Design Remembers 911

Following the devastation from the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, AIGA became a repository, clearing house and archive for impromptu and commissioned imagery.

Tragedy and imagery go hand-in-hand. Even before the dust settles, artists and designers are often among the first responders. Creating signs, symbols, icons and expressive interpretations are among the building blocks of remembrance. September 11, 2001 triggered countless post-tragedy images. Some in solidarity with the victims, others protesting the perpetrators, and still more commemorating the historical moment. -Kendall

The Tomb of the Unknown Craftsman

Grayson Perry curates an installation of his new works alongside objects made by unknown men and women throughout history from the British Museum’s collection. He’ll take you to an afterlife conjured from his imaginary world, exploring a range of themes connected with notions of craftsmanship and sacred journeys – from shamanism, magic and holy relics to motorbikes, identity and contemporary culture.

Vases covered in witty captions, elaborate tapestries and the centrepiece, a richly decorated cast iron coffin-ship, will be displayed alongside objects from the past two million years of culture and civilisation. From the first great invention, the hand axe, to a Hello Kitty pilgrim hand-towel, you will discover a reality that is old and new, poetic and factual, and funny as well as grim.

This is a memorial to all the anonymous craftsmen that over the centuries have fashioned the manmade wonders of the world. -Kendall Witherspoon

Crummy House

Crummy House is Mason McFee and Jessica Rose Clark making stuff in their house in South Austin, Texas - Art, Design, Whatever. They just produced a new megazine and are collaborating with other artists. You can find them on Facebook, sign up for thier crummy email list or just check out some cool art and zines at thier blog. -Kendall Witherspoon

Juliana Richer Daily Sings

I was lucky enough to stumble upon Juliana Richer Daily on youtube recently singing a song by one of my favorite artists, Bon Iver. Wow Juliana. You rock it out by brining your own sweet touch to this song. The Bon Iver song is only the tip of the iceberg though. She has a whole catalog of great cover songs on youtube. Go ahead. Check her out, but allow yourself at least an hour. This lady is so talented. Read more about her at her website. Then get your butt to itunes or Amazon for the real surprise. Her personal material is incredible. Do it today and you can say you knew of her when. But don't hestitate because she will be very big, very soon. -Kendall (Special thanks to JRD website for use of this great photo of her.)

Michael Doret Fonts

Hey, what do you expect from a guy who grew up in Brooklyn, NY near Coney Island? After graduating from The Cooper Union, Doret started his own design studio in New York where his work helped revitalized the art of hand-lettering. Along with Coney Island, the inspiration for his work has come from matchbook covers, theater marquees, enamel signs, packaging, and other American artifacts. Currently he operates his studio in Hollywood.



Design Boom!!!

Art, design, architecture, life. See the amazing Design Boom.

Instagram

My Grand Rapids, Michigan photographer friend Robert Neumann has been shooting photos using the free iphone app Instagram. A new fun way to share your life with friends and family. Just snap a photo with your iPhone, choose a filter, transform the look and feel, send to Facebook, Twitter or Flickr. It’s easy as pie. It’s photo sharing, reinvented. Oh yeah, did I mention it’s free? - Kendall Witherspoon