AUSTERE CHIC

Favorite Grammy outfits

2012-02-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

These are my favorite outfits of the evening ...

Carpenter Bench

2012-02-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love these one-of-a-kind benches from CB2. Only 170 available, these not only make for practical seating, but great low tables as well (imagine in font of a bed), in a mudroom, in a laundry area. The only drawback is that you won't know it's size until it's in physically in your hands as no two are the same ... so if you are feeling adventurous ... click here.

http://www.cb2.com/

Teva Living Furniture

2012-01-29T15:52:00.000-08:00

Based in Irvine, California (just outside Los Angeles), Teva Living creates European inspired furniture made of solid Pine timbers salvaged from old buildings. Each plank is rough hewed and sanded by hand, making every individual piece uniquely beautiful. Check out some of my favorite pieces from their website.

http://tevaliving.com/

Rule of a Gentleman - No. 125

2012-01-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

This post via http://etiquetteforagentleman.tumblr.com/

The New Yorker Cartoons

2012-01-29T11:14:00.001-08:00

"Unlike Playboy,
I don't buy The New Yorker for its articles;
I get it for the images."

- D. L.

PONG - EMF protection

2012-01-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

On this very blog, I stumbled upon an add that seems quite extraordinary. I always recommend you do your own investigating, but based on their website pictures and explanations, this seems like the next must-have practical gadget of the decade (in my humble opinion).

Here is an excerpt from their site: "Reducing Up to 95% of Near Field Intensity. EMR within one wavelength of the user is called Near Field Intensity (NFI). When you hold your cell phone to your ear, you are absorbing between 48 to 68% of the NFI radiated by your phone. It is this radiation that underlies increasing concerns among physicians, scientists, and lawmakers who believe this exposure to be a health hazard. The NFI of the iPhone 4/4S can be seen as a white "hot spot" in the picture below on the left. On the right, using Pong, NFI has been directed away from the user."

Without the Pong Device

SAR = 1.188 mW/g

With the Pong Device

SAR = .296 mW/g 75% Reduction

For more information you can go to http://www.pongresearch.com

Beta-Plus 2011 releases

2012-01-28T18:49:00.000-08:00

Below are the 2011 releases for Beta-Publishing (out of Belgium). These are the types of books you can buy blindly, and will always get inspired! If you are an architect, a designer, or just an aesthete ... this series is for you. (having some difficulty with the Amazon widgets ... if it doesn't show, just go to Amazon.com).

Schmitt Mobiles

2012-01-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

For years I've enjoyed one of Schmitt Mobiles and have stared at it countless hours, hypnotized, calm and joyful. One can get completely captivated by the slow movements it makes: watching it move is almost a meditation in itself ... one can't help but become entranced! Yet, somehow, I never thought of blogging about it on Austere Chic ... so better late than never (and 2 orders later) ... I introduce you to Schmitt Design. My ultimate favorite pieces are his mobiles, especially the CAMBER and the VESSEL. Schmitt Design is based in California but they ship anywhere.

For more info ... http://www.schmittdesign.com/mobiles/

2012-01-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

H A P P Y
F U N N Y
S E X Y
H E A L T H Y
W E A L T H Y

2 0 1 2

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T09:31:00.000-08:00

Soldiers' Portraits before, during and after war

2011-12-22T08:06:00.000-08:00

"These interesting images captured by photographer Claire Felicie are showing how faces of soldiers changed over time.

The close-up portraits of marines from the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps depict the soldiers’ faces before, during and after their deployment in Afghanistan.

The first pictures were taken in 2009 and the last in 2010. Notice how in the central pictures (while in Afghanistan) the marines all have a tan but most of all look at their eyes how bright, crisp and ‘more alive’ seems to be …. very interesting!"

This post via http://www.thezigzagger.com/

Wonder-Wall

2011-11-07T22:36:00.000-08:00

One of my new favorite websites ... a cool new concept in design (in all sense of the word). Thank to 'Fab' for sharing it with yours truly.

"Wonderwall is an interior design firm established by Masamichi Katayama. Its portfolio includes commercial spaces such as retail spaces, restaurants and bars, as well as office showrooms and building complexes that are distinctly unique in design and yet attentive to function."

http://wonder-wall.com/

Arto Huart - Photography

2011-11-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

P.O.M from Arto huart on Vimeo.

Supporting friends ...
Saturday, November 12 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Arto Huart is having a show at

Le Petit Paris

13 rue du Temple
Paris 75004
France

http://www.artohuart.com/

Huguette Caland

2011-10-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Loving the black and white work of Los Angeles based Lebanese artist Huguette Caland! My favorites .... her little black ink drawings and the metal & thread Rossinante sculptures.

Part of this post comes from http://kendallconrad.blogspot.com/

You can see most of Huguette's work @ http://huguettecaland.com/

10,000 Monks praying for a better world

2011-10-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Discovered on Facebook via Shawn W. (his picture).

Bosco Verticale - Vertical Forest

2011-10-19T19:36:00.000-07:00

This project is currently under construction in Milan, Italy!!!

"Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) is a project for metropolitan reforestation that contributes to the regeneration of the environment and urban biodiversity without the implication of expanding the city upon the territory. Bosco Verticale is a model of vertical densification of nature within the city. It is a model that operates correlated to the policies for reforestation and naturalization of the large urban and metropolitan borders (Metrosbosco). Metrobosco and Bosco Verticale are devices for the environmental survival of contemporary European cities. Together they create two modes of building links between nature and city within the territory and within the cities of contemporary Europe.

The first example of a Bosco Verticale composed of two residential towers of 110 and 76 meters height, will be realized in the center of Milan, on the edge of the Isola neighborhood, and will host 900 trees (each measuring 3, 6 or 9 m tall) apart from a wide range of shrubs and floral plants.
On flat land, each Bosco Verticale equals, in amount of trees, an area equal to 10.000 sqm of forest. In terms of urban densification the equivalent of an area of single family dwellings of nearly 50.000 sqm.

The Bosco Verticale is a system that optimizes, recuperates and produces energy. The Bosco Verticale aids in the creation of a micro-climate and in filtering the dust particles contained in the urban environment. The diversity of the plants and their characteristics produce humidity, absorb CO2 and dust particles, producing oxygen and protect from radiation and acoustic pollution, improving the quality of living spaces and saving energy. Plant irrigation will be produced to great extent through the filtering and reuse of the grey waters produced by the building. Additionally Aeolian and photovoltaic energy systems will contribute, together with the aforementioned micro-climate to increase the degree of energetic self sufficiency of the two towers. The management and maintenance of the Bosco Verticale’s vegetation will be centralized and entrusted to an agency with an office counter open to the public."

This post via http://www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net/
For more information and images of the project, click on the above link.

Asphalte Laurence Favory

2011-10-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

Supporting friends .... Pearl, this is for you!

Opening Night - Thursday, November 3 · 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Exhibit until November 26, 2011

Galerie De Vos - Espace Seven

7 rue Bonaparte

Paris 75006
France

http://seven-gallery.com/

Sweet Fine Day - Calendar

2011-10-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

If you love food ... this is a calendar for you! Discovered on the very cool blog http://designskool.net/, this 2012 calendar is actually available through Etsy.

Jenna Park is a designer and the co-owner and creative director behind the Brooklyn confectionery company, Whimsy & Spice. She photographs, styles and designs all the creative efforts behind the company's brand.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/whimsyandspice

In the mood for ... Elsworth Kelly

2011-10-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hedi Slimane - California Song

2011-10-18T10:10:00.000-07:00

Select California bands will contribute to the installation, using a fragmentary sound system, and panoramic scores

Hedi Slimane's "Califorina Period" served to not only extend his explorations of urban youth out of the European platforms of Berlin and London, but gave his photography the merit of truly capturing the modern youth of California . Slimane achieved this in a way no other photographer of this generation has. Quality of light met a defined quality of life and, as such , mutual myths (of both Slimane and of California's youth) were perpetrated. Clips from the press release post jump

Slimane's exhibition at MOCA will be divided into two parts. An installation and a series of black-and-white print photographs from his California years will be presented on the ground floor, and a sonic, motion-photography installation, produced specifically for MOCA, will be featured on the second floor. The installation will reference a multi-projection, cubic, architectural format, which Slimane has constructed in previous exhibitions to present his photographs, using serial construction and repetition to create an archaic form of cinematic narration. Slimaneʼs allusive portraiture, in which photographs, portraits, and still life compositions are often signs or fragments of a portrait, will be projected in a repetitive, almost ritual, manner. The installation will also address “performance act,” as defined for the first time in Slimaneʼs photographic essay, Stage (2004), and will include a live performance space underneath the projection.

Select California bands, such as No Age, will contribute to the installation, using a fragmentary sound system, and composing panoramic scores—extended, visual song formats—which will form a dialogue with and define a sonic vocabulary for the photographs.

This post via http://theimagist.com/

Ruffle Necklace

2011-10-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Loving this ruffle necklace listed on Etsy ... and is available for purchase here!

See other handmade ruffle collars by clicking on this link:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/frankideas?section_id=6377176

A-Line Skirt by Luxirare

2011-10-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Loving this A-Line skirt by Luxirare ... to see more designs from her, go to http://luxirare.com/a-line-leather-skirts/

GERTRUD & OTTO NATZLER - Form & Glaze

2011-10-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

Loving the work of ceramic artists Gertrud Natzler (American, born Austria. 1908-1971) and Otto Natzler (American, born Austria. 1908-2007).

Some of these can be viewed @ www.moma.org though there is an upcoming exhibition right here in LA. (the above images are from http://www.moma.org/)

GERTRUD & OTTO NATZLER
Form and Glaze

October 22 – November 26, 2011
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 22, 5-8pm

166 N. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90036

Phone: (323) 933-5557
Email: info@couturiergallery.com
Website: www.couturiergallery.com
Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11am-5pm

To read the full announcement ... click here.

Thanks to Juna B. for letting me know about it!

Water House by Li Xiaodong

2011-10-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

This post via http://www.luxuryculture.com/

To read the article and/or see more pictures, go to search and enter "water house" @ http://www.luxuryculture.com/home.html?gotourl=HP.

Rule of a Gentleman - No. 22

2011-10-10T22:44:00.000-07:00

This post via http://etiquetteforagentleman.tumblr.com/

Humor??? you decide ....

2011-10-10T20:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Colette D. for forwarding this to me!

White - Black - Wood

2011-10-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

This post via http://m2arquitectura.wordpress.com/

The Silk Farm - B&B

2011-10-07T14:20:00.000-07:00

"Owned by a pair of architects, this is an immaculately restored rustic Provençal farmhouse, surrounded by vines, at the foot of the villages of Bonnieux and Lacoste.

The former silk farm has a delightful inner courtyard with summer kitchen and salon, large swimming pool, lawns and gardens around the property. Inside the authentic architecture is complimented by old and new furniture and artefacts from Provence as well as items collected from the silk road."

This surprisingly affordable listing from http://www.airbnb.com/ is just one of many incredible properties for rent by the night or by the week - this one is Provence.

Fore more information such as price and availablility, click here.

http://www.airbnb.com/

Derek Wilson - CERAMICS

2011-10-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

Loving the exquisite work of Irish artist Derek Wilson.

In his own words ...

"My ideas spring from a complex blending of the abstract to the familiar, evident in both the functional ware and sculpture that I make. My objects, in their color, shape and materiality, reference the ideas of restraint, containment and minimalism. My search for a simplicity of form draws inspiration upon a diverse range of sources from mid-century British Constructivism to the history of the ceramic industry in Europe and Asia. I work in celadon glazed porcelain and stoneware and my objects, whether they are made to be used or not, tend to be placed in groupings – evoking communality and sociability. My aim is to push the boundaries of a traditional and diverse art form through playing with its aesthetics, materiality and processes. Fundamentally, my work is essentially made to be used in everyday life."

Derek Wilson Ceramics
25-51 York Street Belfast
Co.Antrim BT15 1ED

+44 786 0533681
studio@derekwilsonceramics.com

http://www.derekwilsonceramics.com/

The PNKYRNG Collection by Dina Kamal

2011-10-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

Dina Kamal is an architect and a jewellery designer based in Beirut.

Below is a peak look at her first jewellery collection made and launched last summer at London's Dover Street Market. For more information and see her full line of jewelry, go to http://www.dinakamal.com/

In her own words ....

"Throughout history, the pinky ring, signet ring, or chevaliere, has implied status, style, and attitude.

From the Pharaohs to ancient Rome where royalty and clergy had their pinky rings embossed with symbols and seals, to dandies, and mafia, to the glamorous women of the 1930s who defined their avant-garde attitudes through fashion, to the silver screen icons, movie, jazz, rock, hip-hop and rap stars, the pinky ring is – and always has been – shorthand for distinction, style and attitude.

In a contemporary style, and from an architect’s perspective, the DK01 PNKYRNG Collection re-defines the shape of the signet ring and sets a revival for the pinky ring or chevalière.

DK01 is design practice focusing on unique ideas for precious objects and architectural projects."

Thank you - RIP

2011-10-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Steve Jobs
1955 - 2011

BOOK - a new concept!

2011-09-15T11:18:00.000-07:00

<br><br><br><br>BOOK

Roman & Williams Design Firm

2011-09-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

"It's a shame to only have dreams at night. You should have a few opportunities during the day." This wistful quote from Stephen Alesch speaks volumes about the spaces he and Robin Standefer create as architects and designers. Their firm Roman & Williams, is named for their grandparents, paying homage to another era. Together, they draw on the evocative moods, textures, and meaningful objects that linger somewhere between past and present. Their work is infused with memory and allows participants to connect with a more romantic and important time.

Alesch still renders all of their presentations by hand, a skill he has preserved and honed from an early age. Standefer evolved her skills as a painter into creating sets for the likes of Scorsese. As a team they have developed an approach to creating buildings and interiors that reveres craft and tradition, combined with a contemporary viewpoint. This unique vision has lead to a number of important public and private projects including the Ace Hotel, The Standard Hotel, and 211 Elizabeth. Photo by Rose Callahan"

This post via http://vimeo.com/thescout

Official Site: http://www.romanandwilliams.com/

Style ...

2011-09-11T22:20:00.000-07:00

"Style can make complicated things seem simple,
or simple things complicated."

— Jean Cocteau

This quote via http://lostindecoration.tumblr.com/

Mast Brothers Chocolates

2011-09-11T22:05:00.000-07:00

Mast Brothers Chocolate Factory

105A North 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 388-2625 phone
(718) 228-5805 fax

http://mastbrothers.com/

This post via http://lostindecoration.tumblr.com/

In Praise of Doubt ...

2011-09-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

1. Donald Judd, Untitled, 1989. Plywood, each 50 x 100 x 50 cm. Courtesy Froehlich Collection, Stuttgart. © ART © Judd Foundation, by SIAE 2011 © Palazzo Grassi.

2. Sturtevant, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, AMERICA AMERICA, 2004. Light bulbs, rubber light sockets and cords, dimensions variable. Courtesy Sturtevant © Palazzo Grassi. Top: Charles Ray, Boy with Frog, 2005-2007. Painted steel, 247 x 91 x 96.5 cm. © Charles Ray / Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery. © Palazzo Grassi.

3. Subodh Gupta, Spooning, 2009. Stainless steel, 2 parts, 33.9 x 274.9 x 52 cm. © Subodh Gupta, courtesy the artist and Hauser & Wirth. © Palazzo Grassi.

54th Venice Biennale 2011 “In Praise of Doubt” at Punta della Dogana

Via ummhello

Space to love ...

2011-09-10T22:03:00.000-07:00

Via http://designed-for-life.tumblr.com/

Polaroids by Andrea Tonellotto

2011-09-10T20:24:00.000-07:00

A few samples of the lovely Polaroid work by Andrea Tonellotto, an urban landscapes photographer based in Piazzola Sul Brenta, Padova (Italy) ... discovered on Polaroid.com

Pictures via http://www.flickr.com/

Eye Candy

2011-09-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

A few favorites from M2Arquitectura pages 1 through 8 ... http://m2arquitectura.wordpress.com/

The Fat Radish - Restaurant

2011-09-05T16:50:00.000-07:00

Check out this very cool New York dig called The Fat Radish ... for more info ... click here.

http://thefatradishnyc.com/

My Personal Heaven (I wish)

2011-09-05T14:33:00.001-07:00

Is this heaven? No! It's .... from http://blog.unionmadegoods.com/of-interest-101-spring-street.html

Union Made - Los Angeles

2011-09-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favorite clothing stores in Los Angeles is Union Made in the Brentwood Country Mart. Whether you are a man or a woman with a flair for simple masculin or unisex clothes ... they sell my favorite Saint James Striped tops, scarves and hats, Japanese Scarves, the coolest felt and/or fabric bags, Il Bisonti accessories, bags and wallets, alongside classic men's wear. You can see what they are all about on their very cool blog http://blog.unionmadegoods.com/

Hummmm?

2011-09-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

Intimacy

2011-09-05T11:33:00.000-07:00

A [Male’s] new fear of intimacy. Intimacy means physical, emotional connection with somebody else. Especially with somebody of the opposite sex who gives off ambiguous, contradictory, phosphorescent signals …

‐ Philip Zimbardo

This post via http://blog.yimmyayo.com/

Land Art ...

2011-09-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

This post via http://blog.yimmyayo.com/

...

2011-09-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

A few favorites from JPEG HEAVEN

2011-08-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

The above order creates a short story ...
the below order is random ...

These are just of few favorites from the very cool blog JPEG HEAVEN (pages 1-60) ...

http://www.jpeg-heaven.com/

NO GMOs! The right to know ....

2011-08-12T19:37:00.001-07:00

Anti-GMO Activists,

As part of OCA's Millions Against Monsanto Truth-in-Labeling Campaign we are encouraging activists in our network to plan their own campaign events with others in their area. This email is to inform you that there is an upcoming event near you, organized by grassroots organizers who care about the GE-labeling issue as much as you do.

Saturday, August 13th 3pm

W. Los Angeles - PLAN THE RIGHT TO KNOW -WORLD FOOD DAY RALLY!

The Novel Cafe, 2127 Lincoln Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405

We need everyone's help to create an awesome World Food day rally planned for October 16th at the Westwood Federal Bldg! Please join us!

Contact Stacey Hall at gmofreesocal@gmail.com with questions about this event.

Join your local OCA chapter and keep up to date on the food and farming news in California here: http://www.organicconsumers.org/state/CA.cfm

Tip of the Month - Ants

2011-08-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

The best and most practical piece of information I've heard this month is ....

WHITE CHALK IS ABRASIVE TO ANTS

To make a long story short ... after wiping lines of ants in my kitchen, yet they kept coming back ... I tried this tip by making a line of chalk around the window where they kept coming in .... it took only a few seconds for the ants on the outside to dissipate (they stopped as if this was a line of fire) ... and on the inside ... I just wiped them all out with a wet sponge. The best part is .... NO TOXINS! NO FUMES! NO CHEMICALS!

AXE Restaurant reopens after 1 year!!!

2011-08-01T19:32:00.000-07:00

Finally, after the August 4, 2010 fire and one year of renovations ... Axe reopens!

Days and hours @ http://www.axerestaurant.com/

A few favorites from Yimmy's Yayo

2011-07-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

...

2011-06-23T20:46:00.001-07:00

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication"

- Leonardo da Vinci

...

2011-06-09T23:28:00.001-07:00

This post via http://blog.yimmyayo.com/

Love ...

2011-06-09T23:23:00.000-07:00

This post via http://blog.yimmyayo.com/

Analogue Life - Japan

2011-05-28T15:34:00.001-07:00

Good news for design lovers heading to Japan: one of our favorite online sources, Analogue LIfe, recently opened a small shop in a quiet Nagoya neighborhood. Owners Ian Orglas and Mitsue Iwakoshi collaborated with local designer Yoshiyuki Hibino of Beets to create a serene retail space (it's located a floor above Tsukihiso, a traditional art gallery). Their aim was to retain the traditional look and feel of the Show-era building while giving it a contemporary update. They removed the fusuma (sliding doors) and opened the space, adding a white ash wood floor to contrast with the existing dark wood. What the couple have deftly achieved is an airy space that still retains a traditional Japanese feel; it's all in keeping with their mission: to preserve traditional Japanese crafts and arts while making them culturally relevant in a modern world.

To browse the shop's wares, go to Analogue LIfe.

This post via (and you can read more about it at) http://remodelista.com/posts/shoppers-diary-analogue-life-in-nagoya

Richard Long - Land Art

2011-05-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favorite artists ....

This post via the very cool - very underground http://www.booooooom.com/

SILNT - Graphic Designer

2011-05-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Loving the work of SILNT!

http://www.behance.net/SILNT

Strange Sand Phenomenon

2011-05-28T12:01:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the previous post ... the thread being sand ... this just looks too cool not to share. Enjoy!

Mac-Controlled Algorithmic Art

2011-05-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

Mac-controlled Algorithmic art by Jean-Pierre Hebert. You can read a fascinating article on the man and his work @ http://www.apple.com/science/profiles/hebert/index.html

More @ http://jeanpierrehebert.com/

Do nothing for 2 minutes!

2011-05-28T11:28:00.000-07:00

Relax.

Breathe deeply.
Try not to multitask.
Do nothing for two minutes.
Click the following link and just listen.
It won't hurt...

It's like a speed bump on the internet.

http://www.donothingfor2minutes.com/

Thanks to Robin S. for this!

Photo by Feika

Birch Flower Shop - San Francisco

2011-05-27T20:19:00.001-07:00

Birch is the destination flower shop in San Francisco. Owner Torryne Choate is insistent that flowers are the focus. Inspired by her love of fashion, music and art, the floral vibe in Birch is unlike any other in the city. "When I designed the shop, I knew exactly what I wanted- the paired down aesthetic and dark tones of an exclusive european boutique, with great music" says Torryne. the soundtrack at birch ranges from vintage Bowie, to Ahmad Jamal, to the Plasticines and beyond ...

The above taken from their own website http://birchsf.com/

Norwegian Fireplace ... = Art

2011-05-27T20:07:00.000-07:00

Located in Trondheim, Norway. The Unique Outdoor Fireplace design was designed by Haugen/Zohar Architects. Given a very limited budget, reusing leftover materials (from a nearby construction site) was a starting point that led the design to be based on short wooden pieces. Inspired by the Norwegian turf huts and old log construction, a 5,2×4,5 meters wooden construction was built and mounted on a lighted and brushed concrete base. The structure is made of 80-layered circles. The circles have varied radius and relative center point in relation to each other. Every circle is made out of 28 pieces of naturally impregnated core of pine that are placed with varied spaces to assure chimney effect and natural light.

This post via http://www.modecodesign.com/

Ubuntu Restaurant - Napa Valley

2011-05-27T19:58:00.000-07:00

Located in Downtown Napa, California, Ubuntu Restaurant was designed by APPARATUS Architecture. Which occupies a historic 19th century stone building. The main dining room, bar, and open kitchen occupy the large volume bounded by the original exposed stone walls and timber roof trusses. A second floor mezzanine sits over the enclosed space of the prep kitchen and storage areas.

Materials were chosen for their inherent richness of color and texture, with an eye towards using recycled materials wherever possible. The flooring is a dark mix of salvaged hard woods, the tabletops are reclaimed fir from the Eastman House on the Sacramento River, and the large community table was built with solid slabs of two windfall trees from Occidental, California.

Large custom pendant lights float within the volume of the dining room, while a row of smaller glass fixtures focuses the scale and axis of the central community table.

http://www.ubuntunapa.com/

This post via http://www.modecodesign.com/

R/Turpan - East Hampton

2011-05-27T09:57:00.000-07:00

If you haven't checked out their store in person ... I dare you not to be tempted by anything! They have exquisite taste and I'm excited to know there is another location opening. For those of you who live in LA, you are lucky to have one @ the Brentwood Country Mart (26th/San Vicente).

Waiting ...

2011-05-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

Another really cool post via http://blog.yimmyayo.com/

Dice Kayek - Fashion Designer

2011-05-25T21:47:00.001-07:00

LOOOoooooooving the simple and elegant designs of Turkish Designer Dice Kayek! If Dior was alive today ... I believe that's what he would've eventually evolved into ...

http://www.dicekayek.com/

Istanbul Contrast 2010 ... better late than never!

2011-05-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

"Located at “Hall des Maréchaux” of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the scenography of the exhibition had a prior engagement to respect the historical and prestigious nature of the setting. The scenography made a basic use of paper and light to put on stage the collection of the fashion designers Dice Kayek inspired by the multiple facets of the city of Istanbul. The major elements of the scenography were lighted walls enlighting Istanbul themed photographs by Sitki Kösemen, podiums upon which dressmaker forms and digital information panels were installed, lighted columns carrying the exhibition information and special lighting effects. Rose flavoured lokoums were served to guests and fresh tulip decorations installed to reinforce the multi-sensorial effect along with background tunes from Burhan Öcal.

Koray Ozgen designed the visual identity and scenography of the “Istanbul Contrast” exhibition which took place within in the framework of the Turkish Cultural Season in France. www.en.istanbul2010.org "

It's never too late to discover great collaborations such as ISTANBUL CONTRAST which includes some of Turky's greatest creative minds - from fashion to photography to music and so forth.

This post taken directly from http://ozgen.fr/

Borne Doorstop

2011-05-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Loving these door stops designed by Koray Ozgen and made in France of hand-turned natural stone with a leather handle, the Borne Doorstop (13.5 centimeters tall and 10 centimeters wide) is available in Anatolian stone (gray) or in Burgundy stone (beige); from €50 at ODC.

Yet another post via http://remodelista.com/

Capital Kitchen - Melbourne

2011-05-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Located on the outskirts of Melbourne, Capital Kitchen features a combination of rustic and industrial elements—with a few modern touches throughout. Designed by Australia-based Mim Design ("We were going for a modern country farmhouse feel," the designers say), the interiors feature rustic timber floors, exposed brick walls, and sleek modern Carrara counters. For more information, go to Capital Kitchen.

This post via http://remodelista.com/

Japanese Washi Paper Tape

2011-05-24T18:32:00.000-07:00

I know I know ... you rarely see color on Austere Chic, well .... I actually love this neon tape! Discovered on the lovely blog http://laurejoliet.com/

You can see the whole spectrum of colors here.

http://www.happytape.bigcartel.com/

Stone Bowls

2011-05-14T20:54:00.000-07:00

Loving these stone bowls (White = limestone) (Black = soapstone) spotted @ the very cool http://shop.canvashomestore.com/

Sat. April 30 - sale @ TORTOISE GENERAL STORE for Japan!!!!!

2011-04-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY APRIL 30 - HUMBLE CERAMICS has donated 16 pieces which will be sold through http://www.tortoiselife.com/ (the coolest store in Venice/Abbot Kinney!!!!!) for REVIVE JAPAN (100% of the proceeds will be donated to Shigeru Ban (Architect), Iwate Prefecture, and other small charity groups that we (Tortoise) feel can help the people of Japan immediately.) If you live in Los Angeles, drop by, and shop for a good cause! Help us REBUILD JAPAN!

Like a breeze - music box

2011-04-28T22:59:00.000-07:00

The music box SLIGHTLY WINDY uses this movement to animate the barley. It translates the lightness of nature being lulled by wind and music. Created by Jose Ferrufino of l'ECAL (Ecole Cantonal d'Art de Lausane) .. this is how the music box works: the motor gives movement to the cylinder, the pins on the cylinder hit the blades of the keyboard and it this action that creates the melody.

You can read more about here http://www.joseferrufino.com/index.php?/projects
/slightly-windy/

This post via http://djdelphinus.blogspot.com/

Sopehead Pich - Compound

2011-04-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

"Cambodian artist Sopheap Pich develops large-scale sculptures that draw on the history of his native country, daily life and own personal experiences and surroundings. His installation 'compound' is a construction using agricultural and craft materials found throughout Cambodia: bamboo, metal wire, plywood and rattan, developed as a response to the dramatic progress of urban development and its detrimental effects on the environment. The towering structure is situated within the foyer of the national museum of Singapore, on show as part of the 2011 Singapore Art Biennale, drawing attention to the idea that where there is rapid progress, there is also destruction. though the piece's stacked geometric structures suggest architecture, the interspersed tubular shapes suggest bombs or ammunition, and the threat of destruction. pich's multi-part sculpture responds to the emergence of high-rise architecture in Cambodia, using materials such as bamboo, sustained by the country's wetlands and lakes, that are now being drained for development. This cityscape is derived from traditional techniques used in craft and agriculture, but also reminds us of the computer software used in architecture and engineering offices. It took about 8 months to create the structure which consists of 83 individual units of various dimensions, in total measuring approximate 400 x 250 x 250cm."

This post via http://www.designboom.com/

The Spice Table - Los Angeles

2011-04-26T09:10:00.001-07:00

Inspired by Singaporean and Vietnamese cuisine, the Spice Table has opened in Little Tokyo, serving a focused menu of specialties such as catfish claypot and Hainanese chicken rice in an intimate dining room with high ceilings, exposed brick and bird cage chandeliers. (If you saw the space's former incarnation as Cuba Central, you might be wowed by the transformation.)

All wines -- from a charming list that spans an Edna Valley Albarino to Napa Cabernet, with an Erbaluce di Caluso and Becky Wasserman et Fils Pinot Noir in between -- are served both by the glass and bottle. Beers include Port Brewing Co.'s Wipeout IPA and West Coast Brewing's Le Merle Saison (beers are served in 4-, 12- and 16-ounce pours).

Chef-owner Bryant Ng, a former Mozza chef de cuisine, is settling into the kitchen, which features a wood-burning hearth for grilling satay and vegetables and otah (mackerel, spices and coconut milk formed into a paste then steamed and grilled in banana leaf). Laksa (spicy noodle soup) and kon loh mee (egg noodles with ground pork, shrimp and char siu roast pork) are among the noodle and rice dishes.

"Snacks" include sambal fried potatoes, headcheese with housemade pickles, and spicy chicken livers with toast. Ralph Waxman, also a Mozza veteran, might stop by your table to suggest the Leitz Rheingau Riesling with the curry fried chicken wings.

Desserts are palm sugar soft serve ice cream and kaffir lime custard. Why not get both?

114 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles; (213) 620-1840; www.thespicetable.com

This post written by Betty Hallock (from an LA Times article)

...

2011-04-25T12:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.xavierhufkens.com/

Anthony Gormley - a few favorites ...

2011-04-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

Nothing new, but here are just a few favorites by Anthony Gormley from the excellent Belgian Gallery Xavier/Hufkens

Noelle Miller Jewelry

2011-04-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

Loving the work of Los Angeles jewelry artist Noelle Miller whom I met at LA's very cool bar The Dime on Fairfax avenue ...

More info @
http://www.facebook.com/noellemillerjewelry
http://www.etsy.com/shop/noellemfinejewelry1

Art in the streets @ the Geffen Contemporary

2011-04-22T22:59:00.000-07:00

GO!!!!!

More info @http://www.moca.org/ and http://www.moca.org/museum/moca_geffen.php

152 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Photos by Maria Haworth

Lead Apron Bookstore/Gallery - Los Angeles

2011-04-22T22:18:00.000-07:00

Fine Art - Rare Books - Photography

O: 323-782-1888 | F: 323-782-1883 | M: 914-400-3908

8445 Melrose Place, Los Angeles CA 90069

JONATHAN BROWN

info@leadapron.net

Monday – Friday 10 to 7pm | Saturday 12 to 5pm

http://www.leadapron.net/index.html

Need I say more?

Lilly Donaldson - Flying Hair

2011-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

Lilly Donaldson - Flying Hair

http://vimeo.com/16285298?ab

CUSTOMTONE by Fracture & Neptune feat. Martin Fieber

2011-04-22T17:58:00.001-07:00

CUSTOMTONE by Fracture & Neptune feat. Martin Fieber

ASTROPHONICA in collaboration with UTILE present the video for Customtone by Fracture & Neptune, featuring Martin Fieber.

Created to celebrate the launch of the album 'Retrospect - a Decade of Fracture & Neptune', UTILE (Emilski and Nick Duggins) take us on a psychedelic journey into the Astrophonica universe.

Customtone features the lap steel talent of Martin Fieber and will be available as part of a limited edition 12" sampler for the the album. The sleeve art for this release will be hand printed and individually numbered by Emilski and willl be available at the end of May 2011

‘Retrospect – A Decade Of Fracture & Neptune’ is an 18 track, digital LP that brings together the classic, always cosmic, Fracture & Neptune sound from the year 2000 right up to the current date. Some released faves, some unreleased, some brand new and some unheard tracks from the vaults! All wonderfully remastered by Bob Macc and sounding better than ever. Release date end of May 2011.

Find out more about the album here - astrophonica.com/retrospect-lp-a-decade-of-fracture-neptune/

design and animation by Emilski & Nick Duggins for UTILE
contact@utilecreative.com

Heather Levine - POTTER

2011-04-21T00:35:00.000-07:00

Loving these mobiles from LA ceramic artist Heather Levine. You can see the rest of her work @ http://www.heatherlevine.com/

Xylophone in the Forest by Invisible Designs Lab

2011-04-16T10:47:00.000-07:00

We’re starting up production on our summer issue, and I’m on the hunt for amazing outdoor inspiration—events, locations, artwork, you name it. When I saw this xylophone project posted over at The Fox is Black, my jaw dropped. The video was made by the Japanese firm Invisible Designs Lab for DOCOMO to promote the Touch Wood SH-08C, a limited-edition phone with a solid wood body. The phone is cool, but the video? It’s incredible; a truly inspiring vision of what can be accomplished when creative minds work collectively to put a project into motion.

Set in a quiet forest, a long man-made structure gently slopes over the landscape, propped up by logs and containing hundreds of precisely placed wooden bars. I won’t say more and spoil the video for you, but I’ll just say I’ve never seen such a stirring rendition of a Bach Cantata, especially performed by a wooden ball. Enjoy!

Pssst … Do you have any amazing outdoor inspirations—a favorite hideaway, summer destination, or outdoor activity? Please let us know. We’d love to hear about them!

This post via http://anthologymag.com/ discovered through http://laurejoliet.com/

Revive Japan - Japanese Tea Bowl Fundraiser

2011-04-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Revive-Japan-Japanese-Tea-Bowl-Fundraiser

Founded - March 2011

Location - 132 N. Orange Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036

About - HELPING JAPAN THROUGH CERAMICS : 100% Volunteers. 100% Hand-Made Ceramics. 100% Proceeds to Japan.

Company Overview - BUY A JAPANESE TEA BOWL FOR $20 and support the people of Japan. LA ceramic artists, and others around the country, are busy making Japanese tea bowls for our upcoming fundraiser.

SAVE THE DATE: Friday, May 6 at Peter Shire's Studio from 5pm - 10pm - Opening Night Party.

100% Volunteers. 100% Hand-made Ceramics. 100% Proceeds to Japan.

Description - Our friends Chi + Mari, and their friends in Japan, have found the three prefectures most affected by the earthquake + tsunami. We will wire the money raised in the fundraiser directly to these accounts:

• Iwate
• Miyagi
• Fukushima

http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/kojin/tukau/fukusi/kj_tk_fk_gienkin.html

General Information

BUY A TEA BOWL:
=> For just $20 each, own an original, hand-made Japanese tea bowl... each one made to support our friends in Japan. Sale dates to be announced when locations are finalized.

MAKE A TEA BOWL:
=> We are asking each ceramic artist to make and donate at least 10 Japanese tea bowls per requirements.

Requirements:
• Quantity: 10 units or more
• Material: food-safe clay + glazes
• Hand-made Process: wheel thrown or hand-pinched
• Due Date: Sunday, May 1, 2011

Mission - Deadline to complete the pieces, mail or drop off the donated items is Sunday, May 1, 2011.

DROP OFF LOCATIONS:

Mari Nakamura Johnson's House
132 N. Orange Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Echo Ceramics
2856 S. Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034

Peter Shire's Studio
1850 Echo Park Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90026

Products - Hand-made Japanese Tea Bowls.

Email - Phi: plequoc@gmail.com; Sylvie: syapotter@yahoo.com; Mari: malinaka@updateco.com

Phone - Phi (310) 686-1795 + Sylvie (213) 448 9109 + Mari (323) 807 7989

More information here.

10 things I learned from Japan

2011-04-05T11:45:00.000-07:00

1.
THE CALM
Not a single visual of chest-beating or wild grief.
Sorrow itself has been elevated.

2.
THE DIGNITY
Disciplined queues for water and groceries.
Not a rough word or a crude gesture.

3.
THE ABILITY
The incredible architects, for instance.
Buildings swayed but didn't fall.

4.
THE GRACE
People bought only what they needed for the present,
so everybody could get something.

5.
THE ORDER
No looting in shops.
No honking and no overtaking on the roads.
Just understanding.

6.
THE SACRIFICE
Fifty workers stayed back to pump sea water in the N-reactors.
How will they ever be repaid?

7.
THE TENDERNESS
Restaurants cut prices.
An unguarded ATM is left alone.
The strong cared for the weak.

8.
THE TRAINING
The old and the children, everyone knew exactly what to do.
And they did just that.

9.
THE MEDIA
They showed magnificent restraint in the bulletins.
No silly reporters.
Only calm reportage.

10.
THE CONSCIENCE
When the power went off in a store,
people put things back on the shelves and left quietly

I don't know the author of this post ... it was sent to me as an e-mail .... if this doesn't move you, I don't know what will. Please spread the word!

Water ink - BDDP Unlimited and Solidarités International - UK

2011-03-31T21:53:00.000-07:00

Water ink _ BDDP Unlimited and Solidarités International - UK from BDDP Unlimited on Vimeo.

This post via http://sebastienchort.com/blog/

COLCOA tickets now online!!!!

2011-03-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

If you live in Los Angeles and you like French films ... this is the festival for you! Hurry - tickets sell out fast!!!!! See you there!

Oloop Design - Felt Soap Bars

2011-03-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

"The Oloop Design , a group of Slovenian designers, has several interesting projects in their portfolio. One I like particularly are these handmade felted woolen soaps for the body which are intended for gentle massage and skin peeling."

This post via http://ideedianna.blogspot.com/

Asia meets Sweden

2011-03-23T12:12:00.000-07:00

"These beautiful ceramic open pebbles are made by the Lindform company. It is a Swedish design company which tries to combine the Asian harmony and the Scandinavian minimalism. Unfortunately their web is only in Swedish, but you can see their collections of beautiful and organic products. I found them at the Nordieska Galleriet in Stockholm, a design shop/gallery specialized in Scandinavian design."

This post via http://ideedianna.blogspot.com/

Light Bulb Reflections

2011-03-23T11:18:00.000-07:00

This post from http://blog.yimmyayo.com/

Mr. Fish + Julian Assange

2011-03-12T10:22:00.000-08:00

This post via http://jfkcountercoup.wordpress.com/

ABChairs by Roeland Otten

2011-03-09T21:18:00.000-08:00

Chair by Roeland Otten

This post via http://inspire.2ia.pl/

Clean Air Billboard

2011-03-02T15:48:00.000-08:00

"In what has to be one of the trippiest yet coolest installations we've seen yet, Lead Pencil Studio has created this clean air advertisement at the U.S. and Canada border near Vancouver. The giant frame, made of stainless steel rods, curiously frames the air. Why?

As Daniel Mihalyo of Lead Pencil Studio states: "Borrowing the effectiveness of billboards to redirect attention away from the landscape … this permanently open aperture between nations works to frame nothing more than a clear view of the changing atmospheric conditions beyond."

Commissioned by the U.S. federal government, Non-Sign II is a sculpture that is part of the U.S. General Services' Art in Architecture Program.

This post & more pictures via http://www.mymodernmet.com/

Street Art by JR .... a few favorites

2011-03-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

"JR owns the biggest art gallery in the world. He exhibits freely in the streets of the world, catching the attention of people who are not the museum visitors. His work mixes Art and Act, talks about commitment, freedom, identity and limit.

After he found a camera in the Paris subway, he did a tour of European Street Art, tracking the people who communicate messages via the walls. Then, he started to work on the vertical limits, watching the people and the passage of life from the forbidden undergrounds and roofs of the capital.

In 2006, he achieved Portrait of a generation, portraits of the suburban "thugs" that he posted, in huge formats, in the bourgeois districts of Paris. This illegal project became "official" when the Paris City Hall wrapped its building with JR's photos.

In 2007, with Marco, he did Face 2 Face, the biggest illegal photo exhibition ever. JR posted huge portraits of Israelis and Palestinians face to face in eight Palestinian and Israeli cities, and on the both sides of the Security fence / Separation wall. The experts said it would be impossible. Still, he did it.

In 2008, he embarked for a long international trip for "Women", a project in which he underlines the dignity of women who are often the targets of conflicts. Of course, it didn't change the world, but sometimes a single laugher in an unexpected place makes you dream that it could.

JR creates "Pervasive Art" that spreads uninvited on the buildings of the slums around Paris, on the walls in the Middle-East, on the broken bridges in Africa or the favelas in Brazil. People who often live with the bare minimum discover something absolutely unnecessary. And they don't just see it, they make it. Some elderly women become models for a day; some kids turn artists for a week. In that Art scene, there is no stage to separate the actors from the spectators.

After these local exhibitions, the images are transported to London, New York, Berlin or Amsterdam where people interpret them in the light of their own personal experience.

As he remains anonymous and doesn't explain his huge full frame portraits of people making faces, JR leaves the space empty for an encounter between the subject/protagonist and the passer-by/interpreter.

This is what JR is working on. Raising questions...

JR currently works on 2 new projects: Wrinkles of the City which questions the memory of a city and its inhabitants and Unframed, which reinterprets in huge formats photos from important photographers taken from the archives of museums."

This post & pictures via JR's official website http://www.jr-art.net/

THE DEEP by PES

2011-02-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Bereft Society - The Manifesto

2011-02-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

BEREFT SOCIETY is a collective of individuals who believe in the destruction of explanation.

THE MANIFESTO

we were birthed from the
word soaked wombs of the world
branded by billboards and
petty explanations, rarely are
we privy to the ecstasy of
silence. it is not the time
to question the usefulness
of recycled dialogues
but too often we view art
with our mouths
DESTROY DESCRIPTION
DELETE worthless dribble
AWAY WITH ANALYSIS
we are an age of sight
that fails to go any further
than experience

we are the unused
sponges of society
soaking up aesthetic

DON'T DECIFER THIS

- a bereft
society production

bereftsociety.tumblr.com

Compliments ...

2011-02-13T16:37:00.000-08:00

This post via http://artosaari.tumblr.com/

Los Angeles Street Art - a few favorites ...

2011-02-07T23:48:00.000-08:00

These pictures were "borrowed" from the very cool blog dedicated to Los Angeles street art called Los Angeles Street Art. Thank you to the artists, their imagination and their courage!

Born by Jason DiPietro

2011-02-04T10:26:00.000-08:00

Born from Jason DiPietro on Vimeo.