Category: Designer’s Eye

I am head over heals for Serbian furniture designer, Ana Kraš. Her work is young but embodies an old soul that one would expect to find in an old country like Serbia. Her presentation is beautiful and relaxed – self-shot photographs of her side tables, lamps, and clothing racks within busy but breathable, well-lived in spaces. Here are some of her recent creations:

The noodle side table is made with a steel wire frame and a loose circular top that can be used as a tray. Turn the base upside down to get a different look!

Bonbon lamps are made with colorful strings knitted by hand over a metal wire frame. They can sit or hang.

The Hive Lamp uses the Bonbon shade, which hangs on an oak frame. The height can be easily adjusted by pulling the cord through the base.  It can also easily break down into just a few pieces.

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!

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