DAVE LIESKE
Aka: Davey Gravy
Davey Gravy is a very talented artist from Calgary, Alberta.
In his final years at ACAD, he was introduced to cross-stitching. While he was looking for a new way of looking at things, he immediately immersed himself in the foreign practice of cross-stitching.
His background in graffiti and amazing letterform drawings quickly came through, and in turn, his rap-themed cross-stitch became something new and refreshing.
Artist Tofer Chin shrinks his trademark stalagmites for a set of rings befitting Bijules
Artist Tofer Chin‘s signature stalagmites have taken many forms over the years—as massive installations popping off gallery walls and planted in parks, and as the geometric force breaking up mathematically-derived Op Art patterns in mind-bending paintings. But the LA-based artist’s sharp expressions, on view in his current solo show “Totally“, are about to receive a fashionable change-up from Bijules‘ NYC-based jewelry designer Jules Kim.
For one night only, the collaborative duo will present “TC+ BJ = 23 Art Intervention“, shrinking Chin’s stalagmites to serve as stands for a limited-edition set of Bijules gold rings. The elegantly irreverent designer explains, “I am excited and honored to have a respected contemporary allow me into his sacred space and to trust my direction wholeheartedly.” Perpetually “collaborating in spirit and friendship” since meeting in Chin’s LA studio years ago, the pair pull off a seamless exchange between art and fashion.
Each of the 23 gold rings is signed and numbered by the two artists and comes with a Tofer Chin miniature stalagmite. Check them out at NYC’s Lu Magnus Gallery 10 February 2012, where they will be on view as part of Chin’s exhibition through 17 February 2012, or pick one up now from the Bijules web shop for $600. RSVP for the opening through Good People.
Photos courtesy of BHP
A new collection of handcrafted menswear combines style, art and sophistication
If designer Jonathan Meizler had his way, subtle elements of couture would be a part of every man’s wardrobe. In Title of Work—Meizler’s new menswear label—opulent beadwork, Swarovski crystals and black diamonds embellish English wool crepe, Italian cashmere and silk twill ties and bowties.
After studying art and design in Vienna and London, the Massachusetts native returned to the States where he co-founded JonValdi to industry acclaim. Expanding from hand-painted ties to a fully developed sportswear collection for both men and women, he later created a women’s evening wear line exclusively sold at Bergdorf Goodman. Now the NYC-based designer has returned to his menswear roots with the line of luxurious ties, showcasing his background in couture and a talent for understated flair.
The Title of Work collection is now available online and at Neiman Marcus, hitting select retailers in the United States, Canada and Japan later this fall. Read below to learn more about where Meizler draws his inspiration from and the future of his new line.
Architecture is a constant inspiration on both a personal and work-related level—from the Egyptian pyramids to Italy’s basilicas, the humor and function of Gaudi, the fluidity of Noguchi and Zaha Hadid, and Gehry’s postmodernist vibe. I am drawn toward symmetry in the asymmetrical. I feel the most successful of my collection incorporates this structure while integrating jeweled elements, achieving simplicity in the ornate.
I created Title of Work to explore the craftsmanship of a well-made product, similar to that of a couturier, where each piece is hand finished. Hand-beaded techniques—primarily used in women’s clothing and accessories—are rarely employed in menswear. With this first Title of Work collection, I wanted to establish that beading for men could be modern and accessible, while pushing the boundaries of masculinity.
It is. For example, one of the signature pieces in the collection is a hand-cast sterling silver grommet with Swarovski crystals, attached by a jeweler who hand welds each sterling grommet around the crystal. There is little room for error. All of the collection is handmade and beaded, so no two ties are completely the same.
When creating a collection, I think it is important to be as specific as possible, especially in defining one’s point of view in an overly saturated market. I saw an untapped niche in neckwear and felt it was the ideal foundation to build from. As a designer, I take pleasure in the challenge of straddling the line of art and commerce, and I have hopefully created an approachable collection that is subtly sophisticated, modern, sexy and refined.
I currently have bowties in the collection, and for spring, I am expanding on that and creating sterling and black diamond cufflinks based on the amulets you see across the line. I am also in the midst of designing a bag collection. A bit raw and deconstructed, but, of course, beautifully finished with hand-cast hardware. On the other side, I am creating furniture, made from reconstructed wood, glass, metals and dead animals. I am obsessed with grommets, ventilators and industrial elements, so this should be interesting.
Chains, ring pops and weapons in a master glass designer’s latest experiments with crystal
Though master of crystal and glass design Orfeo Quagliata, 39, has been producing his own transparent wonders for several years (he’s been working with glass since age 12 and heads up Phuze Design), a recent collaboration with Swarovski Elements has led the Mexico-based artist to explore a more subversive side of the material. After the success of his initial partnership with the crystal leaders (he made five exclusive martini shakers for Skyy Vodka, like one that evokes Mr. Big’s character and a lipstick tube, for the Mexico City Sex and the City 2 premiere), Quagliata’s new work featured in a show at San Francisco, California’s Velvet Da Vinci’s gallery this month makes almost a 180. Celebrating both the beauty of Swarovski’s crystals and showing a “lack of respect” by fearlessly grinding and melting the pieces, Quagliata’s irreverence and a playful approach to material mark his sleek designs.
Among his more outlandish explorations in jewelry, glassware and sculpture is the aptly named “Crystal Death,” a design inspired by gladiators’ iconic morningstar weapon. This crystal implement is a prime example of Quagliata’s tendency to transform something with negative associations (in this case, a piece traditionally used for killing) into a stunning work of art.
Quagliata describes the show’s one-off designs (that inspired Phuze’s new production line) as “coming out of necessity.” While he primary occupies himself with beauty and combining unexpected materials, Quagliata also focuses on functionality. In the case of his geometric glassware, the cups are made from Pyrex (a sturdy heat- and chemical-resistant material) for those craving chic, faceted mugs for their coffee. Drawing from his work for the exhibition, Quagliata simplified the production design from tall glasses with elaborate handles to short cups with a single colorful knob.
Other offshoots of the exhibition include Phuze’s Disco Line for which Quagliata removes the crystals’ foil with acid and fills hollow pieces with them. Unlike standard jewelry with crystals fixed into settings, the Disco Line’s pieces are “shimmering little worlds for the crystals to live in.” A standout from the line’s delicate rings, earrings and pendant-like pieces, the “Alpha Chain” contrasts the lightness of the crystals with heavy steel links.
For a look at Quagliata’s one-of-a-kind pieces, catch his show before it ends 28 August 2011. Visit Phuze Design for a look at Quagliata’s other jewels, like his glammed-up glass candy rings colored with ground crystals. Currently showing at Swarovski’s booth for Accessory Circuit Intermezzo in New York, his work will hit London and Shanghai soon. While his pieces are now available for purchase from his London distributor, they will be sold at MoMA next year.
A bottle of scotch so expensive you’ll probably never taste it
Crafted by Royal Salute as a liquid homage to the oldest crown jewels in the British Isles—The Honours of Scotland—Tribute to Honour is a blend of some of Chivas Brothers‘ oldest and finest whiskey in an over-the-top package.
To create the Tribute, Master Blender Colin Scott selected a few casks of very well-aged whisky, all at least 45 years old. Individually, they’re probably among the best you’ll ever enjoy; blended, they achieve an even higher intensity.
A liquid this rare deserves more than a plastic flask, so they commissioned Garrard, “the world’s oldest jewelers,” to craft a bottle made from black porcelain, adorned with 413 flawless black and white diamonds, as well as 22 carats of other gemstones, set in gold and silver. (Pictured above, L-R: Colin Scott, Royal Salute Master Blender and Stephen Webster, Creative Director of Garrard)
Alas, luxury this rare—only 21 numbered bottles were created—comes at a price. The bottles run $200,000 a piece. Contact Giaia [dot] Rener [at] pernot-ricard [dot] com for more information.
The Netherlands’ Design Connection Brainport and Design Academy Eindhoven have joined forces to present Jewels and Joules in Milan later this month. Presenting “Jewels of captivating design from a selection of talents, produced, assembled and polished by the industry of Brainport Eindhoven. To be enjoyed with the energy in joules from fresh and frank food out of the inventive kitchen of Design Academy Eindhoven.” Above, Marieke van der Bruggen’s ‘Garden of delight’ tree branches made of coloured glucose.
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