Don't forget your cactus suit

It's a tough world out there. Cactus kids by Tokidoki. A reminder to stay soft inside while protecting yourself on the outside. Available at Fugitive Toys.

Oh Karim!

OMG - just look what Karim Rashid has done now! Think pink and Asian form are disparate? No longer! Karim has unified the two in these stunning pieces that appeal to my inner hippy. Think I'll have a sake party. I'll pass out sequined slippers to everyone and we can pull up an ottoman and use these groovy pieces.

As you know, Karim's prices can get pretty ridiculous. (I won't tell you the expletive my boss uttered when he saw Karim's $41,000 chandy.) But not these. They are fairly reasonable. I want them all!

Oh what's a girl to do? I'm a great consumer. Just not such a good capitalist.

If Money Were No Object

Kose Pietra bowl and Ted Muehling porcelain pieces from Rose and Radish. Note to self: win lottery. Note to Target: in the event note to self doesn't work, would you please make a knockoff of the Pietra bowl when you produce the architectural vessels I wrote about here?

Joshua Stone's amazing felt vase, Ice Collection and Moroccan lantern from Lekker Home.

Ripple fruit bowl and cafe server from Karim Rashid.

Lola teapot by Bodo Sperlein. Available in the U.S. at Unica Home.

Hella Jongerius available at Unica Home.

Teco reproduction from Just Art Pottery.



























Vessels and bowls by silversmith Shimara Carlow.

The Beauty of Simplicity

Beautiful. Simple. Functional. Affordable. White.

Tea pot, tray and cup from Tribute Tea.

ASA Selection Sake Set from Joanne Hudson Basics.

Mortar and Pestle from The Gardener.

Tivoli White Tea Server by Mikasa.

Porcelain salt bowl and spoon from Global Table.


Pura Bowl from Floz Design Group and Ciro Asian bowls available at Lekker Home.

Breakfast set and salt and pepper shakers from CB2.

Any questions?

Melissa Moss

Today was a good email day. I received a notice from Melissa Moss about her new work. See my previous entry about Melissa's work here. I dearly love her little creatures. These beings commune with nature in perfect symbiosis. It's no wonder that one of my favorites is entitled "Safe." Indeed, this family feels safe to me. The safety that comes from being free to love and live in harmony. This would make a great holiday card.

See Melissa's blog here. Melissa, thanks for being an inspiration!

Victor Vetterlein - New Design

I was excited to receive an email from artist/architect Victor Vetterlein announcing his new design, the totally fab Meeraboo FL-1 floor lamp. See my previous post about Victor here.

Victor states that the lamp is "60 inches tall and made of fiberglass with a high gloss white finish. The interior is gold leaf. The FL-1 is designed to cast light downward... This is the third and final piece in the Meeraboo-2007 Collection, the LC-1 lounge chair, is currently under development."

At first glance, I find Victor's work other-worldly. However, the piece is far more complex than initially appears. Though its alien-like appeal is evident, it is nonetheless organic in form. The form does not appear forced, but natural. At once primitive and modern, an amazing accomplishment.

This lamp could work in so many environments, in a clean modern minimalist home. In a home with Asian inspiration or organic inspiration. I could also see it alongside African sculpture, and because the light is cast downward, it would highlight sculpture very well. As I contemplated the lamp further, I thought it looked a bit like a house and became amused at the idea of the lamp paired with African family sculpture.

Image from Shona Gallery.

This piece would fit beautifully in my conceptual white box. But in order to give this piece the full meditative contemplation it deserves, I would need a Noguchi sofa to lounge on.

Victor and Noguchi's artistry have something in common. They both employ a sculptural elegance. In fact, I believe Victor's Woojiun lamp, could easily take its place among such classics as Noguchi's Akari lamps.

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Victor, thanks for being an inspiration, and thanks for keeping me apprised of your work. I can't wait to see the Meeraboo lounge chair!

Today I am a Publisher

Blogging is so wonderful. I can wear whatever hat I dream of. Last week I was a paparrazi and a rug designer. Today I am a publisher of art books. If I were a millionaire, here are the first three books I would like to produce. They are by amazing flickr users. Come travel around the world with me. Our first stops are India, Japan and Russia.

First stop, India. To me India is temples, loving hands and passionate color that I can almost smell. This is how I experience it through the magic of flickr user, Nairvee. She is a master at capturing colorful geometric precision as well. I highly recommend her set.

See more of Vineeta's work at her wonderful blog, artnlight.

Next stop, Japan. Ta's work is like a slow-paced, contemplative movie. I literally get swept away by his magic. I experience Japan through the wonderousness of his model. She is stunningly gentle, every action is done with reverance. Experiencing the magic of Ta is a welcome break when mundane reality becomes too fast and too loud.

Look at those hands. Even the way she holds a cup is an artform!

Our next stop is Russia. And our next book for the coffee table is from flickr user Chelakmaxim. In my youth, my lover and I frequented the arthouse and chatted spiritedly with other film lovers. Sadly this is something we no longer do, life is simply too hectic. But thanks to Chelakmaxim, I feel as if I am in an art house, and I experience Russia through the poised intellectual ennui of his models. I can almost hear the trance music and smell the smoke.

Thank you to flickr users Nairvee, Ta and Chelakmaxim for taking me away from mundane reality for a little while. And thank you for being an inspiration! I believe Steigletz would be proud.