graphic design, art, typography and architecture

This is my photo of the week, by Adrian Goodhand of Overcast Productions (one of my all-time favourite photographs!): If you'd like to buy any of Adrian's work, then just leave me a note through the contact form. [more]

21_21 Design Sight, is a new design platform in Tokyo, led by three designers: Issey Miyake, Taku Satoh, and Naoto Fukasawa. The inimitable Tadao Ando is the architect behind the new building. The venue is to be much more than a museum of design; it's intended to be a work in progress, a place that brings together designers from all fields: graphic, fashion and industrial design. In designing the stage for 21_21 DESIGN SIGHT, architect Tadao Ando endeavoured to create the kind of architecture he sees as “the face of Japan”. The building ... [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]

Ever wondered what to do with your TV? Well, Montreal-based Ben Depelteau has an innovative solution, and has turned it into these great screen prints. You can find them here. You can see more of Ben's great work at Px(c), the artist's "corporate alter-ego". And be sure to check out the wonderful "Appliance Catastrophes" series of prints here - brilliant. In Appliance Catastrophes, Px (c) combines the humor of Albert Camus and the visual insight of Barbara Kruger to create a series of collages that celebrate mundane tragedy: a washer leak, a toaster oven on fire, or mould in a coffee ... [more]