Learning how to Live is a pretty extensive daily blog focusing on "the art of living"- at quick glance, I'm not super interested in much that this guy has to say, but the latest post was brought to my attention by the lovely Virginia Ivey, who was recently accepted in the prestigious VCU BrandCenter Master's program! The Top 5 Interactive Ads That Catch Your Attention is a great collection of quirky, innovative, and edgy ads that either force the viewer to participate whether they like it or not, or draw you in almost involuntarily with unsupervised participation.
My personal favorite is this swooping photo of a custom ad floor in a mall in Jakarta, Indonesia, which replaces fleas with unsuspecting shoppers. People on the higher levels can observe what seems to be human fleas crawling all over the animal as they scurry to and fro about their business. I'm sure there were many tweets about this.
Everyone has gone green-crazy lately, and while some might think too little too late, I am of the opinion that every little bit helps! The Dutch design firm Spranq shares this mindset, and has introduced a new eco-friendly font using 15% less ink. Not a new concept by any means, but since it's the hip-to-be-green generation, today's showcase is on Ecofont. The bubbles within the letters allow it to be easily read while using less costly ink, a double bonus in this struggling economy when green doesn't always equal more green in your pocket. This font is available as a free download here, so grab yours now. Be sure to check out the other great designs they have going on- this Dutch firm is already a strong player in the design scene, and for good reason!
Bike enthusiasts unite! This weekend (starting tomorrow) the Bicycle Film Fest makes its way to Richmond, VA, where I'm sure it will be met with rabid enthusiasm from the bikefans of River City. Hosted by Gallery5, the festival consists of 2 shorts and 1 full length film, each $10 or $23 for all 3 with 2 showings of each. Here's a note from the founding director about the fest: The Bicycle Film Festival celebrates the bicycle.
We are into all styles of bikes and biking. If you can name it-Tall Bike Jousting, Track Bikes, BMX, Alleycats, Critical Mass, Bike Polo, Cycling to Recumbents- we've probably either ridden or screened it. What better way to celebrate these lifestyles than through art, film, music and performance? We bring together all aspects of bicycling together to advocate its ability to transport us in many ways.
Ultimately the Fest is about having a good time.
We have been fortunate enough to include works of established artists such as Jorgen Leth, Mike Mills, Jonas Mekas, Blonde Redhead, Swoon and Michel Gondry among others as part of our programming.
Many of the artists who have participated in the Bike Film Fest such as the Neistat Brothers and Lucas Brunelle are gaining more and more recognition for their work.
Sign up for the email list or just come out and enjoy our 9th Annual Bicycle Film Festival.
Thanks. Brendt Barbur, Founding Director
P.S. bikes rule
Check out this great trailer for the event, and be sure to check out the RVAMag article about it here. OF COURSE when it comes to San Diego I won't be here, but that event is August 8. Sign up to be a volunteer and get info at their site BFF.
I stumbled across this free share video of public art made by BLU in Buenos Aires. Trust me, this interactive work in a public space is well worth checking out and passing along. Be sure to also check out the rest of the website for news about his latest book, drawings, and maybe even the shop? Enjoy!
Everyone's seen the images- Skull-A-Day became an international phenomenon when Richmond artist Noah Scalin took on the task of creating a skull image every day in 2007 out of common materials and taking a photo of it on his blog. Now in year 3, Skull-A-Day now boasts a book and 2 other skullfan contributors. His project has been featured in Mad About Design, Boing Boing, HOW Magazine, Suite 101, Style Weekly, RVA Magazine, and also on the Martha Stewart show?! Now Quirk Gallery adds his work to their Main Gallery for July and August, so don't miss either First Friday events as they are sure to be insane crowds for this hometown hero.
Quirk Gallery 311 W. Broad Street Richmond, VA 23220 804-644-5450
Usually I don't like to just completely re-post an email I've gotten, but Fecal Face is such a repeat offender of awesome shows that it is sometimes difficult. Their studio visits are always a fantastic glimpse into the minds of the young movers and shakers in American art; Alexis Mackenzie is the latest of the lucky featured. I wasn't familiar with her work, but the exquisite details and floral facets weave together in beautiful pieces on paper. Her hodgepodge ideas can be seen here, along with the rest of her studio.
Her show at Park Life opens June 26th - July 27th in San Francisco, so be sure to stop by the opening reception on June 26th at 7 pm to get the first look at what is shaping up to be an amazing show.
Printed Matter held the opening for Jason Polan's new zine, Eleven of My Things and One of Yours on Saturday, and it sounds like a fantastic time was had by all. It's a totally innovative and interactive concept in which Jason draws eleven of his possessions, and at the signing on the last page he drew whatever object the guest brought. Once this individualized, personal drawing was complete, the zine became One of my Favorite Things and Eleven of His. That sounds awesome! I wish I could have been there- I'm not sure what I would have brought but I bet he had some gems. I'd love to see a sampling of the drawings, so if anyone out there in internetland has a contact, let me know!
Another interesting fact- the REAL reason Jason Polan caught my attention- is his current project in which he is attempting to draw every person in New York. That's a mighty big venture, and I wish him luck!
Stacy Peralta (pioneer skateboarder now award-winning filmmaker) has released the trailer for his new film "Raw Meat on the Doorstep" about the life and art of Mike Shine. His work is widely recognized and has shown at White Walls, Mollusk Surf Shop, and the Museum of Craft and Folk Art to name a few. Check out the trailer!
Ok, I am sick to death of Huck Gee. Why does he keep having to come out every 2 seconds with another highly collectible and highly EXPENSIVE must-have vinyl toy? Now he's even recycling previous designs in limited editions! His Skullhead Dunny from Series 1 is being re-released as a monstrous 20-inch Dunny from Kidrobot. Only 200 were made, and all are signed by the man himself. At $400, it's out of my price range, but not my desire range. Snatch yours up if you can!
All images and words used are copyrighted beth demmon 2008. Any theft or plagarism will result in criminal charges and possible castration. P.S. Any images that I use from another source will be credited as much as possible; they are only used to further expand creative horizons for everyone.
