The Work Magazine Blog

Road Trip // Inspiration

Fri, 24 May 2013 15:47:00 -0400

For any wandering minds dreaming about taking off… watch this short shot on super 16mm relating the hopes and desires of those who go for a road trip.

“It’s simple, but truly enough to make your heart beat.”

- Maggie Davis

There is a crack in everything // Juliana Santacruz Herrera

Thu, 23 May 2013 14:22:00 -0400

I have a huge crush on artist Juliana Santacruz Herrera. A parisian artist, she fills the holes in sidewalks with beautiful colored yarn. I love the idea of taking something damaged & making it beautiful just as much as I adore any form of public art.

-Jenelle Campbell

PUNK // CHAOS TO COUTURE

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:59:31 -0400

Talk about a badass combination. The Met’s spring 2013 Costume Institute exhibition, PUNK: Chaos to Couture takes you on a journey exploring punk fashion from original punk garments to more recent, high fashion pieces by some of the worlds more influential designers. The exhibit gives an in depth look at the relationship between the all too familiar punk concept of D.I.Y and the more mysterious couture concept of “made to measure.” The seven galleries bring music and fashion together in an amazingly visual way. The installation even opens with a re-creation of the graffiti stained unisex bathroom at CBGB, an iconic music venue where many of punk music’s finest found their start.

Whether you’re a die hard fan of the Sex Pistols or Vivienne Westwood, PUNK will give you a rad view of how this anarchist musical movement of the 1970s wildly influenced both couture and ready to wear collections over the past 40 years.

The exhibition runs through August 14, 2013 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.

- Sam

NAVSEGDA by Tatiana Leshkina & Erik Hart // latest Art Book you need to get

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:48:33 -0400

NAVSEGDA, the latest publication from Shabazz Projects is now available for pre order. The 92 page book comes in a limited edition of 125 signed and numbered copies will be available in select stores soon.

NAVSEGDA (Forever) is the silent dialogue between the two multi-disciplinary creatives Tatiana Leshkina and Erik Hart, an artifact composed of their selected works from 2009 to 2012. Distance, daily life, shared experiences, and mutual thoughts are collected in a visual, intimate and emotional 3-year narration

posted by: Sissy

EDIBLE CINEMA // THIS IS SPINAL TAP

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:55:00 -0400

The Soho House team has done it again. Event manager, Zoe Fletcher, joins forces with Bombay Sapphire to bring you a wacky new sensory experience of film and food, called Edible Cinema. Set at the Electric in London, moviegoers are seated in plush leather chairs or beds (yes, beds) while they’re thrust onto a roller coaster of taste and texture. I saw cult classic, This is Spinal Tap, and it was amazing.

Greeted with a gin cocktail that’s covered in edible glitter and pyrotechnics, you find your seat and settle in. Near your feet you’ll notice a tray, with little boxes numbered 1-8. Throughout the movie, a lovely lady to the right of the playing film flashes correlating numbers onto a small screen. When the number appears, you open the box and shove whatever is inside of it into your mouth. The flavors are unexpected and the textures are sure to imprint already memorable moments into your mind forever.

Peach flavored marshmallow puffs (appropriately called Bum Cakes) started the movie off during the first song, “Big Bottom”. My mouth was filled with an explosion of airy, yet gummy bizarreness. It was like eating a dessert of soft flesh. The horror of Nigel’s miniature bread sandwich is perfectly translated with a tiny piece of rye, smoked ham (vegan options available) and a pitted olive. I felt like I was in the film. Next, the band’s ill-fated attempt to harmonize at Elvis Presley’s Graceland grave is met with spoonfuls of dark chocolate mousse, cake crumbs and edible flowers. The sensation of having dirt in my mouth was brilliant. But my personal favorite? As bassist Derek Smalls is forced to remove the foil-wrapped cucumber from his pants at airport security, you’re signaled to guzzle a gin mixture of the same vegetable. It was comical but impacting - just like the boys of Spinal Tap.

The Edible Cinema is experimental and off the wall. It may not be for purists, but it is absolutely something worth experiencing. At least once. But be forewarned - the amount of gin definitely outweighs the peckish little bites. It’s not a bad idea to have a meal before, unless you want to come out buzzing from both the experience and the booze.

Screening dates are kept under wraps until right before tickets go on sale, but I have some insider information that suggests the next Edible Cinema will be at the end of June at the Aubin Cinema in Shoreditch. Follow them on twitter to stay up to date on the details.

- Katherine Aplin

HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT I FEEL NOSTALGIA // FOR A WORLD I NEVER KNEW

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:48:46 -0400

Visual inspiration collection for today:

- Maggie Davis

I had the pleasure of seeing Devendra Banhart in Joshua Tree this past weekend. We arrived right...

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:05:00 -0400

I had the pleasure of seeing Devendra Banhart in Joshua Tree this past weekend. We arrived right before sunset, fed some pigs, walked around admiring the desert flowers in bloom and chatted with Devendra’s fiance the very talented and quite funny Ana Kras.

When the band took to the stage, it was complete darkness. The moon was only a sliver that night, but the lighting on stage illumiated the musicians in that perfect kind of mood lighting that can only exist when performing outdoors in the middle of nowhere.

The thing that struck me the most was the fan base. Women were crawling on top of each other to get as close to Devendra as possible. Singing their hearts out. Clutching their breasts. I had seriously never seen anything like it before. With his smile and beautiful voice it was almost as though he put them into a trance.

The band made of many talented men with past experiences in the Strokes, Joanna Newsome’s Recordings, Los Hermanos & Little Joy.

Watching them under the desert sky was an ethereal experience only made more special by the delicious drinks at Pappy & Harrietts served in mason jars. (I am a cocktail enthusiast)

To end the set, Devendra called up his fiance for a song. The admiration in their eyes for each other made my heart flutter and her desert jacket certainly sweetened the deal.

Los Angeles be sure to catch them tonight in Hollywood!

- Jenelle Campbell

Record Essentials // Required Listening

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:03:00 -0400

This is a great week for music. Snowden is back, Bibio has a new record, Wild Nothing is still happening, and Beach House and My Bloody Valentine are playing FYF Fest. Celebration. Essential listening for this week:

File under: So Fun.

Classix | Hanging Gardens

This Los Angeles DJ duo takes a minute from remixing the likes of Yacht and Mayer Hawthorne to focus on their debut album. Released this week to much applause, ”Hanging Gardens” features 12 carefree, yet wistful tracks to perfectly soundtrack your summer road trip or pool party. (If you’re into pool parties.)

Listen HERE

Standout tracks: Holding On, Hanging Gardens, Dominoes, A Fax From The Beach, and Long Lost (feat. Active Child)

File Under: So Sexy.

Standish/Carlyon | Deleted Scenes

“Deleted Scene” is pretty much the sexiest record to happen to 2013. Between the vampiric-pop vocals, muddy bass lines, and vast synth-scapes, this album is a plunge into a dark, dubbed out world enveloped in a veil of smoke. Seriously, it’s like a late night hang on the other side and everyone is dressed in Ann Demeulemeester. (We love it.) Learn more here and see them live at Glasslands on May 30th opening for The Field.

Listen HERE
Standout tracks: Critics Murphy, Feb Love, Aqua Valerie, Subliminally

File Under: So Good.

Snowden | No One in Control

This is an album to be (very) excited about. It took six years for Snowden to follow up the acclaimed debut “Anti - Anti” and well worth the wait. “No One in Control” has all the melodic, harmonic, fuzzed out, dissonant layers that make Jordan Jeffares’ band so unique but with whole new level of maturity. Here’s to being refined while keeping your edge.

Listen HERE
Stand out tracks: No One in Control, So Red, Candy for Everyone, No Words No More

Also: wow, this cover.

— Elizabeth

Blanc Chèque // Editorial Series

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:28:01 -0400

Clothing credits (from top):

1 (L) Dress: Again, Rings: James Piatt 2 (R) Jacket: Cerre, Dress: ATELIER/ERIK HART, Ring: Lillian Crowe 3-4 Hat & Overalls: Vintage, Shirt: Cerre, Shoes: Martiniano 5-6 Dress: 69, Shirt: Cerre, Hat: 99 Cents Only Store, Shoes: Martiniano 7 (L) Jacket & Pants: 69, Necklace: Nicole Meng 8 (R) Dress: 69, Skirt: Sainte-Marie Vintage, belt (worn around neck): Cerre, Scarf (worn as belt): American Apparel, Shoes: Sydney Brown 9-10 Dress: ATELIER/ERIK HART, Head scarf: American Apparel, Shoes: Martiniano 11 (L) Bra: American Apparel, Girdle: Vintage, belt (worn around neck): Cerre 12 (R) Top and Pants: Sainte-Marie Vintage, Ring: James Piatt

Photographer: Aaron Feaver

Stylist: Sissy Sainte-Marie

Hair & Make Up: Jenna Kristina

Model: Allegra at Wilhelmina

THANKS FOR TRYING // SHANNON ROXANNE

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:56:27 -0400

NAME: Shannon McMillen

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?: Designer by day, gypsy by night.

WEBSITE: THEYOUNGSINNERS.COM

LOCATION: Venice Beach

ARE YOU LEGAL: 24

WHAT YOU GOT: Tie-dye dress and shoes from India

THANKS FOR TRYING AGENT: Sissy

Installation // Awesomeness

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:57:00 -0400

Artist Bohyun Yoon uses pieces of silicon rubber, wire, steel, depth and with the right spotlight… creates his installation piece, UNITY. We love.

- Maggie Davis

It’s not a new band, but a band that never ever has left my...

Thu, 09 May 2013 13:38:01 -0400

It’s not a new band, but a band that never ever has left my heart. They make me feel like I can breathe in cold air & breathe out flowers.

-Jenelle Campbell

David Bowie is // Victoria and Albert Museum

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:51:55 -0400

Seriously. This is amazing. If your summer travel plans include a stop- over in London, you cannot miss David Bowie is at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Album cover shoot for Aladdin Sane, 1973. Photograph by Brian Duffy © Duffy Archive

The V&A has been given exclusive access to the David Bowie Archive to curate the very first international retrospective of the career of David Bowie. The exhibit includes 300 objects pulled from every corner of Bowie’s career— from handwritten lyrics to original costumes, from music videos to set designs.

Original photography for the Earthling album cover, 1997 Photograph by Frank W Ockenfels 3 © Frank W Ockenfels 3

As one of the most iconic inspirations of modern times, David Bowie collaborated with artists and designers in fashion, sound, graphics, theater, art and film.

Photograph by Terry O’Neill, Courtesy of The David Bowie Archive 2012

Whether or not you’re a fan of Bowie for his music or his fashion, you will no doubt learn a little bit more about the beloved Ziggy Stardust. I mean let’s be honest, the man is a genius.

Photo collage of manipulated film stills from The Man Who Fell to Earth
© STUDIO CANAL Films Ltd, Image © V&A Images

The exhibition runs through August 11, 2013 at the Victoria and Albert Museum located on Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

THANKS FOR TRYING // ALEX BLACK

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:44:02 -0400

NAME: Alex Black

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?: Musician/Composer/Producer

WEBSITE: www.alxblck.com

LOCATION: Lincoln Heights, Los Angeles

ARE YOU LEGAL: The guy at the liquor store says I look 27

WHAT YOU GOT: Jil Sander blazer, N. Hoolywood pants, Red Wing boots, thrift store cape & tee

THANKS FOR TRYING AGENT: Sissy

SPRING FLING / BLOG EDITORIAL SERIES

Tue, 07 May 2013 14:38:00 -0400

Dress- Moon Spoon Saloon

Hooded top- Moon Spoon Saloon

Pants- OLIMA

Turtle neck- Zara

Dress- OLIMA

Turtle neck- Zara

Overalls- Sandra Garcia

Shoes- Moon Spoon Saloon

Turtle neck- Zara

Sweater- Desiree Klein

Skirt- Moon Spoon Saloon

Dress: Moon Spoon Saloon

Top: Moon Spoon Saloon

Pants: OLIMA

Photographer: Kathryna Hancock

Stylist: Jessica Willis

Hair: Abraham Esparza

Make up: Liset Garza

Model: Gracie at Ford

RYAN HEFFINGTON // KTCHN // NOLAN HENDRICKSON // YOU CANNOT MISS THIS

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:09:00 -0400

We are beyond honored to have Ryan Heffington as a friend, collaborator, and inspiration. He and his team, through the inspiration of Nolan Hendrickson’s paintings, have created a world of romance, pain, loss, and gain. When we sat in our seats at the opening night of KTCHN, we had that moment of realization that we were witness to something that will change things, something epic and historic. Los Angeles is in the midst of a revolution in art and culture and I believe that Ryan and his crew are part of that shift.

I sat there watching this human experience of relationships, falling in love, and falling out of love. The combat we create with one another, the layers of emotion we bring to the surface, through the communication of dance. Then again, love really is a dance anyway. There were moments when I felt like my personal experience of falling in love, then that love falling away, and the aftermath were being displayed. Like someone read my diary. It felt very personal in many ways, and yet was such a shared experience. In that moment, we were all there, witnessing the same thing.

Enjoy our Instagram photos // The_Work_Magazine :

Sat next to our buddy George ( Twin Shadow ) , who looked very dapper.

The crowed got up to make it rain on one of the dancers, money was provided in the booklet. We love making it rain here in LA as often as we can.

A true standing ovation, which was beyond necessary and deserved.

Nolan Hendrickson the Artist and Adrian Gilliland.

I have so much love and respect for this amazingly talented man ( Adrian Gilliland ).

You cannot miss this performance, which will go from May 3-19th at Mack Sennett Studios in Silverlake. KTCHN is a dance installation that is inspired by the paintings of Nolan Hendrickson. Set design by Nolan Hendrickson, Costuming by Mindy LeBrock (www.lebrockcontreras.com), Art Director Adrian Gilliland, Produced by Allison Karman / Asst. Producer Amy Sather Smith, Pr by Jessica Trent, Directed, Choreographed, Musical Selection, and all Creative Direction by Ryan Heffington.

http://www.facebook.com/ktchnshow

-XO G

URS FISCHER // THE GEFFEN CONTEMPORARY

Fri, 03 May 2013 15:46:23 -0400

At The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Swedish born artist Urs Fischer has undertaken an insane collaborative project that includes contributions from 1,500 people and 308 tons of clay. All were asked to join him in making figures and animals out of the clay to take over the entire space at the Geffen. The clay forms are interspersed with some of Fischer’s works, including massive wax sculptures that burn and melt like giant candles. The whole experience will transport you into a clay filled dream world.

The installation is open until August 19th. Take a summer afternoon and check it out— it’s totally worth it.

http://www.moca.org

http://www.moca.org/museum/exhibitiondetail.php?id=476

Designer Crush // Ovate

Thu, 02 May 2013 13:28:00 -0400

Ovate is a line out of Montreal that consists of leather, silk, silver & dark energy mixed with elegance. Because most designs are created by hand, they have an ancient look to them, while the modern cuts make them both flattering & timeless.

I love the power this clothing / jewelry exudes & am already making a wish list.

www.ovate.ca

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ovate/278330498844193

- Jenelle Campbell

WORKAHOLIC // Thoreen & Ritter

Wed, 01 May 2013 12:18:27 -0400

Thoreen & Ritter is a design firm dedicated to creating products and environments unified by an aesthetic of contemporary timelessness.Fluid and experienced enough to find creative design solutions in any material or venue, Thoreen & Ritter instills each project with its unique design voice and the refinement needed to endure without aging. Elegance fuses with playfulness. Striking appearance melds with purpose. In this way, Thoreen & Ritter creates works and environments that transform a space into an experience. Brian Thoreen spent two years as Lead Fabricator and Production Manager for Marmol Radziner + Associates, the award-winning west coast architecture firm. After obtaining a degree in Apparel Manufacturing, he later served as Director of Homewares & Furniture for prominent L.A. fashion house Thomas Wylde. Brant Ritter is a practicing artist whose works have been exhibited throughout the United States. For several years, he has also operated an L.A.-based fine art installation company that services some of the world’s most respected private art collections. He studied Architecture at LeHigh University and obtained an MFA from the University of Pennsylvania. Each of these experiences brought with it unique design challenges that required creative solutions – not just on paper, but in the field, in the factory, and often in the moment. Since meeting in 2001 as fabricators and assistants for artists James Turrell, Peter Wegner and institutions such as James Corchoran Gallery, Brian and Brant formed a friendship that lead them to this inevitable partnership.

Who are you and what do you do?

Brian: We are Brian Thoreen and Brant Ritter. Making what we like to call Thoreen & Ritter, which is a design firm. We create architectural interiors, furniture design and conceptual design installations.

Where is your workspace?

Brant: We have our studios in an old warehouse space in downtown Los Angeles. Specifically, in the Arts District, which when we first moved in to the area should have been called the Pallet Yard District. The space houses our office and workshop as well as a few vintage motorcycles in various states of disrepair.

What made you turn to this direction?

Brant: I come from an art and architecture background, Brian comes from fashion design and we both worked in the art world for many years, which is how we met one another. Over the course of a couple of years we toyed with the idea of forming a design firm, but it wasn’t until a friend recommended us first to restaurateurs, Brendan Collins and Carolos Tamozos did we feel like we were ready. Designing Waterloo & City (the restaurant) was certainly a daunting task for a new firm, but we jumped at the opportunity and are pleased with the end results.

Brian: Or, Fate……?

Was this always your dream job?

Brant: I don’t know. I don’t ever recall as a kid, wanting to grow up to design creative offices and outdoor pavilions. But I think our individual/collective life experiences led us to where we are now.

Brian: Yes. Since we are both too tall to be racing drivers.

How much of the week is work, how much is play?

Brian: You know what they say, when you love what you do………

Brant: We do try to escape every once and awhile. Sunday’s you will usually find one or both of us doing our best to receive an award for speeding along the Angeles Crest on one of the aforementioned motorcycles.

How important is your work, and do you feel it defines you?

Brian: It certainly defines us as a team. Exploring and developing our design principles and craft is a very important aspect of our lives. What else is there?

Brant: We both grew up on construction sites, my mother and Brian’s father are each general contractors, so we certainly value hard work, but more importantly I think we value the act of working and creating. There’s this great book, “Shop Craft as Soul Craft” that really resonates with both of us, it does a wonderful job of legitimizing the importance of skilled craft to not only society but to the individual.

Brian: Which is why we are reluctant to simply design on paper and hand plans off to a fabricator, we generally love the process of creating an object from a blank sheet of paper to the finished product.

Brant: You learn as much in the shop about your design as anywhere.

What has been the most exciting thing you have done with your work, and what is a dream situation you’d like to find yourself in?

Brant: We strive to make everything we do better than the last thing we did. So every new job is the most exciting. Although, our furniture is what really makes us giddy. We have some new pieces coming out this year that are really exciting.

Brian: Our dream would be designing pieces for a manufacturer. It would be exciting to see our work going into production. We love the idea of a limited production that’s been beautifully executed.

How do you find your inspiration?

Brian: Dude, I hate that fucking question. Inspiration isn’t an eureka moment, it’s the culmination of a lifetime of seeing and experiencing.

Brant: What he (Brian) said, but without the salty language.

How do you define your personal style, work and clothing, etc.?

Brian: Not sure if style is the word. It could be defined as a series of bad decisions and moments of clarity.

Brant: Utilitarian, with the occasional outburst of forethought. Brian is certainly more stylish coming from the fashion world. But there’s something to be said about timeless over timely.

What’s something someone may not know about you?

Brian: That we really do care about your project more than you.

Brant: And we will continue to think about it long after it’s done. Brian and I still talk about the restaurant and what we would do differently.

Anything else you would like to say or for us to know?

Brian: We’re willing to tackle any project, we’ve worked on everything from a tissue box to a million and a half square foot master redevelopment plan.

Brant: So, don’t be scared

MEXICAN SUMMER // HITS // LOS ANGELES

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:43:00 -0400

It’s all about indie label, Mexican Summer in Los Angeles this week.

(Credit: Saad Al Hakkak and Shaun Surkan)

Tonight (5/1) Montreal’s, No Joy, bring their swirling, nu gaze to the Troubadour stage. If you have yet to listen to their latest album, Wait To Pleasure, be sure to get on that as it will most likely appear on most best of 2013 lists. We’re obsessed.

(Credit: Andrew Youssef)

The great wall of sound continues on Friday night (5/3) when our forever favorite, Tamaryn plays the Echoplex. Mexican Summer released last year’s Tender New Signs to much acclaim and honestly, this record is still in rotation. Also, watch this.

Finally, check out label mates, The Fresh and Onlys on Tuesday night (5/7) when they open for Kurt Vile at the Echoplex. This San Francisco band appeals to fans of The Shout Out Louds and The Mary Onettes and have been laying low since their release of Long Slow Dance. If this is your sound/scene, then definitely make time to see this show.

Or all the shows, even.

xElizabeth