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

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

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.)

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.



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

Veterans Day 11.11.11
Thank you to all those who have served, but especially to the dwindling numbers of “The Greatest Generation” who fought to save the world from the outrageous tyranny of Hitler and Tojo. 60 million people were killed world wide during that horrific 6 year conflict. Unimaginable. To Americans like my deceased father (pictured here as a teenage sailor with his rural mail carrier father and ...sisters in Cadillac, Michigan some months after Pearl Harbor) going off to war was just doing what was expected of them. The horrors they witnessed and endured during conflicts like Guadacanal, Bastogne,The Kasserine Pass, Aleutian Islands, The Battan Death March, Normandy and Salerno should never be forgotten. This proud generation battled their way through the Great Depression and then fought and died to secure the solid foundation of freedom we celebrate today. - Kendall Witherspoon



Recently while eating my morning Cherrios I looked at the box and noticed the Facebook and Twitter logos. That started me thinking about Cheerios product and marketing longevity and the fact that I have been eating them since the 1950s growing up in Michigan. A product that started as Cheerioats back in 1941 sure has stood the test of time. This brand has been sold to Americans in many ways, including a stint as food for toddlers. Since the first mascot, Cheeri O'Leary, introduced in 1942, Cheerios has been marketed to the world as a healthy breakfast food. Remember the Cheerios Kid? Get yourself go and check him out here. - Kendall Witherspoon