Over the last week, I have spent many a late night playing with AI image generation on Midjourney with what can only be described as frenzied compulsion. Since my friend Winston showed me that you can set up an account on Discord, join a chatroom called Newbies, and type the phrase /imagine…to have a machine spit out a visual of whatever you imagine in less than a minute…I’ve been amazed, amused, addicted, impressed, and inspired beyond all measure.
Incidentally, the last time I remember feeling this way was exactly a decade ago, when I was sitting in the incredible bookstore Arcana in Los Angeles…and beginning to vaguely form in my mind what is today known as The Letterist. The wave of ideas and possibilities and imaginations of everything I could and would create was intoxicating. I’ve longed for that feeling ever since, and I never imagined something called Artificial Intelligence would turn out to be what did it for me.
design
Things I coveted at Maison&Objet 2024
The last time you heard from me about Maison&Objet, I was in the back of a cab on my way to the middle-of-nowhere outside Paris where the world famous design fair is held. I posted a quick selfie, thinking that this was only the first of many photos and videos I’d share in my Instagram stories throughout the rest of the day. I thought I was being quite the martyr in fact, braving the cold wind and slippery slushy streets just to vicariously take all of you to the fair. I never willingly leave home before 9am. And it’s not like I have any real reason to attend a trade fair. I was doing all this, for you.
But the first thing I saw when I walked in and had my ticket scanned was a sign saying that photography was forbidden. I was tempted to steal a few sneaky ones anyway…but then I noticed that individual exhibitors also often had signs prohibiting photography, so I decided not to risk it. The whole show was also insanely huge and overwhelming, so I decided it was perhaps a blessing to put the camera away and just try take in as much as I could with my eyes.
I decided to just take out a pen and paper and write down the names of brands that caught my eye.
Here are just a few of them for you.
I have NOT been able to stop thinking about this yellow saucepan.
Ax
Read MoreSacred Modern; Architectural Chapels and Places of Worship from Around the World
The idea of getting married in a church has never really felt like me, but long rectangular windows, solemn concrete structures, sleek oakwood pews, downright heavenly skylights, and breathtaking views of nature most certainly do. Add to that the signature of modernist gods like Le Corbusier, Matisse, or Rothko and I’m basically sold. Here is a curated collection of chapels and other spiritual spaces from around the world to which and in which I’d gladly say I do. And if you do find yourself booking one of these for your wedding - call me, I know exactly what the invitations should look like.
I’ve borrowed most of the text below from various design magazines and blogs because I realized that writing about architecture isn’t really my forte, but I’ve linked to each of the articles at the end. I’d recommend reading them all as there are lots of interesting details and stories behind each project. Like the 10cm gap Le Corbusier left between the structure and the roof to allow a sliver of light in. Or the little shrine to the patron saint of winemakers that was included in the open air chapel in Uruguay. Or the vestments designed by Matisse that I’d petition to be adopted by priests and preachers worldwide.
Stay inspired and stay spiritual, or spirited —
A.
Read MoreVienna Art Book Fair #1
A postcard on the table at the entrance to the Vienna Art Book Fair #1 reads “It’s an artists’ book if an artist made it or if an artist says it is.” As good a definition as any really, telling you everything and nothing at all…ironically mocking this infamously hard to define art form.
To me, artist books are single-handedly the best and most underrated source of inspiration for any form of print media design. Through their highly intentional and sophisticated approach to (and seamless marriage of) concept, paper, print, finishing, typography and design, they challenge and push the boundaries (envelope!?) of everything you had ever imagined was possible.
I’ve always felt that your creation isn’t worthwhile if your printer doesn’t look at your idea initially and say, “this is impossible.” And basically, an artist book fair is a room full of people who share that view. These are precisely the artists, designers, thinkers, writers, printers, and publishers who take what’s seemingly impossible and say, cool, let’s try it.
Think complex folds that tell a story, strategically placed holes playing hide and seek, layers upon layers that lure you in…the words “art” or “design” don’t even seem appropriate, some pieces are purely architectural. And I’m not even getting into the content. Whether its poetic, abstract, personal, political or comical…its always clear that a lot of thinking went into the process.
Needless to say, when I discovered that my dear friend and exceptional book artist Ximena Perez Grobet was exhibiting at the first ever Vienna Art Book Fair (in one of my favourite cities!)…it only took me a matter of minutes to book my flight. Below are some of photos I took…they’re hardly representative as I was clearly busy and overwhelmed enough taking it all in without the lens…but I do genuinely hope they’ll inspire you to look up the next artist book fair near you, and I without reservations, not only recommend, but urge you, to go.