Category / Design

Harmless Weapons Made of Plants by Sonia Rentsch

Harmless Weapons Made of Plants by Sonia Rentsch weapons sculpture plants illustration guns

In her Harm Less series artist Sonia Rentsch defuses the powers of modern weaponry by constructing guns, grenades and bullets completely from organic objects. The shape and form of each piece are really convincing, yet I also enjoy the obviousness of each plant chosen to resemble various gun parts. If you’re reminded of Sarah Illenberger’s work, you’ll be happy to know Rentsch has had the opportunity to work with Illenberger in Berlin. Take a deep dive into her extensive portfolio of work over on her website. (via not shaking the grass)

Here & There: Horizonless Projections of Manhattan

Here & There: Horizonless Projections of Manhattan posters and prints New York maps

Here & There are a fascinating set of prints from London-based design firm BERG that depict speculative projections of Manhattan by completely removing the horizon and skewing the entire urban landscape upward. These particular views are of uptown from 3rd and 7th street, and downtown from 3rd and 35th street. Last year the prints found their way into MOMA’s permanent collection, and have just been reprinted using offset litho on 170 gsm paper from sustainable sources. Pick ‘em up now, shipping starts tomorrow.

Update: Because people are asking, these were designed a year or two before Inception. Just sayin’.

By Christopher on May 7, 2013 • maps New York posters and prints

The Thorncrown Chapel, an Idyllic Glass Chapel in Rural Arkansas is Under Threat

The Thorncrown Chapel, an Idyllic Glass Chapel in Rural Arkansas is Under Threat environment churches Arkansas architecture

The Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is considered one of the crowning examples of organic architecture, a philosophy credited to Frank Lloyd Wright that promotes a harmony between the natural world and human habitation. The non-denominational chapel was designed in 1980 by an apprentice of Wright’s, architect E. Fay Jones, who employed the use of steel and glass to create a weightless, almost translucent structure that offers sweeping views in all directions of the surrounding Ozark habitat. In keeping with the organic design of the chapel Fay asked that no construction element be larger than what two people could carry through the woods by hand.

Recently a power company has applied to build a 48-mile high voltage transmission line through Northwest Arkansas that will cut through the woods right next to the chapel, shattering the views and serenity offered by the extremely unique building that was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. For those interested, the Arkansas Public Service Commission is accepting comments from the public regarding the proposed power line construction. You can also read much more over on Hyperallergic.

By Christopher on May 7, 2013 • architecture Arkansas churches environment

Brains Made of Toothpaste, Newspaper and Food by Kyle Bean

Brains Made of Toothpaste, Newspaper and Food by Kyle Bean illustration food brains anatomy

Designer Kyle Bean (previously here and here) just finished this fun series of brains for Men’s Health magazine. Bean is known for his handcrafted commercial and editorial work for a number of large brands involving set design, sculpture, and illustration. Portfolios don’t get much more fun than his.

By Christopher on May 2, 2013 • anatomy brains food illustration

SÖHKA Lamp: A Customizable Light Made from Rubber Bands

SÖHKA Lamp: A Customizable Light Made from Rubber Bands rubber bands lighting

The SÖHKA Lamp is the latest creation from French designer Malet Thibaut (previously). The light is composed of five wooden pieces and 60 rubber bands that can be assembled in practically unlimited configurations to create different lighting patterns for maximum geometric shadow fun. The SÖHKA Lamp will be available for purchase via his website in the near future.

By Christopher on April 30, 2013 • lighting rubber bands

The Book Vase by YOY

The Book Vase by YOY plants books

The Book vase by YOY Design Studio (previously) is a house planter camouflaged as a book. Made of PMMA and PVC for water proofing the vase can be opened up to reveal the dirt inside and when closed can be inserted amongst the rest of your books to save desk space. (via fuck yeah book arts)

By Christopher on April 26, 2013 • books plants

Canvas Furniture that Hangs on Your Wall by YOY

Canvas Furniture that Hangs on Your Wall by YOY furniture

Unveiled earlier this month at Salon Satellite at Milan Design Week 2013, Canvas is a set of two-dimensional, lightweight furniture pieces made of wood, aluminum and stretched elastic canvas that can be hung flat on a wall. The surface of each piece is printed with images of the furniture it represents, and once removed can be propped against a wall and used as actual seating. Canvas was designed by spatial designer Naoki Ono, founder of Tokyo-based YOY design studio. While the chairs might not be ideal for long periods of time, they really are ideal for cramped spaces requiring temporary seating. (via hyperallergic)

By Christopher on April 23, 2013 • furniture

The Human Printer: CMYK Halftone Prints Recreated by Hand

The Human Printer: CMYK Halftone Prints Recreated by Hand printers multiples halftone drawing

The Human Printer is an ongoing art project by Stinsensqueeze (STSQ) who take photographs and manually create a CMYK halftone printing effect by hand. CMYK refers to the four inks used in some color printing: cyan, magenta, yellow, and key (black)—the application of which is usually determined by computers, not people. The process of applying each dot by hand as you can imagine is a painfully tedious process that requires not only a knowledge of printing but also plenty of forethought before beginning each piece. You can see a rough idea of the process in the video above.

The Human Printer was setup in 2009 by Louise Naunton Morgan and having setup a design studio with Stina Gromark, the project is now run by Stinsensqueeze (STSQ). According to their website they are currently taking orders, all you have to do is upload an image that meets their requirements, select a color process, and they’ll get back to you with a quote. (via jeannie jeannie)