When brainstorming about blogging and what cool designs I could discuss next, I had an Oprah-esque “AHA!” moment. We don’t give The Earth/Mother Nature/Spiritual Higher Power enough credit for the natural designs found in the landscape of this planet we call home. So here’s a look at some of the absolutely fantastic designs that were naturally created.
Painted Cliffs, Tasmania
Garden of the Gods, Colorado, USA
Angel Falls, Venezuela
Taughannock Falls, Finger Lakes Region, New York
Packaging. It can make or break your product. I find that packaging is important in many products, but particularly wine bottles. Most people would not consider themselves wine connoisseurs, just people who want a nice adult beverage to accompany their meal. For these people, packaging can be everything. Packaging means your product stays off the shelves. Here are some of my favorites –
This bottle was designed by Emily Hale as a tribute to the late Harvey Milk. The half full milk bottle is a representation of Harvey’s persistent positive outlook and attitude towards life. The wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon.
This bottle was designed by Rethink and is part of a series of Cabernet labels created by them. The other labels feature all different kinds of tables including ping pong, poker, pool, and more.
Matsu wine designed by Maruba.
The Oregon Manifest held a contest in September of 2011 to find the “Ultimate Utility Bike for Modern Living”. They sought to find a bike that would meet the needs of Americans who want to live a healthier and more sustainable life.
The judges panel was made up of leaders in the bicycle industry including the President of the United Bicycle Institute and the VP of Innovation Design and Special Products at Nike. Tony Pereira of Pereira Cycles came up with a truly innovative, exciting, and winning design, and got a $3,000.00 prize for his effort!
Although this bike is impressive, I think the true winner has to be the ‘People’s Choice’ winners, IDEO and Rock Lobster Cycles. In a contest where you’re designing a product to be used by people, this award is a big deal. I have to agree with the voters, this bike is pretty cool.
Let me introduce you to Faraday…
The latest in our continuing series is a new release from a band that’s not getting enough recognition: Telekinesis. They play kind of a harder-rocking and less whimsical Shins type music. I love the mix of retro and modern in this cover.
Finding yourself in one of David Lynch’s films will either be your greatest dream come true … or your worst nightmare. Lynch’s films are eerie, striking, and mysterious. One of the greatest scenes of any Lynch films comes from 2001′s Mulholland Dr. and is set in night club Silencio.
So, when I heard that Lynch was opening his own club in Paris named after the thrilling Silencio, the hairs on my arms definitely pricked up a bit. Raphael Navot and Lynch headed a large team that designed the space from the ground up, creating a Lynchian dream world.
In just seven days…I can make you a great album cover!
Recently I’ve been drawn to some really exquisite and beautiful pieces of stained glass. I used to think stained glass was tacky and not at all attractive, but I’ve given it another chance. Don’t get my wrong, stained glass can definitely be a little on the extreme side and not for everyone. There are instances though, when you cannot deny the beauty and intricacy of a piece.
Today is the 20th anniversary of one of the great albums of all time, a gift from Seattle called Nevermind.
The music within is timeless, but so is the cover – a striking image just as powerful today as it was in 1991. The image, like Nirvana’s lyrics, can be taken in a lot of different ways, or maybe not “taken” at all. Is it about drowning? Innocence? The self vs. the dollar? Dada? Maybe all of the above.
When looking for new office furniture the first place we go is too often big boxes like Office Depot or Staples. Well, we’re shopping in the wrong place. I recently re-discovered this masterpiece of computer age style and ergonomics: Feast your eyes upon the Aeron Chair by Herman Miller.
They say the best revenge is sitting well. (Upon whom the revenge is taken is up to you).
Jackson Pollock was one of the most innovative artists of his time. His work was outside the box, and nothing like it had ever been appreciated before. Many still don’t see the beauty in his creations, and some will tell you that their 5 year old could do it better. Some said he created the most exciting and artistic creations they had ever seen.
Pollock was involved in a fatal car accident on August 11, 1956. As a belated tribute to his life and art 55 years after his death, here are a few of his more famous and beautiful pieces.
Male and Female – 1942 – Philadelphia Museum of Art
Lucifer – 1947 – Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts
Easter and the Totem – 1953 – The Museum of Modern Art
