where and what

Note; please see entries about alums in body of blog, sample images of work on right, website links for alums below, and alum blogs lower right... and for goodness sake, follow!




Thursday, November 17, 2011

Ryan Rutherford - brutherford.com - etc..







I am extrodinarily pleased to finally do a formal feature on Ryan Rutherford, (Pratt ID grad, 2001). I've kept up with Ryan over the years, and have presented him here, his blog, his iconic designs, awards, and so forth but never properly featured him in the rounded manner in which his work deserves.

Ryan is about to lauch his own storefront website: brutherford industries, www.brutherford.com

Join his blog, for his designs, his relentless humor, and fascinating insights: Bloggerford

Ryan is famous for his iconic design of the "CUZ" series dog toy. Most of us only dream about designing something like that, marketing like that, production like this!

I've been watching Ryan apply his production chops to his scuplture work over the years, and they payoff is now in - nearly in - with a growing series of production designed sculptures that are fantastic and destined to rule the design and sculpture world in no time. He's got his rotocaster working, his years.... I should just let him fill you in: Per a recent correspondence;

"brutherford industries (the website) will go live for sales hopefully before Christmas, I am actually heading to china for a few weeks so everything is going on pause until I get back. basically i have spent 10 years now working in design and manufacturing and I really thrive where the two overlap, I think I have a perspective on manufacturing that most designers don’t and vice versa.It’s really easy to get what you want in manufacturing as a designer if you understand the fine details of manufacturing… clearly there needs to be an understanding of materials but further it’s important to understand how molds are built, how your design affects the choice of machinery and to me the most important has become how you can design to be compassionate to the labor force that produces your product. On the flip side it’s important as a manufacturer to understand and care about why designers have made certain decisions and to know that there is always a discussion to be had about the value of any change that might be made and I find that if there is an open dialogue from the start of a project between designer and manufacturer that things usually work out the best. anyway… why am I rambling and telling you all of this?

Because that has led me to where I am now, I want to MAKE stuff… beautiful stuff, fun stuff.

I’ve been collecting machinery from tech schools and boarded up mold shops and assembled my own home-brew, punk-rock factory and I have a huge network of existing manufacturers that I know and trust both abroad and domestic. I really don’t know how to describe what I am doing but I think the current overview is that brutherford industries is going to be a collection of fun stuff that I am making and selling, sometimes made in my own facility (mostly made in my own facility to start) sometimes outsourced to people with better systems and machinery than I currently have. I have piles of my own designs, 7 of which are at a stage where the only thing left to do is build molds and then inventory plus I have a list of people lined up who want me to produce their goods. Each of my initial launches will be paired with some graphic element designed by one of a few amazing artist and designers I know, maybe it’s just packaging or a limited edition print. I think the unifying theme is that it’s going to be stuff that I think is fun or witty in some way and as much as possible produced in the US and with the most efficient systems as possible. I won’t claim that only domestic manufacturing, certified non toxic, recycled, post consumer… whatever is acceptable because I think those issues are far deeper than most people understand. But I will be conscious of every decision I make and material or process I choose. I’m not sure of my end goal or how big I hope to grow this… maybe this is the beginning of my EMPIRE!!!"

I do believe in this Empire. Ryan graduated the same year with Josh Longo, and they are looking to collaborate - combining forces, leashing their empires! So damned great!!

In addition to the great success of his commercial designs, sculptures, blog-world, and new website - (stay tuned for the launch) Ryan notes his development of mechanical processes - tooling and machining designs that allow for production of hitherto never-before-seen methods of fabrication and tooling - (potential confidentiality and intellectual property rights prevent me from noting specifics)!!

And to finish up, between the cars, the costumes, and the observations in his blog, Ryan has been keeping me on my toes with envy and admiration! Congratulations for the dawn of a new empire!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Longoland at Cappellini for Pictoplasma NYC!



Joshusa Ben Longo will be showing at Cappellini November 3 thru 6, with an opening on November 3rd at 6pm... (yes, it's on the invite). Just amazing.
He's been, well:
"I have an opening at the Cappellini showroom in Soho November 3rd. It is a conjuction with the Pictoplasma character design
conference"

I asked him how he managed that magic trick, he notes:
"I'm speaking at the Pictoplasma conference November 5th. I have doing a few panels and talks recently about general encouragement and design.
www.Pictoplasma.com

They hooked me up with cappellini.. Pretty sweet deal...
I will be showing some new & old work at the Cappellini NYC showroom November 3rd with the amazing Genevieve Gauckler!!!! I will be speaking Saturday November 4th at 6pm.

You should check out the site; vast. amazing.

also; check out his site: http://www.rumbletoid.com/

and don't forget the blog link as well at http://www.longoland.com/

Another powerhouse of creativity!! Congratulations, and see you there!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Dana Young




Dana Young has been very busy. Just try tracking her schedule of events on her site, the band, the jewelry, the comics, the Blog, the sculptures... the bounty of creativity that fuels her fire is truly magnificent! Check this: And see the link for her blog too! And see below for some links of her work. The videos are uncanny!

http://www.littlecommabig.com/

She was recently in China for her job as a senior jewelry designer, and notes in a recent email:

At work, I am running a small team of designers and sample makers at my current position and it is really good. We just landed a Macy's account which is huge for the company so needless to say, I have been completely swamped. :)

Meanwhile, my bandmate and I are working on a video and album release this year. I created a comic book that we are releasing with a digital download.
The band website: http://www.facebook.com/l/uAQBifMEkAQBMh8WA-FUfbsGPjY_GqCcpaJZF_butvAiL4w/www.littlecommabig.com

Here are a couple links to jewelry (the HSN ones have reviews and also have a video of the products, which is cool)

http://www.facebook.com/l/1AQBEKlrcAQDTW1GogK0nZOEF8ElWnZSpSnel9npCUor4Hg/jewelry.hsn.com/v-by-eva-art-deco-style-goldtone-ring_p-6502357_xp.aspx?webm_id=0&web_id=6502357&sf=ve&dept=ve0001&attr=6904&ocm=ve|ve0001|6904&prev=hp!sf!6904#pdReviewsHeader

http://www.facebook.com/l/YAQBGoXDeAQDRsdvQ3CUGkMuUlxVoruEt0QpxtiMqtmkPXQ/jewelry.hsn.com/v-by-eva-art-deco-style-goldtone-earrings_p-6502382_xp.aspx?webm_id=0&web_id=6502382&sf=ve&dept=ve0001&attr=6904&ocm=ve|ve0001|6904&prev=hp!sf!6904

http://www.facebook.com/l/aAQAyL9ZGAQDdmiuDS909jT5v9CSdb0hr1QXhkArBtxjzHA/jewelry.hsn.com/v-by-eva-kismet-simulated-agate-hinged-bangle-7-bracelet_p-6410774_xp.aspx?webm_id=0&web_id=6410774&sf=ve&dept=ve0001&attr=6904&ocm=ve|ve0001|6904&prev=hp!sf!6904

http://www.facebook.com/l/zAQD0wDc3AQAFKrqPhxfB70smRNexgXySNNBsSQRtne30vw/www.bostonproper.com/product/Prussian-romance-earring/832984/sc/180/c/65/pc/45.uts - i like that they are calling it prussian... the inspiration was steam punk.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

stephanie Intelisano -Upward, Westward!


As most of you know, we lose Steph to the west coast. She moves with Jason to San Franciso.
She notes in a recent email;
Jason was offered a one year teaching position at Ringling School of Art and Design (Teaching Jr. animation and game art student character and environment design) He was offered the position on a Friday and expected to be there the following Saturday- a happy girlfriend i was not. About a week before he was offered the job I got a call from a head hunter regarding a job in San Francisco. Within 3 weeks I flew out and had an offer for the Sr.Packaging Engineer position that was open. The offer was pretty impressive and the job is right in line with what i want-design heavy- but still building on the technical manufacturing skills that ive gained at L'Oreal. I'm super excited to leave NJ and move back to a city. Leaving my family will be the hardest part...

She notes some of her L'Oreal projects will launch shortly and will update with some of the print ads for the blog. Check out her sketches, they are supreme. She is a master with a pencil, and has talent just bursting in every direction! Those folks are in for a tremendous wave of good fortue! Congrats on the move!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Kimberly Lewis - Support our alums and vot for Kimberly today!!

Kimberly can use some support from her Alums & others - She notes;

I was wondering if you could take 2 seconds of your time to vote for my business that is in the running for a Daily Candy contest. We are sooo close to first place!


First
Click the 'Like' button on Kimberly Lewis Home
http://www.facebook.com/KimberlyLewisHome

Second
'Like' the below photo.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=209244909132364&set=a.140899979300191.30629.140476536009202&type=1&theater

I would appreciate it a million! Feel free to pass it on as well!

Help her out - that's what this blog is for, thanks,
andy

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Josh Longo - interview in: we-make-money-not-art.com



Josh Longo has been steaming ahead, constantly expanding Longoland, stretching out, getting comfortable in all areas of art and design!
I copy here a link to yet another interview:
Pictoplasma focus - Interview with Joshua Ben Longo
http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2011/09/-the-world-you-design.php

And as if that weren't enough for one post: I pull this right off his facebook page:


for all of you comic book nerds... I will be speaking on a panel about toy makers at this years NYC Comic con.....Not sure what time the panel is yet.. but it should be awesome.....anyone interested... send me a note or just check the website......http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/

Can you imagine!! Of course you can it's Josh! Super!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Fort Standard takes Surface Magazine Cover!




Let's get this Blog back on track with a bang.
Fort Standard - Greg Buntain and Ian Collings have hit the cover of Surface Magazine - Aug 2011

Busy busy. Check their site http://fortstandard.com/ see what's new. With the American Design Club, & Kiel Mead http://www.americandesignclub.com/, these gents have been making fantastic products and great headway into establishing themselves in the cutting edge design market. Makes a Professor proud!!

More to come from a lot more designer Alums and others doing so much this year! Stay Tuned!
Got Good Design? Please drop a line and keep me posted so I can re-post to the Alum. Many people drop in to read, good networking, good to see you all!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Off All Summer

Had a kid, Bought a house & got real busy.... all summer long.
See you been busy too.
ID Alum is just sitting out the summer, probably through August,
but it would still be nice to hear of news if you've got a minute.
Happy Dog Days.
andy

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

zach arlan - the kissing club


Zach Arlan's Band, Kissing Club, has been on tour - and will be in New York this Saturday. Zach writes;
"if anyone wants to be on the list for the kissing club show on saturday in NY, let me know :)"
You can find the band's myspace site:

http://www.myspace.com/thekissingclub

and the facebook site:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kissing-Club/168125501768


As taken from the facebook page:

Hometown: NYC, NY


Genres: Folk / Experimental / Grunge

Members: Always: Jake, Sometimes: Anna, Adam, Zach, Pierce, Chris, Dusty, Mike, Ben The Kissing Club is quiet, contemplative, raucous and sweaty. Always fun, never dull, absorbing and unique. Imagine Neil Young, Kimya Dawson, Iggy Pop, Nick Cave, Jeff Buckley, and the Del McCoury Band sharing a barbeque in a public park. New E.P. called Hooks is out now.

This summer, hitting the road with 100 Monkeys and the Bleeding Horse Express for a Coast to Coast US tour, and releasing a new E.P., Little Acorn

It is very super!! congratulations to Zach and the band!!

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Been Away, Getting Back



Been away for a big move, new digs, new studio, home, change of landscape.
Gotta catch up: Seen many of you doing many things and will have to past-post updates.

I've seen that Jude's got a restaurant he designed up in press, Kimberly's got followers I'm bumping into on the street and has more press, Pat has moved west into more fertile furniture design territory, Chen is doing some super work and if you didn't see the Noho Design week show, Greg, Chen, Ian, Kai, Matt, Sergio, presented - after having participated in the MAD series "On the Home Front".

Natalie is busy in New Orleans with more shows, Josh is doing the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair, and a  whole bunch of you are doing other things I haven't had time to write about but will, especially if you drop me a line to remind me!

Hope to have better coverage soon!
andy

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

sight unseen PoP-Up Shop!



Chen Chen invites you to the Sight Unseen's first pop-up shop:


Time
Friday at 12:00pm - May 16 at 7:00pm

Location
The American Design Building at Great Jones Lumber
45 Great Jones Street
New York, NY

Sight Unseen’s first pop-up shop will fill the ground floor of the Great Jones Lumber building with eccentric and mostly handmade wares by up-and-coming talents in art, design, and fashion — including a section of specially commissioned, one-of-a-kind wearable objects by the likes of Jim Drain, Confetti System, Study O Portable, Lauren Manoogian, Shabd, Tanya Aguiniga, Fredericks and Mae, Monika Wyndham, Kristin Victoria Barron, Lindsey Adelman, Chen Chen, Pascale Gueracague, Shanan Campanero, Bec Brittain, Raw Color, SuTurno, and Renata Abbade.

The shop itself will feature existing works by those artists and more: kites and masks by Fredericks and Mae, jewelry and paperweights by Iacoli & McAllister, Plumen lightbulbs by Hulger, ceramics by Jason Rosenberg, wall weavings by Alex Segreti and Kelly Rakowski, books by Gestalten, handpainted pillows by Wary Meyers, handpainted lamps by Jonah Takagi, wooden tools by Matylda Krzykowski, pillows by Eskayel, handpainted plates and pencils by Paperstore, macrame plant holders by Renata Abbade, chairs by Nightwood, and totes by Baggu, who will have an artist on hand Saturday afternoon to adorn each purchase with the wearer’s initials. There will also be a poster wall with works on paper curated by James Gaddy of Interview magazine.

Please invite your friends and help us spread the word!

More info and photos here: http://www.nohodesigndistrict.com/event/the-sight-unseen-pop-up-shop/

Kimberly Lewis - KimberlyLewisHome - !!!



I am very pleased to announce that Kimberly Lewis is now the proud owner of her own business and you can see her at www.KimberlyLewisHome.com
Kimberly notes:


I wanted to give you a quick update on my business.  I just recently launched my e-commerce website! My wallpaper is officially for sale. 

 I will also be at ICFF in the IDSA booth with my own space carved out for my wallpaper.  I'll be in booth #801 on the far left wall when you walk in where the IDSA booth usually is.  If you are attending pop on over and say hello!



And just to pull a very nice intro off Kimberly's website:


"All Kimberly Lewis Home wallpaper is designed in Brooklyn, New York and hand- 
printed in the United States using environmentally friendly water-based ink and 
clay-coated paper. We believe that community is an integral part of the creative 
process, and make it our priority to utilize local artisans and manufacturers every 
step of the way."



This is, of course, very exciting news! And Kimberly has been working hard and successfully at establishing her identity which is crisp and clean extraordinarily professional; Check out the site, check out her client list!!


Kimberly, we all wish you the best of luck with your new venture and support from all the ID alum with your future endeavors!



Thursday, May 5, 2011

Donate Art for Auction for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society



To all ID Alum, Artists and Visitors,
Please lend a hand for a great cause being led by a dear friend. Read below;

There will be an art auction to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society this May at the LLS Corporate Offices in White Plains, NY (exact date and venue to be confirmed). If you would like to donate a piece to help this worthy cause please contact Local Team Captain and friend Maria Dunleavy in New Rochelle at mnd1@optonline.net

This is an opportunity to support a terrific cause by offering unique, high-quality work that only Pratt Students and working professionals could offer. It's a great thing to do!
Thanks and please see some additional info below,
Andy



Team In Training® - Brief Overview
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program (TNT) is the largest endurance sports training program in the world. Since 1988, when the first team was formed, the program has helped 420,000 people achieve their dream of completing a marathon, half marathon, triathlon or 100-mile century ride. More importantly, TNT participants have raised over $1 billion on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society®. We are proud to see how far we have grown and how many lives we have changed.  
Each TNT participant competes in tribute to a local blood cancer patient, called an Honored Teammate.  TNT athletes often claim that their Honored Teammates provide them with the inspiration and motivation needed to finish a race.  Participants may also choose a family member who has been affected by a blood cancer.  It helps participants realize the importance of the mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
TNT participants come from all walks of life – from novice to seasoned athletes. An experienced coach leads participants through a comprehensive four to six month training program designed to suit each individual’s physical goals and abilities. Participants are trained for optimum personal performance and receive sound advice on form and technique, race and ride strategies, equipment, injury prevention and nutrition.  Participants gain a sense of camaraderie by training with their team members and working together to achieve both their fundraising and training goals.  Each new member receives guidance from their TNT Mentor, who is a past participant available to offer additional support.
Each TNT participant is required to reach a fundraising goal determined by the event in which they choose to participate. The Society provides participants the various tools, strategies and support needed to attain their fundraising goals.   In addition to the training, TNT members receive round-trip airfare to the event destination, hotel room (based on double occupancy), race entry, tickets to event weekend parties, race day apparel and other TNT goodies in return for their fundraising.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY with 66 chapters in the United States and Canada, is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Since it’s founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $750 million in research-over $70 million in 2009- specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Last year alone, the Society made 6.3 million contacts with patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. 
We hope you will be joining the TEAM soon!!
For more information please visit us at www.teamintraining.org 


Wednesday, April 13, 2011

While we're talking about Ana Linares...

Selected as one of Gotham Magazine's 20 New York Designers  to be featured in the Home and Design issue - Ana Linares! In good company! Super!

ana linares - Apartment Therapy Article - Post-Posted from December 2010


I owe Ana an apology; she has been so good about keeping me in touch with so much of what is going on in the emerging design world in NY that it was no surprise when I saw her at Kevin McElroy's Cuts/// event (A really wonderful collaboration with Kevin/NY designs & JF and Sons - more follow up on that later!) and she noted I had not posted the link to her super Meetup at the Knoll showroom  with Jonathan Adler. So I post it here now, just for the record!
thanks Ana!

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/ny-design-meetup/apartment-therapy-offline-jonathan-adler-december-8-2010-135038

DESIGN SHOWCASE 2010
This month’s Apartment Therapy Meetup filled the Knoll showroom to capacity with the return of one of Apartment Therapy’s favorite guests — Jonathan Adler! To start off the evening, we had a twist on the usual “warm up band” — three designers had five minutes to present their product to the group; at the end of all three presentations, audience “cheers” declared the evening’s winner. The one to receive the loudest “votes” for his/her idea will receive special mention on Apartment Therapy this month. Mentions on Apartment Therapy are far-reaching (last month’s presentation of Jeremy Pickett’s BRANN Pendant Lights was picked up by Martha Stewart’s team, who asked to feature Jeremy’s pendant lights in next month’s issue!) so this opportunity is a great one for all aspiring designers. Sign up to present your idea during our monthly Meetups to gain access to Apartment Therapy’s far-reaching audience!
Ana Linares presented her Duo Bookshelf, inspired by Calatrava’s work, light sculptures, and various forms of bent and scored paper. The bookshelf appears to float on the wall, with only two points touching the books. Ana’s chair was selected this year by Design Within Reach for their annual M+D+F competition.
And, as if that's not enough I quote:
 "While all three designers received loud cheers from the group, the evening’s clear winner was Ana’s Duo Bookshelf. Congratulations, Ana!"


ALSO! While I"m at what I missed of Ana's: March 2010:  Daily Candy:

Why, yes, we have read all of Swann’s Way. Display smarty-pants tomes on Ana Linares’s ingenious Duo bookshelf, which makes books look like they’re floating.
Available at supermarkethq.com, $160.

http://www.dailycandy.com/new-york/gallery/81451/15-Office-Decorating-Ideas-That-Arent-Boring?n=13

It's hard to keep up with Ana!!

Fort Standard & Kai Williams at The Museum of Art and Design!




From Greg Buntain and Ian Collings email invite I copy this announcement!

Greg and Ian are participating in an open studio event at The Museum of Art and Design:
http://www.madmuseum.org/series/home-front
Fort Standard is proud to announce their participation in the Home Front series at the Museum of Art and
Design (MAD). Along with three other designers from The American Design Club, FS will
have a personal day (April 19th) in the Open Studios at MAD to create an original design piece. The criteria
for the series is to design a “seating element” which can be built in one day during museum hours.
Please join us at the Museum of Art and Design on April 21st, 2011 (7:00 PM) for a discussion on the
processes of an American furniture designer and to see what we have created!
For discounted tickets go to:
Promotional code: “HOME”
Silva/Bradshaw
4/16/11
Stanley Ruiz
4/20/11
Kia Williams
4/21/11
Museum Location
2 Columbus Circle
New York, NY 10019
212-299-7777
Event moderated by Sight Unseen

KAI WILLIAMS!!! Can it be! I will have to call him to see what's up - he didn't tell me about his part in this Pratt Takeover!!

FORT
STANDARD

D E S I G N E R S & M A K E R S

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Greg Buntain Ian Collings - Fort Standard looking for Hire!

Greg Buntain and Ian Collings, founders of Fort Standard shared an email as follows: Please assist in their search, and give'em a hand moving for cryin out loud! They write:

"Hello Friends-

My apologies for the impersonal mass email but Fort Standard needs an intern/employee asap. Two would be even better.
Ian and I are gearing up for a project at the Museum of Art and Design in April as well as exhibiting new work in three or four different venues during Design Week in May. I have attached some press releases of some recent work which you can feel free to forward to anyone who may be interested.

We need someone who can think on their feet, is efficient in a wood shop and preferably knows Solid Works and CS5. Our shop is located in Red Hook so they either need a car or a bicycle and some motivation as there is not a lot of public transportation (we do have Fairway and great views of Lady Liberty however). They would also need a license and be able to drive our luxury cargo van.
We could easily keep someone busy with just production work but would prefer to have someone who can grow with us and be a team player. We cant afford to pay much at the moment but can offer incredible letters of recommendation and can negotiate terms of compensation based upon their levels of skill and commitment. Working hours can be flexible as we tend to work 18 hour days so anything to lighten the load would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Greg

P.S. - Fort Standard will be relocating around the corner to Pier 41 next weekend (the building where they filmed The Real World- Red Hook, and Jay-Z recently had a party) to a 7,000 sqft shop space with some serious top of the line industrial tools and a roof the size of a city block with water on three sides. Beers and food rewarded to anyone who wants to help us move."
Gregory Buntain

Fort Standard LLC

Co-Founder / Principal Designer
greg@fortstandard.com


http://www.fortstandard.com/

m. (908) 400-5628
 
Super cool. Congrats on the move and the projects - the ID Alum blog is waiting to do a formal feature on Greg and Ian - looking forward to it soon!!!

Ryan Rutherford - Best in Show 2x !




Ryan Rutherford announces that he and his company JW Pet Co. has taken Best in Show 2nd year in a row;

he notes on his blog: Bloggerford

"...Thursday afternoon we got very exciting news.
We won best in show for new dog toys for the second year in a row.
Last year we won for the arachnoid ball this year for the brand new hol-ee cuz...."

Check out the blog - it's full of life and wonderful things that only Ryan can bring to the world with his own poignant vision and humor!
Congrats!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Dana Young - Little Big @ Matchless Fri. 3/18!


Dana Young: Designer, Sculptor, Musician, and generally super great person - will be performing at Matchless this Friday!
from her invite:

Chuck is playing in TWO of these bands (Little,Big *and* Captain Skyhawk). Friday fun is pretty much guaranteed!



FRIDAY MARCH 18

BAR MATCHLESS, 557 Manhattan Ave., Greenpoint - Brooklyn, NY

718-383-5333,  $10 admission - 21+ w/ID
http://www.barmatchless.com/


Bands Performing:


7pm The Enchantments (theenchantments.com)

8pm Little, Big (littlecommabig.com)

9pm Captain Skyhawk (myspace.com/captainskyhawkmusic)

10pm Cedric Needs Us (myspace.com/cedricneedsus)

11pm The Eighty 7s (myspace.com/theeighty7s)

Kevin McElroy - CUTS /// invitation


Kevin McElroy has been very busy! Please check his website, he has some terrific projects that really press home the kind of daring but pragmatic designer he is! Also, as many of you have seen, Kevin is having an opening for a collaborative project that he has spearheaded:

I quote directly from a correspondence we had this afternoon -

"In July 2010, designer Kevin McElroy gamely participated in NYDesigns’ inaugural Laser Party!, a live laser-cutting demonstration set against the backdrop of a boozy social. NYDesigns, a program of the City University of New York, is a community space and design entrepreneurship incubator for creative professionals. McElroy's design concept for the Laser Party!, an abstract geometric pattern cut from t-shirt fabric, garnered particular interest at the event, and he reached out to friend Jesse Finkelstein of JF & Son. JF & Son, an international fashion design group specializing in innovative materials and fashion-forward clothing, was the ideal collaborator. The three parties schemed and embarked on an enterprise culminating in a line of clothing and accessories laser cut to surprising effects.

This project is an exploration in material, process and context. I asked the question, "What will one machine do that no other machine will do? What is a singular expression of that utility?" A laser-cutter uses light to slice flat materials along precise contours sent from a computer. Using light both as a tool and inspiration, arrangements of shapes were cut away from fabric, from leather to silks. Removed from the bed of the machine, the fabric flows and drapes and these flat cut graphics take on a more textured dynamic as negative and positive spaces move and layer over one another. Using this as a vehicle for communication, the collection is a collaboration on ideas of aesthetic, function and culture."

Please see the links below for more info on Kevin, JF & Son, and New York Designs (a terrific resource and great group of people - I've used their services for laser cutting myself, and hope to do more with them soon!)

http://www.kevinmcelroy.us/
http://www.jfandson.com/
http://www.nydesigns.org/

Friday, February 25, 2011

Chen Chen showing at Moss


It is a serious thrill to post this feature for Chen Chen - A designer with a strong sense of what is moving the street, He's a sharp-eyed visionary, sensitive and filled with humor - I am grateful to be able to present this milestone!

You've probably already seen the news, but for those who haven't, Chen Chen will Be showing his new vase designs at Moss -
He notes in his invite:

"Time Thursday, March 3 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location Moss
150 Greene St.
New York, NY

Created By Chen Chen

More Info Come drink cheap white wine with me. I have a full case of vases at Moss.

Send an email to RSVP@mossonline.com '"


Congratulations Chen!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Zach Feltoon - Napkin Bling; Vote on Style Factory!


Zach Feltoon has his design, Napkin Bling, on Style Factory blog for votes for fabricaton and sales:
as quoted in the blog voting area: http://blog.stylefactory.com/new-products/stylefactory-vote-napkin-bling/

"Nothing is more satisfying than when something works double-duty; by adding contemporary glamour into the mix, the Napkin Bling guarantees to delight.

Designed by Zachary Feltoon to serve as “Interior Jewelry,” the Napkin Bling first presents itself as a gleaming stainless steel napkin ring. Once the textile is removed, place the ring back on the table and it transforms into a tiny tabletop sculpture, ready to serve as a meal-enhancing utensil rest.

Inspired by the concept of adornment, Zachary Feltoon uses the Napkin Bling to explore the notion of personal expression through self-decoration.

Finding inspiration in our use of clothing, jewelry and footwear as beautification tools, Feltoon looks to the objects that we place in our interiors to serve the same purpose: to speak to our personal expression of individuality.



Enhance the beauty of your surroundings by clicking on the Make It to bring the Napkin Bling to your table"

OKay - let's vote along!

Also - Zach's updated website: zacandco.com , check it out, very nice indeed!! Congrats Zach!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Natalie Mclaurin - Website & New call to artists!




Busier than ever, Natalie is pushing for new curatorial endeavours as well as preparing for Grad School opportunities, she is currently curating another show at the Antenna Gallery in New Orleans: See below!

“My Mom says my work has really improved” call to artists
Opening May 14 from 6-9 and closes June 5th at 5pm
At Antenna Gallery 3161 Burgundy St. New Orleans, LA

Children are interesting creatures that perceive the world in ways we forget as adults.
Looking for work that uses/recreates/interprets meaning, subject matter, and/or elements from personal childhood artwork or designs in all mediums. The childhood artwork or an image of it will be displayed with the current piece.


Images of completed work sent by April 20th sent to nataliemclaurin@gmail.com
It is a hard deadline this time because this show is going to have more like 10 people in it, not 36.
I am going to hold off on yes and no's because I want to pick work that fits with the other work. I am hoping to find people that already make work like this and have a few pieces that are made for the show specifically.
Please forward on to anyone you think might be interested.

Eli Simon; Dazzle Ships & going forward


Eli Simon, if you are following his blog, you have seen some of his lates fabulous ceramic works. Eli is currently planning his post-grad career after RISD, he notes:
"Also I'm teaching a lot and writing my thesis. I would love to send it to you when I have a good draft. The work I've been doing is essentially a lead in to the thesis body. I will send you info regarding the RISD thesis show, which is large to say the least, when it gets closer."

And regarding the Dazzle Ships works, as quoted from the show:
"Dazzle Ships is the collision of a primordial material in an industrial framework. Using basic geometric typology as a backdrop for fantasy, I use the notion of Genetic Engineering as the ultimate metaphor for the future fiction. It asks us to dispense with our essential nature/identity for something perceived as better. In an industrialized context better equates to uniform. Therefore, in the same way that Genetic Engineering invades and applies order at the point of human inception, my work invades industrial process at the point of form generation and leaves a human hand print, like graffiti on mechanized notions of 'progress'. Protracting the void between the hand and the machine allows me to exist and create in a space that is referential of industrial capability but free from the confines of uniformity and repetition.
- Show quoted text "

Eli is weighing his options, residency, design studio, design/artist employment - His family is well, and I wish him the best.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

kimberly lewis - blog launch -




I am very proud to post Kimberly's next step in following her design passion! Please follow her new blog: http://kimberlylewis.net/blog/

Where she introduces herself and her past and recent activities: She notes,
"Kimberly Lewis jumped into the world of home furnishing and textile design with a series of internships for companies including Twenty2, Sunham Home Fashions, and Kim Seybert. She has worked with the Macy’s Merchandising Group, designing print and patterns for their private tableware and Frango candy lines for their Fall ‘08 season and Valentine’s Day ‘09. Since 2008 she has been working for Estée Lauder Companies at Clinique, creating packaging, patterned makeup bags, and custom compacts that are sold at Clinique counters worldwide.

In addition to the companies listed, Kimberly has sold her original line of handmade felt applique pillows at craft fairs around NYC, including Brooklyn Renagade and the Brooklyn Flea. Always thinking of what is next, Kimberly’s next endeavor is already in the works, this time in the form of her own print and patterns as wall coverings with a twist.

Kimberly graduated from Pratt Institute in 2008 with a B.I.D. in Industrial Design, and has studied textile design at The Danish Design School in Copenhagen. She currently lives in Brooklyn, N.Y."

Very lovely blog! Please stay in touch with Kimberly, support her business w with your advice and assistance!

Monday, January 17, 2011

ana linares - Book Publications; 1000 Designs for the Garden


Ana Linares has some terrific news about her Conversation chair, a chair she designed (if I am no misaken) during her undergrad term at Pratt.

I want to share some news with you. One of my first designs the Conversation Chair, which was selected for exhibition by Tom Dixon for 100%Design London, has been included in a book coming out on Monday published in London called 1000 Designs for the Garden. I'm so happy!!

Ana is so busy, I cannot seem to keep up with her doings; in December she wrote a response to my request for an update, and I haven't had a chance to follow up, but here it is, in her own words:

Since we last spoke I was with Mark (Goetz), wow time flies! I actually worked with Mark for about 6 months till I finished the project I was doing for him, then I worked at Quirky for a short freelance, about two months and then Knoll needed help with a project, so I was there till the beginning of December...I've been busy working, thankfully...and my bookshelf is selling well too. Umbra is developing a new idea of the shelf, hopefully will be produced (crossing my fingers), and I just started last week a full time position at Material ConneXion, as a material specialist. I am doing research and design consultancy, really interesting.
Pratt contacted me for an article that they will be writing for the next Prattfolio issue related to materials, since I am working there I guess they want to take advantage of that.

Apartment Therapy will be posting something on the event with Jonathan Adler soon, I will fwd you the link once is up.

We are very proud of your success, vim and vigor!! I look forward to hearing about the Apartment Therapy link!