I was very proud to witness the works of local artists in Dubai, FN Gallery is the creative hub for artists and designers based here. 

Truly funky pieces, the metal chair with laser cut skull and calligraphy is my favourite. 

Moissonnier by Khalid Shafar

Khalid Shafar is a designer who creates pieces that tell a story. Here he has transformed the Moissonnier chest into a scuptural piece. It tells a story of two legendary horses that acheived victory during the Dubai world cup and left behind great memories, but tragically died for different reasons. This piece is known as the "Headless Horses" 

What i appreciate about the piece is how Moissonnier has taken the artists vision and created an imppecable work of art. It embodies the graceful but powerful nature of the horse.

I hope you have enjoyed reading the posts about Design Days in Dubai. I will be off looking for new material to write about and keep you and me inspired....till then "Stay Funky"

The wall paper has a distinctive and complex pattern adding dimension and depth to a bland wall. The applications could be in commercial as well as residential interiors. 

  ** All pictures via HB Industrial designs **

I found these patterns to have a very masculine quality, would look hot in a bachelor pad!... Till next time...... "Stay Funky" darlings...

"Analogia project is a fictional interpretation of design that integrates a real space with unreal entities exploring the consequential relationship between them. The objects are sketched in the air by using black wool on a (digitally designed) transparent threads web, creating an imaginary world that question our granted familiarity with physical space.

The aim is to explore new visual semiotic languages through an interpretation of digital craftsmanship."

The artworks are divided into four categories " Meaning, Form, Composed & Surface". Each one is explained below in their own words…..

Meaning

“based upon Meaning commissions are unique artworks that offer a new perspective on bespoke. The works begins with an element that is meaningful to the commissioner. They are works of essence, rich in significance, narrative and provenance.

Many of our Meaning pieces are Locationscapes, others include a more personal narrative, depicting a family or company history.

based upon Locationscapes begin with a location, that is precious to the commissioner or the project, and create a direct response to it. It’s in our nature to create in this way. We like to get into a landscape and to record it: its images, its sounds, its natural textures and the life it plays canvas to. These elements become building blocks back in the studio when they are reinterpreted as casts, etchings and textural marks. The idea is that each mark tells a story – each represents a moment in time, so that even a single scratch within a work is traceable to something significant. Each work is carefully documented so that its significance will be understood generations from now.

They are regarded as legacy pieces because they are intended to be handed down.”

 Wandering Knightsbridge

"At 5.5 metres x 3 metres, this work in varying tones of bronze was created by wandering the streets and pathways of Knightsbridge, London, documenting though photography, film and blue spot casting. The map is reconstructed in layers, as memory would have it, giving scale and prominence to the architectural elements and narrative histories which stuck in the mind. It is in our nature to create in this way. We like to get into a landscape and to record it: its images, its sounds, its natural textures and the life it plays canvas to. These elements become building blocks back in the studio when they are reinterpreted as casts, etchings and textural marks."

Form

based upon Form’s pieces include hand-carved sculptural forms and contemporary furniture inspired by archetypal patterns and forms. 

Composed

based upon Composed specialises in creating large artworks, often integrated into complex interior spaces. They include works inspired by natural landscapes, urban skylines and maps. 

Surface

based upon Surface creates hand made finishes using liquid metals, resins and lacquers. It has been acclaimed worldwide and is winner of the 2009 FX Design Awards. Our process works with most metals, mixing them like paints to create a range of alloys and blends to produce bespoke surfaces to complement a scheme. Applied as a liquid, built up in layers and then worked by hand to reveal the layers beneath, we achieve an intricate and painterly aesthetic.

And lastly i want to leave you with the video that i was tripping on all of yesterday......

Based Upon from Based Upon on Vimeo.

Please do visit the "based upon" website and have a look at their range of work, this post only carries snippets of their work, I cannot possibly do justice so go and marvel.....till next time "Stay Funky"

Kang Myung Sun is one of them, Kang applies traditional lacquering techniques which are two thousand years old in an attempt to feature the delicate and iridescent quality of mother of pearl. The work on this wall shelf/unit is so intricate; I was actually surprised at how light in weight it was, that really is a mark of great workmanship.

Bae Se Hwa and his “Steam Series” is inspired by the dynamic yet gentle image of landscape. His furniture exceeds its boundaries, however carries clear function and structure to be categorized as a sculpture.

 Another interesting piece was this stool made from ceramic, lovely for an outdoor space. 

                                   ** All pictures courtesy my husband KEIGAN SOANS 

I hope you have enjoyed learning about these amazing artists from Korea! Have a safe weekend.... till next time "Stay Funky"

Today I would like to talk about the Carpenters workshop gallery. It was established in 2005 by two Parisian entrepreneurs and art devotees in their search for bold and iconic design art. They foster fresh talent as well as established artists.

The first piece is by Gordijn and Nauta

“Their breath taking Fragile Future series of light sculptures offers its spectators ‘a piece of a dream world’. Real dandelion heads are arranged within a phosphorescent bronze structure closely resembling a circuit board, delicately floating in a mesmerizing state. Fragile Future has received much recent acclaim, winning the first ‘Artprize’ in 2006, and the International ‘Lights of the Future’ prize from the German Design Council in 2008. In 2010 Drift were awarded the Moët-Hennessy PAD London prize for their Fragile Future Concrete Chandelier.”

FRAGILE FUTURE CHANDELIER

"Sebastian Brajkovic investigates the notions of perspective and distortion of form through his sculptural furniture pieces. This interest in the rotation and skewing of an object originated from his childhood, when reel-to-reel tape decks and car wheels were such a source of overwhelming intrigue to the young Brajkovic that his parents wondered if he might be autistic (he was not). As he matured his fascination manifested itself in painting and sculpture, eventually resulting in the creation of the Lathe series of tables and chairs, which have been identified as a modern classic of design and reside in the permanent collection of institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Museum of Arts and Design (New York)."

 LATHE VIII & LATHE TABLE

Studio Job was founded in 2000 by Job Smeets and Nynke Tynagel, both graduates of the Design Academy Eindhoven now based in Antwerp and the Netherlands. They redefine the decorative arts for the contemporary age. Their collaboration has created highly expressive, mainly one-off or limited edition works, from the outset.

Often cast in bronze or, later, crafted from laser-cut marquetry, the physical potential and malleability of the materials they use is pushed to the hilt. Their approach is more in keeping with that of traditional guilds than anything industrial. For Studio Job, creation is pre-eminent over definition. Studio Job’s style has become synonymous with the term ‘neo-gothic’. This style is placed within an enigmatic, intellectual framework by the number and complexity of symbols and significance it conveys. 

TAJ MAHAL TABLE & EIFFEL TOWER LAMP

Humberto & Fernando Campana have been solidly building their design career through innovation by incorporating the idea of transformation and reinvention.  Employing local factories and industries to produce their work provides close connections to the culture and heritage of Brazil. Giving preciousness to banal, day-to-day or common materials carries not only the creativity of the designs, but also distinctly Brazilian characteristics – the colours, the mixtures of materials, the creative chaos, and the triumph of the simple solutions. Based in Sao Paulo, Estudio Campana is constantly investigating new possibilities in furniture making, forming bridges and dialogues where the exchange of information is also a source of inspiration. 

SUSHI STEEL BUFFET

Technically advanced, futuristic installations are at the core of the work of UK-based RANDOM INTERNATIONAL. The installations they develop emphasise the potential for a performative relationship between the animate (the audience) and the inanimate ( the object or space). Their work invites human presence to bring artificial intelligence to life. Participating in the work and generating its response inspires a sense of wonder.

 FADE TO LIGHT- 1064 Lumiblade LED's, Custom Circuitboard, Aluminium Suspension, Custom Driver Software, Motion Tracking, Computer

                        * ARTIST INFO AND MOST PICTURES TAKEN FROM CARPENTERS WORKSHOP GALLERY 

I hope you are leaving this post as inspired as I am. I am spell bound by what the collaboration between creative talent, fine workmanship and artistry could result in and feel lucky to have had this experience to touch and interact with the brilliance of such artists. Pushing your own boundaries is what it's about.... till next time... "Stay Funky" 

Lighting is crucial to any design and here it is incorporated within the wall treatment itself, embellished with Swarovski crystals. This one is definitely a treat when the light’s turn off! Perfect for hotels, bars and your own bedroom!

I hope you missed me last week as I missed you! Till next time  ….. Stay Funky!

Flat packed pendant lights and lamps, easy to transport, easy to fix and easy on the eye! It is also 100% eco friendly…..Who did that …you ask….

I apologize for the really short post today. I have been overloaded with work recently and must admit I am really happy about it. I had to write a post even if a few lines, as writing on my Blog is a discipline I want to follow and I do beleive all that has come my way is in some way related to it. Thank you all for being here, I feel blessed! On a lighter note “Stay Funky” guys…. See you next time!

Pinterest has really been my window to the world of design and everything else. Before Pinterest came into play I recall when it was time to conceptualize for a new project (which by the way is my favorite part of the whole designing process, as I allow my mind to wander and I am lost in another world away from reality, it is a great way to disconnect and all so exciting!!!) I would scout around, spending days looking for inspiration in libraries, but now at the click of a button I am presented with thousands of pictures for my Inspiration, right here in my living room!

And the reason I love my blog so much is because every week when it is time to write it is also a time to learn. Don’t be fooled, I am a professional with a lot of experience in this field, but I would forever like to be a student, curious and eager to learn and grow. As I research for my next blog, I too am learning with you and that is the best part of blogging to me.

So today's subject is Mid-Century Modern, it is basically the development of Mid Century designs in modern times, such as the mid 1950’s. I love how well these designs adapt to modern times. The organic shapes take new life with color. I also adore the pairing of the lightwood and vibrant color. One or two of such pieces is sufficient to make a statement!

Pinterest is so simple and saves me loads of time, if you are a designer you must be a part of this too, you can follow my boards at PINTEREST!

Let me know what you think of these… till our next meet “Stay Funky”

I am certain we all have fantasized about being cocooned high atop a tree as a child or an adventurous adult! Where only the sound of humming birds and a view of the deep blue sky encapsulates your mind and body. Already I feel a blanket of calm over me as I write this article. I wish I had such a place to escape to in my backyard, away from the drill of the daily routine that has engulfed my husband and me at the moment. A place to relax, regain your focus and escape from the rat race of modern city living.

I wish I had a backyard to install my find. It is a modern day tree house without the hassle of building one! Popular amongst hotels and resorts, but what I found more interesting is it could be used as an emergency shelter for flood prone areas.

For those who prefer their feet on the ground, there is always the above version of the cocoon.

And for those who do not have the luxury of installing one, we could always appoint a cocoon of calm in our own little homes, a place to rejuvenate thyself….and while I say “OM” you “Stay Funky”….see you next time!!