I came across the print shop of MFA Talon Printing in my research for fine art printers. As an artist, this print shop offers great options: serigraph (silkscreen), giclee, and various techniques (gold leaf, UV coating, and metallics). They claim to be the “one of the first fine art printing studios in the country to produce Fine Art Books entirely in silkscreen” but be prepared to stash away some money as they retail for $5,000 to $7,000 for each portfolio book.
Scharffen Berger is one of my FAV chocolates. It was unfortunate to hear the announcement that Hershey’s, its parent company (since 2005), is closing down the original Berkeley plant. Even though times are tough, the design still shines. The site, packaging design, and food photography are all well done–simple elegance.
Street (and gallery) artist Shephard Fairey talks about his philosophy on creating the propaganda-inspired pieces. His manifesto is amazing too.
Some conservatives write off Shephard Fairey and Banksy as mere vandals, but I believe that they’re examples of how art is accessible to everyone and how important imagery could be. Visual artists speak to the senses and enough repetition of certain ones could influence the subconscious in some fashion. Fairey’s Obama image has revolutionized street art, as the public attached their own view onto the image. All art (commercial and noncommercial) seems to be some form of propaganda–either from one’s own agenda or another’s–to inspire, think, or feel. . .
Sobe drink has a great logo and their Superbowl commercials are always entertaining. It also functions as a co-branded piece, highlighting characters from the upcoming Dreamworks movie, Monsters vs. Aliens.
Petticoat Swirls is a digital art piece by Kate Morse, combining one of my free textures from Flickr with a lovely original photo. Beautiful work!
Typographic Bird is a shirt design based on typographic explorations of serif letters. The swoosh and wingding elements created an interesting graphic form. This is also available at Zazzle, where the shirt colors could be customized.
As a side hobby, I’ve been tinkering with jewelry design. This collage was created from old beads, chain, pearls, wires, and pliers. The large pendent was taken from an multi-layered earring piece.
I created 5 jewelry pieces that same day, but my arm paid the price. My carpal tunnel started acting up and I was unable to function properly for the next few days. Needless to say, I won’t be doing too many jewelry projects for a while. . . but I’m happy how the pieces came out.
Blind Nation is a great project for Child Abuse awareness. Its cover is designed by Flickr member and designer Elli Mayhem. She incorporated one of my photo textures for the cover of the industrial music CD by several artists who have suffered. I’m very excited and pleased to be part of this campaign.
Joyfully Jobless is a fascinating blogsite by Barbara Winters which focuses on entrepreneurship and staying mentally and emotionally happy while at it.
In this photo, my grandfather was burning the spirit papers during Chinese New Year as a form of Taoist ancestor worship. The gold printing indicates wealth. Burning the papers allows the items to be transfered to the deceased, where they would be able to use the items in the spirit realm.
