A Designer Looks at Art, Architecture and Everything
Sweet selection of european styled bicycles available over at Dutch Bike Co. Seattle.
Deluxe set of commuter friendly features on the Opa. Shimano Nexus eight-speed, Shimano hub mounted dynamo powering headlamp and tail lamp (no batteries required), center stand, mud flap, cargo rack and bike pump. Substantial fabric and chrome chaincase cover. Nice! $1589
Similar set of rider-friendly features on the Oma with a sloping top tube. $1589
Seattle based artist Roy McMakin makes sculptural objects and architecture. McMakin’s unique style comes together in the professional services side of his company called, Domestic Architecture. What sets the architecture apart is his ability to construct a whimsical personality with common architectural elements like material, walls, doors, windows and stairs. Building materials and color play an important role in his interiors, consequently quirky details abound within McMakin’s mannered designs. Contrasts in scale and proportion create a sublime effect; McMakin knows the rules and enjoys manipulating the rules. Looking at his projects you realize every architectural detail has been carefully designed.
Vashon Island, WA Residence
37th Avenue Residence
Dale Frank exhibition, Some Boring Paintings, 2008, at Roslyn Oxley9 from June 26 – July 12, 2008.
It seemed of little wonder anecdotally, 2008 varnish on canvas 200 x 260 cm
Petrina Hicks exhibition at Stills Gallery from June 18 – July 19, 2008.
Lambswool, 2008 from The Descendants
Chiodo is updating their website. I can’t wait to see what the finished product looks like!
I had a radio just like this growing up.
Ricky Swallow is exhibiting at Darren Knight Gallery from May 17 – June 7, 2008.
Official artist site here.
I’ve always been attracted to Kasthall’s amazing rug creations. Here are a number of my favorite styles from their collection. From the hand-tufted series are Fogg and Moss, from their woven rug category, Esther.
Fogg is ‘an elegant pile rug that shimmers in a variety of shades.’ The sheen comes from the 100% linen component used to make the rug. The texture is soft and has a distinct smoothness, despite the depth.
Moss is made of long linen threads and short, coarse wool yarn which makes the rug feel warmer. The contrasting elements of matte wool and shimmering linen strands comes together perfectly.
Esther is from the Woven Rug collection. The bouclé rug is made of a loop yarn that shimmers from the addition of a linen element woven throughout. the mixture of linen and wool in a number of shades creates the unique depth of color and marbled quality.
The henrybuilt hb20 kitchen features beautiful materials and minimal detailing. This modern furniture manufacturer started in Seattle, and now with showrooms in New York and Los Angeles (coming soon).
Seattle Showroom
Hours: Tues – Sat 12-5:45
913 Western Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
206.624.9270 tel
Greg Hatton designs and builds with reclaimed materials, found objects and introduced trees.
The About page on Greg Hatton’s website sums it up. “I have been making things for as long as I’ve been able to hit a nail with a hammer.” That’s a great quote.
Front Entry Wall and Gate
See more of his work here.
Noël Skrzypczak had an exhibition titled Twelve Disasters, at Neon Parc in March. Her work reminds me of Dale Frank + Katharina Grosse.
Official artist website here.
Designer Romeo Sozzi designs his Promemoria collection with a restrained simplicity. Subtle nuance, sumptuous color and creative details epitomize the look of this Italian furniture manufacturer. Take a look at the Promemoria website, they recently made an extensive update, now the artisan qualities of their furniture is accentuated by evocative photography. Rich colors and detailed images of their collection enhance the emotional qualities of the materials used: unique woods & finishes, bronze and leather.
Adriano Sofa
Aziza Armchair
Loren Armchair
Bilou Bilou Chair
Ernest Desk
X Libreria
Bonaventura
I like the Shelf X limited edition bookcase designed by Naoto Fukasawa for B&B Italia. The shelf is made from Corian with no visible seems, giving the impression the bookcase has been carved from a single piece of stone/marble. The edges are slightly beveled which draws attention to the thin structure and provides a subtle change in shadow.
I’ve always liked the series of bentwood chairs Frank Gehry designed for Knoll. Each piece incorporates sculptural twists and turns, while maintaining the functional requirements of a chair. What’s amazing to me is that it works. The first time I sat in a Cross Check I thought the joints would pop and the strips would unravel. Not so. These chairs are solid; the entire collection has been well designed and precision built by Knoll.
Cross Check Chair by Frank Gehry, now a design classic by Knoll
Maple strips in a clear matte finish
