joanna concejo – illustrations and ceramics

Promenade de la Bicyclette, Joanna Concejo. Image via joannaconcejo.blogspot.com.

Illustration and ceramic artist Joanna Concejo’s work is whimsical, finely detailed and curious.  Her illustrations take on a fanciful life appealing to her audiences senses.  Amusement, delight, an entrancing sense of the strange draws one in and leaves one mesmerized.

Lubie + Rozowy Illustration, Joanna Concejo. Image via joannaconcejo.blogspot.com.

Milk vase, Joanna Concejo. Image via Remodelista.

Joanna’s charming Pots à Lait, one in a series featured on her website, was recently advertised on the cardinal website Remodelista.com (image from website above).  As mentioned in their post, Concejo’s milk pots are currently being sold in Paris at the venerable Le Petit Atelier de Paris.  Founded in 2005, Le Petit Atelier de Paris, located in the Marais district, is host to an in house studio and store front by its two owners.  They specialize in paper goods, ceramics and as their website mentions, “objects…original and delicate, [that] may be used for a pleasant daily life.”  A sheer delight.

Pot à Lait, Joanna Concejo. Image via joannaconcejo.blogspot.com.

Joanna also offers a series of spectacular oval serving plates, or rather, Assiettes Ovales.  They were featured on Le Petit’s online journal in November.

Assiette Ovales, Joanna Concejo. Image via lepetiteatelierdeparis.blogspot.com.

I hope you’ll visit the shop on your next sojourn to Paris.  Can’t wait?  Visit Joanna’s work online at joannaconcejo.blogspot.com  or  shop online at Le Petit Atelier de Paris.

Bonne Anee 2012! Image via lepetitatelierdeparis.blogspot.com.

national bird day

Pascal Fellonneau / image via www.Booooooom.com

IN CASE YOU weren’t aware, January 5th is National Bird Day.  Why, you might question, do we need a National Bird Day and furthermore, why are you reading about it on a design blog?  Funny you should ask!  Because according to NBII.gov, “…findings indicate that a third of North America’s bird populations declined during the last half of the 20th century!”

Ida Nordung / image via www.Booooooo.com

And unless we take action, we’re looking at further contributing to that striking toll.  Most unfortunate is the pending termination of NBII, our National Biological Information Infrastructure, as a result of the President’s Budget Request.  As of January 15th, 2012, NBII.gov will no longer be available to citizens.  Through the heroic work and concentrated efforts of eco and biological community resources, conservation and education based efforts will continue to make progress.  However, progress lies only in the minds of the informed and efforts of the active.  I hope you’ll take a moment to read about National Bird Day and discover conservation programs in your local area.

Inspired by the interpretive craft of artisans celebrating avian beauty, here is birdie round up!

Shelli Markee, Birds in Flight / image via www.ShelliMarkee.com

Shelli Markee’s incredible wire art, titled Birds in Flight, are sold individually and mounted seamlessly from your wall and ceiling.  Their lifelike nature is completely unique to each bird, and simply expresses a sense of weightlessness and individuality, a treat for the eyes and soul.

Ingibjörg Hanna Bjarnadottir, Krummi Bird Hanger / image via www.Mjolk.ca

As carefully noted by John and Juli Baker of the god-send Toronto based shop Mjölk (say Mi Yelk), Krummi is Icelandic for Raven.  Bjarnadottir designed this clever hanger to inspire us to wear our beautiful, shiny clothes each day – rather than let them sit away gathering dust in our closets!  Ravens after all are attracted to shiny objects…

Crocodile and Parrot Animal Plate / image via www.Far4.net

At 10 1/4″ in diameter, {far 4} shop in Seattle, WA is currently host to an extraordinary selection of hand painted, high fired ceramic, decorative Animal Plates.  Though the above Crocodile and Parrot plate fits the theme, other favorites include the Gecko, Carp, Chameleon and Frog and Bee.

Tree and Swallows, by CFA Voysey. Letterpress Stationary. / image via www.MonsterMarketPlace.com

CFA Voysey’s Tree and Swallows has long been a favorite of mine.  The fact that Mainer letterpress company Saturn Press offers it as part of their venerable V&A Museum collection is a delight!  Buy packs of the Tree and Swallows here.

And what birdie blog post would be complete without the mentioning of the great Olivier Messiaen.  As one of the 20th centuries most formidable composers and ornithologists, his work remains a brilliant marriage between the natural and creative worlds.

 

anna-wili highfield.

Owl Perched 2010 – image via www.annawilihighfield.com

few and far have the capacity to geometrically present life as featherweight through paper and copper.

White Bellied Sea Eagle 2010 - via www.annawilihighfield.com

Aussie artist Anna-Wili Highfield has such a capacity.  she does so hauntingly.

Dancing Horse 2010 - via www.annawilihighfield.com

Giraffe 2007 - via www.annawilihighfield.com

don’t take my word for it.  Highfield has recently posted new pics of a stunning paper horse mask for HERMES.  below is a stunning example, perhaps a clear inspiration, of work from 2010.

Race Horse 2010 - via www.annawilihighfield.com

Highfield’s work is anything but reserved.  audacious in its clear representation of subject, her work is a gesture of refined taste to any habitat.

www.AnnaWiliHighfield.com

OLBY design

England table - image via OLBY design

tis the season for sharing the bounty of spring in the form of delicious, local, market fresh foods with loved ones.  for serving friends, storing dining wares and lounging about after dinner with a glass of port, look no further than Swedish company, OLBY design.   the aesthetic is clean, cared for, organic materials.  textiles, seating, storage, tables – classic Swedish with a modernist twist.

limited edition low storage, Rhapsody - image via OLBY design

Kerstin Olby makes note on her website’s bio, that her goal has been to design and construct pieces that will last lifetimes and become the “antiques of tomorrow” without “being influenced too much by any temporary trend or other cosmetic features.”   an important mission for any designer, but one that has been achieved by Olby and team.  the limited edition low storage piece featured above is made of birch and comes in oak and walnut.  30 pieces have been made.

Wool pillow - image via OLBY design

great care is taken from start to finish – seen in material choice and the restraint of design and craftsmanship.  care and maintenance advice is conveniently posted on the OLBY site for those looking to extend the life of their product into the hands of many generations.

Tanga armchair - image via OLBY design

the Tanga reclining chair signifies the OLBY mission -  no fuss, multiple functions, simple, sound.   for inside and outside.  available w/  hemp strings (shown above) or polyester in black or white.  seat is removable and comes w/ a neck cushion – leather and / or sheep skin.  shop online and view catalog / retailers.

cheers,

mary anne b.

confetti system

CS Tree Web - image via www.ConfettiSystem.com

nicholas andersen and julie ho are the dream-team, whimisical designers behind confetti system.   combining a shared passion for, as they say, “celebration and craft-making,” they arrived at their business.

CS work in process - image via www.ConfettiSyste.com

using materials such as paper and leather, their aesthetic is a sensory, tactile one for the viewer.  wind and environmental elements can playfully engage their work, giving it life and movement.

CS wall instillation - image via www.ConfettiSystem.com

design projects range from prop / set design work for big names such as J. Crew, American Ballet Theatre and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, to for-purchase items pour la maison, like Branches, Pinatas and Blindfolds.

CS pinata group - image via www.ConfettiSystem.com

CS grey blindfold - image via www.ConfettiSystem.com

CS gold blindfold - image via www.ConfettiSystem.com

if it’s personal adornment and not house-hold candy that you’re after, check out their line of fine jewelry.

CS sky twist necklace - image via www.ConfettiSystem.com

this duo is all about their process and exploring their craft w/ a curious eye and good cheer.   no wonder CS is no stranger to heavy-weights such as NY Times, Bergdorf Goodman, and Surface Mag.   shop w/ them online!

happy shopping,

mary anne b.

david earle – woodturner

Holly Box - image via David Earle

“let the beauty we love be what we do.”  rumi

for those who create – construct – design, there is an awareness that their work will have a thousand lives; a thousand purposes exchanging many owners hands.  and so, the designer must be dedicated to the function of their creation being strong and beautiful, but equally so their work must timelessly express the creator’s vision – their authenticity.  to do so successfully, requires love.  because to do so authentically, requires clarity of vision.

image via David Earle

david earle is such an artist.  as a wood turner, david brings to each of his pieces, an editorial eye, a strength and talent for composition, and a sympathy to the nature of his material.  perhaps above all else, what is most apparent in david’s work is a passion for the craft.

English Walnut - image via David Earle

Holly Box - image via David Earle

Spinning Top - image via David Earle

Striped Spinning Top - image via David Earle

david is based in seattle, wa.  to learn more, purchase online and view his extensive portfolio, please visit david at www.DavidTurnsWood.com.

cheers,

mary anne b.

let there be light

with the changing of the seasons comes the much needed change in natural light.  there is an allure to spring sunlight -  warmth, curiosity good for daydreaming under rustling leaves.  and as the light changes from a dull gray to Breton blue, we are awakened from a winter lull.

with a sense of lightness on my mind, i have been collecting pendant light ideas for the kitchen and dining space.

I.   “Coco” by Australian designer Kate Stokes, can be found at Merchant_4.   warming it up a bit w/ a Tungsten bulb could do just the trick.  also, i’m a sucker for black and white, and the Ash wood cap perfectly compliments the aluminum body.

"Coco" by Kate Stokes - via Merchant_4

Tungsten Filament Bulb - via Rejuvenation

II.  a true favorite, David Trubridge – eco-savvy naval architect turned product designer – presents his “Coral Pendant” lamp w/ minimal parts and maximum effect.  it is available through DWR, and i highly suggest taking a moment to read their informational regarding Trubridge influences and design process.

"Coral Pendant" by David Trubridge - via DWR

III.  next up: Ocher’s industrial whimsy, the  linear “Eucalyptus Chandelier.  now…i’ll admit, this satisfies my imagination more than it would ever compliment my current space.  but when has that ever stopped me from sharing?  deftly designed in both brass and pewter, you can find it online at Ocher.net.

IV.  then there’s the brilliant Tom Dixon, a household designer name at this point.  his “Beat” pendants are hand-beaten brass, with a patinated exterior as onyx as coal itself.  the interior shade is left shiny, so as to illuminate the space below with a golden hue.  in four splendidly modern shapes, they’re perhaps most effective over a long island and grouped together.  two favorites are below, but discover the many possibilities at INFORM Interiors.

Wide "Beat" shade by Tom Dixon - via INFORM

also…

Fat "Beat" shade by Tom Dixon - via INFORM

V.  back to fantasy, the Flos “Zeppelin” by Marcel Wanders is a spellbinding creature -  hovering, suspended in its enormity, a luminous urchin made of plastic and steel.  find it online at FLOS.com.

as a group…

via FLOS

i hope your spring brings a sense of lightness and well-being.  more soon and as always, thanks for stopping by!

cheers,

mary anne

bag it.

i’m diverting from my usual furniture love-fest posts to bring you a curated selection of bags worthy of computer toting, grocery carrying, pic-nick packing and all manner of hauling small to medium sized personal items about.  for those of us who do this in the rain more days than not, behold…bonded fabrics and waxed canvas.  multi-tasking bags…go!

the "Folio Bag" - at Labour & Wait

two things:  1. this over the body tote is made of dense, bonded fabric, making it resilient and weather proof (bring on the Seattle weather!)  2. you can find it online at Labour & Wait, a general store company in London.  the bag is made exclusively for L&W.

"Rucksack" - by Archival Clothing

i dare you to destroy this Rucksack by US based Archival Clothing Co.  no, seriously.  made of 22 oz. heavy weight waxed twill, you could sink this thing for a month, fish it out of your uncle’s mud pond, run over it a few times w/ your nephew’s lawnmower, leave it out in the sun to dry in Denver and it would still own your ass.  go buy it here.  it’s not all brawn…it’s pretty inside too.

"Rucksack" interior

looking for something a little more svelte?

"Waxed Canvas Tote" - Tanner Goods

stats are pretty clean:  hand-made in Portland, OR; 10 oz. waxed canvas w/ tasteful dimensions weighing in at 14.5″ x 15.5″ x 3″; design collaboration w/ producers Tanner Goods in Portlandia and designer guru label 3sixteen in NY.   comes in OLIVE – shown here – and BLACK.  zippy pouches keep you organized.  waxy outer keeps it all dry.

i would be remiss if i left out Seattle’s own, Filson.  truth be told, they’re a bit too literal when it comes to the Western Fisherman look.  someone has to be the classic and they do it well.  that being said…impressively their Travel Accessories line boasts some updated products, while maintaining the Filson utilitarian aesthetic.  hey dog people!!!!!  check this out:

"Dog Car Seat" - Filson

while this hasn’t the promise of toting your computer, i’m guessing if you own a big dog, this hot item at $90 is your new best friend.

happy shopping, toting and pic-nicking.

cheers,

mary anne

new year, new mantra

i’ve been spending a lot of time reading lately, generating creativity.  and i’ve been most informed by people dedicated to their passions through their career.  what’s your focus?  what are your passions?  do they speak through your work on a daily basis?

Mitch Alfus, Leather King.  A Film by The Selby.

do you know INVENTORY?  you should.  it’s a magazine devoted to carefully curated products.  they’re based out of Vancouver, BC.  as my neighbor, i feel i owe them an overdue visit.  but if you can’t make it to Vancouver, visit their STOCKROOM online shop.

INVENTORY Magazine – Cold Spring

Ryan Willms, founder, brand leader.  he keeps an artful and shapely blog that i recommend dipping into when you’re looking for new goods or creative insights.  i most appreciate how dedicated he his to his vision.

“Weniger, aber besser.”  D. Rams motto.  “Less, but better.”  my 2011 and future mantra.

happy new year wonderful people.  may we do good and creative work, may we make a positive influence, may we be inspired to continue.

cheers,

mary anne

guest blogger @ Unabashed apparel!

hello all,

recently the fabulous Sarahbeth Larrimore, of Unabashed apparel, graciously invited me to support her as a guest blogger on her Journal.  the goal?  to find stylish and warm wearables for the wintery months.  i invite you to check out my suggestions and musings posted just today and view Ua’s beautiful f/w 2010 collection for some winter wardrobe staples. a sneak peak…the Woodland Dress in wool.

via unabashedapparel.com

thank you all for your support.  truly, i couldn’t do it without you!!

cheers,

mary anne