Ah Xian: This is Chinese?

Ah Xian is a China-born Australian-based artist I greatly admire, and probably the only (semi-?)Chinese artist I have a real affinity for. Probably to do with the inherent identity themes that run through the course of his work. I find it interesting he doesn't physically make the work but leaves it to ceramic specialists in China - opening up a plethora of discussion about artistic ownership/ideas. A good write-up on him and more views of his work can be found on the Asia Society site. 

These 3 images from YIP2's photostream on flickr

These 2 images from TheCoolist

Richard Saja's Frankentoile

Found. Artist/genius Richard Saja who makes irreverent history-based objects, prints and general things I want in my vicinity. Here is his 'Frankentoile' concept, concentrating on adding context to a monochromatic Pierre Deux print. One of the simpler ideas amongst his depth of work. 

But I covet. COVET.

All images and work the property of the artist. Images via Richard Saja's blogspot

Book I Bought - Domestic Art

Purchased a couple of weeks ago on an expensive whim, and still ploughing through it. There is so much visual information and sheer fabulous-ness I can't cover more than a few pages at a time before my brain overloads.

I also managed to finally locate a copy of Cark Skoggard and Derry Moore's Rooms. I was short of breath at the beauty of it all.

Domestic Art can be purchased via Amazon

Bookshelf Splendour

The fascinating things people have on their bookshelves. Why haven't I thought of purposefully placing a taxidermied hamster on mine? Things to shop for next weekend.

From the home of Carey Maloney. Images from New York Social Diary

Clemens Weiss

Found on New York Social Diary, NY-based German artist Clemens Weiss' studio and home. I've only included it because I'm struck by how aesthetically similar his work is to my own, though I've never even heard of him. He works in a completely different manner and material, but it resonates with my own. And I'd had, in my mind's eye, imagined my soon-to-be-completed studio to have a very similar feel as well (though realistically nowhere near as neat).

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TA for h~fh

All images from New York Social Diary site

Paolo's Tasty Tasty

Found on Yatzer, Taste by Paolo Navone for porcelain manufacturer Reichenbach. The delicately beaded edge is delicious indeed.

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All images found on Yatzer.com

Magdalena Bors

I'd forgotten what a good blog Designers Block UK is. Found on her site, the work of young Melbourne artist Magdalena Bors, who strangely enough went to my alma mater.

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Her work has all the elements I'm attracted to.

Domestic. Craft. Curiousness. Detachment.

I think I want one on my wall.

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TA for h~fh

All images from Magdalena Bors site. All rights belong to the artist

An American in Paris

Jeff Koons as artist I have doubts about, but Jeff Koons as entertainer always promises to be controversial. People protested to have his work removed from Versailles during his retrospective show (which ended December 2008). I think they were missing the spirit of things... Sun Gods are partial to frivolity and irreverence after all.

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TA for h~fh

Images from Reuters

Home and Heritage

Thoughts about family over the weekend.

Image from the Peranakan Museum site

Colours I Can

Note to self about achievable colour schemes for my new living room. Wood floors - check. Neutral sofa - check, which is surprisingly unboring when paired with neutral rugs. Green sideboard - oooh. Muted but not boring.

Another way to do it is to colour coordinate with your cat. This little black and white cutie's purpose in life is to pose with greek keys. Mine is grey so something like the above might be called for. Added bonus - cat hair camouflage.

I believe the top two images are from the soon-to-be-no-more Domino mag. Cat images are from The Paris Apartment, a plethora of inspirational (yet achievable) interiors.

Jun's Seriously Chairs

Found on adorable blog Tiny Candy, a reference to Jun Ichihara's whimsical illustrations of classic chairs. Unfortunately the JI site is totally in Japanese so I can't find out more about them.

Butts and berets

All work by Jun Ichihara

Akira's Capers

Akira Isogawa the brand is the perfect product of a Japanese-Australian aesthetic. Akira Isogawa the man might be the designer talent of the decade. Akira presented his Printemps Été 2009 collection in Paris in early October 2008. Selected garments will be in-store late February / early March 2009. Do I detect a direction that says "cape-ish"?

An Autumn-Winter 2008 look below. If I could do it over again, this would be my wedding dress. The cape would have helped in the 6 degree weather I ended up having on the day. It was summer. Sheesh.

All images from Akira Isogawa site