Posts from — February 2008

I love these quirky ideas from the world of Longoland.

Longoland is a multidisciplinary funhouse lead by artist/designer Joshua Ben Longo, who created his fantastical visions in reaction to the restrictive world of traditional product design.

I find his visions are both a little disturbing yet appealing touchable as a result of the cuddliness of the materials he uses.

They’re a little like aliens from b-movies which appear to be cute and friendly, but as soon as humans go near them, they reveal their nasty sides! Or maybe like “Critters” from the original 1986 movie of the same name, one of my favourite old school creature features.

It would good if the rug dude kept his mouth closed until you step on him – a great way to treat unwanted guests!

See more on Longoland.com

Technorati Tags: crafts, Joshua Ben Longo, Longoland, monsters, plushes

Uncrate states “the best robots in the world don’t do anything” and in this case, I agree with them.

These excellent Robot Sculptures from Bennett Robot Works are one-of-a-kind robots that are currently for sale, with each one taking about a month to build.

They’re made from found objects – from places including “garbage dumps, basements, construction sites, and garage sales” – and range in height from 12 to 37 inches.

There are over thirty of these and they cost $750-$6,000 in case you have significant disposable income…

Bennett Robot Works

Technorati Tags: art, design, robots, sculpture

These are some seriously cool sculptures by Jennifer Maestre, with a simple enough concept – to use pencils. I like the fact that pencils are traditionally used for art, but just not in this way!

From something so humble, Jennifer creates almost illusionary, beautiful sculptures which sometimes look familiar but other times become unusual abstract structures.

In particular are the techniques she displays where the sharp ends create the spiny surface of sea urchin like beings, or are composed with the round cross sections of the pencils to form mammals with a protective outer fur and a softer inner belly.

See more on Jennifer’s website
Also, check out Jennifer’s  Etsy store for other ways she creates with pencils

Via Neatorama

Technorati Tags: pencil sculpture, Jennifer Maestre, sculpture

A strange sight at Grand Central. A couple of hundred people, indistinguishable from the 500,000 commuters who pass through the midtown station each day, suddenly freeze.

They were part of an improv group which has put on this public event before, but never in such a theatrical space.

There is no point or application as far as I can immediately see, but still, what a great idea!

Via SwissMiss

Technorati Tags: frozen people, Grand Central, ideas

I’ve often thought of getting a scooter in London, since there is so much traffic, but I don’t drive around as much as I used to, so haven’t made the plunge.

If I start driving to work one day, then this clever advert for Vespa sums it all up really. I think it was shown in Australia, but the nature of traffic is universal.

I love the trail of colour left in an otherwise drab and dreary landscape, and the fact that they haven’t even shown the scooter product.

Via the Cool Hunter

Technorati Tags: advertising, Vespa

If you haven’t heard of her, its looking like you soon will. Kate Moross, is a graphic designer and illustrator who was chosen as one of Creative Review magazine’s recent “Creative Futures”.

Although her work is pretty distinctive, I wouldn’t name it as one of the styles I favour. But I do like the “whole package” – that she has been able to transcend the sometimes-insider industry that is design, to launch a signature range of clothing for the popular Topshop clothing brand.

In the collection, she has six jersey pieces adorned with bright, psychedelic graphics that are hand drawn by Moross using Lettraset markers.

“Topshop have given me the creative freedom and scope to produce something exciting, for a brand new audience,” she says.

Having graphics on clothing is one thing, but to have Topshop also launching her work with a live art event is another.

On Friday 25th January, Moross was in one of the windows of Topshop’s Oxford Circus flagship store in the heart of London, creating what would amount to Topshop’s first live art installation. The event was filmed live by topshop.com and broadcast via a podcast. The end result, judging by Moross’ back catalogue of work, will be an eye-popping window display of hand drawn, colourful graphics.

Via Creative Review

Technorati Tags: design, fashion, illustration, Kate Moross, Topshop

This is the Falter 2D designer, self assembly ball point pen set, which comes as a flat snap apart template.

Designed by A. Ebenbichler for the cult Italian design house, Parafernalia, the Falter 2D comes in the form of a beautifully presented snap apart template which includes a ruler and the instrument needed to implement the bending required – the final, assembled result being not only a distinctly modern pen that is quite unlike any other, but also a matching pen holder.

Putting aside the fact that this is a pen (albeit seemingly quite an uncomfortable one), just for a moment, as an object in its own right few would argue that it’s a piece of design brilliance that’s worthy of any desk top.

Via

Technorati Tags: design, Falter 2D Designer Pen, Parafernalia, products