Archive for the ‘Design + Creativity’ Category
New Project: Inspiration Mittemellan
I have this thing about being “in between.” In between two cultures, two languages, two countries… it’s the topic of many conversations. During a recent visit to Portland, my best friend in Sweden (who also has the whole Swedish/American thing going for her) and I were having this discussion, and after much talk about the things from both places that inspire us, we decided to embark on a new project: Inspiration Mittemellan.
The focus will be on everyday inspiration from America and Sweden, including (among other things) food, design and nature. It’s still in the building process, but go check it out!
Design Inspiration: Laura Cooke Ceramics
It’s good to surround yourself with creative people, that way you never have an excuse for not being inspired. Such is the case with Laura Cooke, a good friend and fantastic potter. An artist that believes in creating functional pieces for everyday use, her simple, clean lines provide for a calming aesthetic.
The Ultimate Fall Bike Bag
I’ve seen this bag out and about town, and every time it causes me to do a double take. Thanks to Cool Hunting I now know what all the cool kids are carrying: Chester Wallace bags, designed by Portland-based illustrator Patrick Long.
Waxed cotton repels the rain and looks good. Yes, please.
Via: Coolhunting
Hembakat är Bäst: Minimal Cookbook from IKEA
The cookbook from the furniture giant is only available in Swedish, but the images say it all. Hembakat är Bäst — which translates to Homemade is Best — features traditional Swedish baked goods all presented in a minimal, simple, and beautiful way. Makes me want to go and make some kanelbullar… love.
Looking Forward to… Artcrank PDX
Photo courtesy Artcrank
Artcrank hits Portland tomorrow. Bike and art lovers unite! The poster show has been making its way around the world this summer, and it’s yet another example of how bike culture is growing more and more popular; which is great for those of us that believe in getting more people on bikes and supporting cities that believe in investing in infrastructure that supports life on two wheels.
To Inspire Creativity
An excellent quote for creative inspiration.
Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.
– Jim Jarmusch
IKEA Takes Over Paris Metro
Ah the combination of my two foreign loves, Sweden and France… Here’s a fun Friday post:
Forget a boring commute. In Paris, between now and March 24, the metro is being turned into a comfortable living room. That’s thanks to a marketing initiative by IKEA, which is turning 4 metro stations into furnished interiors.
A crazy marketing campaign? Maybe, but it is ingenious in that it gets people passing by to interact with the product. And ask any metro goer and I’m sure they’ll take a comfortable couch over a gum-covered steel bench.
More pics after the jump.
New Nau: Spring Line 2010 is Out
Portland-based eco clothier Nau finally has their new Spring 2010 line out. As usual, the line incorporates sustainable materials like recycled polyester, merino wool and organic cotton.
And sticking with the Nau aesthetic, the Spring 2010 has the classic urban chic look to it; the pictures speak for themselves. Check out the full men’s and women’s lines here.
blog.annabrones.com 