Nick Albertson

by Joanna on March 4, 2013

Photographer Nick Albertson creates textures out of the mundane that beg for a closer look. See that? Those are clothes hangers contorted into shapes to form a pattern. Paper plates suddenly play with the light and create a pattern akin to mosaic tile. Envelopes gather to form a texture that could be fabric, but is instead a study of the geometry of everyday objects. What I love most about these photos is how Albertson plays with the shadows of household objects, thus creating another layer of meaning in his photography. They really are quite striking.

{See more of Nick Albertson’s work here.}

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Crafts Folk: Daniel Hopper

by Alexis on March 1, 2013

A couple of weeks ago we shared the first video in a series put together by photographer Thayer Allyson Gowdy. The series of three videos, which goes along with the “Timeless Trades” article in Issue No. 10, features a blacksmith, a denim designer and a group of hat makers working to preserve their crafts. This week we’re looking a little deeper at the work of blacksmith Daniel Hopper.

Daniel, who was formally trained as an illustrator, started learning about working with metal after attending an open house at The Crucible. His passion grew from there and before long, he opened his own practice. This video follows Daniel through the process of shaping a single rod of steel into an organic antler form for a light fixture. Each step of the process is amazing to watch — hammering, heating, shaping, cooling. And the tools are fascinating as well.

(And If you missed the first installment featuring Paul’s Hat Works, you can can find it here.)

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{Off Shoots} Kenyan Lewis

by Anh-Minh on February 28, 2013

Kenyan Lewis Office
When photographer-and-styling duo Seth and Kendra Smoot heard that we were putting together an Americana-themed issue—Issue No. 10, which is currently on newsstands—they immediately pitched home of Kenyan Lewis. I actually remembered seeing the stylist’s home on a HGTV show a while back. Even though it had been years, the upstate New York residence had left a strong impression.
So I was thrilled that we were able to include Kenyan’s home in Issue No. 10.

Of course, not all of Seth’s photos made it into the spread. Since we enjoyed the place so much, we just had to share some outtakes.

Kenyan Lewis portrait and bike

Kenyan Lewis home and flag

Kenyan Lewis chairs

Kenyan Lewis antlers stove

{photographs by Seth Smoot}

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Sleeping Around

by Joanna on February 27, 2013

Potentially the first of its kind, meet Sleeping Around, a Belgian pop-up hotel providing a comfortable, yet exciting experience. I absolutely love this quote from their mission statement: “We are all carried away by the thought of a relaxing yet stimulating retreat whether it be in our vibrant cities or in the quiet countryside.” This concept truly captures the spirit of the wanderluster, hopping from place to place, but never skimping on the ambience.

Each room is actually a 20-foot recycled shipping container manufactured in China and shipped to the hotel’s next destination. The container is then equipped with all the expected accommodations: box-spring bed, rain shower, and air-conditioning. Four shipping containers are placed together to form the hotel—complete with breakfast/lounge area and a sauna.

{All images via Sleeping Around}

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Dana Tanamachi

by Alexis on February 26, 2013

Did you happen to catch the chalk mural that provided the backdrop for the dinner party in the ”Group Participation” story in Issue No. 10? It was created by a friend of the hosts, Dana Tanamachi. Dana is a graphic designer who launched her own design and lettering boutique. Her chalk murals have been widely featured, and for good reason.

While I was browsing Dana’s portfolio, I was especially impressed with the series of time lapse videos she’s captured of her work taking shape. I would have thought Dana put the completed work up in one step, but she actually starts with a chalk sketch that she erases and refines until the mural is perfected. It’s fascinating to watch!

{Images via Dana Tanamachi}

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