art | Musings - Part 3

Forever Bicycles

Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings

I came across these breathtaking images while perusing Fast Company . The artist, Ai Weiwei, has a new exhibition in Taiwan at The Taipei Fine Arts Museum titled ‘Forever Bicycles’. 1,200 bicycles, nearly 100 feet high, providing a strong visual impact. The repetitive elements are perfectly aligned and meticulously displayed. Every angle offering a new vision. At once monolithic and simple, as well as dynamic and complex. I am so taken by these images that I can imagine hours spent studying this display if I could visit in person. The reflectivity of the material creates a play of light, a study of transparency abruptly and rhythmically disrupted by the deep black spheres of tires. For the large volume of this venue, a thoughtful, impactful, and beautiful display. “The bikes have no handlebars and no seats and instead use those parts of the frame to extend upward and outward to connect to other wheels and other frames, creating the illusion of a labyrinth-like space in a three-dimensional area.” Forever Bicycles will be on view until January 20.

More information here.
Images found at Fast Company.

Tags: Ai Weiwei, art, Bicycles, Modernism, Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Read more | Comments (1) | January 13, 2012

The Modernist Holiday Feast

Posted by Cynthia | Filed under Musings

Deep Fried Brussel Sprouts

The authors of Modernist Cuisine, a collection of cookbooks focusing on the Art and Science of Cooking, have published a ‘how-to’ for a most fabulous Modernist Christmas Feast. From the consideration taken to the design of the menu, right down to the presentation and photography of the edible art, this modernist meal is an inspiration. The visual impact of the composition on the plate is as important as the taste of the dish, the food pairings are carefully considered and each and every detail is beautiful. When charged as I am with preparing something new and interesting for the holidays this year, I appreciate this great resource for influence of artistry, and expertise of technique. I have attached the images and descriptions below, as these pictures speak much louder than words. If you’d like the recipes for your holiday meal, please visit Modern Cuisine for the complete details. Bon Appetit!

Christmas Ham-Hock with Pineapple and Cherries

Garnet Yam Fondant with Sage Foam

Pumpkin Pie: Butternut Squash Custard

From the publisher: In Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking, Nathan Myhrvold, Chris Young, and Maxime Bilet—scientists, inventors, and accomplished cooks in their own right—have created a six-volume 2,400-page set that reveals science-inspired techniques for preparing food that ranges from the otherworldly to the sublime. The authors—and their 20-person team at The Cooking Lab—have achieved astounding new flavors and textures by using tools such as water baths, homogenizers, centrifuges, and ingredients such as hydrocolloids, emulsifiers, and enzymes. It is a work destined to reinvent cooking.

Images found at Modernist Cuisine.

Tags: architecture, art, FLOR, holiday cooking, Holiday recipes, interior design, Modern Design, Modernist Cuisine

Read more | Comments (0) | December 19, 2011

Why Don’t You…?

Posted by Erin | Filed under Design Tips, Inspiration, Musings

… turn your favorite sport into a one-of-a-kind wall installation?

Furniture designer Andy Whitcomb’s portfolio is chocked full of inspiration, but what really caught my eye was his stunning tennis racket art. How adorable would this be in a teen’s room, or perhaps displayed in a colorful, modern loft?

And why stop at tennis rackets? Get creative with your family’s favorite sport – from badminton birdies to vintage field hockey masks. Although I suppose if bowling is high on your list, displaying your favorite 8 pound Brunswick might require a bit of creative shelving.

Happy decorating!

Tags: art, creative display, display, objects, shelving, wall decor, why-don't-you?

Read more | Comments (1) | November 25, 2011

Why Don’t You…?

Posted by Erin | Filed under Design Tips, Inspiration, Musings, Solutions

[Image via Poppytalk]

… ditch the picture frames?

For photography and art lovers alike, choosing a visual display for your walls can sometimes cause a serious case of decorating anxiety. Surely I’m not the only one, right?

Instead, why not opt for a subtle display by “framing” your art with Japanese masking (washi) tape or painter’s tape? The look is relaxed, informal and flexible, so you’ll suffer from art remorse no longer and can switch out your photos seasonally (or weekly if you’re anything like me!).

Bonus? You’ll save hundreds on picture frames alone. Happy hanging!

Tags: art, display, home decor, home design, photographs, photography, walls

Read more | Comments (2) | October 18, 2011