A little stunning animation found through Adam Buxton's BUG series. It's a glorious lesson in timing, editing and the importance of gestures. And it's wickedly funny.
Sunday 29 March 2009
Saturday 28 March 2009
Jeff Lewis & Laura Marling
Anti-folk 'too cool for everything but still love them' songwriters Jeff Lewis and Laura Marling have done a cover of Eminem's Brain Damage for Lewis' new Guardian online column JEFFREY LEWIS - NEWS TV.
can't link the video in properly so you'll have to click, shame
Laura Marling always feels suitable for a flu-infested Saturday morning slob-about.
can't link the video in properly so you'll have to click, shame
Laura Marling always feels suitable for a flu-infested Saturday morning slob-about.
Friday 27 March 2009
getting excited for glastonbury already
john peel passes? - check
echo and the bunnymen? - check
brucey? - check
sonic youth? - maybe
eezagonnabeeyagoodaone
echo and the bunnymen? - check
brucey? - check
sonic youth? - maybe
eezagonnabeeyagoodaone
Thursday 26 March 2009
Wednesday 25 March 2009
New series of the Apprentice - 7 minutes in and I have to turn over already. A new record in the unwatchable television category. There is nothing more that these types of programmes are showing, if they can show anything more at all. I know people can be awful and bossy and self-righteous and bitchy. I don't want to see this anymore.
On a happier cultural moment, the manics' new cover art by Jenny Saville is ace.
On a happier cultural moment, the manics' new cover art by Jenny Saville is ace.
geek glorious geek
love the look on the presenter's face as she tries these out.
a bubble machine operated by twitter?!
Arduino alert!
a bubble machine operated by twitter?!
Arduino alert!
Tuesday 17 March 2009
SS09 selection
Some of my favourite SS09 shoes from a couple of high street shops,
It's starting to look a little brighter for men's summer wear after years of grandpa sandals and heavy black office-esque shoes, not much brighter but a little. And it's much the same as last year for ladies' sandals; focus seems to be on straps and gladiator sandals, wedges and platform soles, chunky block colours on block shapes, or light and feminine bows on the pump front. Nothing much inbetween for those of us who would like heels without looking like a dominatrix.
Anyhow, these are one good ones I've seen so far:
WOMEN'S
Clarks have some nice bits if you dig, particularly the originals range, of which they have made another series of desert boots in some great leathers and suedes. These pumps are really cute and tick many trend boxes (tie bow, shiny finish leather, low cut around side of shoe.)
(Clarks)
These below are surprisingly feminine despite being a chunky wedge and tick the peep-toe/t bar/wrapped leather trends. Haven't tried them on yet but hoping the sole is as comfy as the majority of Clarks sandals are.
(Camper)
As usual, the twins range by Camper is among the most exciting, I'm particularly wanting these heels with really on-trend split colour monotone leather uppers.
(Camper)
United Nude have some bold styles as expected, this white sandal with crossing straps is a particular gem, although the whole range itself has much more of a sculptural aesthetic, the main feature being the Eamz shoe, whose heel is modelled on a Charles and Ray Eames chair.
I wouldn't be able to do a spring summer flit without looking at Terra Plana. This is the first complete collection to come out of the AMC deisgn house and it is a job fantastically done. One thing to look out for is the range of styles with quilting and fabric interwoven with the leather, they look great and the fabric will change next year from floral into coffee beans and shells. These yellow platform heels are amazing and the strap across is surprisingly flattering. Yellow has been quite a heavily featured colour so far this season. I have a need for these to walk with happy summer feet.
(Terra Plana)
The VivoBarefoot range is looking ever so comfy and desirable, most of all these trainers:
MEN'S
Having to search for nice men's sandals that don't automatically age or de-age the wearer used to be damned near impossible. Shoe companies are wary of producing a variety of men's sandals and alternative summer wear because they feel that men buy their shoes in a different way to women. It is assumed, and I don't think it's too far wrong, that men will buy one pair of shoes for work, have one alternative such as trainers, and then stick with that until it is necessary to buy more because of breakage. Spending £50 or so on sumemr shoes can seem unnecessary and stupid in the philosophy that 'these'll do'. Making interesting footwear for men is therefore a risky business, and shoes not in brown or black even more so, but there are some intersting things going on at affordable prices:
Camper sell these rubber flip flops for £25 and they fit much better than standard flip flops. They are super flexible and mould around the foot for comfort. Plus they look much sleeker than stringy flip flops.
(Camper)
These are some really interesting Clarks sandals, that seem to work for most age groups, and with the leather upper, are smarter than most sandals around.
Cleaner cut trainers and sneakers are everywhere at the moment and so here are some of my favourite men's trainers, particular kudos to the toe shape of the Clarks Originals and the incredibly flexible VivoBarefoot and recycled bike tyre sole of Worn Again @ Terra Plana.
It's starting to look a little brighter for men's summer wear after years of grandpa sandals and heavy black office-esque shoes, not much brighter but a little. And it's much the same as last year for ladies' sandals; focus seems to be on straps and gladiator sandals, wedges and platform soles, chunky block colours on block shapes, or light and feminine bows on the pump front. Nothing much inbetween for those of us who would like heels without looking like a dominatrix.
Anyhow, these are one good ones I've seen so far:
WOMEN'S
Clarks have some nice bits if you dig, particularly the originals range, of which they have made another series of desert boots in some great leathers and suedes. These pumps are really cute and tick many trend boxes (tie bow, shiny finish leather, low cut around side of shoe.)
(Clarks)
(Clarks)
Camper are an obvious style influence on many high street retailers, as they are a good fitting brand with an emphasis on fun and individuality. These wedges are superdooper. There are many many crisscrossing strap sandal wedges this season, but these are among the most subtle and wearable.
(Camper)As usual, the twins range by Camper is among the most exciting, I'm particularly wanting these heels with really on-trend split colour monotone leather uppers.
(Camper)United Nude have some bold styles as expected, this white sandal with crossing straps is a particular gem, although the whole range itself has much more of a sculptural aesthetic, the main feature being the Eamz shoe, whose heel is modelled on a Charles and Ray Eames chair.
(United Nude)
(United Nude Eamz Mary Jane)
I wouldn't be able to do a spring summer flit without looking at Terra Plana. This is the first complete collection to come out of the AMC deisgn house and it is a job fantastically done. One thing to look out for is the range of styles with quilting and fabric interwoven with the leather, they look great and the fabric will change next year from floral into coffee beans and shells. These yellow platform heels are amazing and the strap across is surprisingly flattering. Yellow has been quite a heavily featured colour so far this season. I have a need for these to walk with happy summer feet.
(Terra Plana)The VivoBarefoot range is looking ever so comfy and desirable, most of all these trainers:
(VivoBarefoot @ Terra Plana)
want. badly.MEN'S
Having to search for nice men's sandals that don't automatically age or de-age the wearer used to be damned near impossible. Shoe companies are wary of producing a variety of men's sandals and alternative summer wear because they feel that men buy their shoes in a different way to women. It is assumed, and I don't think it's too far wrong, that men will buy one pair of shoes for work, have one alternative such as trainers, and then stick with that until it is necessary to buy more because of breakage. Spending £50 or so on sumemr shoes can seem unnecessary and stupid in the philosophy that 'these'll do'. Making interesting footwear for men is therefore a risky business, and shoes not in brown or black even more so, but there are some intersting things going on at affordable prices:
Camper sell these rubber flip flops for £25 and they fit much better than standard flip flops. They are super flexible and mould around the foot for comfort. Plus they look much sleeker than stringy flip flops.
(Camper)These are some really interesting Clarks sandals, that seem to work for most age groups, and with the leather upper, are smarter than most sandals around.
(Clarks)
Terra Plana's Dopie sandal is set to become a design classic and available in many many many colours. Look out for a sock/whole foot version next year currently in the design process.
(Terra Plana)
Cleaner cut trainers and sneakers are everywhere at the moment and so here are some of my favourite men's trainers, particular kudos to the toe shape of the Clarks Originals and the incredibly flexible VivoBarefoot and recycled bike tyre sole of Worn Again @ Terra Plana.
(Clarks Originals)
(VivoBarefoot @ Terra Plana)
(Worn Again @ Terra Plana)
Smart Black Shoes (SBSs) for men will occur in every collection despite season but some of the nicest summery ones are again, Camper and Terra Plana. Camper's quirky twins range is responsible for the laces on these slick black leather shoes, whilst Terra Plana's use of eco tumbled leather creates a shoe very very soft and comfortable, with ultra thin sole for a new walking experience.
(Camper)
(Terra Plana)
PHEW.
(VivoBarefoot @ Terra Plana)
(Worn Again @ Terra Plana)Smart Black Shoes (SBSs) for men will occur in every collection despite season but some of the nicest summery ones are again, Camper and Terra Plana. Camper's quirky twins range is responsible for the laces on these slick black leather shoes, whilst Terra Plana's use of eco tumbled leather creates a shoe very very soft and comfortable, with ultra thin sole for a new walking experience.
(Camper)
(Terra Plana)PHEW.
Monday 16 March 2009
"Roots" brick table installation
this is really exciting. Using Processing technology and the touch sensor brick table, users can alter the output, which manifest as music; as series of notes and sounds controlled by touch.
Roots Multi Touch Tangible Installation Teaser from BricK Table on Vimeo.
Roots Multi Touch Tangible Installation Teaser from BricK Table on Vimeo.
Sunday 15 March 2009
Wednesday 11 March 2009
Proving I have lost 'youth' status at 21, I now have to use urban dictionary to find what phrases mean. And still don't have the ability to use them. I am officially grown up/old/boring and turning into my parents. therefore have compiled a list of things I now think are inappropriate for me to do:
- chew bubblegum in public without irony
- use the phrase 'like' in a non comparison sense
- wear bunches
- expect sweets on a friday
- have sugar in my tea
- not tip in a restaurant
- draw lightning bolts as underlines for titles
- wear a tie
urban dictionary phrase of the day:
Stanky Leg - A dance in which the dancer drops it while rotating one leg behind them
- chew bubblegum in public without irony
- use the phrase 'like' in a non comparison sense
- wear bunches
- expect sweets on a friday
- have sugar in my tea
- not tip in a restaurant
- draw lightning bolts as underlines for titles
- wear a tie
urban dictionary phrase of the day:
Stanky Leg - A dance in which the dancer drops it while rotating one leg behind them
"Hey everyone, Susie is doing da Stanky Leg"
what?
what?
Monday 9 March 2009
Shivering Sands
as seen on diamond geezer's blog and ffffound.com
They look amazing. Really want to go and see them for myself. Nine miles off the coast in the Thames estuary, not that difficult surely ?!
They look amazing. Really want to go and see them for myself. Nine miles off the coast in the Thames estuary, not that difficult surely ?!
Pancakes and blenders
It may seem like I've been absent from studio work for the last few days but there has been an element of research and decision-making to the time spent. Promise. Everything I do falls into one of 4 categories and places: Sodbury/Family things; Hotwells/Henry things; Hackney/Shoe things; Kingston/Fine Art things. The Fine Art things have taken last place this last month and it really can't be so anymore.
So...
Have yet to figure out the electronics for moving cootie catchers, am going to go to the engineering dept for some expert help. I'd like to be much more proficient in automation and automatons than I currently am.
1) Go to engineering
2) Learn something helpful
3) Make something that works to go on a cootie catcher
Saw The Pancakes on Saturday night at the Folkhouse. Was once again struck by the simplicity and honesty of their instruments. (Not the Hong Kong pancakes, the Suffolk Pancakes.) They have a less well-made Juneau Proj feel about them and the way they present themselves.
(not my photos)
Their drum kit, as you can see, is a wooden box, with a stick nailed on and a saucepan lid on top. The kick pedal is a homemade pulley system and it's a shame i forgot my camera as I really wanted to record it. I think it's a lovely object. It exists as a static object, one that can be imagined to play as well as be played. A normal drum kit, of the sort that's gathering dust in my room in Bristol, is there to be played and when static, looks no more than a familiar drum kit. It can be overlooked, unlike the Pancake kit. It has become something other. It is not a box anymore, the saucepan lid is not a saucepan lid.
On a similar note, the current show Ujino and The Rotators at the Hayward Gallery Project Space is incredibly exciting. Notified by Rosa, I went and I loved, and felt a little like what I was doing was a shoddy shitty version. But I will carry on nonetheless and try and take something from it.
Ujino's work revels in a punk sensibility, a mish-mash of unwanted domestic appliances, appliances now outdated and redundant, and creates a sound piece with them. He calls the pieces a band, much like I wanted to call the cootie catchers an orchestra, and treats them as such, letting groups of them combine to become one instrument, and each group playing for a set amount of time. I would have really liked to see them all play together, without the organised and planned structure. When the focus shifted for the first time, I thought it was my presence moving around the room that had caused the shift, and was quite (ego ego ego) disappointed when it wasn't. I really wanted to be part of the piece and the denial of any kind of interaction annoyed me greatly. I'm sure that this does not apply to everyone, I know a lot of people would like to just look at artwork, but my my I needed to play with those things.
This, I think it what I have been looking for in many pieces that don't offer it, and so I must make work myself that offers it. I like the unexpected, the idea that someone could come along and break the damn thing if they really wanted to.
For something fantastic, have a look at the opening credits and indeed the whole hour and a half, of The Company, Thursdays on BBC2. 1st episode is on iplayer. do it do it do it.
So...
Have yet to figure out the electronics for moving cootie catchers, am going to go to the engineering dept for some expert help. I'd like to be much more proficient in automation and automatons than I currently am.
1) Go to engineering
2) Learn something helpful
3) Make something that works to go on a cootie catcher
Saw The Pancakes on Saturday night at the Folkhouse. Was once again struck by the simplicity and honesty of their instruments. (Not the Hong Kong pancakes, the Suffolk Pancakes.) They have a less well-made Juneau Proj feel about them and the way they present themselves.
(not my photos)Their drum kit, as you can see, is a wooden box, with a stick nailed on and a saucepan lid on top. The kick pedal is a homemade pulley system and it's a shame i forgot my camera as I really wanted to record it. I think it's a lovely object. It exists as a static object, one that can be imagined to play as well as be played. A normal drum kit, of the sort that's gathering dust in my room in Bristol, is there to be played and when static, looks no more than a familiar drum kit. It can be overlooked, unlike the Pancake kit. It has become something other. It is not a box anymore, the saucepan lid is not a saucepan lid.
On a similar note, the current show Ujino and The Rotators at the Hayward Gallery Project Space is incredibly exciting. Notified by Rosa, I went and I loved, and felt a little like what I was doing was a shoddy shitty version. But I will carry on nonetheless and try and take something from it.
Ujino's work revels in a punk sensibility, a mish-mash of unwanted domestic appliances, appliances now outdated and redundant, and creates a sound piece with them. He calls the pieces a band, much like I wanted to call the cootie catchers an orchestra, and treats them as such, letting groups of them combine to become one instrument, and each group playing for a set amount of time. I would have really liked to see them all play together, without the organised and planned structure. When the focus shifted for the first time, I thought it was my presence moving around the room that had caused the shift, and was quite (ego ego ego) disappointed when it wasn't. I really wanted to be part of the piece and the denial of any kind of interaction annoyed me greatly. I'm sure that this does not apply to everyone, I know a lot of people would like to just look at artwork, but my my I needed to play with those things.
This, I think it what I have been looking for in many pieces that don't offer it, and so I must make work myself that offers it. I like the unexpected, the idea that someone could come along and break the damn thing if they really wanted to.
For something fantastic, have a look at the opening credits and indeed the whole hour and a half, of The Company, Thursdays on BBC2. 1st episode is on iplayer. do it do it do it.
Tuesday 3 March 2009
Applause Machine
I am making a machine that claps you as you pass it, when looking for ideas on the mechanism I came across this by Martin Smith:
This feels more like an office toy than a piece of art. You can't actually hear it clap, which is disappointing. The whole point of a clap is that it is a sound generated through an action rather than just an action.
The plan for mine is that it will be wall mountable about shoulder height, and the hands will be life size. The tricky part will be getting the shape of the hands right to make the right sound. eek.
This feels more like an office toy than a piece of art. You can't actually hear it clap, which is disappointing. The whole point of a clap is that it is a sound generated through an action rather than just an action.
The plan for mine is that it will be wall mountable about shoulder height, and the hands will be life size. The tricky part will be getting the shape of the hands right to make the right sound. eek.
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