Helios House

I was driving through LA recently and happened upon this shocker of a gas station (on the corner of Olympic and Robertson). It's a British Petroleum venture to enhance the gasoline consumer experience and to showcase some overall functional and structural sustainability. The design strategically selected materials, lighting and plumbing methods to limit environmental impact. Helios House exceeds current environmental standards for on-site water collection and uses 16 percent less electricity than traditional stations, says BP.

Coined a “living laboratory,” this spot also serves as an educational center, in which specially trained employees actually distribute to the unsuspecting driver guides to greener living. Not a bad way to spread the word!

Os Gemeos

From the womb to age 34, the members of Os Gemeos have shared a conscience—both figuratively and literally—winning the world over with their graffiti in a tight collaboration granted to them by their matching DNA. Brazilians Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo are identical twin brothers who have created art together ever since they can remember, a living monument to the meaning of brotherhood. Always in visual harmony with their environment, their characters feel as if they really belong in the spaces where the twins paint them. The work is heartfelt, relevant and beautiful—
so deeply regarded that the pair have been beckoned internationally to paint walls, trains, even a castle.

Barcelona, Spain

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (I think)

Kelburn Castle is a large house near Fairlie, North Ayrshire, Scotland

"When we dream, everything we dream has yellow tones. This is something of ours, myself and my brother. We use it in our painting. We can't use another color. We have to use yellow."

Pocoyo

I know I know, I don't have a kid nor am I one, but I love this Spanish/British pre-school cartoon that I just discovered. Pocoyo art, created with Softimage, is delightfully simple and if you can get over the whole call/response bit, the jokes are pretty funny on an adult level, too.

Accessories for your pet!

I am currently in the process of getting a puppy. It has taken several month's to pick the actual kind of puppy that was right for me and my partner. We decided a Japanese Spitz is the one.

Now, of course our little dog needs to have a bed... I had no idea how much accessories there are on the market for pets! A Londonbased designer called Kim Bull are designing these slick dogbeds for over $1000.

A New Beacon on the Map!

Fellow citizen of this creative world, Krista Figacz, has just become a Hunters & Gatherers contributor. As a photographer, she offers yet another aesthetic eye and churning mind, along with her unique perspective from her city of residence, Berlin. Welcome Krista!

Looking Good while Being Good

For LA's Fashion Week, soy bean enthusiast SoyJoy and Gen Arts gave four emerging fashion designers a platform in sustainable fashion show Fashionably Natural, presented yesterday. The Battalion, Brigid Catiis, Popomomo, Velvet Leaf offer eco-garment alternatives using sustainable materials, organic, raw textiles and recycled vintage fabrics. Pretty cool.

Another notable SoyJoy project is its Art of Optimism Tour, where they promote fine art across North America as a means of lending hope.

War, what is it good for?

The work of Polish artist and animator Tomek Baginski is the perfect answer. Compelling and fresh, this is Fallen Art:

White Bike Ceramics

I was just browsing and came across with this beautiful ceramic collections by White Bike Ceramics. These ceramic wares are all hand made by Lauren Adams, and I absolutely had to share this with you all. I love the fact that she uses such simple yet delicate and sophisticated patterns to create her amazing pottery. So Beautiful! Be sure to visit her website to see all her wonderful creations!