On my hols

Some of my fondest summertime memories are of spending blazing hot days in Brighton as a kid, walking the promenade eating an ice lolly, checking out all the goings-on on the piers (when I was young there were two!), and being amazed by the absolutely bonkers architecture of the Royal Pavilion. So I was excited to discover these giclee prints by illustrator Sean Sims for sale on Brighton POD that basically encapsulate my summer holidays growing up. Sean created a collection of designs - there are 7 in all under the name The Brighton Line - as an homage to vintage travel posters, and all take a look at quintessential Brighton-esque experiences and places. Love his take on the Royal Pavilion, yes, I have fed chips to sea gulls, and I remember an Oyster Bar just like the one pictured, where my Nan would buy cooked winkles that she'd have to pick out with a pin. Check out all of Sean's work on Brighton POD here, and yep, he's lucky enough to call Brighton home!

All this to say I'm taking a holiday (aka a vacation) from blogging for a bit, so I'll see you guys back here on July 19th.

Call me Fifi

Okay, so how huge was Woofstock? Ummm, let's just say it was a massive doggie day out (you better believe it when they say it's the largest dog festival in North America). In fact, Spot the Whippet is now zonked on the sofa with a grumbling belly after scarfing down tons of free samples. For me the coolest find of the day was the totally brilliant pet photography by Jason Krygier-Baum. His large-scale and very coy Poodle portrait totally stopped me in my tracks, and made me think that it's time for Spot to get ready for his close-up. Oh, and just so you know, while you might agree with me that the supermodel below looks just like a Fifi, her real name is just as beguiling - Paree.

A small look at design history

The other day I got a chance to check in on a v. cool small exhibit that's recently shown up in Toronto. Dimensions Of Design - 100 Classical Seats features perfectly scaled Vitra Design Museum miniatures that range from the 19th Century Windsor Chair at #1 all the way to the 1991 Philippe Stark designed Louis 20 at #100, and is a fascinitaing glimpse into the history of design, not to mention the vagaries of fashion and taste. The exhibition, which runs until March 9th, is housed in a pared back industrial gallery space in the Consulate General of Germany on the 25th floor of 2 Bloor St. East and has, as an added bonus, incredible views of the city that'll definitely make you want to get snap happy. Click here for deets, and check, check, check it out. Oh, and yes, if this exhibit turns you into a raging miniature chair-a-holic fear not, since you can buy them direct from Vitra here or, if you're in the city, pop in to Plan B for a quick fix.

Happy Hols!

Okay peeps and Tweeps, this is a quickie since we've got neighbourhood Christmas cards to deliver and probably one or two more gifts to wrap before our Christmas Eve celebrations begin. This great poster is from the cool dudes at the Poster List, who have a lovely bunch of affordable art ready to doll up your walls at a moment's notice (I quite fancy grabbing their Projector on Wood for our walls). And this great shot was taken by Nora Griffin for her super-crafty blog, check it out here. See you in 2011!

Bug love

I don't think I've actually stepped on a skateboard in more than 30 years - and when I did I promptly fell off - so I can't claim to have shredded anything or ever succesfully pulled off an Ollie. But, all that being said, it doesn't mean I don't love the design on these Reese Forbes boards for Los Angeles skate brand Stacks. Just in case you aren't in need of a board, The Beetle series artwork (I'm digging the techy re-working of the bugs) is also available as a poster, though all three boards hung on the wall would look super sweet. Oh, and in case you needed an extra incentive, Stacks has just announced a 35% off Black Friday sale, so get shopping!

Slightly awol

Yep, I have been slightly awol from the blogosphere of late, since Tommy Smythe and I have been working together on a Very Important Project that's been taking up a fair bit of time. More news on that soon (it actually starts shooting today!).

In the meantime, how about checking out a fantastic new exhibit called 10x10x10 that photographer George Whiteside is working on. I saw George the other night at Azure Magazine's 25th anniversary party and he told me all about it, here's the deal - Starting on 10/10/10, he'll be hanging 1,000 of his photographs at Toronto's One 800 Gallery. Each day more will go up - including Polaroids, test prints, collages and one of a kind images - and you can even volunteer to help in the process (call 416.986.9900 for deets). The show opens Oct 20th, and yes, everything hung on the wall will be available to purchase. Oh, and for even more inspiration, check out George's stellar portfolio here.

 

A sweet bonjour from San Fran

Happy Tuesday folks! Well, if you weren't feeling happy before, you certainly will have at least a twinge of the jollies after checking out the work of multi-disciplinary designer Chloe Fleury (who's work I came across on Daily Imprint). Originally from France, Chloe hopped the pond and now calls San Francisco home. Check out her series called The place i live, which was inspired by the love of her adopted city. The set of 3D posters have caused such a stir that she's been swamped with requests from people trying to buy them. Sadly, they're not up for grabs, just part of Chloe exploring her creative process, which is also inspired by cats, cupcakes and fashion. Now there's a girl after my own heart. Check out her portfolio here, and follow along on her French girl in San Fran adventures on her blog here. Oh, and yes, that's Chloe in the last shot with the pink paper ice cream!

Guest blog / Julia Black: Art and fashion

Julia Black: I’m not going to pretend to be an art connoisseur by any means, but I do believe I know what I like, and I definitely like the work of Michael Adamson. I came across one of his fantastic oil-on-canvas abstract paintings at a weekend brunch at Holt Renfrew's swank Holt’s Café in Toronto, a few Tweets later (thanks to the Twitterverse!) and I'd tracked him down. Michael studied at the prestigious Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver and, since then, has been exhibiting in Toronto, New York, London and Tokyo. Now based in Toronto, his passionate work explores vigorous textures and magnificent colours, but, I thought it best to get Michael's inspiration in his own words, “ever changing confluences of art history, social actualities and (my) personal life”. Complex, thoughtful, and undeniably beautiful, take a look below at a snap of his breathtaking large-scale work (it's 50' long and 8' high and was created with artist, Nicole Katsuras) in situ at Holt Renfrew, as well as a piece called Far Shore, and you'll see what I mean. Now, I have to convince my friends to allow me back into the brunch circle because it seems I was rather absent from our table conversation!

To read more posts from Julia click here, and click here to check out her cool blog.

Getting my craft on

I spent this a.m. running around at the One of a Kind show in Toronto. It's quite the craft-tastic institution and always a great one-stop-shop to check out what's new on the handmade scene, and as usual, I scored a few great finds (while gabbing with Julia Black, lol).

Up first, I'm loving the petite and edgy hand-embroidered artwork by Amanda Hu of Denture Thief Productions (read more on Amanda here). Next, the sweetly sketched packaging of Honey Pie Hives and Herbals, designed by one of Honey Pie's co-owners, Bay Woodward. Repeat, a collaboration between Roisin Fagan and Arounna Khounnoraj, resulted in a great line of hand-printed textiles, as well as these charming teensy notebooks (that were printed last night!). And finally, Jardinique's Garden Chair - inspired by this Rietveld chair - which looks smashing in all white (though you can order it in any Benjamin Moore exterior Aura paint colour), it also comes as a rocker and has an accompanying side table too.

5 quick questions: Alanna Cavanagh

I've had a bit of a design crush on the work of ultra-talented illustrator and printmaker Alanna Cavanagh for quite a while, so I'm glad to have cornered her into answering 5 quick questions. You might have seen her illustrations in the likes of Real Simple and the New York Times, but most recently I saw her work hanging in the home of Bev Hisey, where after years of looking at an - imho - awful painting of a blobby lifeless figure floating in the ether, I was happy to see one of Alanna's gorgeous Big Orange Scissors prints sitting pretty on the wall instead. And for that Alanna, I really really have to thank you.

Below you'll find shots of both Big Orange Scissors and Brook Brothers Suit (Green), plus a behind-the-scenes snap of Alanna tea staining one of her Penguin Books cover prints. Next, a peek at Alanna's own place, a shot of a space that currently inspiring her, and finally a super cute portrait photo/illustration mash up. Click here to read more 5 quick questions! [Portrait photo:Janet Kimber]

Arren Williams: What's inspiring you right now?

Alanna Cavanagh: Josef Frank Textiles, Illustrations from the 1950s, the colour limey green, swiss miss blog, springy tulips, Selvedge magazine, Graphic designer Paul Rand, Decoupage artist John Derian, The Workroom on Queen West and most especially: my new 'hood Parkdale.  

AW: Is there anything that drives you crazy when you walk into a space?  

AC: If it's too white and minimal I don't feel comfortable. For me I need to be surrounded by lots of warm wood, cozy textiles, and piles of books to feel at home. 

AW: What's the next thing you have your eyes on for your own house?  

AC: I would love a velvet tufted couch in a jewel tone like turquoise - I'm on the look out for a used one. In the meantime I have my eyes directly set on Benjamin Moore's 'Florentine Plaster' paint. It'll soon be on the walls of my bathroom.

AW: How would you describe your look, and has it changed over the years? 

AC: Fleamarket Chic with a dash of New Romantic! 

I absolutely love a MIX: of high and low, traditional and modern, and new and old. I also love to include whimsical pieces like old birdcages, and vintage signs to make sure the space never feels too serious.

In terms of colour I always paint my walls grey (Benjamin Moore Chelsea Grey is a fave) and then add lots of juicy tones like pink and orange which really POP off the grey.

And of course I love displaying a lot of art. I've always been a sucker for a salon wall. Every time I see one in a magazine I rip it out. My style has always been the same but happily these days I have a bit more high to add to the low. :-)

AW: What's next on the horizon? 

AC: I've just completed 3 new silk screen prints which you can find here on my website. I've also illustrated a campaign for Air New Zealand, and a book cover for Penguin books, and am now working on a tote bag design for Good Egg ( the wonderful food shop in Kensington market). Look out for it in June!

Guest blog / Julia Black: Old school movie style

Julia Black: Ever since I can remember the Oscars® have been somewhat of a religious holiday for me, and every year I start counting down the days way before the spectacular event. Of course all the award shows leading up to the Oscars are also scribbled into my agenda, and the most recent ceremony, on the 21st of February, was the BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Awards at the Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden. Checking into the BAFTA's I discovered illustrator and graphic designer extraordinaire, Tavis Coburn. Tavis was commissioned to design the program covers of the five Best Film nominees, and he brought each film to life in his brilliant retro-style. I love his work, and how his inspiration - 1940s comic book art, the Russian avant-garde movement and printed ephemera from the 50s and 60s - informs his take on each film. Now, with his illustrations in mind, I am over-the-top excited for Sunday night! Oh, and btw, The Hurt Locker won Best Film at the BAFTA's! Click here to see more of Tavis Coburn's work, as well as his online store. [images via: Joey deVilla]

To read more posts from Julia click here, and to check out her cool blog click here.

3 for the framers

I could totally blow the bank on artwork, and have fortunately/unfortunately found someone new on Etsy to jones over. I don't know much about Hocus, except she has a bit of a thing for vintage Danish pottery, and that she (?) is a designer/illustrator based in Toronto. Her work is sweet, but not too sugary, and I love all the textures and detail in each piece. Below you'll find all three of her limited edition, signed and numbered prints - Key Finder, Feathers and Snyder Goes For Walkies. For my money I think they'd all look brill in simple white gallery frames, hmmm, now to find a spare wall to hang them...

A modest veil in Vancouver

Yes, the Winter Olympics in Vancouver are pretty inescapable right now, and yes, I'm not exactly a sporty type (to say the least). One thing that has caught my eye, and just about everyone else's in Vancouver, is the gorgeous facade of the Vancouver Art Gallery. The piece, titled A Modest Veil, is by artist Michael Lin and was commisioned as part of the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad. I've seen shots of it turn up on Twitter (thanks to Flare Mag's Lisa Tant), and on Facebook (courtesy of designer William MacDonald) as well as all over Flickr, so wanted to see what else I could dig up.

Lin is known for his monumantal murals which reference trad Taiwanese fabrics, with their intense colours and stylized floral patterns. In the past his work has shown up on the floor and walls of places like P.S.1 in New York and the Musee d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, though by size alone A Modest Veil was a massive task; each panel was hand-painted and then mounted on a huge framework to cover the museum's Goergia Street frontage. If you fancy, you can snag a piece of Michael Lin for your own place, since he designed a carpet called Formosa for Nanimarquina (though I'd love to know what's gonna happen to the Vancouver piece once it comes down). For fun, I've also added in a Youtube interview with the man himself. [Image 1: Cara_Rouge on Flickr. Image 2: CityCaucus.com on Flickr] 

   

Rocking out and colouring in

Funnily enough I mentioned this contemporary artist colouring book from RxART the other day and then, over the weekend, I stumbled across another reason to grab your Crayolas and get to work - The Indie Rock Coloring Book from Yellow Bird Project. YBP, if you didn't know, is a Montreal-based not-for-profit gang that hooks up with Indie rock groups to produce t-shirts (and now the colouring book) that raise money for charity. Cool no? So, yep, the book is brill and filled with 25 illustrations inspired by the likes of Broken Social Scene, Bloc Party and Devendra Banhart, all dreampt up by the v. talented illustrator Andy J. Miller. And did I mention the book was only $10? Okay, with a little mental math, that works out to, errr, less than 50 cents a masterpiece. Now that's what I call affordable artwork. Oh, and don't worry about your colouring in abilities, YBP kindly recommends that you stay outside the lines.

For more YBP click here to hook yourself up with one of their latest t's, like the one designed by Metric, oh, and I totally recommend you buying Andy J. Miller's limited edition Love Yes Wow poster too (though not before I've ordered mine).

{Giving it} Kiehl's Creme de Corps x KAWS

Giving it is all about my take on what makes a great gift. Okay, perhaps I'm a little over excited this morning (it's either the shot of espresso I just downed or the fact that my guest post just appeared here on Elle Decoration South Africa's lovely blog) but I'm totally digging the mash up between Kiehl's and the grafitti artist KAWS on the Creme de Corps moisturizer. This cool meeting of the minds is all in aid of an admirable US children's charity called RxART, which is all about getting art into hospitals. In fact, if you hop on over to the Kiehl's website you can also catch this limited edition RxART contemporary artists colouring book and crayon combo. Hey, and whether you decide to go for the limited edition Creme de Corps moisturizer, or the colouring book, all net profits go straight to RxART.

I want an axe (no really, I do)

Well, we do have a crappy one that we bought when we were chopping out 20 years of roots and weedy sapplings in the garden. In fact, I lie, that is actually axe number 2, since the first we bought snapped after a couple of whacks. To quote William Morris, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” That is the reason we need an axe from Best Made Co.

I discovered Best Made while working on this piece for the National Post (they've created a special Hudson's Bay Company axe), then realised that they've been featured in a ton of spots, including *Wallpaper and I.D. magazine. Check out a couple of beauties from their Fall /09 collection, Bluerightby and Sam Hain. Below you'll find a snap from the firm's Manhattan workroom, and finally some Axe art (seriously) shot by Adrian Gaut, and available for purchase. For even more Best Made Co you can follow them on Facebook and Twitter, and click here to read how the two owners met in '84 as kids at Camp Ahmek in Algonquin Park. 

                                      

A split style personality

We have our house, which you can check out in various states of disarray here on the blog, and then there's my other house - a white painted cottage. It's imaginary of course, lol, but it's where I can indulge in more of the modern country side of my personality. It would still be filled to the brim with vintage and thrifty stuff, but would feel more kicked back and definitely more on the 20's, 30's and 40's side of things. I'm thinking white painted floorboards, slipcovers, mix and match painted furniture, a fireplace and a vegetable garden.

Well, as I keep on dreaming, I occasionally stumble across perfect additions for this make believe home. Check out the work of photographer Yvette Inufio's work. The compositions, colours and moods are perfect. And yes, I recognise a fellow magpie with a vintage shopping addiction when I see one, lol. You'll find Yvette's very affordable work on Etsy right here, and her portfolio on Flickr here.

   

What's a Hoogovens?

Last weekend we played around with a new toy - a GPS - and plugged in the addresses of a bunch of Goodwills and Value Villages far and wide. We ended up hitting Barrie, Orillia and Newmarket zigzagging all over the place. The haul at the end of the day was quite impressive; a nine-drawer teak dresser, a dining chair, two barstools, three pieces of artwork and a dozen records. How much did we splurge? Ummm, the princely sum of $50 on the lot.

One of the pieces of artwork, a signed and numbered print snagged for $5 in Barrie, really caught my eye (I love the industrial look of it). We brought it home, snapped off the water damaged frame and Googled the artist; Michael John Hunt. Well, la-di-da, we found him and sent off an e-mail asking if they could decipher the name of the piece and give us any background on it. A day or two later Rosemary Hunt e-mailed us back - "The etching was commissioned by the Hoogovens Steel Group which was a Dutch based steel manufacturer. The commission was placed during the 1980's through the Pieter Breughel Gallery in Amsterdam, with whom Michael had an association for 30 years since 1976. We are racking our brains to try and remember why the etching was commissioned - we think to celebrate something, but we can't remember what!" How cool.

Dark and cold

Last night, as the temperature dipped once again (ugh), I stopped in at the opening of Radiant Dark, and I have to say, the show is totally worth checking out. The mix of all-Canadian designed pieces on show bridges the line between concept, art and design with some exceptionally cool results. Take a look below for a couple of quick snaps I took -The Stag (Tapestry) by Grant Heaps crosses paint-by-numbers with pixelated 1" squares of fabric stitched together - how cool. And more of Bev Hisey's Dirty Dishes; circular rugs inspired by bacteria, viruses and Petrie dishes. Other highlights for me include the In The Round (Dining Table) by Luflic that pairs felted wool covered legs with a polished glass top, and Propellor Design's Dram (Chandelier) that re-cycles vintage glassware into a very covetable light fixture.

Radiant Dark, organized by the fabulous folks at Made, opens today and runs until Feb 8th, click here for more info.

 

On the carpet

If I haven't been carrying a box I've had a paintbrush in my hand (which is why I've missed out on posting on the blog), oh the joys of a new home, lol. Yesterday I escaped the drywall dust for a bit and met up with my mate, and rug designer extraordinaire, Bev Hisey. She's just launched her new designs for '09, one of which - Dity Dishes - will be debuting at Radiant Dark 2009, an exhibit of Canadian design curated by Made. The show runs from Feb 5th to the 8th, so make sure you check it out.

Some of hew new work comes with a back story, here's the deelio - Cross My Heart, in wool and silk, was inspired by a neighbour's heart surgery. Sightlines came about from Bev's recent eye exams. Dirty Dishes was inspired by a Petrie dish. Escort was patterned after shredded fishnets from her teenage daughter's punk phase (Bev is thankful it was a short lived phase!). One last important thing - Bev's rugs, as always, are stamped by Rugmark, guaranteeing no child labour was involved in their manufacture.