Brooklyn based artist Kevin Cyr (I just pronounce it c-y-r, like nyc. Sorry Kevin.) finds beauty not in status enhancing symbols, but rather the “derelict…and unkempt…vehicles inundated with rust and graffiti…”, objects that contain a thousand fold more character than a Porshe or Skyscraper. The socially “ugly” can still inspire curiosity in the viewer.
With this in mind, Cyr created a functioning (sculpture) hybrid of two staples of back road travelers: the RV and the bicycle. It’s (drumroll please): The Camper Bike. The aim isn’t to revolutionize the lifestyle of the wayward traveler; it’s just an experiment in combinations. But, if Kevin ever wanted to go commercial with the idea, I’d kinda want one.
Also check out the Camper Kart, for the traveler who prefers to amble through the countryside.
The internet is a many-faced beast with a personality disorder: some sites are tame, others trouble, and a few, like chatroulette, are grab-bags of people who shouldn’t be allowed to leave their basements and the most incredible people you’ll find on the net. Luckily for me, I stumbled upon the latter. Dustin McSwane, a passionate fashion stylist and the topic of this post, along with Brain ‘Geno’ Nettle, a photographer now stationed in NYC, found their way onto my monitor, and now onto A&V. (More…)
“This is your life. Do what you love, and do it often.
If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you dont have enough time, stop watching TV.
If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love.
Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite.
Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them.
Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them.
Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating.
Life is short. Live your dream, and wear your passion.”
This pretty much encapsulates the mission of Holstee, a fresh NY based clothing start-up with a serious agenda. Not only do you support kick-starting the businesses of impoverished entrepreneurs around the world through KIVA with 10% proceed donations, help save the planet with eco-friendly and extremely high quality materials, and look awesome in a pocket shirt or my personal favorite, a versatile FIN, but you also support the dream of two brothers who want to challenge people to wake up and start living. Nobel cause, awesome designs, I wear it, check it out.
Here’s an analogy for you: Fomato cards is to Hallmark, as A&V is to <insert your least favorite large blog here>. Sure, 2 of them make cards and 2 might write blog posts about making cards, but I’d like to think that the former do their job just a little more awesomely. Unless they’re stuffed with greenery, I’ve never really been thrilled with any card I’ve ever received–they’re usually just cliched commercial cardboard. And then came fomato, and with it, a whole new perception of gift-cards. Outrageous dry-humor, solid illustrations, and themes bizarre enough to make you forget about your own birthday, these cards completely defy the stereotype. You can be sure that any card I send will most definitely be a fomato. (More…)
“Fall Creek is a transformative lighting environment. The walls and ceiling illuminate in the form of a forest. Leaves of light sprout and grow into a bright summer canopy, or drop and slide down the wall to create an inviting winter glow.”
Industrial designer Lucas Ainsworth has come up with a way to bridge the gap between modern life and the natural world. A merger of the two realms, “Fall Creek” is composed of electroluminescent paint applied over connected sheets of circuit-film. The amount of detail put into the work is stunning. Even the “stone garden” switch, which functions by moving three small stones through a path installed in the wall, is impeccably designed and shows great ingenuity. The therapeutic nature almost reminds me of light therapy. “Fall Creek” could provide comfort in the longest of winters. (More…)
Almost all of the products we buy have undergone the process of design. Still, there is something almost abstract and philosophical about what really is good design.
Industrial designer Dieter Rams attempts to tackle these objective guidelines in his “Ten Principles for Good Design” that are sometimes even hailed as design’s ten commandments. From innovation to minimalism, Rams provides important advice for aspiring and even accomplished designers. (More…)
So like any normal, college aged, Ivy League student would, somewhere around 1:00 A.M. this morning I was struck by the urge to make a fort. Too bad I didn’t have this kit:
Really great and inspirational video by Makedo. I would totally live in that cardboard cottage, just saying.
Check out their website, browse the gallery, or become familiar with the crazy community surrounding sustainable and recycled designing in their blog.
While surfing the tubes, I stumbled upon something that made my heart sing. Adidas AG announced a new original clothing line based on the Star Wars Trilogy. Now, Star Wars purists don’t get worried, by trilogy I mean the original three films, not the bile that made up the prequels. Fans everywhere will be decked out in custom Yoda kicks and Vader track jackets (complete with cape).
The theme variety, being as diverse as it is, ensures that I will be spending more money on shoes than I ever have in my life. Now if only someone would make a Lord of the Rings clothing line.
So I was walking through a grocer today when I wandered into the cold commodity section and really took a look at the copious varieties of H2O on the market. I’m not really in favor of mass produced bottled water (mainly due to the plastics involved for an expensive sub for tap), but I definitely appreciate a fine artisan aqua, comparing the sourcing, minerals, and bottling procedures which all generate pretty unique tastes to the stereotypical ‘tasteless’ beverage. I almost considered myself a connoisseur of sorts…then I found these guys. (More…)
From Maccessory designers Twelve South comes the BookBook, the Mac cover for the digital literati. Look like a bookworm when you’re really pursuing Facebook tending to Farmville or whatever it is that the kids do these days. Each one is hand crafted with dual zippers and a padded interior. Buy it here. View their full line of insanely cool products here.
