26. June. 08

I've always loved pop-up books- since i was little i loved opening these special books where all the characters and backgrounds instantly pop-up.  For me, it was almost as if the world in the book suddenly turned real, surprising me and leading me into a wonderful dream.  Imagine my delight when I stumbled upon The Neiman Marcus Pop-Up Book created to celebrate its 100-year anniversary.  Described by Neiman Marcus as, " Designed to chronicle a young girl's journey from the first days of the store to today," the book features imagery from renowned fashion photographer Geof Kern; iconic and commemorative gift ideas with J. Peterman-esque descriptions such as artist Matthew Larkin’s 100-foot-long dragon topiary, trimmed from indigenous plants, and an antique rosewood bar trunk stocked with Versace canapé serving plates. Standout pages include a girl wearing a dress made of vintage Neiman Marcus catalogs and a whimsical portrait of another with the company’s trademark butterflies fluttering about her head.  Of course it's sold out and of course I have to have this. I need this. (add slight whine)

25. June. 08

Collage artist and fellow Rhode Islander Layla Renzi creates gorgeous and what I find somewhat haunting collages that juxtaposes sweet and quaint with a quiet edgines that i adore. She combines traditional (cut and paste) with a digital process to build up her multi-layered backgrounds.  Collage, in my opinion has a very strong and laconic language.  It is a media where you can experiment with shape, structure, colour and ideas.  Check out Lisa's etsy shop for more fabulousness.  I want.

bunny cuteness today...i want to smush them all with kisses.

23. June. 08

The minute I found Parisian-based Swiss designer Nicole Locher's site, I was hooked. The sweet, yet not too sappy, feminine graphics and mischievous model on the homepage were enough to make me want to explore this clever, cute, and easily accessible website. What makes them truly unique is the firecracker comments embroidered alongside birds, coffee cups, and flowers, with sayings like "Just Good Boys Get Presents," "Petite Salope- Little Slut in French" and "I Heart Porn."  Clever and witty are two things I adore in life.  Nicole Locher- her designs and website are without a doubt both.

 

19. june. 08

driving to work this morning i was listening to an NPR biography on Salman Rushdie, today is his 61st birthday. as i was lamenting on my own itty bitty troubles, this morning put everything into perspective for me.  maybe it's forging ahead against all odds, maybe it's not taking no as an answer, maybe it's staying true to your beliefs against peril. but i was inspired and motivated.  Rushdie was forced to go into hiding for almost a decade after the Ayatollah Khomeini issued the death sentence over The Satanic Verses. On Valentine’s Day in 1989 the spiritual figurehead of the Iranian revolution pronounced on Teheran radio that: “The author of The Satanic Verses, which is against Islam, the Prophet, the Koran, and all those involved in its publication who were aware of its content, are sentenced to death. "

A month after publication, India banned the book. Bannings soon followed in Pakistan, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and other countries with large Muslim populations.  In 1991, the Japanese translator of The Satanic Verses was stabbed to death.  Shortly afterward, the Italian translator was stabbed, but survived.  In 1993, the Norwegian publisher of the book was injured in a gun attack. Book burnings took place.  Barnes and Noble even stopped carrying it.

He re-emerged after the Iranian government said it would no longer support the edict in 1998 nor could it rescind it.  Rushdie says he still gets a "Valentine's Day card" every February 14th from Iran, reminding him he is a marked man.  He has gone on to write nine novels.  I found this Rushdie quote today that has stayed with me all day and I keep reading over and over. beautiful. eloquent.  hopeful. real.  but namely inspiring.

18. june. 08

Riitta Päiväläinen creates fascinating installations with the main theme and primary driving force of her work being her interest in old clothing. In her photographs, she uses discarded clothes from second-hand shops and flea markets. I love the interest in old garments, because they carry silent, unknown stories and histories.  The clothes remain silent withholding their secrets. Little by little, personal histories are absorbed into the collective history. A piece of clothing represents, above all, its former wearer. It tells you that somebody has been present. However, the person who wore it is now gone. The faded colours and tears in the fabric show the signs of the time passed. By freezing the garment or letting the wind fill it with air, she is able to create a sculptural space, which reminds us of its former user.