Comes with the territory

29 June 2009

Woke up to this email in my inbox today…

Midnight.

Driving home from barbecue in Venice, Ca. A helicopter search light highlighting 10 freeway around me. Hmmm, I continue on. Had a few glasses of wine with diner, keep it cool, keep it between the lines. I have ready a fictious alibi ready about why I have no insurance or registration.

Now after 101/110 interchange on the 5 – the helicopter light has followed me through the tunnels. Still driving on the 5, I look back to see 15 police cruisers sweep, perform the V format over entire freeway. Now its only them and me. Loudspeakers give instructions: “throw your keys out of the window, walk backwards, pull your shirt up and perioet. As I spin round I see 30 pistols pointed at me. You know the routine. Knees to the ribs, five grown pigs manhandle the presumedly innocent to the floor.

Street closer and an uncomfortable hour in the back of the car hoping nothing crops up in my background check. No one answers questions, I am invisible. They checked for tattoo’s and police officers assume I speak Spanish. My van is being turned inside out by ten bathed in light from above.

1 hour later a moustached Sgt Hicks, badge no. 32548 admits there has be a mix up and that I and a latino rapist in Venice share a similar taste in vehicle.

White van, blue stripes.

- Michael Power

Family lunch

28 June 2009

Kyle is in town for Dwell on Design weekend here in Los Angeles, we meet up for lunch at Shepard’s exhibition.

It became an impromptu men’s luncheon as Damon, Brandon and Steven all joined us.

Steven and Kyle.

If you have not stopped by, the show runs till the 12th of July 2009

Ceramics Gallery

27 June 2009

Located in the arts district of Chinatown in Los Angeles, Flux Gallery, represents studio potters, artists, and designers who create contemporary, one-of-a-kind, handmade ceramics. Featuring internationally acclaimed artists and local emerging talent, the gallery offers an astute range of work.

Tao Tong

Flux specializes in elegantly functional vessels and spare modern pieces, from wood-fired stoneware to delicately crafted porcelain. Quiet forms, both austere and warm, center the gallery’s aesthetic in the subtle, with an emphasis on fine lines and unique details.

Maria Sibylla Merian

25 June 2009

A naturalist and scientific illustrator who studied plants, insects and created beautiful detailed paintings about them.

Her prints are still searched out and collected to this day.

Really wonderful work…

Malibu Market & Design

22 June 2009

Sitting on about two acres in a carved out hillside with an ocean view in Malibu, CA sits this emporium of outdoor furniture, home accessories, plants, trees, flowers art and books.

Take the canyon into town and stop by for a visit…

Jerry Harvey

20 June 2009

Founder of a pioneering cable station in Los Angeles from 1974 to 1989.

The 2004 documentary directed by Xan Cassavetes, Z Channel: A Magnificent Obsession, documents the brainchild of its main programmer, Jerry Harvey, who shaped the station’s offerings with his encyclopedic knowledge and impeccable taste as well as innovations like director’s cuts and theme nights.

Sears Tower Sky Deck

17 June 2009

Having been up here with friends more than a few times, I can tell you that this might not be a good idea.

Very cool nonetheless…

Giulio Iacchetti

17 June 2009

A clever and resourceful designer working in Milano Italy.

- ‘bye bye fly’ swatter for Pandora Design, 2007

Here is a brief interview (2007) and images of some of his product designs.

Vespa

13 June 2009

Iconic brand with so much history.

Have to love this perpetual calendar, with day / month display.

Il Postino

11 June 2009

Biking, simple life, small Italian island, table football…

What more do you really need?