Melbourne based artist, Sam Jinks, specialises in the creation of these amazingly realistic and incredibly evocative sculptures.
Tyre sculptor
Art work by by the supremely talented Ji Yong Ho, A south Korean artist and sculptor whom models his works from old tires and rubber.
I originally came across Ji Yong Ho’s work via Thememagazine.com
Mark Weaver
Love this retro-feel set by artist Mark Weaver
Be sure to check out his (fucking) amazing portfolio at mrkwvr.com or on Behance – Very inspiring!
So you want to customize your own sneakers
The ever growing collection of Melbourne based, professional sneaker customizer, Sekure D is one that all would be street artists should be keeping a close eye on.
SD has had his work exhibited both at home [Australia] and abroad, has been featured in dozens of sneaker, street art and fashion publications, has done a collection a number of solo exhibitions and has even collaborated with brands such as globe, whom replicated 2500 pairs of his Mace Hi sneakers.
Mr. D has kindly agreed to share some insight into what It takes to become a successful sneaker customizer.
DT: First off, how did you get started in the sneaker customizing scene? What made you one day think ‘I’m going to paint a pair of shoes’? Why did you feel compelled to change what had already been created?
SD: I have been into sneakers since I was a little kid mainly due to my interest in skateboarding and basketball. Consequently I have been collecting them for a long time and it seemed like it was a good way to produce something that other people didn’t have. Sneaker customizing also combines a lot of my interests into one activity.
DT: How long did it take before you considered yourself a full time sneaker customizer?
SD: I still think it’s strange, when people ask what I do I say I am an artist. It wasn’t until after I had been doing this for about 5 years that it became feasible to work in this field full time.
DT: I’m sure you get this all the time, but from where do you get your inspiration?
SD: I would say it’s a mixture of a few elements, comic books, graffiti, film and alcohol being the most important.
DT: What is the thought process for creating a unique pair of sneakers?
SD: It is easy to create a custom pair of sneakers but it’s hard to create one that is both wearable and recognizable as your own, that’s what I focus on now. I approach the shoes as a dedication to something I am fond of; alternatively I use them as a canvas to illustrate a pattern or composition I have developed.
DT: What advice would you give to those whom would like to try their hand at sneaker customization? where does one start?
SD: I would design a bunch of pairs on Photoshop or a similar program first and try not to go too over the top or rush it when your new. So often people skip the acetone stage or put on thick coats of paint to make it quicker but it all ends poorly if you don’t take your time.
DT: What are you working on now?
SD: Just knocking up a time-lapse for some new shoes I finished yesterday entitled the Nike “Serpent” Dunk High and a new project which is pretty exciting.
DT: What’s next for Sekure D?
SD: Holiday until the end of February then a series of customs I have been brainstorming over and a new solo exhibition.
Click on the image above to check out Sekure D’s Guide via Sneaker Freaker.
Munch owns despair, Warhol owns pop – Art History Volume 1
Vuk Vidor, an artist from Belgrade now working is Paris created Art history (part one) as part of the exhibition Palais de Tokyo, Paris in 2004.
The mural is a list of artists and his or her cultural impact, defined in one sentence by their, medium material or concept.
Via CuetoProject.com
Expression Through Neon – Three dimensional light.
Artist Roger Borg expresses himself through the not-so-often-used medium that is neon.
Borg’s inspiration comes from the inherent characteristics of the mid-nineteenth century light source, taking its traditional flatness, two dimensionality, seductive colours and most importantly its malleablility of shape and by breathing new life into it.
Borg challenges the core aspect of the typical lamp.
Traditionally, their illumination is dependent on an interior light source, concealed and diffused through an exterior, whereas Roger’s lamps are the light, generated directly from their exterior surface.
The light does not hide behind a typical shade, but rather emanates from its external shell.
The need for an interior bulb is rendered moot. The bulb is now the shape, the shape is now the light.
20 Stunning Hand Made Messenger Bags
I have always found the off the shoulder messenger bag to have a unique urban charm, and so, a few years ago now, I went on my own quest to find the perfect messenger bag.
I searched high and low to find the leather bag of my dreams, op shops, savers, department stores, boutiques, markets..!
It had to be big enough to carry a large laptop (which I later learnt is just not practical!) Uni books, pens, papers and any other odds and ends that I could think of.
I finally resorted to paying an arm and a leg to get one custom made at a local leather worker.
As much as I do love my current messenger I often find myself on the prowl for more, can never have too much of a good thing, right?
On a recent Etsy spree this is what I found..
The art of typography.
Australian artist, Erin Smith, is pretty much your average young woman. The 27 year old artist moved to melbourne from Queensland to study graphic design and only just moved back to her home state this year. Graphic design didn’t turn out to be the career for her – “I find it difficult to sit in a chair inside for any period of time…and I’m hopeless at deadlines so I wasn’t very good.”
It was during her studies, however, that the fascination with typography really began.
Details »
Amazing Paper Artist Simon Schubert
Some work by German Artist Simon Schubert, who is able to use paper to create these amazing images.
I’m amazed at the depth that is able to be portrayed in these (almost) flat pieces of paper!
for more work visit http://www.simonschubert.de/
I found this post via the good things going on at Toxel
What is Eco-design?
It’s not easy being green, Kermit once sang, but in terms of design, it’s the way to go these days. In spirit of saving the earth through innovative design, What is Eco-design? is an online resource established by Design Victoria aimed at providing a “solid grounding in eco-design principles and practice”.
In a nutshell, the website is designed to provide a myriad of resources to designers which is relevant, timely and, most importantly, practical. Developed by the Centre for Design at RMIT University, WSP Environmental in collaboration with industry experts, the resources featured come in a variety of formats filled with all the information an earth-conscious designer could want. There are quick reference guides, dozens and dozens of useful links as well as quick tips, advice from industry professionals and vodcasts of “Design Victoria’s sell-out eco-design seminar and workshop series including introduction to eco-design; life cycle analysis and eco-labeling”
The most important selling point of the initiative is that it is by no means suggested that function, practicality and design are not to be compromised by doing things in a more eco-friendly manner. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; the resources here are able to demonstrate that our design and building practices can be enhanced by this move towards a greener world.
“It is important to emphasise that eco-design is not about dismissing the fundamental principles of design simply in favour of environmental gains. Positive environmental outcomes can be achieved during the design stage to ensure the best performance or result can be delivered over the long term without compromising form or function.”
If you’re an aspiring architect, designer, builder or artist, there is an abundance of insightful information here just waiting to be put into practice – definitely one for the faves.
See for yourself – read more info about the initiative here, or skip straight to the What is Eco-Design? Website!
Amazing Aussie artist, illustrator and Talent – Skaffs
Luke Feldman, the creator of SKAFFS, is an Australian artist who creates for a multitude of platforms. Inspired by childhood experiences and a vivid imagination, his illustrations and animations are distinctive with defined lines, elaborate detail, and intensely vibrant colours. SKAFFS is a collection of work made up of art, animation, games, books, giant vinyl adhesives, skate decks and collector toys.
Luke’s vast technical experience and skills developed working in numerous mediums. He studied Visual Arts and Multimedia in Australia and has worked in the gaming, education and animation industry. While the scope of his work is extensive, it is bound together through his unique and dynamic style; a style that has led to a number of awards, exhibitions and collaborations with high profile artists including Theodore Geisel and Maurice Sendak and companies such as Disney, Coca-Cola, Facebook.
What exactly is ‘SKAFFS’? I noticed you use it as a handle but also for your entire collection --
SKAFFS is a word that came to me early one morning. It is a play on the word “scaffolding” as it represents the foundation for this fantastical world. SKAFFS is a world made up of wonderfully weird creatures and environments. A collection of vibrantly coloured artwork, giant vinyl adhesives, collector toys, skate decks and other fun paraphernalia.
After a quick browse through your work you seem to have dabbled in many forms of art and design — Is there a specific reason for this? Do you have a favourite style or medium?
My work is based on symmetry, flow and vibrancy. I enjoy the challenge of adapting my style to different mediums. And having had the chance to work in such a variety has definitely opened up opportunities to me. I am constantly sketching down ideas from my head at all hours of the day. Ink and graphite are probably the most common media that I work in as everything I do starts off as a sketch whether the final piece is original art, digital art or animation.
Working to different formats is important to help keep up with the changing industry. Being self-employed and having opportunities to work on large projects, I think it is extremely important for me to understand all aspects of a project. It helps when I work in art director or creative consultant roles as I can give the best insight and guidance to my clients.
What has been your most interesting/exciting (or perhaps famous) commission/work?
I would consider all my projects as “exciting”. I enjoy the challenges that come with each project and enjoy seeing a piece go from sketch to finished form. Some of the major companies I have been fortunate to work with include Apple, Microsoft, Facebook, Coca-Cola and Disney. A few highlights include designing the 2008 MAC World Conference booth in San Francisco. I had the opportunity to design a jungle theme using my characters and environments and to see them in a 1-storey high booth. And I worked with Coca-Cola in Australia to develop their advertising campaign which was designed for billboards, buses and magazines.
My short film ‘Who Saved the Moon’ was featured as a finalist at the International Independent Film Festival at the Comic-Con convention in San Diego. I was asked to be a special guest to speak about my animated film. It was a great opportunity to speak to the audience about the project from concept to finished piece. Check it out here: http://www.skaffs.com/animation05.html
I am also a huge fan of the work of Theodore Geisel’s Dr Seuss. Last year I was asked to exhibit with the work of Dr Seuss in Los Angeles and this was a huge honor for me.
Last year I held a solo exhibition ‘Perpetual Kagemi’ in Melbourne. It was so great to have such a huge turn out and positive response to my work. Collaborating with Coothwork to film the show was also a great experience for me; Coothwork did all the filming and editing, I did the music, and character animation and special effects.
What does the typical day of ‘Skaffs’ involve ?
There really isn’t a “typical” day in the world of SKAFFS. It tends to be very chaotic. I start early and I finish late; I don’t ever stop thinking even when I go to sleep. I’m always working on something whether it is tight time frames for commissions, working on artwork for exhibitions, finishing up SKAFFS related projects or collaborating with companies to produce product lines. I do a lot of speaking engagements and live paintings so I am very fortunate to travel a lot. I’m also currently working on my own animation series. Having to oversee the production has been both challenging and exciting.
What will be new for SKAFFS in 2009?
2009 is going to be another busy but awesome year! I will be doing a lot of artist signings and live paintings to launch the limited edition book “Chaff n’ Skaffs: Mai and the Lost Moskivvy”. In 2008 I completed a music band CD slick and there is talk of appearing live at one of their music events (unfortunately I cannot disclose any further information at this time). I have numerous exhibitions in San Francisco and Los Angeles. And most importantly, I continue to develop my SKAFFS product line through collaborations with other progressive companies. In the next couple of months I will be launching a new line of giant vinyl adhesive artwork, some iphone apps and hopefully an animation by the end of the year!
What are your other interests beside art and design?
I tend to do a lot of traveling. With the long hours that I generally work (mostly in front of a computer) I try to balance it with some Taekwondo and when I have some spare time I also like to do skateboarding or blading.
Any advice to up and coming artists and designers?
My advice to aspiring designers would be to establish a style, practice, and stick with it. Experimenting with different mediums will help you to define who you are as an artist. And get involved in the local community and start exhibiting to get your work seen.
SKAFFS latest limited edition book “Chaff n Skaffs: Mai and the Lost Mozkivvy”
Mai is a young girl who never ventured too far from her home. When a lost mosquito interrupts Mai’s sleep, her friend Chaff suggests they escort Moskivvy back home to a faraway land. So begins a courageous girl’s voyage into a fantastic world that will kindle readers’ imaginations. Encountering whimsical creatures along the way, this trio must travel over land, sea, and sky.
Desktop Magazine describe Chaff n’ Skaffs: Mai and the lost Moskivvy as “the perfect conduit for Feldman’s imagination combining his waif like lasses and charming characters with the beautiful, yet unpredictable realm that is the unique Australian environment.” Discover a world of visual delight that Flavorpill described as a “childlike wonder and crisp exaggerated colors” and a new brand of heroine!
“Feldman’s artwork blends the classic stylings of 1950s Disney with a modern design sensibility to create something both cutting edge and timeless.”
-Andrew Farago, Cartoon Art Museum, Gallery Manager
“Luke Feldman’s instantly recognizable ‘Skaffs’ creations comprise a heady mix of bright colors and razor sharp style mixed with an underlying, almost tangible naivety that make his illustrations easily identifiable in a world where originality is not as easy to find as you might think..”
-Jo Spurling, author and editor of Desktop magazine
“As you follow the adventures of these three intrepid voyageurs, you can’t help but fall in love with the dazzling hues, exotic animals and intriguing storyline that splash the pages of this book.”
- Rossella Frigerio, editor, Chic Today
What was the inspiration, style, highs and lows of working on this project etc.
I have been illustrating for children’s books for a few years now, working for various international publishing houses. It was always a passion of mine to get my very own book published. The Chaff n Skaffs series had been in the workings now for a few years. The characters, designs and storyline had been sketched out prior to meeting with San Francisco based publishers, Immedium . What I have enjoyed about working with Immedium is that they allowed me to have complete creative control. This meant I could use many Australian elements and lingo in the book and create each page as a finished piece of artwork for all to enjoy.
My use and choice of colour is extremely important and therefore there was a lot of communication between the printers and myself. Variations in print can occur between all print companies so I have become accustomed to being on top of the problems that can occur.
Publishing a book is definitely a long term project. You must be passionate about the concept to work on it for long periods of time. Find a good publisher, one that is supportive and in control of the printing and distribution.
When/where can we get a copy of your new book?
The book is available online at www.skaffs.com/chaff and worldwide at Borders, Barnes and Noble, Target, Amazon and many independent stores such as Villain Store and Robio in Melbourne, VIC. It ships in April 2009.
$15.95 USA, Children’s Picture Book ISBN: 1-59702-013-3 (ISBN 13: 978-159702-013-8) 10 x 9 3/4, 36 pages
Birds in your house
You may remember an earlier post by Henry on the work of Maria Yasko – when he had a look at the Modular Shelving Unit –
– Beautiful and clever pieces by young, Russian, industrial designer Maria Yasko. Yasako suggests that her piece, “Snow bird” is a blank/canvas. When placed in the hands of a designer, artist, or any adult or child for that matter, “Snow bird” acquires a completely new image every single time. You can take a felt tip pen or a box of paints, reimagine it as you wish and transform it’s simple white canvas into a small work of art. It is up to you to decide whether it is going to be a shelf or just a bright spot in your interior design.
- winter bird by Maria Yasko
The wonders of tape – ‘Forty-Eight’ by Rebecca Ward
I recently stumbled upon the website of Rebecca Ward — Rebecca is an artist from down town Austin, Texas who has exhibited a number of creative, linear works, by utilising the original beams, columns and angles of any given space, usually strung together with a very colourful palette of plain old tape. “I have always been drawn to its unique textural qualities… When using tape, rather than leaving evenly-placed two-dimensional lines upon a wall, I expand upon the material’s sculptural potential and bring these installations into a third dimension.” Her installations are ‘inherently architectural,’ and all ‘site-specific’ No two exhibits are the same. Each site goes through a series of detailed measurements before each installation to properly assess the use of patterns and shapes. “Ideally these patterns are numerically symmetrical or somehow numerically balanced, producing a dialogue between line and space.”
I Got in touch with Rebecca to find out more about an exhibit in Houston Texas — a splash of colour down an otherwise ordinary staircase.
The piece is named ‘forty-eight’ and was commissioned by Box 13 artspace
I soon learnt that the colourful display was not in anyway random, but instead was loosely based on the age old concept of the golden rectangle
Here are Rebecca’s thoughts on the installation.
“When I began investigating the Box13 space, I wanted to plan my installation according to the laws of the golden rectangle.The aerial view of the staircase seemed to have a shape that would work with the golden spiral. Ultimately, it was too difficult to make every piece of tape and every linear gesture adhere to the very specific laws of the logarithmic spiral, but I think the end result still has its basis (somehow and somewhere) in phi. I guess I kind’ve ended up making my own rules about balancing proportions in a rectangular space.”
A huge thanks to Rebecca for sharing her thoughts and work with us.
For more information and equally stunning installations visit..
Genius with Stanley Knife – Lizzie Thomas
Lizzie Thomas is a UK-based self-described ‘artist & maker’ and an incredibly talented papercraftsperson and woodcutter.
She works in largely in 3D…
… and does some pretty amazing installation work.
I love the suggestion of the merging of indoor and outdoor space in this piece.
This life-sized greeting card looks to me like the love-child of Tord Boontje and Beci Orpin.
Lizzie takes on commissions and her work is also available for prop hire. Check out her website for more info.
Leonardo Sala, Illustrator and Artist – The Mannequin
Today we have Leonardo Sala who has kindly told us a little about his emotive pieces from a series called ‘The Mannequin
“With ‘The Mannequin’ I wanted to create a style to quickly illustrate concepts, with a bit of a surreal atmosphere. I like very much to put constraint in my art process too. For ‘The Mannequin’ the constraints were: clear concepts, minimal style, draw directly with a pen. Feeling a strong emotion while creating is another essential part of the process.”