The Classics | Basis Design

Sweet Ride

On January 23, 2012, In Automotive, Branding, Sport, Symbols, art, fashion, By Wes

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…

Tagged with: americana • art • Bicycle • Bicycles • ceremonies • color • Faraday • IDEO • ooh looky • Rock Lobster • Symbols • the classics • Tony Pereira • toys

The Perfect Evergreen

On December 19, 2011, In Fun, Holiday, Shopping, Symbols, art, By Wes

The Christmas season is one that is full of joy, laughter, and happiness as well as stress, hustle, and sky-rocketing gas prices. In the midst of all the Christmas commotion, there’s nothing better than coming home to the scent of a freshly cut and decorated fir tree. These days it seems Americans lean towards the pre-lit, store bought, perfectly symmetrical, mass produced Christmas trees. In my own home there was talk of ending the tradition of a live tree after this year! Blasphemy. So for all the Christmas traditionalists out there, here are the best trees to buy for your home!

Balsam Fir

Balsam Fir’s are known for their wonderful scent. They are very similar to Frasier Firs and are not very expensive. They hold their needles very well so they are perfect for a tidy home.

Blue Spruce

Blue Spruce trees are also a great choice. Many consumers consider Blue Spruce trees to be the most attractive you can buy. The down side is they are notorious for shedding their needles endlessly! But, if you don’t mind a little extra vacuuming they can add the perfect touch to your family room.

Scotch Pine

Scotch Pines are known for their fantastic bright green coloring. They hold their needles well, but aren’t great if you have an overdecorated tree or lots of very heavy ornaments.

Happy hunting!

Tagged with: Balsam Fir • Blue Spruce • Christmas • christmas cheer • Christmas trees • color • Douglas Fir • Frasier Fir • Fun • Holiday shopping • Scotch Pine • Symbols • the classics

ACM: Nevermind, by Nirvana

On September 24, 2011, In Music, art, By Wes

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.

Tagged with: album covers • art • graphic design • music • musicians • the classics

Good Eats

On September 2, 2011, In Branding, Food, Uncategorized, architecture, art, By Wes

Living in the South, you will inevitably come to love some hole in the wall, middle of nowhere, run by an old married couple barbecue joint. They always have the best food, and there’s never a wait. There are a few places like this in my hometown, and I love driving down a road and seeing an sign or restaurant that reminds me of one of these places.

There’s absolutely nothing like home, but a good ole’ barbecue place with great fixin’s and lots of sauce can run a close second.

Tagged with: americana • architecture • art • barbecue • Branding • food • home • the classics • the south

ACM: In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, by Neutral Milk Hotel

On August 1, 2011, In Branding, Music, art, By Wes

The enigmatic cover of one of the most moving, emotional, and riveting albums of all time. It’s a concept album – a meditation on Anne Frank, childhood, parents, war and holocaust. You’re cheating yourself if you don’t give it a listen. HIGHLY recommended.

Tagged with: album covers • art • Branding • graphic design • music • the classics

Album Cover of the Month: Loveless, by My Bloody Valentine

On July 13, 2011, In Branding, Music, art, By Wes

The cover art is nearly as iconic as the album itself. Like the music within, it’s a swirling, vibrating, super-charged jolt of guitar wailing. It’s pretty great, is what I’m saying.

Tagged with: album covers • art • Branding • graphic design • music • the classics

In Which I Watch ‘Jane Eyre’ and Come Away with an Appreciation of Mr. Rochester’s Clothes

On May 1, 2011, In Film, art, fashion, By Wes

I saw a very great movie last night, adapted from a very great book: Jane Eyre. Directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender, it’s a gothic, moody period piece with mystery, romance, etc. But look at those clothes!

Going for tousled here.

Looking sharp, and sharply unpleasant.

Formaly informal.

Ahh, love and fashion.

Tagged with: art • costume • fashion • Film • the classics

The Eames Aluminum Group Chairs

On April 30, 2011, In furniture, industrial design, By Wes

A finer group of executive and conference room chairs you will not find in the whole of the last century. Allow your eyes to feast – and if you want, click over to Smart Furniture and make these Eames Aluminum Chairs yours for the keeping.