Gallery: Tessa Farmer

As I stared and stared at artist Tessa's Farmer's exhibit at the Spencer Brownstone Gallery in NYC last winter, I knew my world had been changed. It wasn't just the gruesomeness of her materials that made an impression, it was the completeness of her vision--so carefully realized and beautifully detailed. Farmer is a gifted creator of dark fantasy worlds. Her installations feature aggressive fairies wielding spears against insects and planting themselves on hapless dogs and birds (among other familiar animals). That's not all. The fairies, it turns out, are each so miniature that, peering at them with the unaided human eye, you can hardly see all there is to see. Not only that, but, well, they're composed of dead insects. And the dogs and birds they perch on are real, dead dogs and birds. But the most interesting thing about her installations is that these details become less important, the more that you look at her work. It's not every day that someone creates whole worlds. Go for the shock factor; stay to marvel at her talent. Farmer's work will be showing, along with that of other artists, at the State Hermitage Museum, in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia, from October 25 through January 17, 2010. an expanded version of the same exhibition will open at the Saatchi Gallery in London in June 2010.

Found Objects: Keybags

Whoa. Talk about taking your work with you. Not quite sure how heavy these bags are, but they're bound to be a walking conversation piece. Priced around 130-145 Euros (approximately, $192-$212) and made from 393 randomly assigned computer keyboard keys. 

Eatables: Leaf Pie Nirvana

It IS possible to taste heaven. If your tastes run to the simple but well-made, then the "West Leaf Pie" is for you. Is it a pie? No. It's just the best part of a pie (for me, at least): layered, leaf-shaped pastry that's a dream of what the airiest pie crust would taste like if it came lightly showered with sugar granules. Ahhh!!! I once ate 6 pieces in one sitting. And even though my stomach mildly rebelled against so much buttery pastry, I could barely restrain my hands from reaching for piece #7. Sold at Takashimaya, a little jewel of a Japanese department store located in Midtown New York City, the "Leaf Pie" is the best part of the afternoon tea service provided in the Takashimaya "Teabox Restaurant." And like so many beloved things at Takashimaya, it's still a little-known secret of sorts.

(photo via Takashimaya)

Beautiful Bargains: Cool Water

I've always had a weakness for stuff that was a bit army-hip. The colors and construction of these civilian water canteens definitely reference their more serious counterparts... but with a sophisticated twist. Now on sale from $90 down to $60 for most pouches. Flasks will run you 30+ and up (also on sale).

Prêt-à-Porter: The Bigger, the Tougher, the Better

For years, costume jewelry has tended towards the extravagant. Remember a couple of years back, when brooches were all the rage? Huge suckers, plastered with kick-ass imitation gems and faux gold touches. I don't think big, statement jewelry has ever gone away. But now it seems to be bigger than ever, and with a tougher, street-influenced vibe (as though daring us to denounce its wearer for showiness). It's a little hard to imagine who--besides the 20-something rocker-chic set--might be able to work this look into their typical ensemble. But the prospect of seeing young office professionals and stay-at-home moms give it a try makes me a little giddy with excitement. (Street) fashion for all!

(top grouping/left to right: earrings by Fallon and a choker by Bottega Veneta

bottom grouping / left to right: necklace by Bottega Veneta and a necklace by Burberry)

Curiosities: Smarin

I have never coveted pillows to the degree that I covet these amazing creations by Smarin. They're aptly named "living stones" because they simply invite interaction. I was also smitten with their raindrop garden furniture that looks like it lights up at night. Check on their website for U.S. retailers. So many fantastic and creative designs. I'm floored.

(photo via Smarin)

Spotlight: Calling All Dawns Album

It's nice to flex my non-stationery design muscles every now, and in this case, it came in the form of a CD design for composer Christopher Tin's Calling All Dawns, a beautiful album that defies a genre classification but would likely be categorized as "world music." It consists of 12 songs/ 12 languages / 3 parts (day, night, dawn). With such Grammy nominees and winners like Frederica con Stade and the Soweto Gospel Choir gracing this album, it's a deeply moving listening experience. Below is the cover art and some miniaturized versions of the layouts I designed for the album. And yes, I did use Stefan Hattenbach's typeface Delicato for the text. Album becomes available today!