I used to be a design student.

I was very disappointed to have missed the launch party of the book ‘I used to be a design student’ held in London on Feb 18th. Sadly I am too far away and couldn’t just hop on a bus to Camberwell, like I used to for three years of my student life.

The authors of ‘I used to be a design student’ are two of my graphic design contemporaries, Frank Philippin and Billy Kiosoglou. I was invited to contribute to this study of 50 designers, comparing the life & work from their students days with their life & work of today. I have yet to see a copy first hand but with a selection of designers from Margaret Calvert and Ken Garland to Daniel Eatock and James Goggin, it has to be pretty fascinating reading!

‘I used to be a design student’ is published by Laurence King 2013.

On Design Week Feb 5th 2013.

Splashed out

Fashion and Home Pantone book. Way too expensive … but ready to go!

Tokyo Project 07

Pattern Factory

The other day an exciting parcel arrived at my door – a copy of Pattern Factory (aka ‘Pattern Department‘ in Japan) by Ayako Terashima, published by Collins Design.

It’s a beautifully selected and put together book, showcasing patterns by contemporary artists and designers. I know Ayako has been working hard on this project for some time now. I’ve been waiting to see the results ever since she invited me to shoot the designer & director Mike Mills in his studio, for the book’s chapter on ‘Ideas, Process + Output’ back in February.

‘Pattern Factory is a colourful showcase of outstanding contemporary patterns by the worlds leading artists and designers, including Takeshi Murakami, Julian Opie, Keiichi Tanaami, Perks and Mini, So_Me, and many others. In addition to an archive of more than 150 vibrant and distinct patterns, this visually stunning volume includes exclusive interview pages – featuring Mike Mills, Eley Kishimoto, Lizzie Finn, Sousou and Fabrick/Medicom Toy – which unveil the artists’ working processes and sources of inspiration, along with photographs of their studios and factories.’

A refreshing collection of unexpected and unusual pattern designs; be ready for a lot of nice surprises in this book!

Salvia (‘Mori’ – detail)

Will Sweeny (‘Metal Storm’ – detail)

Peter Jensen (Illustration & Print design by Kathryn Dale – detail)

Lizzie Finn (featured in Chapter 2: Ideas, Process + Output)

Mike Mills (featured in Chapter 2: Ideas, Process + Output). Studio photography by Lucinda Newton-Dunn.

Fabrick’s screenprinting workshop (Kyoto)

Eley Kishimoto – A/W 2005

Plate by Lizzie Finn

The Tower Tomamu, Hokkaido.

Images taken from ‘-FUL, Klein Dytham architecture’

Getting distracted today, I’ve been browsing through ‘-FUL, Klein Dytham architecture’ book (published in Japan). One project that I haven’t seen before particularly caught my eye: The Tower Tomamu, a hotel in Shimukappa-mura, Hokkaido. Remodeled by Klein Dytham in 2008, what could be a pair of really bland tower blocks in the middle of the mountains, has been transformed into part of the landscape. The segmented colours (much like lego blocks or coloured pixels) that cover the towers from head to toe, create a beautiful camouflage at a distance. You can see how the building could blend into a snow covered winter landscape or a lush spring green landscape. A nice solution to what could be a terrible eyesore!

KDa have designed a lot of great projects – playful yet sophisticated. It’s always fun to see what they come up with next. There is a lovely looking bath house (Moku Moku Yu) on their site which I’d love to visit! Without sounding too sentimental, and probably without their knowing it, KDa had quite a significant impact on some aspects of my life in Tokyo. They held lots of great parties and Pecha-Kucha Night (of which we witnessed the birth!) was a highlight of the month at superdeluxe in Roppongi, and is now enjoyed worldwide.

The Hungry Cyclist

Image from The Independent.

Today is the booklaunch of The Hungry Cyclist, by Tom Kevill Davies, published by Harper Collins.

Tom is a cousin of mine and I’m sad to be missing his book launch in London this evening. This book is the result of Tom’s cycling journey through North and South America over a period of more than two years, in search of the perfect meal. I really can’t wait to read the book!

There is an article about The Hungry Cyclist in todays Independent:

‘Americans looked at me in horror when I told them of my plans to ride through Mexico. “You’re not packing a piece?” they asked, astounded that I didn’t want to carry a gun with me. The Mexicans recoiled in shock when I revealed my plans to ride to Guatemala. “It’s full of bandits and machetes,” they would warn. (The machete part is true – all Guatemalan men do carry them – it’s an agricultural country and I soon learnt that machetes were the multi-tools of Central America). In Guatemela, I was urged to be wary of the gangs in El Salvador – and so on.

So, after 752 days on the road, did I find the perfect meal? Well, yes, I found plenty of them. From smoky tripe tacos to moose burgers and Olympia oysters to cold beers and spit-roasted guinea pig, I enjoyed some truly flawless meals.’

http://www.thehungrycyclist.com