Sissi Westerberg - Designer

Silver and Plastic Brooch, 2002
Silver Candlestick


Originally a Jewelry designer by education, Sissi Westerberg's interest in body-adornment has gradually shifted to an interest in the body itself. Most of her projects revolve around the idea of intimacy and belongingness, trying to create a sense of connection between our selves and the surrounding world, often using body-like shapes and materials in connection to well known everyday objects. Westerberg also has a great interest in developing alternative and more organic design-strategies, involving other people in the creative process. This among other things has resulted in a “Do It Yourself-kit” for the design store Svenskt Tenn in Stockholm and a number of collaborative projects with the art/craft/design-collective S U B.

Leo, Leo Beautiful

While learning about my new camera, I snapped these photos of my son, Leo.

My camera, a Nikon D90, seems to have all kinds of magic inside that little black machine.

I hope these shots are an indication of other simple, yet thought-provoking photographs to come. My eye, geared towards all things well-designed, is anxious to start looking at more things with "depth of field", contrast and composition all in mind.

My take on Coral

I learned a "technique" during my ongoing glass making education that makes my glass pieces look like coral. I like coral. I like that it is a completely organically shaped part of our earth. I like that each piece is predominantly one color, yet coral from around the world comes in countless colors. I like that it's mysterious, unique and interesting. ...and beautiful.

This piece uses a few different materials. There's the regular clear glass that acts as the structured backbone. Then, there's white crushed glass, frit, covering the clear glass. Clear frit was poured on the whole piece afterwards. Finally, a red powered glass is the final step that gives the piece the impression of the coral.

Still curious about the "technique" that gives this piece that coral look? Sorry. Like a magician, I can't reveal my secrets.

Javier Senosiaian - Organic Habitat Architect

Mix equal parts Wonka's Chocolate Factory, "Lord of the Rings" shires, Gaudi's visions, Dali's flair for the fantastical and you get close to Mexico's Javier Senosiaian's Nautilus House. The Nautilus House is a ferro-concrete construction coated with polyurethane and UV-resistant elastomeric waterproofing. Inside it comprises a complex labyrinth of rooms and interconnecting tunnels.

Virtually no right angles are in this house - such an uncommon feat that it makes your head spin. The wonder doesn't stop at this house, however. Senosiaian's entire portfolio is comprised of uber-colorful structures, organically shaped homes, voluptuously curved exterior landscapes and interiors that create the womb-like sensation of being safe & comfortable.

Please take a long visit to the website, www.arquitecturaorganica.com for more inspiration.

Arline Fisch - Wire Sculptor

After looking at Arline Fisch's sculptures, you won't know if what you're looking at is coral-inspired, sea anenome-inspired or jellyfish-inspired. It's probably all three. With a last name like Fisch, it's not surprising that Arline's pieces take their cue from the sea.

Jewelry, wall art and sculpture are all in the range of this artist who solely uses colored wire to create her vibrantly hued art. She clearly brings new meaning to the term "underwater basket weaver".

Long Platter

Fused & Slumped, this platter, about 2' long, pleasantly surprised me. I especially like the edges, which are not perfectly flat, but have a bit of a true craft feel to them. The edges give the platter genuine character. I've found that the edges of my pieces are oftentimes my favorite parts of the pieces. They're always unplanned and exciting to see for the first time upon opening my kiln door.

This platter continues my main design esthetic; simple, modern, abstract and ultimately "contemporary".

Jen Stark - Paper Artist

Jen Stark has an amazing eye for color. Her artwork, comprised of reams of colored paper, has a 3-dimensionality to it that makes the viewer want to touch the designs. She takes the paper and meticulously cuts the sheets until they resemble "rainbow explosions" that reach off the wall or pedestal they're displayed upon.

It was a trip to France without her usual art supplies that originally inspired Jen to improvise with her creative juices flowing. She purchased a pad of colored paper and began experimenting. She never looked back. Her work has been seen internationally and there's a palpable sensation that she is on the cusp of something gigantic.

Her website, www.jenstark.com is chock full of inspiration.