Two great prototypes from the 'New Stuff' exhibition at the Johnson Trading Gallery. The first is 'Fauteuil', a cardboard creation that will eventually be cast in a different material (by Aranda/Lasch). Below is 'Model Test 2-700', a pixelized chair by designer Philippe Morel.
Scottish artist Georgia Russell uses a scalpel to transform ordinary objects such as books, musical scores, maps and photographs into extraordinary sculptures. More photos here.
I am one of those people who doesn't like a lot of graphics on my dinnerware. Simple white ceramics work for me. That being said, I am intrigued by the 'London Toile' collection of bone china by Timorous Beasties. Inspired by patterns found on 18th century fabric, the designers infused their own take on modern day city life into each motif. Not the most original idea but still, the colors are nice.
A couple of nice new products from Industreal (the company who brought us the clever dpi lights) - from the top: 'Faccette' bowl, 'Servagon' tray and 'Cafe Pele' cup.
Artist Kristen Hassenfeld has a new exhibit at the Rice Gallery in Houston. In 'Dans la Lune', which loosely translated means "dopey, drugged - daydreaming", Hassenfeld has once again transformed paper into a wonderland of translucent sculptures. For this exhibit she created four to eight foot structures, including gigantic droplets and onion domes adorned with jewels, chains and honeycomb beads.
Justed spotted this over on Superuse - Rotor is a Brussels-based design group who works specifically in the realm of industrial waste re-use. Their 'Kitchen One' project uses laser-cut plywood, taken from a company specializing in making die-cut cardboard for packaging, to create paneling for kitchen cupboards. In their first life, the wooden panels were used as punching boards for creating the shapes of the cardboard boxes - now they live on as beautiful kitchen cabinets.
Plastic stackable chairs make me think of long school assemblies and boring meetings. Thankfully, Danish designers Komplot have come up with a more attractive solution. The 'Nobody' chair is made from PET felt, which is created with 100% recycled material from plastic bottles. The material, along with the soft curves of the form, make this chair an inviting alternative to its hard plastic peer.
'Punch Ups and China Cups' by Simone Brewster. Simone added rings to a series of shot glasses and porcelain cups to give the user a touch of glamour (or tough love).
Denver has a lot going for it and the design community here just keeps getting better. If you plan on visiting our fair city or are just looking for some new places check out, take a look at the Denver Design Guide I put together for design*sponge.
Danish ceramic designer Karin Blach Nielsen created these lovely porcelain bowls with a mold made from folded paper.
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Artist Chris Kenny makes wonderful collages from fragments of maps - above are 'Observatory and 'Akimiski Island'. (via today and tomorrow)
When I was in Copenhagen last summer I saw these beautiful ceramics all over the place, but was never able to find out who made them. I just discovered her name: Ditte Fischer! I love the combination of matte white with a bright interior.
Jenny Nordberg, the Swedish designer who brought us the amazing 'King of the Road' bike, showed some of her latest work at this year's Designers Block in Milan. Jenny's strong dislike for curtains was the inspiration behind her 'Curtis' series. By embracing the forms she so vehemently opposed, the fabric draped table and light are given new life.
OK, I'm ready to stop my griping about the lack of good coat hook designs out there. I've finally seen some good ones - including these from Nick Leigh, which Angela spotted at the designboom mart in Tokyo. Available in multiple colors and single, 3 and 5 hook designs.
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Hold on Denver - there are so many great events coming up in the next few weeks it will make your head spin. Here is just a sampling of some of the places I'll be heading to (and you should too). Events are in calendar order - starting tonight!
22designstudio's 'Concrete Rings' were a big hit at the designboom mart in Tokyo this year. Made from stainless steel and cement, the rings come in a variety of forms and will soon be available exclusively through the designboom shop.
'BRAND_new bag' by outofstock design allows users to choose which brand they want their tote to tout. Versace today, Marc Jacobs tomorrow. Circled selections can be erased with the pen provided or simply washed out.
My buddy and fellow Denverite, Angela from INV/ALT design, recently came back from a journey to Japan where she exhibited at designboom mart Tokyo. Not only did Angela show off her own snappy ceramics (in new black+color combos!), but she also acted as official designklub correspondent. The next few posts are her favorites from the mart - thanks Angela!
Who needs things like bookmarks when you have the 'Flying Vee' shelves by Massie Office? Available in sets of five, these wall pieces can be arranged to hold several books...or just hold your page.
Yes, I realize these chairs are probably not very functional, but I still think they're great. Made by Eindhoven graduate Yuh-hunn Wai. (photo by José Van Riele)
