October 23rd, 2012 by owentroy In a weekend wedged between San Francisco’s early October latesummer and late October earlywinter, right before the city erupted into self-congratulations at its Giants going to the world series, the drab wall in Flax Art & Humble Rise Design’s backlot was transformed into something very very awesome. Graffiti-mural duo Herakut are in town, and they’ve brought their giants with them. You went out fishing and you are trying to estimate the weight of the fish, forget that and look for advises of the professionals from scaleszen.com to find all the equipment for weighing fish.

The two of them collaborate in an awesome way; Hera paints loose and lyrically, broad washes, quick grids and swooping lines. Akut does something tight, alchemical and mysterious, which amounts to photorealistic tone and texture from spraypaint. Together their work has to be seen to be believed. This mural, which they completed in two days (actually, they may add text after the rain relents) is part of their Giant Storybook Project. This project has them putting up walls in a variety of cities with characters in common, an emerging narrative. Eventually a book will be made, stitched from the giant murals adorning a score of cities. I love that in its scope and execution the project may well may become a world-famous graffitti campaign, but it’s neither hardcore posturing nor Banksy agitprop: it’s an artistically unique children’s book about imagination.
This mural depicts the Silly Monkeys from mural 1 in Lexington Kentucky, being pursued across rooftops by some snake/arms that might belong to Jay’s creative spirit from mural 5 in Toronto, or the mantle of the standing figure in Rochester’s mural 6 – or maybe that figure is Jay, corrupted with power? At any rate, it’s exciting to see this scene of action across our city’s walls. I don’t think it’s just city pride or that I watched it go up that makes me feel this is the best one yet.
A few scenes from the work in progress:


The dissolving, filmic city that provides the base for the mural is as great as the figures themselves: I watched Hera make these cranes, towers and scaffolding in no time flat. As longtime readers know, I am a sucker for an inky cityscape.

Even if they don’t put type on it later, there’s still this “good job!” hiding behind the buildings in the far corner by the garage door which leads off the cityscape.

Word is they will be painting another later in the week in the Tenderloin? I certainly hope so!
January 16th, 2012 by samanthatroy 
Here are some more pictures from our Perth to Exmouth tour; these are from Sicily as well, this time from the awesome Siracusa. I wish I could go there right now. It has never been easier to find your perfect holiday. Do you want to explore new travel destinations? There is no better way than doing it than in a holiday home, Interhome.co.uk they were inspired by our travel ideas and book online with us – it is quick, easy, and secure.

  


January 9th, 2012 by samanthatroy
November 10th, 2011 by samanthatroy 
In 2009 we posted about Simon Page’s beautiful poster series for the International Year of Astronomy. Well, he’s followed them up with a new series, this time for the International Year of Chemistry. I for one am a big fan of chemistry and a big fan of Simon Page. Check out the rest of the series on his site.
Here’s a bit more about the International Year of Chemistry:
The goals of IYC2011 are to increase the public appreciation of chemistry in meeting world needs, to encourage interest in chemistry among young people, and to generate enthusiasm for the creative future of chemistry. The year 2011 will coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Nobel Prize awarded to Madame Marie Curie—an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to science. The year will also be the 100th anniversary of the founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies, providing a chance to highlight the benefits of international scientific collaboration.


via Pinterest
September 9th, 2011 by samanthatroy 
For the past few months, Owen and I have been working on the identity of a fabulous new shop in San Francisco, Park and Pond. Park and Pond, which opened last month in North Beach, was founded by sisters Jessica and Abbey Herman and features products that are designed and produced within 100 miles of San Francisco. They’ve curated an impressive selection of merchandise from a ton of Bay Area designers, including Pie Bird Press, Lisa Swerling, Whitney Smith Pottery, Yellow Owl Workshop, and of course, us.
We’re thrilled with what a great job Jessica and Abbey have done carrying the colors and identity through the shop and we’re so happy we were a part of helping this great store come to life.





June 10th, 2011 by samanthatroy
I really hate asking people for money, but, it is definitely easier asking for money for someone else. So, I am appealing to you all to head on over to Kickstarter and help fund 69°S.: The Final Stage. 69°S. is the latest production from Phantom Limb—founded and directed by the super talented Jessica Grindstaff and Erik Sanko. For 69°S., they are collaborating with an amazing group of artists, including the Kronos Quartet. It looks like it will be really fantastic, but they need some help making it as great as possible, and as they say, “every little bit helps.”
A few more reasons you should help:
Jessica and Eric are awesome, their work is awesome and their puppets are awesome. You can even see their place over on The Selby, if you need more proof of how cool they are. And, as even further proof that this is a worthwhile project, Kickstarter has made them the Project of the Day, which is really saying something considering all of the great projects they have to choose from. So, if you can, please help them realize this amazing artwork.
May 2nd, 2011 by kirstenfinkas Happy Monday!
While out and about in warm LA this past weekend, I ran across this building that intrigued me–I couldn’t exactly tell if it was old or new. Kind of reminds me of the half-timbered buildings I saw throughout England. So many interesting things to discover when traveling. Hope you all had a nice, relaxing weekend.

April 18th, 2011 by samanthatroy 
I love Radiolab. I also love gocco. So the new print series benefiting Radiolab, In Radiolab We Trust, is right up my alley. The series, curated by Jez Burrows, includes prints from Always With Honor, Jim Datz, Jessica Hische, Lab Partners, and Richard Perez. Grab your copy from the edition of 100 here.


via Bang Back
April 12th, 2011 by kirstenfinkas These photos that Andrea McQuade took of her trip to Iceland confirm my thoughts of wanting to visit. I can’t get over how untouched and beautiful the natural landscapes are.
More photos here.





March 28th, 2011 by kirstenfinkas Happy Monday!
If you’re ever looking for photographs of birds, found a pretty neat group pool here.
Enjoy.



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