Over at the Fox Is Black they do a great item called The Desktop Wallpaper project where each week they invite an artist to design a custom desktop wallpaper. I was very attracted to the one done this week by Timothy J Reynolds, who does a lot of graphic design using 3d modeling. The abstract scene he created is simple yet mesmerizing, depicting a mountainous island rising from an augmented sea of light blue. The sea, represented through a polygonal plane, employs a delicate use of opacity to reveal certain parts of the earthy floor and results in a wonderful confluence of the two colors colors almost like a paint palette. As soon as I saw it, it became my new desktop wallpaper.
I am always fascinated by photographs that can capture the realistic atmosphere of an environment. Rüdiger Nehmzow has debuted a collection called “Cities and Roads” highlighting compelling infrastructure and cityscapes all over the globe. The authenticity of how he captured these scenes gives the viewer the sense of true reality, like you are there seeing it in person. [TheFoxIsBlack]
At this point we already know that Austin has some great designers, but I have been further captivated by them since stumbling upon the works of Simon Walker. Based in Austin and doing designs for businesses from Portland to New York City, he has built up a fine collection vintage inspired branding. I very much admire his style, and will certainly find inspiration in some of his designs. [TheFoxIsBlack]
The classic folk song “I’ve Been Everywhere”, famously covered by Johnny Cash, depicts a story of a man and the over 90 cities he has traveled to in the USA. The Everywhere Project has adapted these lyrics into a collaborative design project in which various designers hve created a custom luggage tag for each of these place. Some of them large and some of them small, all of them have their unique charm. [LAI'mYours]
Polish artist Piotr Buczkowski has designed a set of portraits honoring the legends of the different eras of Formula 1 racing, Juan Manuel Fangio, Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher. Incorporating a classically painted face with a modern composition, each drivers bust paired with their famous Formula 1 car makes for a very regal portrait. I found the most striking to be Ayrton Senna, three time World Champion who tragically died in 1994 at San Marino Grand Prix in Imola Italy, and is considered to the be greatest F1 driver of all time. The prints can be purchased HERE.
Located on the the corner of Venice and La Brea in a building that used to be a Conroy’s flowers, Australian motorcycle company Deus Ex Machina has opened their flagship American store. The stores concept extends beyond just being a bike shop, it also houses a showroom for their line of apparel, their surfboards and a coffee shop for people to hang out. With a very open space and a casual Venice vibe, they really have achieved a wonderful environment inside. I spent about an hour hanging out their recently checking out the clothes and reading the various books they have on the tables, and it was super cool. Thanks to RackedLA for the photographs.
Based the novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep by Phillip K. Dick, Blade Runner is a fascinating science fiction story, based in futuristic Los Angeles, about a massive corporation that designs and manufactures hauntingly life-like android robots called “replicants.” However, some of these replicants have self realized that they are actually robots, and began to revolt against the humans. Blade Runners, Harrison Ford’s character, are licensed bounty hunters given the duty of catching these militant individuals. Stunning art direction and wonderful cinematography make for a very visually pleasing movie to fortify the already amazing story line. Above is fan made poster for the movie, found by Bobby over at The Fox Is Black, which I absolutely love, and manages to capture the essence if the film in one simple frame. [TheFoxIsBlack]
Leave it to an Aussie who was born and raised in rural Australia to come to the states and exemplify the current vintage Americana style movement. Luke Stockdale has a great combination of a design education, experience with old printing presses and understanding of the industrial aesthetic, which all come together to make for some beautiful pieces. Based out of Nashville Tennessee, Sideshow Sign Co. makes it their passion to recreate vintage signage and typography with the collection of hand made signs and posters. I’ve got a huge crush on the theater lettering, so cool. [Uncrate]
On display now at drkrm gallery is a collection of rare Ansel Adams photographs of Los Angeles. The pictures were taken all throughout the city from Downtown to the ocean, capturing what life was like in Los Angeles in the 1940′s. [LAI'mYours]
The movie Drive got most of it’s inspiration from the works of Michael Mann and classic 1980′s cinema. It was able to masterfully execute these styles even though it was made in 2011, in a throwback sort of way. Since these are my two favorite genres, Drive instantly went into my top 10 favorite movies the first time I watched it. Recently, Belgian designer Rizon Parein has enshrined the movies epic logo into a glorious neon sign, “Because Drive just screams for neon.” For myself, I couldn’t agree anymore. Well done sir.
When I was in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles last weekend to hang out at my favorite bar Villains, I saw a fantastic looking historical building lit up across the street that I have never noticed before. I was in awe that such a building was so well kept amongst the old industrial infrastructure along the Los Angeles River. To my surprise I have found out this is the new headquarters for Lucky Brand, founded in Los Angeles but had there headquarters located in nearby Vernon up until now. It is absolutely wonderful to see companies such as Lucky establishing themselves Downtown to contribute to this burgeoning part of Los Angeles. Furthermore, the design of their new building appropriately adheres to the neighborhood’s century old industrial aesthetic rather constructing a glass laden modern looking monstrosity. Mad props to you Lucky Brand, this is extremely refreshing. [RackedLA]
I really admire things that serve a dual purpose. The Hankie Notebook is a shining example of how an everyday item can be re-invented into a new piece fulfilling two uses. Instead of storing a normal notebook inside of your coat, the Hankie Notebook can be put in the chest pocket of your jacket because it’s designed to look handkerchief. Practicality and fashion statement all rolled into one, fantastic. [Uncrate]
|
Return to Top
|
