Hundreds of printed elastic strings come together to create strange and startlingly realistic portraits of human faces and limbs in this series by Hong Sung Chul. The South Korean artist creates layered compositions by stringing the cords between two platforms; the resulting images change and shift depending on one’s perspective. Calling to mind lenticular images, which use a rippled surface to create images that change from one point of view to another, Sung Chul’s three-dimensional sculptures don’t quite come together unless you’re standing in a particular spot.

Read more …

How many times have you broken a nail or jabbed yourself in the finger when trying to put a new key onto your key ring? Me = more times than I can count! I give to you the “FreeKey- Press to Open Key Ring!” The piece is made of a flat metal three-loop ring with one conveniently placed bump in the middle loop. That bump creates leverage when you press the top ring down allowing you to slip keys on and off. It’s simple, yet useful, and makes you wonder why someone, perhaps you, didn’t invent it ages ago!
Read more …

Who said walking on rocks had to be painful? This rug by Neora Zigler, not only resembles a pebble design, but is actually made with real pebbles! Each pebble is individually sewn inside of the fabric to form the carpet, creating an appearance of being light weight and soft, but is surprisingly heavy and firm because of the stones inside. Inspired by the clean, minimalist aesthetic of Eastern cultures, Zigler created a calm, soothing and soft underfoot experience that actually seems to massage you while you walk.
Read more …

For the fourth consecutive year, San Diego Botanic Garden is proud to feature a unique exhibition of sculptural creations throughout the lush and natural 37-acre setting. Now through April 16, 26 artists will present their sculptures set against the beautiful backdrop of dragon trees, fruit gardens, bamboo groves, and many more unique garden areas in Sculpture in the Garden.

On Saturday, April 21st, participate in the “Lost Ladybug Project” sponsored by Cornell University, where guests will be searching the garden for ladybugs and reporting back to Cornell University. In addition, there will be lots of craft activities located in the Eucalyptus Grove by Seeds of Wonder and a release of ladybugs at noon to benefit the garden. For more information visit www.sdbgarden.org.

The Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre Pavilion, better known as Tverrfjellhytta was designed by Snøhetta, the observation pavilion is located on the outskirts of Dovrefjell National Park and allows the public to enjoy programs offered by the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Foundation. It provides shelter to the groups of students and visitors that come to learn about the program.

The idea behind the design was to contrast the boxy steel and glass exterior with the organic wood curves of the interior. The wood mimics erosion on a rock or ice caused by natural events, which provides unique seating for the public. They’ve managed to create a cozy and durable space for the people to take in the view and learn about the area.

Read more …

Hold It Contemporary Home is proud to introduce the Clark Bed from Four Hand’s Bina Collection. The line is a unique set of influences- from mid – century design to old world craftsmanship – where they come together to form an eclectic and versatile collection. The Clark Bed is made from reclaimed demolition material (South American exotic hardwoods), American Black Walnut, and White Oak and is available as a Queen or King size.

Pricing: Queen- $1995, King- $2395

“We’re creating something that will stand the test of time, something that will have lasting value.”

– Thomas Bina

Looking for a fun activity for people of all ages? The San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park exhibit, Butterfly Jungle is perfect for your next activity! Now through April 15th you can immerse yourself in a flutter of delicate wings. Make like a colorful flower and a butterfly or two may just land on you! For more information visit http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/.

Read more …

Floating on a raft in Thailand is an experience that dreams are made of, but add Ole Scheeren’s cinema to the equation and you’ll basically feel like you died and went to heaven. Designed as a theater for the Film on the Rocks Yao Noi Film Festival, the Archipelago Cinema was nestled between two verdant rocks in the middle of Nai Pi Lae Lagoon near Kudu Island. The lucky guests were floated out to watch a nighttime film in what was described as a surreal and almost primordial cinematic experience.

Read more …

This exhibit, by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, currently at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane, Australia is truly one of the most amazing things we have ever seen! She built a white room-like environment complete with plants, furniture and lighting to create her canvas. Over a two week timespan, she let kids go to town with multicolored dot stickers creating a truly wonderful room of art.

Read more …

Talk about greenery! WHOA Architects have created a skyscraper that will boast over 15,000 square feet of green space that encompasses high end offices and a hotel. The building will be completely overrun by green pathways, water features, leafy terraces and vertical gardens. They truly have redefined what it means to have a garden outside of your window.

Read more …