graphic design, art, typography and architecture

Mick Rock is undoubtedly best know for his iconic photographs of 70's legends Bowie, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, et al. Now he points his camera at Kabuki's Nakamura Kanzaburo XVIII and his troop, "Heisei Nakamura-za", for an exhibition at Tokyo Midtown Hall B, April 20-May 6 (1,00 yen admission; 10am - 8pm). I found it especially interesting as the only images I'd seen of Kabuki, were those of the actors on stage during performance. Rock, however, takes us behind the scenes and in doing so makes this wonderful art form that much more accessible. If you're in Tokyo, I highly recommend ... [more]

Sub-studio, my favourite place for screen prints has just launched a new set of prints. We are pleased to present a new series of prints...The Lure Catalog is inspired by the perennial ritual of learning how to fish - waking up at dawn, greeting the crisp, cool air with a sleepy grin and finding your way over to that secret fishing hole. The Lure Catalog features 9 spinning lures including spoons, spinnerbaits, minnows, and insects. Each lure is available as an individual 5"x7" print for $10, as well as in a combined print (15"x21"). All are silk-screened by hand on 300gsm archival ... [more]

Saw this wonderful exhibit at a recent exhibition in Western Japan. It's entitled Time Machine. The piece sat alone in a large room with ambient lighting/music. I sat in (piloted?) it and travelled forward in time about 6 months, and lo and behold, I was driving a vintage Porsche 911 - I hope that the artist exhibits this piece again - I have plans for it;) The artist and furniture maker Kojiro Nakai (Triumph Handmade) is currently working on a new web site - when it's up-and-running, I'll post the link. [more]

I recently discovered the work of the Montreal-born artist Julie Gross. Her paintings are fluid and calming, and although the compositions are what might be described as pop, the colours and tones are not. There are some lessons in colour theory to be learned from her work. Her work really shines when several pieces are displayed within the same space - I think if you were buying her work, you'd best off take at least two pieces (more if your pocket permits). Though there is a common theme running through just about all her work, you'll never tire of the ... [more]

I recently bought some great postcard prints from Japanese artist, yuuco (井上 優子). Many of her scenes are populated with a large, rather friendly looking bear who has a penchant for red apples. Beautifully drawn, with a story in every illustration, and humour as subtle as the drawings themselves. She has an exhibition in Kagawa, Western Japan (will post more details later). Notice the apprehension in the expression of the nurse with her hands to her mouth, and the tear in the giraffe's eye. An imaginary bear, perhaps? If you would like to purchase any of these postcard-size prints, then just leave a ... [more]

These are my "paintings of the week". I Love the colours and textures - two talented artists. march of the lust filled robot by ~midgetparts© on deviantART landscape of a red lake by *revolution-is-sexy© on deviantART [more]

From reading this blog you may well have some idea of what I like in terms of art and design; however, today I was thinking about the art and design I liked as a child. It's somewhat like travelling back in a time-machine, hurtling back through the decades (yes, the decades!) and falling out of the sky into the 1980's (first I typed 1970's, but that makes me look and feel too old!); so, there I am, in the 1980's as a child. What do I see around me? What do I like the look of? Well, there's my red ... [more]

I don't think there's anyone who photographs children as well as the French photographer Kea. He captures - without wishing to be grandiloquent - the essence of childhood. I especially like these polaroids - magnificent! I also love the "Foam of the Daze" series - would make a wonderful illustrated version of Vian's novel. I will buy a print of the girl [these are not available to buy] over at Deviant. I'm sure we'll being seeing more of Kea - an outstanding talent! Reproduced with the kind permission of Kea © [more]

I'm a huge fan of these wonderful paintings by Joseph Arruda; love the colours, textures and composition. Educated in Political Science and freelancing as an illustrator and concert photographer. Images Copyright © Joseph Arruda [more]

I haven't really come across much collage I like, but recently my eyes shone when I came across the work of Soma. Great use of colour and type, and oftentimes black-humorous. Her collages are constructs of paper, cardboard, gesso and other ephemera, and often feature some belle of a 50's print ad. You can get to her web site via this link or see her work on Deviant Art. Images Copyright © Somavenus.com [more]