OBJECTIFIED Is a documentary film by Gary Hustwit exploring the relationship of society, manufactured objects and the people who design them. The film examines the affect these objects cast on the decisions we make from the moment we wake up to the instant we fall sleep. So may of the products and objects around us we take for granted are constantly being re-evaluated, re-examined and re-designed. From the high-tech of computer laptops to the simplicity of the spoon. There's an argument to be made that the same amount of thinking goes into designing both.







Watch the trailer, Gary does such a great job with framing and simplifying his shots, interesting perspectives, He is a fantastic film maker. Go see this movie, even if you not a design dork, you'll enjoy this. I promise. 

EXPO 67 – SO GOOD! 

Expo 67 was the World's Fair held in Montreal, Canada from April 27 to October 29, 1967. It is considered to be the most successful World's Fair of the 20th century, with over 50 million visitors and 62 nations participating. It also set the single-day attendance record for a world's fair with 569,000 visitors on its third day. I wonder if the exceptionally beautiful structures and design that went into it had anything to do with it's success? I'm willing to bet it did. feast your eves on these AMAZING Expo 67 postcards. Just beautiful.











 

ALEXANDER (THE GREAT) Alexander Girard 's work from the 50's, 60's and 70's has had such a huge influence on so many current designer's work, including mine. His colorful, cluttered, and bold approach to "aesthetic functionalism", with the belief that delighting the senses was just as important of a design function as any other practical concern. 











Born in 1907 in New York City, Alexander Girard was one of the decisive figures of post-war American design alongside his close friends George Nelson and Charles and Ray Eames. The focus of his broad work spectrum was on textile design: As head of the Herman Miller Company’s textile division, Girard designed a multitude of textiles that reflect his love of festive colours and patterns. He favored abstract and geometric forms, typically put together in bright constellations of colors. His upholstery fabrics remain as timely and vital as ever with many of them still being sold today. In fact, House Industries recently released and entire product collection of Alexander Girard re-makes: fonts, puzzles, dolls and more.  











Having originally studied architecture, Girard made a name for himself over his long career in the fields of furniture, exhibition and interior design as well as in the graphic arts. On his extended travels, he avidly collected textiles from all over the world, which furnished him with a source of inspiration and ideas. In 1993, the final year of his life, he bestowed these holdings to the Vitra Design Museum Collection along with the contents of his studio (hundreds of drawings, prototypes and textile samples).







A 1963 memo titled" Some Notes on the folk art in the Herman Miller Collection". In reference to Girard's work, "The objects were not designed for deep contemplation but rather as simple expressions of delight, amusement or reverence. They were created by the spirit of the craftsman. Invented and fashioned by an individual for the enjoyment of others".

ARTCRANK 2009 On April 4 the 3rd annual ARTCRANK - poster show for bike people opened. It runs through May 2 at One On One Bikes in Minneapolis. The opening reception was PACKED, I'm told attendance pushed 1,500. As you can see from the photos, it was nuts in that little bike shop. ARTCRANK showcases bicycle-inspired original poster artwork that you can enjoy looking at and afford to take home.







Charles Youl (mpls. ARTCRANK curator) said it best: Biking is the world’s most accessible, fun way to get around. The poster is the world’s most accessible, fun art form. Getting the two hooked up seems like the most logical thing in the world. In fact, fun and accessibility are the guiding principles of ARTCRANK. It's a party with bike art, not swanky, stuffy affairs. Admission is free. The beer is free, and posters are priced to let everybody who comes to a show go home with at least one piece of original artwork they love.











I was given the opportunity to create and print a poster for this year's show. It's titled "Cycles On Cyles". It's a 5 color silkscreen, 24" x 24", edition of 80, printed on 140lb. French Muscletone Pure White paper. These are available for purchase right now in the FLORAFAUNA shop.