Miriello Grafico

There’s something about blending what you do with how you do it. And where you life. Where the boundaries between work and play and design and invisible. This video (click the photo) was sent to me by a buddy in Turlock who knew it would hit the chord with me and many friends.

The video is a beautiful sales pitch really for a guy- Stephen Kenn- who is using what he has around him and lots of innovation and desire, to make beautifully crafted work using various sources of skilled labor around LA. The final piece, and his Inheritance Collection, is worth his effort. – rm

What’s the trend for UI design?

Brant Vicker from worrydream.com decided to critique it. Now, it’s always easier to shoot down anothers’ attempt,  but Brant offers a cool take on where technology makes sense and where it doesn’t and if it’s actually making human interaction any better or even more isolating and idealistic.

Thanks Dave Bruno.

http://worrydream.com/ABriefRantOnTheFutureOfInteractionDesign/

When is design an art and when is it a service? Well, I’d say it’s always a service and sometimes it can be an art too. Much of design education is taught from the perspective of “the art”of design. When in fact, much of the important work designers do to move their clients business forward is done with words, with consultation, providing a unique perspective, clarifying their objectives, helping them make the right decisions. Sometimes it’s even translated into good design. And sometimes… that good design is executed at the level of art

In the end, design is a service. It’s about service. About helping. About helping to give shape,form and context to the new and the next.

In recognition of Point Loma Nazarene University’s 110 Year Anniversary, MG created a campaign identity to make the occasion. PLNU helps to remind us here at MG that being in service to others is a rather important function. Pretty noble in fact.

As a contributor to the Italian design site Lancia TrendVisions, I get constant feeds from their editor Michele Angelini. Michele posted the work of an artist and CG expert from Belgium on their site recently. And I’ve been trying to find out more about the artist Erwin Keustermans every since. Particularly his portrait drawings. In some aspects, it looks to be drawn by hand. But at the same time it uses values and has a depth and line contour that belies handwork alone.  Captivating work that has so many applications. So just who is this amazing artist/scientist Erwin Keustermans anyway…

As we start on a new identity standards project, our client-partner forwarded this MIT video after our kick-off meeting. “I saw this and it reminded me of what we were talking about in our meeting today.” said Annie Pearson and Bruna Mori.

I love when words spark thoughts that spark sharing. Especially when what’s shared is innovative and applicable to the enterprise. MIT’s use of the ever changing algorithm interpretation to form a highly identifiable yet ever-changing identity is full of fun and full of science. Designed by E Roon Kang. -RM

Click the image to play the cool MIT video.

Since I first started going to Milano in the mid 1970’s, I’ve always wanted to be there for the April furniture fair. The definitive event for modern furniture and accessories design. So the Salone di Mobile’s 50th anniversary was to be the year (plus – I wanted to make sure my son was still making it to class in Florence).

I have a family of special friends in Milano who I’ve known for over 30 years now. And one, Giovanna, conveniently works for MDF Italia, one of the strongest contemporary furniture lines going in Milano. She held my hand into the enormous venue complex and wound me up for a smart day of touring. What a phenomenon. The exhibit grounds alone takes you aback.  It said to me, “You have entered design mecca. You may be advancing out there wherever you live…but you’re only toying with Milano.”

I started the day full of energy and amazement. Five buildings later (there are over 20), I was crawling…and wondering if the world still needed yet another chair design. And did they need my designs. But that’s why it’s in Milano. A city where it’s  about what’s next, trend-creation, homage to craftsmanship, tradition and tradition-busting.

What goes on outside the exposition grounds in Milan center city (called Fuori Salone) is as exciting if not more so. One of the most inspired collections of inventive pieces was at Spazio Rossana Orlandi. Rossana is an long-time Milano design trend follower and retailer with an impeccable eye. A store only possible here in mecca.

Here’s a report on the Salone from the New York Times.

-Ron M.

The 100 Worlds Project has been full of fun discoveries.  Here are some of mine. – Ron

1. We need a different word for collaborator. Our language lacks a word between partner and helper. I think it’s exactly the type of activity we’re trying to do more of. But what word do you call it?
2. Working without commerce as the driving force is both exhilarating and in many ways more inviting for others.
3. People willingly participate in a vision they understand and can become a “part of”. They see that in some way, because they were involved, it changed the outcome.
4. Art openings are for people to see people rather than the art. Kind of like going to a bar to hear the band. (But what a great opening party it was!)
5. We need less of the processes and consultants than we assume are critical. The creative process itself, when undertaken with discipline, can be adequate to guide a vision. And often to a more exciting conclusion.
6. The globe form serves well as a neutral entry point for a bigger dialogue about art and the creative process.
7. A big victory for me was that people understand the “intent” of the vision. They may like or not like the work, but most understand the intention.
8. It was cool to see our branding and theming skills applied to a personal project, to be a recipient of the power behind a simple theme, or “brand”. I believe in what I do professionally more than ever.
9. Sharing the creative process, “the how”, is as powerful as showing the results. The more it’s demystified, the more people see that they are, themselves, a creative being.
10.    Why is the most frequent question, ”When will you finish the next 50?” (We’re a very impatient and voracious lot.)

Thanks for caring.

“We are designers, not artists. Our ideas must translate to practical application, yet it must also inspire, convey endless possibilities and potentially change the world.”

A poignant statement made by a client that got me thinking about art vs. design. I spend the majority of my career working in galleries and museums. I loved the work and was inspired by the art that I encountered every day. Understanding the stories, perspectives  and statements that artists told through their work, and seeing it in the context of history and culture opened my eyes to how I can relate to the world around me. The experience that art provides is deeply personal and intimate. And if it can connect you to the world, the artist has fulfilled their purpose.

Good design should provide the same connective experience, but it must also perform the critical task of solving a problem. It is a dichotomous exercise of mind-expansion within borders – challenging and exhilarating. But if we are successful, it has the potential to change to world.

Here are examples of what I consider inspirational, world-changing designs. I’d say they are all works of art.

~aki

George Nelson's Coconut Chair

House of Slides by Level Architects

Coca Cola Bottle (immortalized by Andy Warhol)

Guggenheim Bilbao, Spain

Eighteen months or so ago, I found my self shaping some of my globe-inspired sketches into sculptures. I loved making models when I was a kid, which perhaps led me to minor in sculpture at Colorado State.  I love the art of making, and I love visiting craftsmen when I travel. Various craftsmen have taught me patience, process, and sequencing. When I started making these globe sculptures, I didn’t really know (nor did I want to project) where this project may lead.

In a sense, it was more about not asking any questions of myself, not considering commerce in the process, and not having a plan or a schedule. I just let my creativity lead the way. That “way” found it’s destination, as the 100 Worlds Project exhibition of 50 sculptures and 50 photographic prints, which opened at JETT Gallery in the Little Italy section of downtown San Diego.

My hope for the exhibition was that different generations would be able to engage with the subject and find it intriguing. That different communities of people would collide and share, and that visitors would be inspired, in whatever form that would take.

By most measures, the 100WP Opening was a full-on success, with great energy, attendance and animated discussion.

I just wish the most frequently asked question wasn’t, “So when are you going to finish the next 50?”

Visit the 100 Worlds Project website for a look-see.

-Ron

More design innovation from Italian designers…this time: space-saving furniture. Some crazy repurpose features going on here:

watch?v=dAa6bOWB8qY&feature=player_embedded#at=52

-matt