Albert Ruiz Villar

Albert Ruiz Villar-1-Design Crush

 

Albert Ruiz Villar‘s mixed media on wood pieces just about pop right off of the screen for me. His structural pieces feel like fantastical architecture that might exist in some far off alternate universe. Don’t you want to jump right into one?

 

Albert Ruiz Villar-4-Design Crush

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Matt W Moore / SHADOVVS

Matt W Moore-1-Design Crush

 

During some time spent in Oakland, CA, Matt W Moore constructed a new body of work fusing his bold, graphic vocabulary with extruded mosaic forms. Light plays an important role in activating the series according to its angle, creating depth through shadows. More on SHADOVVS:

The exhibition is comprised of 5 chapters, each with its own concept and aesthetic. A series of greyscale cut-paper mosaics created in Montreal in Fall 2014 is displayed as evidence of the explorations that led to the layered sensibilities of the more elaborate colorful works created during this Bay Area residency. A series of 4 pure symmetry colorful compositions reminiscent of sacred geometry grids, timeless diamond cuts, and architectural monuments hangs as a family on one side of the space. Opposite this wall is a series of 12 square works that bring Moore’s signature graphic syntax into three dimensions, playing with the eye when viewed from different vantage points. One extra large modular construct composed of 5 pieces that hang synchronized is displayed void of color to allow the viewer to explore the subtle nuances of light and shadow without the distraction of color… On the back two walls… Moore has constructed a large mosaic dimensional mural comprised of the same forms used in the rest of the series. This in-situ installation has been left to chance and intuition, with Moore opting to freestyle the build spontaneously rather than reference drafted blueprints.

 

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Porcelain and Stone

Porcelain and Stone-1-Design Crush

 

Kimberly Huestis creates her beautiful jewelry line – Porcelain and Stone – through rock sculpting and ceramics. Design and environmentally-driven choices are at the root of her work, as well as quality of materials, and I’d say all of that comes through in spades.

 

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Samuel Zeller

Samuel Zeller-1-Design Crush

 

Normally I would be lamenting the cold weather and praising the warm temperatures that surely lie behind these greenhouse walls, but with the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been experiencing I relate all too well. Samuel Zeller‘s botanical photographs – yes, photographs not paintings-masquerading-as-photos – capture a world longing to escape its confines.

 

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(via My Modern Met)

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Lauren Singleton

Lauren Singleton-1-Design Crush

 

Modern hand embroidery that’s focused on pop culture, typography, rap music, and the internet – what could be better? Custom song lyrics, feminist art, and floral wreaths adorn sometimes vintage fabric. Lauren Singleton‘s delicate text and flowers making the harsh words beautiful. Check out her shop – Yes Stitch Yes – asap.

 

Lauren Singleton-2-Design Crush

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(via Cool Hunting)

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Adam Kremer

Adam Kremer-1-Design Crush

 

I really love saturated photography with high contrast, harsh lighting. If you peek through photos I take myself you’ll see the style often. Adam Kremer would agree it seems, and is much better at capturing objects and people that I am.

 

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A Few of My Favorite Things in 2015

I always struggle when explaining just what I do for a living to others. You’d think after 8 1/2 years of Design Crush I’d have nailed down an elevator pitch, but nope. Usually I resort to saying something about the site being a reflection of my aesthetic yadda yadda yadda. That is until a few months ago when I came across this quote by Maira Kalman and it resonated like no other. I feel like this is the absolute perfect way to describe my day to day and if I could use it as the entirety of my bio I would.

 

Maira-Kalman-Design-Crush

 

I share things I love daily with you, but of course I don’t own all of them. Not even a fraction. One of my favorite posts each year is this one, where I get to share the things I use day in and day out that have stood the test of life. So in my best Oprah voice, herewith are my faaaavorite thiiiiiings for 2015!

 

2015-Favorite-Things-Design-Crush

1/Artifact Uprising’s Wood Cleat – This sleek reclaimed wood cleat has a magnetic closure system, making it super easy to swap out whatever art/photo/etc you want to display at any given moment.

2/Casper – You’ve surely heard about this startup that’s changing the mattress industry. I got mine back in March and haven’t woken up with a sore back or hips since. I really cannot recommend it enough! (Hit me up if you want a coupon!)

3/Cold Gold – This line of hand-crafted geometric and leather jewelry has become my go-to for daily wear and gifting. It doesn’t hurt that the owner is super sweet either!

4/Neoflam – Cast aluminum cookware that’s non-stick and seamless is perfect for making dinner every night. Because when something is this easy to clean up it’s way less likely to end up sitting in my sink for a week.

5/Urbanears Plattan ADV Wireless – I’ve worn this line for years, but they recently released the first Bluetooth headphones in their lineup and I’m completely hooked.

6/Parabo Press Risograph Prints – Really all of their personalized print goods, but especially the pink risographs are amazing. The app is also super easy to use which says a lot in this day and age.

7/Treat Collection – Since trying out this non-toxic line of nail polishes and remover I haven’t used anything else. Great coverage, no odor – what else could be better?

8/Nest – I first plugged my new learning thermostat in this past spring. Not only is it interesting to see it learn your habits, it’s also fantastic seeing the difference in your bills.

9/Canary – Quite simply the easiest all-in-one home security system that’s ever been. You control it all from your phone and there’s zero setup.

10/Frederick’s & Mae Playing Cards – Some of the most eye-catching I’ve ever come across, they even make solitaire that much better!

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Adrienne Slane

Adrienne Slane-1-Design Crush

 

Adrienne Slane slays at creating hand-cut collages from old illustrations and antique and decorative papers. Plants, insects, animals, planets, human anatomy, and various objects that date from the 1500s to mid-1900s make up her intricate works of art.

 

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