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I am so excited that my stylist friend April Johnson (you can read her Five Whats here) just started a blog. Hope all her posts will be about great fashion finds like this J. Crew Painter Tee that is supposed to be a close match to the super high-end 45 RPM gauze tee. I am curious and I will make a trip to J. Crew and might end up getting one. BTW, I was never a big fan of the Crew but their fall collection is really surprisingly good!photo: J. Crew
I made this "Dunbirdy 11211" print a couple weeks ago and it is now available at my shop. I am extending the Free Shipping offer to this Sunday.
How was the Glass House? I don't know coz I haven't seen it. What happened? I bought the tickets a year ago and I was so sure that they were for my birthday, so yesterday morning I looked at the tickets for the first time and they were for July 17th!!! I had totally missed the tour and all along I thought that's what I was going to do on my birthday, so you can imagined how bummed I was yesterday (I think it's pretty funny now). Chad and I still drove up to New Canaan to the visitor center hoping that maybe we could get on the waiting list hoping that there were some no-shows as it does happen quite frequently, no such luck yesterday! Totally bummed, but was still glad that we had a good day driving around the beautiful Connecticut towns. I was told by the Glass House folks that they will try to get us in another tour but it won't be until next year, so I guess I'll tell you all about the Glass House sometime next year, but it won't be on my birthday.
No Posting today because it is my birthday and I am going to the Glass House. Will tell you all about it tomorrow, ciao!
Lab Partners are my favorite Gocco peeps and on their blog they posted a demo on how Gocco works. I have the same model as theirs- Gocco Arts PG5, and I really recommend getting this large one because you're not limited to printing just postcards or repeats.
photos: lab partners
Hi, it's Chad here, Christine asked me to write a little intro to this Five Whats with Strath. I met him about eight years ago through our friend Lily of sunshine and shadow. Being both record and design nerds we instantly became great friends. Strath is an amazing person, from owning a cult Hip-Hop record label in Seattle and touring with Mo' Wax greats, to stints at Martha and Visionaire, he has some amazing stories, and along the way has gained an incredible eye for design. In one effortless breath he can talk to you about Christain Louboutin or Rei Kawabuko, then move to the psych band July or the breaks on a Johnny Lewis record, and end with something about Antonioni's Blow-Up or any similar great movie meets great design and great soundtrack combo you can name. Obviously, we have had a few of these conversations, and on top of that he has a great since of humor, so on that note, here are his Five Whats:
What did you have for breakfast?
I had some egg whites with salt and Old Bay seasoning, and an English muffin. I have one of these Bay's English Muffins just about every day, they're really good toasted with nothing on them. And four cups of Cafe Bustelo coffee with half-and-half.
What do you like and dislike about freelancing?
I like it that I can set my own schedule, but that's also what I dislike about it, because I end up working 'round the clock a lot of the time. So it has its ups and downs. I've been really lucky to get some amazing projects though, so the work itself is generally really good.
What are your inspirations?
Ah jeez, there are so many, that's a tough question. Every designer has a laundry list of references (Brodovitch, Lubalin, Graphis annuals, old records...) and I do too, but it's really about the state of mind of just always observing things, always taking things in and looking for patterns, colors, typography, etc. I have these black books that I've been taping things into forever, just as a way to collect all that stuff as much as possible. Here are some of the pages: 
Aside from all that general inspiration, I'd say a couple other things that are constants:
PHOTOGRAPHY. That's really broad but as a designer I think it's a requirement, in that taking snapshots just hones the way you think about spacial relationships, balance, and what to include or not include. I find it to be sort of an exercise in minimalism—of trying to figure out the minimum you can include to convey what you're trying to capture. I also just love the history of photography and seeing what new current greats are doing (Sims, Sorrenti, et al). When I worked for Visionaire, we used to take little five minute breaks and all the designers would go on abebooks.com and look for cool photo books. We'd always be checking out new photographers and sharing them with each other—it was a really good exchange of information. 
MY WIFE EMILY. She is an amazing writer and thinker and definitely the most inspiring force in my life. She's a lawyer but could just as easily be a fashion designer or graphic designer or gallerist or genius librarian. She has good ideas at all times. This is one of my favorite pictures of her, at the Cube Houses in Rotterdam.
Can you suggest what we should do to enjoy staycationing?
I recommend spending a day in Red Hook—go to the ball fields for the best Mexican food in New York, or to Hope & Anchor for brunch; hang out on the docks, get some key lime pie from Steve's, get a beer at Bait & Tackle, and then end up at Sunny's (pictured). Also, it's fun to make a day of taking the train to Cold Spring—it's about an hour up the Hudson, and the whole town is in walking distance of the train station, right on the river. There are good junk stores, an antique toy store, and a respectable dive bar. On the way back, you can stop at the Oyster Bar saloon in Grand Central for drinks and snacks. Belmont is also really fun.
What are your plans for the rest of 2008?
Well, tons of stuff is still up in the air, but suffice it to say that the plan involves Emily and I taking the second most significant roadtrip of our lives this September—the first being our move from Seattle to NYC almost ten years ago. No matter what, it's going to be an adventure.
photos: Strath, thanks for your super-organized files!
Mike Mills' album cover for Moon Safari was what made me become an illustrator, can't believe it's been 10 years! I get emotional when I look at it...
image: astralwerks
What to do with all those popsicle sticks you and your friends left behind? Make art with them, like Blanca! I love the couple in yellow.photos: blanca's flickr page
Open Space Gallery in Beacon New York is hosting a screening of Beautiful Losers, a documentary about a group of artists whose works are reflected by the subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip hop & graffiti. It features Barry Mcgee, Margaret Kilgallen, ESPO, Geoff McFetridge, Shepard Fairey, Jo Jackson, Chris Johanson, Harmonie Korine, and many others. Watch the trailer here and if you live in the New York area you might want to go to the screening in Beacon, make a fun day trip out of it, I know I am! I am also excited to go check out Open Space Gallery that is having a "Girls" show right now until August 9th.
Have a great weekend!
photos: open space beacon, beautiful losers
Miki is my dearest friend that I met through my husband 7 years ago and I am the biggest fan of her jewelries (visit her website and you can find her most complete collections at Opening Ceremony in L.A. and NYC). In May, she and her husband, Bob, left New York City, her home for the last 10 years, for Shandaken, in Upstate New York, and I am so impressed by how this city dweller is adapting the country lifestyle and has almost completed 2 jewelry collections at her new studio.
What did you have for breakfast?
Granola with fresh fruits from a farm stand, yogurt and honey from a neighbor's bee hive. BEST coffee from Stumptown, Oregon. The farm stand is close, and they are open for 24 hours. Sometimes there is nobody there, so we put money in the honor box.
What is a typical day like living Upstate with your husband?
My day starts off by a loud coffee grinder. The aggressive sound and fresh coffee smell totally wake me up. Have breakfast with my husband. Check emails and look out the window towards back yard, where lots of birds and wild animals walk across. This morning, I saw the groundhog again! Then I go to my studio/work .....
COOK lunch! Have lunch with husband on the porch, watch humming birds flying to our feeder. Go check the mail box, this became my favorite thing in the day. I have to walk down the drive way and open this rusted mail box, which i never had one till i moved up here.
Go back to the studio room.. more work.... Sometimes in late afternoon, my husband takes me for a ride on his motorcycle. We like to go on the small roads, which we've never seen before. Unlike driving a car, we can feel the fresh air and smell of flowers or fresh cut grass around us, and it is very refreshing. .... water my herb garden.
COOK dinner! Typical dinner would involve charcoal barbeque outside. Sometimes half chicken, fish, burgers. My husband's mountain skill comes handy to make a perfect fire. .... Cooking became big part of living up here. The house's got the greatest kitchen, which inspires us to cook. Have dinner with husband.
Video chat with my parents in japan. Go outside look up the starry sky. Watch the fireflies in the meadow. And go to bed!
What are your inspirations?
My latest inspirations are from functional old designs (they are often so fundamental and durable), antient metal work (as always), antiques, simple country life style, starry sky, and early morning light. The house we live in is very inspiring as well. It is a boarding house from the 1800's renovated by BDDW when they were starting out. The details and the materials on the house are very unique. I know the guys put a lot of heart into it and it shows.
What are the pros and cons of living in the country?
Pros: fresh air and clean cold well water, more living space, at dawn the sound of the birds is overwhelming, remembering some forgotten basic pleasures, wildflower hunting, no cell reception (it was a con first, but now it is a pro!).
Cons: isolation, driving to grocery shopping, no walking, lots of mosquitos.
What do you miss about New York City?
Time with friends, amazing restaurants, morning carrot zuccini muffin and cappuccino from market table, the walk to work, running riverside park, shopping, the MET, vibrant streets, street music, hearing different languages, our old apartment.... wow, I really miss the city.
(bonus what) Can you show us what your latest collection looks like?
I can show you a few pieces from men's new collection, they are made of hand carved ebony and sterling silver. They are going to be out in the world very soon!
For women's .. you have to wait!
photos: Miki and Bob Shultz, thank you!
Cool Hunting is really THE go-to place for HOT products and I can't help but express my love for this InCase MacBook sleeve by KRINK x Arkitip. It's a boyish design (which I dig) and how can you not appreciate something so well-designed and with top-notch quality and details?!via: coolhunting.com photo: InCase
I am so excited that my stylist friend April Johnson (you can read her Five Whats here) just started a blog. Hope all her posts will be about great fashion finds like this J. Crew Painter Tee that is supposed to be a close match to the super high-end 45 RPM gauze tee. I am curious and I will make a trip to J. Crew and might end up getting one. BTW, I was never a big fan of the Crew but their fall collection is really surprisingly good!
Geninne is an incredibly talented illustrator from Mexico City, I just LOVE her bird series. But I also love seeing pictures of her new home. I always envy people that have super clean and organized home offices, and check out her kitchen, isn't it to die for?!
photos: http://blogdelanine.blogspot.com/
I made this "Dunbirdy 11211" print a couple weeks ago and it is now available at my shop. I am extending the Free Shipping offer to this Sunday.
Just saw this on FFFound and I am crazy about Rebecca Ward's art installations made of masking tape!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Felt has become a popular art medium in the last few years, and one that really stands out is Seattle artist Snaggs. These highly detailed, machine-sewn felt artworks are very adorable, but the psychedelic humor gave them some edge. I am upset that I just missed her show at Giant Robot in NYC, hope she will sell more pieces on her Etsy shop soon.
photos: Snagg's Flickr page
Lab Partners are my favorite Gocco peeps and on their blog they posted a demo on how Gocco works. I have the same model as theirs- Gocco Arts PG5, and I really recommend getting this large one because you're not limited to printing just postcards or repeats.
photos: lab partners
Hi, it's Chad here, Christine asked me to write a little intro to this Five Whats with Strath. I met him about eight years ago through our friend Lily of sunshine and shadow. Being both record and design nerds we instantly became great friends. Strath is an amazing person, from owning a cult Hip-Hop record label in Seattle and touring with Mo' Wax greats, to stints at Martha and Visionaire, he has some amazing stories, and along the way has gained an incredible eye for design. In one effortless breath he can talk to you about Christain Louboutin or Rei Kawabuko, then move to the psych band July or the breaks on a Johnny Lewis record, and end with something about Antonioni's Blow-Up or any similar great movie meets great design and great soundtrack combo you can name. Obviously, we have had a few of these conversations, and on top of that he has a great since of humor, so on that note, here are his Five Whats:
What did you have for breakfast? 
Aside from all that general inspiration, I'd say a couple other things that are constants: 
MY WIFE EMILY. She is an amazing writer and thinker and definitely the most inspiring force in my life. She's a lawyer but could just as easily be a fashion designer or graphic designer or gallerist or genius librarian. She has good ideas at all times. This is one of my favorite pictures of her, at the Cube Houses in Rotterdam. 
What are your plans for the rest of 2008? 
Mike Mills' album cover for Moon Safari was what made me become an illustrator, can't believe it's been 10 years! I get emotional when I look at it...
Chad and I had a fun day in Beacon yesterday, we took a scenic train ride along the Hudson river and walked to town in the sizzling weather, way fun! It is home to Dia, and thanks to Open Space Gallery, pictures above are from their current exhibitions, it is attracting a lot of urbanities to the sleepy downtown area. The gallery hosted a screening of Beautiful Losers, read my post on Friday about this inspiring documentary. The movie was held at this beautiful building called Howland Cultural Center (pictures below, this building uses geothermal system that reduces energy usage up to 60%). I was so glad to meet the lovely Kalene of Open Space in person and I will definitely go back there for their art openings and events!
What to do with all those popsicle sticks you and your friends left behind? Make art with them, like Blanca! I love the couple in yellow.
Open Space Gallery in Beacon New York is hosting a screening of Beautiful Losers, a documentary about a group of artists whose works are reflected by the subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip hop & graffiti. It features Barry Mcgee, Margaret Kilgallen, ESPO, Geoff McFetridge, Shepard Fairey, Jo Jackson, Chris Johanson, Harmonie Korine, and many others. Watch the trailer here and if you live in the New York area you might want to go to the screening in Beacon, make a fun day trip out of it, I know I am! I am also excited to go check out Open Space Gallery that is having a "Girls" show right now until August 9th.
photos: open space beacon, beautiful losers
Miki is my dearest friend that I met through my husband 7 years ago and I am the biggest fan of her jewelries (visit her website and you can find her most complete collections at Opening Ceremony in L.A. and NYC). In May, she and her husband, Bob, left New York City, her home for the last 10 years, for Shandaken, in Upstate New York, and I am so impressed by how this city dweller is adapting the country lifestyle and has almost completed 2 jewelry collections at her new studio.
What did you have for breakfast? 
What are your inspirations?
What do you miss about New York City? 
photos: Miki and Bob Shultz, thank you!
Cool Hunting is really THE go-to place for HOT products and I can't help but express my love for this InCase MacBook sleeve by KRINK x Arkitip. It's a boyish design (which I dig) and how can you not appreciate something so well-designed and with top-notch quality and details?!
I took a letterpress workshop at The Arm in Williamsburg over the weekend and I am now hooked. I may not want to own a letterpress but I can go to The Arm and use their Vandercook letterpress for $15 per hour. Here are a couple of prints that I made, they're simple but I just love the impression it made. The hardest part was to typeset with the wooden and metal printing blocks, it's an art form on its own and would take a long time to master it, but thankfully we can now print with polymer plates which would save a LOT of time! I think I will go back there for my first art project very soon.
top photo: the arm's flickr page
via: cpluv.com, photos: sabadabada.com
