iris schwarz illustrations: miniview

look at these enchanting and slightly surreal digital collage pieces, from swiss artist iris schwarz. there is something familiar about these delicate works which draws me to them, like i’ve seen them in a museum or maybe while i was daydreaming. iris uses ink, pencil and acrylic, and also draws upon a variety of vintage influences and imagery to complete her intriguing collection. even her shop name, which is called paulette edition, was inspired from her love of things old fashioned and very french! ever curious to know more about the brains behind the operation, i asked a few quick questions…

q: how did you get into creating these lovely illustrations?
a: after my graduation in graphic design and illustration i’m now self-employed for about ten years. graphic design always was more of a job, but illustration/drawing/painting is my real passion. i started with editorial illustration for several magazines and newspapers, today i work more as a freelancer, selling my art and illustrations online or direct to my audience.

q: what inspires you to make art?
a: art – contemporary, but even more the old schools (italian renaissance, the dutch school – i adore this accurate work), fairy tales, craft – i’m impressed by certain skills people have, victorian illustration. almost everything old… illustrated books, textiles, furniture (antique shops or flea markets are my obsession, especially in paris!), nature is very important to me, sometimes a conversation, beauty.

q: do you have a favorite medium to work in?
a: a pencil, a brush and paper. but, i must admit my iMac (photoshop) and me became really good friends too!

see the conplete collection, purchase these pieces and contact iris at her etsy shop.

thank you iris!

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letteria stationery & gifts

i like these pretty, simple letterpress and printed coasters and cards from swiss artist christa schumacher-black of letteria. christa has a background in graphics and visual communication and it comes through perfectly clear with her singular, focused styles. when you aren’t having a cocktail party or sending correspondence, you can also festoon your favorite room with her happy garlands!

find the collection at her etsy shop, and be sure to see her flickr stream and website (in swiss-german language) for more!

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measuring tape lamps by chrissy angliker

swiss-born multidisciplinary designer and artist chrissy angliker is a recent pratt grad who has created (among many other clever things) these boldly graphic measuring tape pendant lamps.

i can imagine the soft glow emitted from their tightly handcoiled shades, and love the idea of these in a craft room (duh) or a little vestibule or foyer. what a cool thing to come home to!

the lamps can be seen at the los angeles branch of the permanently cool reform school. but you can also order them from her directly: $100 for the black and white light, $120 for the yellow and $130 for the multicolored. be sure to check out her great portfolio too while you are over there!

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frank baumgartner art

look at this gorgeous work from swiss ceramist frank baumgartner. he fuses paper and porcelain together to make a type of lightweight paste that can be molded into lovely bowls and vessels. the pieces are finished with interior or exterior color (engobe or slip), and then fired them at 1255°C. frank currently teaches ceramics at the pegmatite pottery school in lausanne. his work is inspired by the mystery and transformation of his medium. experimentation fuels his passion for his craft, and instead of the execution of a formed idea, he lets the piece guide him to the finish instead, fully revealing all its secrets.

i love how ragged and elegant it all is. and i love the juxtaposition of paper, a material that so delicate and easily torn against porcelain, one of the strongest materials around. so delicate and restrained and light like a feather too.

just delicious i tell you!

see the school and find frank’s portfolio here, and purchase these beautiful works in his dawanda shop.

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laguna luxury wood tub is truly a boat

from the mixed up files of mrs. basil e. really-want-this-but-couldn’t-afford-it-in-a-million-years, i give you this gorgeous wooden bathtub collection from swiss yacht building company laguna. these designers are all about ergonomics and the finest craftsmanship. their wood veneer selection, which includes mahogany, wenge and walnut, is chosen from designated forests that have controlled felling and reforestation. layers upon layers of veneer are high pressure pressed together and covered with resin, then finished with a special varnish able to withstand extreme conditions. currently, there’s the freestanding pearl, the spa (which has an oversized edge filled with pebbles for integrated overflow) or the rectangular basic.

laguna is pleased to outfit these models with jacuzzi jets, as well as install any of their styles on your yacht. see more images and get more info on their website.

via trendir

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rothlisberger collection’s sculptural chest

fans of modern form and function will probably admire (as i do) this schublandenstapel, a chest of drawers from susi and ueli berger for the rothlisberger collection of switzerland.

i love the striking angles and sizes of the seven drawers, the fact that the interior drawers are black, and the choice of eucalyptus or rosewood veneers.

at 3872 euros it certainly isn’t cheap, but it sure is a gorgeous statement piece.

more interesting swiss storage solutions and furniture on their website.

via cribcandy

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