ewetube vases by lichen

looks like i am on a roll opining about things today and i shall continue with these fun felted merino wool vases, cleverly named ewetubes, from seattle designer brandon perhacs for his lichen studio. i love the funky shapes and color choices and how the test tube forces you to keep it minimal, arrangement-wise.

purchase these pieces at lichen’s supermarket shop, and see more funky felty things at the lichen website.

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caravan bracelet collection by scosha

remember those little braided friendship bracelets you used to make for your little friends in grade school? no? that’s okay. even if you don’t you might enjoy these linen and flax bracelets with cute button closure and pretty 18k gold and gemstone details from the caravan collection of australian born, new york-based designer scosha woolridge.

see the full selection and lots more at scosha’s website.

via refinery 29

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lola chaise

i am enjoying the details of this lola chaise: the tufted upholstery with versatile color palette, the retro modern sensibility and the knee notch, for our comfort.

find them in single and double options at chiasso, and be sure to check out their blog too for other cool things.

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PURE settee and banquette

i LOVE this pretty and perfect air hazel settee as well as the fire cyrilla banquette by PURE. the company claims that this is green design, by using sustainable materials, working with local craftspeople and participating in fair trade with their international sourcing. sounds reasonable to me.

did i mention that i love these? the color, the embroidery, the elegant retro modern lines?

they’re $4418 and $4017 respectively, are available in nine luscious colors and with or without embroidery, and right here at structured green along with some other very cool furniture.

via ecosalon

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david van alphen art and gallery - let’s chat!

you may remember the collages i posted about earlier in the month from local artist david van alphen, but maybe you didn’t know that he is the owner of the dva gallery here in chicago, and founder of the new and exciting slingshot! press, two very cool and affordable places to purchase original and limited edition artwork. for me, looking at david’s artwork is like taking a non-stop flight back to my childhood. i enjoy the dynamic action in the vignettes, i like his thoughtful color combinations and the retro imagery really unlocks some goofy and sentimental memories. also, finding artists who are gallery owners too is a rare and special thing, so let’s have a chat with david and find out more!

q: where do you live, and where is your studio?
a: i live in the western suburbs of chicago, and i turned my basement into my studio.

q: what is your background, and did you study art formally?
a: i have been doodling and painting since grade school. in high school i would sell large paintings for $20, just to get some cash. i took a couple college art classes but dropped out of them both. i hated being told what and how to paint.

q: what is your inspiration, and do you have a message you want to relate through your collection? what are these pieces made of?
a: i love old 70’s ads and graphics. i’ve started creating under the name netherland just because it was such a different style and medium that people have not seen from me before. all the art is acrylic and collage on wood and i put a layer of resin on top to give it that old school worn look.

q: are there any advantages in being a gallery owner and an artist as well? are there any disadvantages?
a: there’s both. the good point is that you meet a lot of other great artists and gallery owners. you also always have a place to hang your own stuff (but i try not to). this last show was the first time in three years i’ve had a solo show for myself. any gallery owner can put his or her artwork in their own gallery but when another gallery asks you to show, it means a lot more. the bad part is that i feel like people are only complimenting my artwork BECAUSE they know i own an art gallery. that was also partially why i started creating work under the name netherland, so people would judge my art without influence on the fact that i have a gallery.

q: can you tell us a little about about slingshot! press?
a: i started slingshot! press mainly because i wanted to make art affordable for everyone. most print sites that do offer low priced prints are not signed and limited numbered editions. i think it means a lot more to have it signed by the artists. it costs me a bit more to send it to them and it takes longer but it’s worth it to the customer. also, i know a lot of talented artists that i wanted to help get their work out there.

(slingshot! print sampling: hamster wheel by paul chatem & archers by kelly vivanco)

q: do you have any advice for up and coming artists from the gallery owner’s perspective?
a: the best advice i can give is to be original. it’s great to be inspired by other artists but i like to look at stuff that is different and not a copy of someone else’s work. also when submitting to a gallery, take the time to take REALLY good photos of your work. the better the photos look, the better chance i’ll want to show them in my gallery.

you can see more of david’s work at his website here or on his flickr stream, and if you’re in chicago be sure to visit the dva gallery. purchase slingshot! press prints right here.

thank you david!

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netherland mixed media art

i like these fun retro collages with acrylic mounted on wood, from chicago’s david van alphen for his netherland art. there is something so rich about their simplicity to me. i also like his color choices and the new modern context that comes through this nostalgic imagery when he isolates and enhances them.

david’s works are currently on display at the dva gallery, the gallery he owns right on lincoln avenue in the city! be sure to check out his flickr stream too if you want to see more.

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foscarini supernova pendant light

i love the perfect shade of lipstick pink (or is it nail polish purple?) on this supernova ceiling fixture by most excellent art director and designer ferruccio laviani (click to see the magnificence he created for dolce and gabbana!) for italy’s foscarini. this 22 1/2″ x 19 3/4″ hanging lamp is created from cut sheets of lacquered aluminum.

the lamp comes in that punchy fuschia color, matte aluminum or (for an upcharge) polished stainless steel.

to see more photos and to purchase, head over to y lighting.

via betterlivingthroughdesign

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john w. golden’s digital illustrations

look at these vintage-inspired, peaceful feeling prints from north carolina artist john w. golden.

john began his career as a professional artist at the ripe young age of 12. he earned his degree in graphic design at appalachian state university.

right now, at this moment, these multi-layered digital collages remind me of the music of poi dog pondering.

but wait — i also like his bold, retro-modern prints, which totally don’t remind me of poi dog.

cool stuff.

find john’s work in his family’s gallery in wilmington.

tons more digital art and some interesting photography on his website.

he also has an etsy shop.

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