We first found Daniel Ogassian’s work at the CA Boom expo. His use of materials is unconventional and his craftsmanship is that of a true master. There is no limit to the possibilities of use for his work. His ceramic and concrete tile work is perfect for both large installations or as the focal point to a grand residence. We particularly enjoyed the concrete dual basin on display at the expo. This beautifully organic sculpture adds use to sculpted form. To see more of Ogassian’s work please visit his site here.

Milan based Luciano Marcato created this series of interesting pillows. “Mouths” (left) is 24 inches square and sells for $145. “Full Moons/Waiting Moon” (right) is 16 inches square and sells for $108. These and others in the set can be purchased here.

These clocks were designed by Max Bill in the mid-fifties and are manufactured by Junghans. The line and numbered versions shown are each 30 cm across and sell for $400 each here. 22 cm versions of each are also available for $380. It’s a great design that will age well.

The Orbit Chair available from CB2 is a good looking chair at a good price point. It’s only $100. Perhaps of some controversy is the resemblance to the T. Vac chair designed by Ron Arad for Vitra. You be the judge. Is this kind of similarity acceptable or or not?

It was time to get ourselves out of the city, and head for the diggs in the desert. So we’re in Las Vegas, the Angelino’s weekend get away. Shopping is abundant, and while visiting the Forum Shops at Ceasar’s we found the Lena handbag by Kooba. I must admit, I had never heard of Kooba previous to this visit but I am pleased to have found them. My current struggle with handbag design is that logos drive more 50% of the price and quality of design seems an afterthought. The Lena handbag is composed of quality leather, visually it is logo minimal, and the design is both pratical and stylish. Currently my sentiment towards high end fashion reads: I am ok with you branding your company, but I have a problem when you brand your logo on me.

Designed in 1988 by Achille Castiglioni, this lamp was an update to the Taraxacum S2 which he designed 28 years earlier. The lamp gets its name from the formal name for a dandelion. The center of the lamp has twenty triangular sides, each of which hold three bulbs for a total of 60. Alternate sizes have six and ten bulbs per panel for a total of 120 and 200 respectively. Made of polished aluminum. Manufactured by FLOS.

This seems the be the weekend to have an art opening. No matter what part of town you’re in you should be able to hop around between galleries and find some trouble to get into.

Crosswired @ the A+D Museum (RSVP required 310.494.0357)
5900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
across from the LACMA entrance

An interactive installation and performance series that explores the confluence of architecture, design, experimental electronic music and motion visual art.

The Four Twenties present Art, Fashion, & Music on four/twenty @ HVW8 Gallery/Store/Studio
661 N. Spaulding, Los Angeles, 90036
(corner Melrose, 2 blocks east of Fairfax)

Richard Coleman @ Merry Karnowsky Gallery
170 South La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90036

The want2Bsquare ShowLA @ Scion Installation L.A. Space
3521 Helms Avenue (At National)
Culver City, Ca 90232
Featuring original artwork by:

Dalek
Sage Vaughn
Maya Hayuk
Matzu Mtp
Kelsey Brookes
Freddi C
Upso

The Brewery Spring Artwalk (04/21/07 – 04/22/07) @ The Brewery
620 Moulton Ave Ste 110
Los Angeles, CA, 90031

Gridlock @ TruXtop
2876 rowena ave (x-street: west silverlake blvd)
los angeles, ca 90039

Recently while in Laguna Beach we stumbled upon the work of Kaoru Mansour while visiting the Rohrer Fine Art Gallery. The technique used to create her panels combines images, illustration, and inch thick layers of lacquer creating hair line fractures spidered through out each piece. A native of Japan Mansour is currently based out of Los Angeles. The pieces featured above and others by Kaoru Mansour are currently on display at Rohrer Fine Art Gallery.

This year the flash drive became a must have. So when we saw the Plissé USB Key from Dior Homme we were sold. It is nice to know that there’s an establishment filling the demand for well designed computer accessories. Dior is definitely adapting to changing times, and we’re all better for it.

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