Design & Things

Primary Atmospheres

Evan — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:37:43 +0000

Just came across this amazing looking show in New York at David Zwirner Gallery; Primary Atmospheres: Works from California 1960-1970. It features work by two of my all time favourite artists, Robert Irwin and James Turrell. The show closes on the 6th, although it's not like I'd be able to get there anyway. The gallerie's website does have a nice collection of images to look at, though. Check them out here.

Robert Irwin - Untitled 1969

James Turrell - Juke Green 1968

Via Coolhunting

The Patent Desk: My New Favourite Website

Evan — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 15:33:17 +0000

My friend Larraine sent me a link to this site the other day. It is amazing. If you're into weird and absurd inventions, then it is a great source for inspiration and a good laugh. The descriptions given for each invention are very entertaining and surprisingly informative in some cases. Go check out The Patent Desk.

Here is a sample of what you're missing if you don't click on that link:

Mustache Guard

Inventor: Charles A. Steele Junior
Patent number: 927892
Filing date: Feb 17, 1909
Issue date: Jul 1909

Beautiful illustration for a mustache guard from 1909. At the time gentlemen would apply wax to help mold and shape facial hair. Of course this would cause problems when a hot drink was sipped, the steam would melt the wax causing it to drip into the cup and exotic drinks could stain the hair. Mustache cups usually had a ledge or guard across the cup, this model however is separate and can be clipped on to any cup or glass. During the recording of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, John Lennon drank his tea from a mustache cup. At the time all four Beatles were sporting mustaches and the record even included a cardboard cut-out mustache designed by pop artist Peter Blake.

The New AisleOne Website

Evan — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 01:06:18 +0000

The new AisleOne site design is very clean and built with some really nice, interesting features. I really like the ability to toggle between a list and grid layout simply by hitting (G) or (L) on the keyboard. Check out this post explaining some of the design choices. Nice!

These Are Things - World Map

Evan — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:46:04 +0000

A gorgeous world map designed and screen printed by These Are Things. Flat images and great typography... I want one.

Via @kitsunenoir

The Epitome of Honest Work

Evan — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:40:03 +0000

For some reason I've been thinking about Uruguayan architect & engineer Eladio Dieste lately. I wrote a paper about his work in my undergrad and I've been revisiting some of his projects over the past couple of days. For me his work is without pretense. It may be my favourite example of sincerity in design. A true regionalist, Dieste explored space and structure through very real restraints. His masonry work stems directly from a local knowledge of building – he hired local workers and builders and allowed their skill sets to inform his decisions. The work offers incredible examples of efficiency in design. Structure is form. Form is structure. I would encourage anyone to take a look at his work.

Dieste

Le Mystere des voix Bulgares

Evan — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:59:53 +0000

Bulgarian State Radio Vocal Choir. I was introduced to this music last year in Montreal while working at the Topological Media Lab. It is beautiful, eerie, and mesmorizing.

Here are 3 songs performed on the Johnny Carson Show, circa 1990.

Saul Bass: On Making Money vs. Quality of Work

Evan — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:03:35 +0000

Via @grainedit

Daily Drop Cap

Evan — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:33:01 +0000

A new print up from Jessica Hische's Daily Drop Cap project. A beautiful letterpress print. Check it out / buy it here. And check out the Daily Drop Cap blog too!

Weakerthans Poster up at Gigposters.com

Evan — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 15:14:34 +0000

My Weakerthans Polaris Prize poster is up for sale at gigposters.com. Check it out - I promise it will come with at least 1 other print of mine as extra goodies!

Jessica Hische sums up where I'm at...

Evan — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:47:57 +0000

From this great series of short video tips by contemporary artists, designers, illustrators, etc. Humble Pied

Sometimes it is really nice to hear someone else say exactly what you're thinking.

Humble Pied: Jessica Hische from Mig Reyes on Vimeo.