Monthly Archives: February 2012

Japanese artist and designer Makoto Tojiki innovatively uses light as his primary medium of expression. In his latest exhibition, No Shadow, Tojiki manipulates thousands of small hanging lights to create 3D images of a man and animals. I’m pretty amazed by how the artist is able to “see” the image while meticulously placing the lights. Makoto’s creativity doesn’t stop at light production; he is also involved in jewelry making and furniture design. Check out his diverse portfolio!

“An object is seen when our eyes capture light that is reflected from the object. If we extract just the light that is reflected from “something,” are we still in the presence of that “something”?
Using contours of light, I try to express this “something.””

-Tojiki

Photos via Dezeen

Sad to say, but with the introduction of iPods, and other MP3 playing devices, compact discs are a dying medium. But Australian artist Sean Avery has discovered a way to keep them relevant. Sean is a master of all art trades including illustration, graphic design, writing and sculpting. He classifies his most popular medium of sculpting as sustainable art because he utilizes old CD’s, computer hard drives and more to piece together very realistic animal figurines. Upon first glance, the figures almost look digitized, until you take a closer look to see the meticulous placement of each CD shard that makes up a whole little critter. I love them! Check out Sean’s portfolio for more!

Designed by Fabio November, it’s a journey into the deep that looks as though it could have been inspired by the underwater world of Atlantis. The bar and restaurant entitle the Atlantique Cafe  consists of a dramatic atmosphere cast in blue with stunning light fixtures and eye catching accents. Constructed in 1995, the cafe has since become popular for it’s unique design filled with an eclectic mixture of pieces ranging from flowered bar stools to sculptural posts. ‎

” I cut out spaces in the vacuum by blowing air bubbles, and I make gifts of sharpened pins so as to insure I never put on airs.
My lungs are imbued with the scent of places that I’ve breathed, and when I hyperventilate it’s only so I can remain in apnea for awhile.
As though I were pollen, I let myself go with the wind, convinced I’m able to seduce everything that surrounds me.
I want to breathe till I choke.
I want to love till I die.”- Fabio Novembre

Check out these modern one-of-a-kind shoes crafted by T&F Slack Shoemakers in London! Started by husband-and-wife team Tim and Fiona Slack in the 1970′s, T&F is dedicated to using bright colors and genuine leather to give each shoe a modern twist. With a factory based in Notting Hill, Slack Shoemakers offers a unique made-to-order service that  allows customers to build their own styles from a wide range of materials and designs. These shoes would definitely be great conversation pieces. Take a peek into their factory!

Artist Federico Pietrella  has proven that stamps, when used creatively can do a lot more than simply date a page. Born in Rome and now living in Berlin, Pietrella has put together an amazing collection filled with large scale portraits and scenic views created by using a rubber time stamp and acrylic! Pounding it meticulously throughout the page to create shadow depth and dimensions, when you step back, the numbers all but go away and what’s left is a visually inspiring scene. Pretty amazing!

How genius is this?! On numerous occasions I’ve tried to ship items that just won’t fit in a standard square or rectangular shaped box. I’ve even cut boxes up and taped them back together again just to fit an oddly shaped item. Not to mention how expensive this can be! Alas, designer Patrick Sung has solved our shipping dilemmas. He came up with flat sheets of recyclable corrugated cardboard called the Universal Packaging System or UPACKS. No matter the size or shape of the package, the packaging cardboard will conform to its shape, maintaining structural rigidity and protecting the contents within. I love this idea, but I would still suggest writing “FRAGILE” in large red letters all over the package, and not sending any glass items!

Via

What can you be inspired to create over a morning cup of coffee?  Innovative designer, artist and architect Hong Yi , a graduate from the University of Melbourne, Australia took on the challenge of constructing a remarkable portrait using coffee as her medium of choice. How was it creating such a unique piece? Taking around about 12 hours to complete the project Hong Yi states it was “quite a challenging medium to use – too much water and the rings wouldn’t form easily, very little water and you’d have to be precise with where you place the cup coz the rings would pretty much be permanent.” I love her works, I’m always inspired by artist who can create beautiful works from the most unexpected materials and mediums. Be sure to check out her blog to view more of her collection and the inspiration behind her impressive designs.

Can you guess who these iconic Hall of Famers are? (answers at bottom) Collage and illustration artist, Lola Dupré, brings a new perspective to classic head shots with her extensive series of  Exploded Portraits. The meticulous process of cutting and pasting a picture back together results in an even more dazzling and intriguing “kaleidoscope-esque” portrait. Shattered, but recognizable, each photo is more incredible than the last. So guess who!

If you want to continue the guessing game, check out Dupré’s portfolio.

Answers: (from top) Michael Jackson, Marilyn Monroe, Albert Einstein, Frida Kahlo, Nina Simone, Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra, Grace Jones

We would all love to leave our mark on the world, a small trace of ourselves that can be seen long after we’re gone. Thanks to this new thermochromic finish, creatively incorporated into a table and seating set, we can! At least in the literal sense anyways. Designed by Jay Watson, the simple and understated furnishings are coated with a thermochromic finish that responds to heat. When things are placed on it’s surface, the heat is absorbed onto the surface leaving a mirrored mark. When you leave, you’re left with an unexpected surprise as little piece of you is left behind. How cool is that???