|
$$PLAIN_TEXT_PREVIEW$$
THOUGHTS & DISCOVERIES AT THE CONFLUENCE OF TRAVEL, DESIGN & BRAND
|
I’ve been thinking about art and design a lot lately. Maybe it’s part of the winter hibernation mindset. Or maybe it’s because I recently watched the fascinating new Netflix documentary, The Andy Warhol Diaries. The six part series goes deep into the life and times of Warhol, and takes a shot at decoding his notoriously aloof character. It’s a remarkable story—punctuated by last week’s news that one of his Marilyn paintings is about to hit the auction block with an estimated sale price of $200 million. Crazy! (Note: I allow myself no more than one exclamation mark per month and that’s it.)Also in the news recently was the death of Christopher Alexander. You may not recognise that name, but if you have any interest whatsoever in architecture and design then it’s time to read his iconic book, A Pattern Language. First published in 1977, it has since become a cult classic, the definitive guide to constructing buildings and towns that have soul. Very specific, without being tediously technical, A Pattern Language breaks the art of planning and designing spaces (both private and public) into a language of approachable, common sense tips or ‘patterns’. Always aim to have natural light on two sides of a room, for example. At more than 1000 pages, it’s a whopping big resource, but the short chapters, folksy sketches, and basic photos make it easy to attack in little nibbles.
|
If you don’t feel like watching and you’d rather not read, then have a listen to Eureka 285: Stelar on Monocle Radio, featuring a 9-minute conversation with Lorna Watson, the founder of Stelar. A high-end accessories company that works with Balinese weavers to create products that are as socially and environmentally good as they are drop-dead gorgeous, Stelar is a wonderful example of what the world needs more of. I met Lorna a few years ago when we were living in Bali and have been a massive fan and supporter of Stelar ever since.
|
Another brand I’m totally smitten with lately is the Danish design company Vipp. Best known for the push-pedal trash bins they’ve been making since 1945, Vipp has grown its offering into a wide range of furniture, lighting, and kitchens—all simple and stunning, I must add. But what’s really making my heart flutter is their mini collection of one-room hotels. Like it says on their website, “As soon as you check in at the Vipp Hotel, it's fully booked.” Each of the five ‘hotels’ (scattered through Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) is a wonderfully unique and completely private design fiefdom.
|
After checking out the links above you may be itching to build something for yourself. Wiggy Swain’s (don’t know who this is, but need to based solely on that magnificent name) inspiring Pinterest board on Biophilic Design Principles is a must-surf show-stopper—and a spectacular time-waster.If you live anywhere near NYC and have even a pinch of time between April 6-13, swing by Art Cake to see the sumptuous artwork of Scott VanderVoordt. Another fiendishly talented person we met in Bali, Scott works with straightforward materials like stone and bamboo to create paintings and sculptures that are curvy, crisp, and poetic.
|
And while we’re on the topic of pinching, do you have a box of Maldon salt in your pantry? If not, go get some. Deliciously designed by nature and tastefully packaged by fourth-generation salt makers in the UK, Maldon is truly at the top of the sodium pyramid.Lastly, I’d like to thank you for being one of the first people to sign up for the Ditoui newsletter. To show my appreciation (and, yes, just for the fun of it) I’d like to make you an offer. The first person who emails me a photo they’ve taken of something they find beautiful, I will make a small sculpture out of sticks and stones (from somewhere exotic) and send it to them. Maybe this could be you?
|
|
Recent stories from the DITOUI JOURNAL
|
|
DESIGN UNINTENTIONAL ART“We cut the strings that tethered them to the stair railing and let them float around the house like a pair of shiny pets” READ MORE |
|
|
|
TRAVEL+DESIGN GOING FOR BAROQUE IN SICILY“Keen to flex some regional muscle, the Sicilians took the already ebullient curves and twists of the Baroque style and added an extra sense of flourish and fanfare.” READ MORE |
|
|
|
TRAVEL+DESIGN GREENWATCHING“Leaves rustle, plants swing, vines sway—they teach architecture how to dance. And they do it with colour, panache, and charisma.” READ MORE |
|
|
|
|
|
