Graphic Esperanto

Japanese graphic/textile designer Masafumi Arita’s modern folklore seeks to deliver art to the non-artist, work that is “easy to understand” without need for an arts education or specific cultural upbringing. His patterns, internationally influenced by some greats like Russian Constructivist Alexander Rodchenko and Austrian architect/religious theorist Rudolf Steiner, are admittedly rooted in the many cultures Arita has experienced.

His textile brand, fittingly named New Esperanto Label, uses “textiles as a communication tool to penetrate food, clothing and shelter,” akin to ancient traditions of story-telling and cultural permeation via textile.

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Two designs inspired by the Tokyo Tower, at “Day”. . .

. . .and at “Night.”

Goodbye, Michael Jackson

No matter who you are, there has got to be at least one Michael Jackson song that you love, or at least one time in your history that this icon is somehow a part of. Farewell to an international legend, an artist whose work was so far reaching despite his troubled life. Rest in peace, MJ.


MJ was the first musician that I connected with who inspired me artistically. The break dancing career was short lived however. Wish I could remember what I did with the red jacket though... —Rob


UPDATE: The day after—read news from June 26, 2009 here.

Another Voice from the Abyss

Despite the fact that this young gal forgets the lyrics, she has such a strong grasp of her own identity, I just couldn’t resist her. A great (and albeit less painful) rendition of Dire Straits’ strikingly tender Romeo & Juliet:



Voice: meallat, age 20 from Ireland.

Home Sweet Home

Just look at all this design goodness that Hyge & West is offering to dress up your abode!

First 3 samples: Julia Rothman (RISD grad) for H&G collection. Each roll of wallpaper is designed in Brooklyn, NY and screen printed in Chicago, IL on coated paper manufactured in the USA. This high quality paper is designed to be extremely durable and is fade resistant. Not cheap, but it is gorgeous—a double roll measures 27" X 30' for $105.00 USD.



Second set: Fern Living Collection. Wallpaper is designed and manufactured in Denmark. Each roll is 21" X 32.8' with a 21" repeat, and costs $115 USD.

The Robogames are here!

To appease the geek inside us all, the Robogames are back in SF! They rumble (with fire), play Connect Four, an oh yes, dance. And some, like the ones above, are pretty sweet-looking. Personally, I’m in the market for the one that hunts down and debilitates mosquitoes and spammers (uh-huh, mosquitoes and spammers are of the same species as far as I’m concerned).

Knit Graffiti!

This photo was taken by a friend somewhere in Paris, and it brings joy to my heart. I'm trying to imagine the plan of action for this little pole cozy, and the thought that went into it. Was it clandenstine night knitting, perhaps with headlamp, or maybe in the light of day innocently knitting away. It's hard to imagine anyone yelling "Hey kid! Stop that knitting at once." Which is exactly what makes the decision to alter public property in this way so interesting.

Photo and Title: Honorine Lalore

Little Red Riding Hood by Tomas Nilssonse

This is a student project created by Tomas Nilssonse, Sweden. Overall, I think it was a really great animation and fun to watch.



Here is the original animation that inspired Tomas (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Xhdy9zBEws) while the animation is more flushed out I still like the Red Riding Hood one.

Calling all typophiles!

A sweet little number from the Brit artist more commonly known for her fashion/editorial illustration: Jo Ratcliffe.

Design Efficiency

I love this poster series that Alan Clarke proposed for London’s 2012 Olympics. Each is bold and memorable, getting the message, or rather, the spirit of each sport across with the most minimal means. And best of all, the posters are legible beyond language—perfectly appropriate for this international event.