We’ve covered some of Franco Grignani’s (Italian, 1908-1999) work here on the blog before, but I recently ran across some very nice new scans over at Display. Some of these I hadn’t seen yet or was unable to locate high enough resolution images to post. Inspiring stuff; and a quick Google image search reveals the debt modern graphic design owes this man.
Images source Display via Junkyard.dogs
My partner and I have run our label Moodgadget with a logo that, from the beginning, we intended to be an animated character. After 4 years of talking about it, over the holiday we finally made it happen. This is just one of many episodes coming together and I can’t wait for you all to see the rest. Below is a bit more information if you’re still scratching your head:
GENERIC MAN [the man behind the Moodgadget logo]
Our logo for the label has always been a mystery to people. The reason we picked it was because in our minds, it had life to it. Not only can Generic Man sit on a record sleeve, but he can sit in scenes, float across landscapes in his pod and hopefully one day people will be able to sit inside one.
The idea for this series is to have like-minded music lovers and/or new listeners realize their individuality as a listener. Most people don’t stop listening to TOP 40 music (which is totally fine) and never will think twice about this because they don’t care to dig for something they don’t know about. For those of you who have found this video, maybe you can relate to Generic Man.
Directed by Adam E. Hunt
Story by Jakub Alexander & Adam E. Hunt
Music by Teeel – Triangle Waves [Out on Moodgadget February 22nd, 2011]
As for the song in the video, it’s from artist Teeel whom we debuted on the ISO50 Dry Waves compilation. It’s beautiful slow synth material that oozes melody. Enjoy the free MP3 below.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Teeel – Triangle Waves
2011 is already off to a great start, i’m going to try out a few different series with the playlists all thru the year. The one i’m most excited about are these Guest Music Posts, here’s the first one by New Jersey’s synthwave prodigy Com Truise:
Mesak, one of my favorite producers right now, it’s like next level computer funk.
Oneohtrix Point Never is slowly rising to the same pedestal I put Boards of Canada on, and that’s saying a lot. I think anything Daniel Lopatin touches is sure to be golden.
The System, pure oberheim funk. Being that David Frank is one of my all time favorite producers, I’m always blasting his jams.
The Samps just dropped a new EP on Big Love, I got the vinyl in the mail about 3 weeks ago, it hasn’t left the deck!
Also, remember the ISO50 Dry Waves compilation? here’s the official video for Com Truise’s Fairlight
Scott Schumann, also know as the Sartorialist, is the subject of this short and sweet documentary by Intel. It’s very well done and shows some cool behind-the-scenes of Scott’s process. I always wondered how he approaches people on the street! When I was in Japan, I saw some extremely cool fashion walking around, but was usually too nervous to ask people for a photograph (though I will say, asking in Japanese was 100% successful because they were usually laughing at me). Anyway, this documentary is terrific, and short enough that even the most ADD of you can probably make it through.
You know you never know what it is, what that the thing is that draws you to that person, but you just let it happen. It seems odd, but it’s almost like going out there and letting yourself fall in love everyday. – Scott Schumann
It’s a new year and along with it comes a remarkable collection via Flickr from one my most-favorable categories: Mid-century Modern. These chairs come from the 50s, 60s, and 70s; while some lived on, a number fell by the wayside for obvious reasons.
Some of my favorites in this collection include the iconic Eero Aarnio Ball chair, Eames Molded Plywood chair and of course the Eames Lounge chair.
If I would have won the Mega Millions yesterday my first purchase would be this house. Reported by Paste Magazine, the home from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is up for sale. Built in 1953, The Ben Rose House — located in Highland Park, Illinois — was designed by architects A. James Speyer and David Haid. The home is listed for $1.65 million, lets all pitch in and get it then drive a Ferrari off the back.
More info and a great picture gallery over at the Sotheby’s listing page
Beautiful covers from the Japanese design magazine “Graphic Design”. Designed by Ryuichi Yamashiro, Hiromu Hara, Yoshio Hayakawa, Yusaku Kamekura, and Ikko Tanaka – 1959-1961.
From the Display Collection
Will Wiesenfeld aka Baths is sharing his side project Geotic with everyone for free. You can download Mends here. Its a collection of songs that sounded like he had an all instrumental jam session with Bibio & Benoit Pioulard at a creek and it was documented on cassette. Enjoy and thanks Will!
Image by: Adam Parker Smith
Book Show is an exhibition of artworks, objects and structures that address the physical form of the book thats curated by James Langdon and Gavin Wade.
I’ve always wanted to take a stab at curating the aesthetics of a book, everything from canvas covers to different color pages, so when I saw these books the gears in my head started turning, anyone need any help on that front?
Well I have a new toy. No it’s not a $3500 underwater housing for my 5D (though that would be awesome). I’ve been shooting with a little Canon Powershot D10 for the last week and it’s been a lot of fun. If you are considering a trip to anywhere water-lush, I suggest giving the D10 a shot. It’s not perfect, but it sure beats spending a boat load for an SLR underwater housing if you’re strapped for cash.
First, the D10 is waterproof and shockproof. I tested it thoroughly (trust me, I break point-n-shoot cameras regularly). I carried it around in my swimming suit pocket and sat on it, swam with it, dropped it out of moving golf carts and threw it to friends when we didn’t have a ball. The thing is solid. I didn’t have a strap and this was a crucial error. If you are going to parade around with one, definitely invest in some kind of way to connect it to your person.
Next, it’s massively fun to have an amphibious camera that can fit in your pocket. I underestimated how much fun it would be and spent a very long time on various bizarre photo missions (#43. Try to take a photo with the lead singer from Kings of Leon, underwater. *Unsuccessful, but close). Even if you are just in a pool, the camera is worth trying.
The photos above are a few of the cooler ones I got. Dolphins are kind of a cheating way to make a photo look cool, but still, the colors and clarity are nice, especially for a wee little camera. These photos were shot with sand everywhere, all over the lens, and my complete lack of concern for the camera’s well-being. Pretty cool I’d say — it’s nice to not have to treat your camera like a fragile little hamster (5D).
On the negative side, it’s very bulky for a point-n-shoot. If you are in water, who cares, but if you are looking for a one stop shop that you can also bring out with you at night, this isn’t it. Putting it in your pants pocket renders that leg odd looking as it protrudes rather unfortunately. Personally, I also find it ugly, but I gravitate towards all black cameras, so take that with a grain of sea salt. The camera definitely looks more like a toy than a Bell & Ross.
This post certainly cements my affinity for underwater photos (Asako Narahashi will always reign supreme). I have a bunch more, but most are of my friends and I floating in the water, and we isn’t Facebook friends!