FIRST AID FIND

Only realised now how fitting and ironic is is that this is my first post in a long while, and it's titled First Aid. The past week and a bit have been manic, late nights, tight deadlines, you name it.

I thrifted this book a while back and have recently acquired a later edition/publication. I love the old school medical illustrations and the way that every person in the book looks exactly like the next. If visitors from another planet picked it up they'd think we were a bunch of clones, that regularly carried each other around and wore fabric around our limbs.

LOVE IS A GARDEN

The creatives at work were asked to put something together for the House & Leisure Magazine/Modern Museum stand at this years Design Indaba. I didn't have much time so I came into work on the weekend and took a fine tip permanent marker to an old plate I bought. At first I was pretty bummed about the outcome but it's growing on me, and it was kinda fun working with permanent marker as there wasn't much room for error and it got a little grubby in some areas and once a line is down, it's there for good.

VISITED TODAY

I can't remember how I came across this blog but have been browsing it today. Indie-guest is chock-a-block with wonderful links and images. See some of the goodness below.





Also pop by the Design for Mankind blog which has had my attention for a few days now.

NESTLE MUSEUM MEXICO

After seeing multiple posts about multi-faceted objects on the Elle Deco blog I felt I had to post about the relatively new Nestlé Museum in Mexico. Bright red and fantastic, this structure has apparently become something of a landmark since it's opening in 2007. Proud parents of this baby is Mexican architect Michel Rojkind and his team, who had a grand total of three months to put this masterpiece together. Housing the museum the building also houses a theater, and reception area and as can be seen is just as revolutionary inside as outside. Now officially added to my list of must-visits.

NIKKI SWANEPOEL

I was browsing through the latest copy of Elle Deco yesterday afternoon during lunch and saw work by local artist Nikki Swanepoel. Nikki works with a range of mediums and has displayed work both nationally and internationally. Loved these ceramic cattle heads on art.co.za

UNIQLO ONLINE

I love finding great new fashion editorial sites and being somewhat involved in the industry it helps to see fresh new ideas on a regular basis. Found a copy of Uniqlo lying round the office. Great fashion and the odd bit of illustration. Next time you're online check them out here.

HEART EXHIBITION: UPDATE

For those that were there on the opening night, many thanks for all the compliments. Pretty stoked with how the bench came out. Needless to say the rest of the pieces on display were amazing.

SHOE WOW

How's this for a great idea! The Shoe Project found on the Core77 Design blog. Love the old-timer with his funky sneakers. You go old man. Show them young uns how it's done.

SIT WITH ME

I found this bench a while ago at the local dump and thought it would look good on the balcony. It sat there for a bit, and then I heard about this exhibition that was coming up. Taking place at the Corner Café (corner Brand and Cromwell in Durbs), the theme was "hearts" to tie in with the Corner Café and adjoining shop Mint's logos.

So I thought I'd get a little handyman vibe going on. Hauled out the old mans electric sander, paint-scrapers etc. It ended up being a whole day of hard graft under a relentless sun, and then an evening and a half of back breaking bending in my flat painting the two coats. To be honest though it was so worth it. I realised that I'm hooked on the process of art. Yes, there were times I wondered whether it was really worth all the trouble, but before I started any work on the bench, in earnest, I had decided this bench would be a "love seat". I had also decided that the lettering would read "Sit with me". In working I realised how love is often like the bench I was working on. At times it's draining, and it's never perfect, it involves effort and time, a will to work on it and involves much more give than take but it is ultimately fully worth it and is undoubtedly rewarding.

The exhibition opens this evening 7th of February. Be there.

FLICKR FIND 3: IDAHOSTUDIOS

Found this Flickr find via the Design for Mankind blog. For a peak into thrift heaven visit the Flickr page and see some great furniture and smalls.

MASARU TATSUKI

Masaru Tatsuki spent roundabout ten years documenting the life of Japanese truck drivers and their highly decorated trucks or "decotora". Ten years later and these amazing images tell an equally amazing story of the Japanese pop culture, the men and, for many of them, their homes. Read more in an interview with the man here. リンクへのローレンスのおかげで ( Arigatou to Lawrence-san for the link).