflection on everything in a room.

Spoutin' About

by Anand from sdotg

I recently discovered a beautiful collection of ceramic vessels called "spouts" by designer Paige Russell coming at us from Burlington, VT.

These handcrafted, multi-purpose vessels can be a great addition to any home/office/big rig/zen garden by bringing functionality along with a bit of fun. The shapes Russell creates are soft and organic that makes them look edible.

mmmm..... glazed stoneware.

Spoutgroup_3    
Chickhens
Tpotcups_3 Soyset_2

Paige Russell's "spouts" are being exhibited at the ICFF, which is on until May 22nd in NYC.

May 14, 2007

Jefdesigns

Blogjefdesigns

Enjoy the ocean and sea-life year-round with Jefdesigns new lightboxes! Beautiful Anemone, Gorgonia, Bull Kelp, and Sea Fan designs; along with 4 different Legna lightbox designs are sure to draw attention! All with hardwire or plug-in options to make your home a fluorescent gallery.


Sustainable Design Monday!

Amy Adams is the designer behind Brooklyn-based ceramic studio Perch. All of Perch's products are made with low impact materials and processes, non-toxic finishes and byproducts-- not to mention creative wit and style!
Perch_amyadams

Straight out of Transylvania, Romania these pillows are handmade in traditional Romanian handicraft style, all- natural and lusciously adorable! Available at Branch--sustainable design for living.

Trans_embroidered_pillow_lrg

The Industrial Woodworking Corporation of West Michigan bases their entire business model on sustainability in every step of the process. Their current focus is in medical and office furniture, but I'm hoping they'll get on the retail bandwagon soon! Sleek and sustainable...how sexy.

Getknu

More modern design and art at 3blacksheep!