Friday, July 31, 2009

Sushi Style


I'm so excited about today's post! Created by my fellow Portfolio Center alum, Mimi Tin, these super cute and functional ottomans "have the look of meticulously prepared sushi. Silk thread is woven on supple fabric to create the illusion of delicate sushi fillings. These multi-functional ottomans can be used as a single piece atop the sushi tray base, or as 'mini' ottomans once the 'seaweed' wrap is removed."

Mimi, an Atlanta-based designer and teacher, runs her own design studio and was inspired by Pop Art and Claes Oldenburg when creating these fun and quirky pieces. You can learn more about the product line here.

Additional products will be coming out in the fall; the Sushiami line, geared towards a younger market, extends out to beanbags and accessories. Go Mimi!


Thursday, July 30, 2009

Art from Abroad

I recently finished reading Lipstick Jihad: A Memoir of Growing up Iranian in America and American in Iran by Azadeh Moaveni, so it got me googling, first, imagery of Tehran, and then Iranian art.

This led me to the work of Tehran-based designer Reza Abedini, founder of his own studio in 1993, winner of numerous awards, and teacher.




I also found the calligraphic work of Mohammad Ehsai inspiring, shown below.



And, as you would expect, given the current climate in Tehran and the huge youth population, I also found a lot of street art imagery. Below is one example.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Beach Botanicals



While exploring around the lighthouse park area in Montauk, I took some "specimen" photos of a few interesting plant tidbits to sketch for use in patterns and designs.



Back from The End


We had a blast in Montauk and, as usual, the weather was mercurial, shifting from glorious blazing sun to thick-as-pea-soup fog.


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Sew Lovely

Gorgeous handmade items from UK-based designer Charlotte Alexandra.


Thursday, July 23, 2009

Just Wow.




Magically wonderful illustration work by Malin Gabriella Nordin.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Something Fashion-y


Popped into Maleeka on Atlantic Avenue the other day – I highly recommend a visit if you're in the Boerum Hill/Cobble Hill area. They carry lots of small labels, tons of fun prints and summer dresses, as well as some cool ethnic jewelry. Plus they were having a SALE. My mom and I had a blast trying on about half the store. Let the owner pick out pieces for you; she knows her stuff and enjoys doing it. The dress I ended up buying, by corey lynn calter, was one she picked out!

Some Spring 09 corey lynn calter looks below.


Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Papier-Mâché Mastery




I encountered Chicago-based Up In The Air Somewhere at the Renegade Craft Fair in June, and absolutely loved all the pieces, created by designer Susan Dwyer. She elevates papier-mâché to a higher level; the fragile-looking yet sturdy water-proof bowls are crafted using recycled and repurposed paper. The delicately tinted yellow and peach colors are really unique, and I have a fondness for gold leaf used in small precious quantities like this.

She also makes wonderful ceramics, below.

All photography by Ben Syverson.


Monday, July 20, 2009

Amazing Collages






I just added yet another plant to the "officially dead" list. This one had no intervention by marauding kitties so the blame can solely be placed on me and my lack of a green thumb. Perhaps I should invest in plant-based art instead.

Artist Stephen Eichhorn creates these awesome hand-cut collages by combining individual plant images. I love the simplicity of the tiny individual leaves (top); the complex compositions of the majority of his work is pretty astounding. You can see more of his work here; he also has a blog.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Thursday, July 16, 2009







Beautiful Posters from ISO50/Scott Hansen. You can find these prints and lots of cool tees at his shop.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Summer Camp



I love these "Camping" notecards by Darling Clementine. First of all because they are amazing collages, with so many fun little elements comprising each one, and secondly because they make me nostalgic for being in the woods with a tent cooking some hot dogs over the fire. And I'm not even a big fan of camping (I prefer hot running water and comfy beds when vacationing, I'll admit it), so that says a lot!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Bonjour Tristesse




On this lovely Bastille Day, I wish I could be celebrating in the South of France. Instead, I'll live vicariously through this film.

If you haven't seen "Bonjour Tristesse", I highly recommend a viewing. Every single frame is drop-dead gorgeous eye candy, filled with breathtaking Mediterranean scenery and chic late-50s fashion. Directed by Otto Preminger, it stars David Niven with Deborah Kerr as his hard-won lady-love. But it's Jean Seberg who steals the show as his daughter, her presence on the screen light and magical. I was sad to learn of her complicated, messy life and eventual overdose on barbituates.

Images courtesy of http://jeandorothyseberg.blogspot.com/