KEYHOLE: Collectors

Meet the Vogels, Dorothy and Herb. I’m late to the game in screening this heartening documentary about the famed art collectors who amassed one of the most important collections on two modest salaries–that of a librarian and postal worker. More accurately, they lived off of Dorthy’s salary as a librarian and Herb’s salary went solely [...]

COLLABORATION: FOOD RULES

Resident hero, Maira Kalman, collaborated with Michael Pollan to publish a new edition of his book, Food Rules.

Here, Kalman speaks about her experience illustrating the book:

HERO: John Baldessari presented by Tom Waits

A brief (six minute) history of John Baldessari, as narrated by Tom Waits. To all the minimalists out there, here’s a man who burned all his possessions. Enjoy!

SONIC FABRIC: ALYCE SANTORO

Alyce Santoro gives the phrase “wearable art” new meaning–how about wearable music? Sonic Fabric–created by Alyce––is a textile made from audio cassette tape. For a fascinating story of origin, involving sailing and Tibetan flags, click here. Once woven, the tape can still be “played.”
In 2003 I was commissioned to make a dress for Jon Fishman, [...]

DAYTRIP: Sonia Delaunay and Maira Kalman

This goes under the category of Daytrip and Inspiration. If you’re anywhere near New York City  over the weekend, check out the Sonia Delaunay show at the Cooper Hewitt Museum (ends this weekend) and the Maira Kalman show at the Jewish Museum (through July).

From the Cooper-Hewitt’s website:
Known primarily as an abstract painter and colorist, Sonia [...]

Inspiration: James Van Sweden

The Cultural Landscape Foundation launched an oral history project covering–so far–three pioneers of American Landscape Design. Click here to learn about James Van Sweden and his design philosophy.

HAITI: Design Aid

Thanks to designer Lena Corwin for links to designers/shops donating to Haiti relief. Please let us know if you hear of additional shops/companies that are putting proceeds to this effort.

gallery hanahou
20% of sales from the upcoming 20/10 vision show will be donated.
(i have a print in this show, along with some of my favorite designers)
611 Broadway [...]

HERO: KARIM RASHID

It’s the little things–like radiators. Karim Rashid can get excited and incensed about poor radiator design, and we’re grateful. It doesn’t hurt to push your agenda while wearing a uniform of all white or pink clothing for 10+ years. The New York Times ran a great interview on this design star on February 19. You [...]

HERO: Eileen Gray

 
Eileen Gray entered the design world with lacquer—literally. Born in 1878 in southeastern Ireland, Gray wandered into a lacquer repair shop in London, in 1905. By 1921, she had opened her own store in France. She became known for her lacquer work, and was popularly linked to the De Stijl movement as well.Her portrait [above] [...]

HERO: Humanitarian Design

If I had to guess your 2008 resolutions, I’d bet they include, among others: Do Something Good for the World.Here are a few design-related inspirations, while you’re figuring out just how, specifically, you want to do that. If you’re reading this blog, then you understand what design can do–physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Below: a few [...]