EDEL ILLO

piece by Edel Rodriguez

I stumbled upon this sweet spot illustration in The New York Times for an article called "New Justice, No Peace" in the Opinion section. The politics of the article are not the focus of my attention- but this simple, yet informative, illustration caught my eye. I've always hearted the NYT's Style section and T Magazine, and secretly wanted to ring up their creative director and beg for a business lunch.

This piece in particular is reminiscent of Saul Bass and Paul Rand- in execution and in conceptual territory. Most important, Rodriguez captures the point of the Op piece. Well done.

SUNSHINE VS. CREATIVITY

Piece by Barbara Kruger, a bi-coastal artist

I've been vacationing in the southern version of my favorite home state over this holiday season. On the drive down the coast, we pass time with NPR podcasts. I love This American Life, Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me, and All Songs Considered. On an episode of All Songs, host Bob Boilen interviewed a couple of members from Spoon. He asked the band about where they draw their creativity. The band named lots of obscure references which let my mind wander...

As we wound through the cliffs of Big Sur, I wondered if I moved somewhere warmer, to a more relaxed city, would I still be as creative? The question is not so much about me as an artist/designer, but more about how environment affects creative people.

I love what is going on in the Northernmost European cities- Copenhagen, Hamburg (lived there!), and seemingly all of Sweden continues to churn out young innovative talent. Are they all rock stars because of all the hype- or is there something in that cold water?

Then there is LA. Of course there are tons of plastic star f-ers, but it seems plasticity is not requisite to break into the art scene. There are tons are artists who are very anti LA, all while living in the thick of the Botox.

If all you have is sunshine...

Piece by Camille Rose Garcia, a Los Angeles-based artist

MERRY HAPPY

TATTOO

I found this type tattoo on Veer’s blog. It is going a tad bit overboard. The entire Garamond ital set looks like swashy fun, but I am sure it did not feel fun. Maybe some brave soul will get an epic like the Iliad, similar to that puzzle face guy who was on the X-files back in the day. I have to wonder though- why Garamond? Is this person an old school novel designer?

I guess I just can't commit to one typeface like this brave soul.

OH PUCCI

Pucci is Palm Beach retiree and kitten heels poolside. Nothing wrong with that. But this scarf is a sweet update to their iconic 60's aesthetic. Love.

SHOWS

Check out the awesome, inspiring shots of hip kids in hip clothes from a dark basement venue in New York, with a cafe upstairs. Above, a shot I took of my friend's band Shamefest, also of Electric Umbilical Cord. Check 'em.

BARNEY'S

God, I love Barney’s.

If I had a billion dollars, I would buy all gifts, clothing, cosmetics and housewares here. It is so well edited for a department store, it feels like shopping in a boutique that your best friend owns.

And these plates are to sin for...