In honor of this week’s celebration of Chinese New Year (January 23rd), I give you…
Vigor, the seriously awesome, recycled, drag racing steampunk dragon sculpture by Etsy artisans Reclaim2Fame.
Just look at that face! Read the rest of this entry
Posted January 27th, 2012 by Rachel
Posted January 17th, 2012 by Emerald
Usefulness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder.
Jacob Ruch has a knack for bringing out both characteristics in his work. Curbside cast-offs, salvage yard finds, construction refuse – all find a place at Reason Furniture Design, where the proverbial sow’s ear is transformed into… you know.
The company is named for Jacob’s great-uncle, Reason Ruch, who was, according to the artist, “extremely independent and self-sufficient, an excellent craftsman who could make wonderful things with very limited resources.” Jacob strives to make his business emulate those qualities. Read the rest of this entry
Posted November 28th, 2011 by Emerald
Occasionally I run across something that defies description and leaves me grappling with words as one grapples with wet soap in the tub. Look at this chair:
It’s a piece of furniture. It’s a work of art. So lovely!
But do you describe it? For that matter, how do you describe much of what Tom Raffield produces in his workshop in Cornwall, England? The gentleman’s website modestly labels his product “steam bent lighting and furniture,” but there’s more to the story than that.
This is art.
Posted November 23rd, 2011 by Emerald
The little wooden robot sits there, head cocked, arms outstretched, vacant drilled eyes staring into space. Its expression is puzzled and innocent. It looks like it wants a hug. It’s cute.
Sometimes, in the earnest seriousness of striving to live green, we forget our sense of humor. Marjolaine Poulin of M Design hasn’t forgotten… and she loves nothing better than to make other people smile, hence the little army of wooden robots marching out of her workshop in El Salvador.
Marjolaine (“Mao”) has taken scrap wood & discarded furniture and raised them both into art.
A native of Quebec, Canada, Mao splits her time between Montreal and El Salvador, always looking for inspiration. Her introduction to woodworking came in 2004 in Guatemala, where she learned classical bamboo carpentry from a Taiwanese master. Shortly afterward she began crafting her own designs hoping to promote bamboo’s many advantages as a building material in Central America.
Posted November 14th, 2011 by Emerald
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
~Henry David Thoreau
"Seconds Count" by Jason Wilbur
In the face of natural disaster, where others see devastation, Joy Feuer – and the many artists & volunteers who work with her – see opportunity for transformation and renewal. Life is often about new beginnings. Since 2008 Joy’s non-profit organization, ART From the Ashes, has been helping communities and individuals rebuild from the ashes of their former lives.
The concept for ART From the Ashes came to life autumn of 2007, during one of the most destructive fire seasons in the history of California. AFTA was created to use the cathartic properties of art as a means of supporting the renewal of lives devastated by wildfire. Members travel to a disaster site and from it reclaim materials – burnt wood, ruined household goods, architectural elements, anything that inspires – to be transformed into works of art and later sold at an exhibition-auction benefitting the effected community.
Joy Feuer, photo by James Carbone
The process is deeply meaningful for Joy.
“We have seen up close and personal the powerful connection and healing properties that our art programming has on communities in Southern and Central California,” she said. “In the wake of disaster…watching what occurs to people and places, in that moment, you are there as well. Its human nature to want to help in any way possible. In the actions of ART from the ashes, we can provide resource and support to communities in need. Art provides a connection, provokes inspiration and invites hope. There are no boundaries geographically or creatively. Our desire is to honor this and expand our mission to help as many people as possible.” Read the rest of this entry
Posted November 7th, 2011 by Rachel
Be still my heart…
The pairing of artisan ceramics and beautiful textile creations has brought forth the Alabama Chanin Collection for Heath Ceramics.
Like stitches in clay, the patterns quietly emerge from the same soft palette of colors seen in Alabama Chanin textiles. Both place settings and individual plates and serving bowls are available. What a pretty table setting that would make! Read the rest of this entry
Posted October 28th, 2011 by Rachel
Although it isn’t a strict policy, I try not to feature Etsy sellers more than once. I’m glad I’m not strict about it, because if I was, I couldn’t show you this little gem…
Crafted in New Orleans by Matthew Holdren – whose gorgeous beds I featured back in May – the Kerlerec Desk is a pitch perfect piece of salvaged wood furniture.
Posted October 25th, 2011 by Rachel
If you are in the SoCal area in November, you couldn’t find a better thing to do than go see The Dunnage Show at Inheritance. A collaboration of all the members of L.A. Box Collective, the exhibit will showcase what happened to 12 tons of dunnage – headed to the landfill – when this creative group of master woodworkers got hold of it. Expect amazing pieces of furniture and accessories, if their previous work is anything to go by!
Place: Inheritance – 8055 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048-4517 ph (323) 658-6756
Date: Opening reception November 3rd, 2011 from 7-10PM
RSVP: BoxCoEvents@gmail.com
Posted October 3rd, 2011 by Rachel
I went on a bit of a de-cluttering rampage this weekend, much to the amusement of my husband (who, bless him, got in the spirit of things and started culling too). I have had an overwhelming urge these days to simplify life. My new rule is to keep only those things which have real emotional value to me, or are used at least once a year. That means the Goodwill donation site is going to be getting regular visits for some time to come.
At the end of the month, If I can haul at least a carload of stuff away each week, I am going to reward myself with a single purchase. You’re going to laugh – or at least raise your eyebrows – but bear with me here and I’ll explain. This is what I want…
Such a beautiful combination of function and aesthetics, don’t you agree?
Still think I’m a little wacky?
Well, here’s the thing. Along with my “vow” to keep my home filled only with meaningful objects, I have also decided to limit my future purchases to items that have a tangible quality of craftsmanship and innate beauty. Hence my desire for this simple, perfect little dustpan designed by Masanori Oji, and made by hand in Japan, using traditional techniques.
Posted September 7th, 2011 by Emerald
The latest installment in a series of artisan profiles by contributing writer Emerald Atkins.
The ancient Greek poets were said to be inspired by the Muses, nine goddesses who were the source of all art.
Visitors to the whyrHymer Store in Los Angeles may well believe that a tenth Muse is informing Brandon & Sundeep Morrison on their own creations. The couple & their work have been featured in California Home & Design and California Homes. The style of their lighting & furniture is solid yet elegant, evoking the philosophy of the early 20th century Arts & Crafts movement yet speaking in its own distinct, thoroughly modern voice.
