Inspiration – Process – Design we love
Our friends at The Post Family were recently interviewed by the BBC, highlighting their hands-on approach to screen printing, letter press and woodworking. To them, there is no disparity between digital and analog fields, it’s all craft. Watch this inspiring documentary. Well done guys!
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we wanted to share some photos from our friend and photographer, Francois Robert. His 2008 series called Stop the Violence, includes 18 still lives made with real pieces of bone intricately arranged into poignant symbols of death, war, violence, and corruption. Here are just a few we find especially powerful as we remember Martin Luther King’s nonviolent activism for equal rights and racial equality.
It may be obvious that we are huge fans of Scandinavian design at Unison, but who can blame us? Swedish designer, Pia Wallén, is someone we find very inspirational. For the last 20+ years, Pia Wallén has been designing felt accessories that embody timeless traits of simplicity, functionality, and longevity. Her famous wool slippers for children and adults are absolutely charming. They come in a beautiful selection of saturated primaries with beaded rubber soles. We love them, because, while honoring the tradition of Scandinavian craft, they appeal to the modern person, by using bright colors and quality wool.
Here is my little one, Inez, wearing felt red baby booties. They offer solid support and traction for her newest hobby, walking!
November 13, 1906 – December 30, 2011
Eva Zeisel, one of the greatest industrial designers and design teachers, died just before the new year. Her persistent philosophy on following natural forms and human relationships never failed her through a prolific career designing successful products, from ceramics to tableware to furniture. She also practiced and spread the word that designing product is not just about production techniques or social need, it was about the search for beauty and enjoying the design process – which is something we all can appreciate.
Robert and I had the chance to meet Mrs. Zeisel after she spoke at the Modernism Show in Chicago a few years back. We were in awe of her vitality and her interest in making things and exploring design. Talking with her we were amazed at her humility and candidness. When posing for a photograph together, she insisted that a white shopping bag be moved out of the picture. She was obviously always thinking ahead – an aesthetic person in every way! We will miss her presence as a testament to hard work, sharing of knowledge, and the endless search for beauty.
Photograph by Talisman Brolin
