EAMES Molded Plastic Rocker

The Eames Molded Plastic Rocker (1948), often known as the RAR (rocking armchair rod), was out of production for 30 years before being brought back with the blessings of the Eames Office. Originally manufactured in fiberglass-reinforced plastic, now molded polypropylene. The iconic Eames wire base is set atop two maple runners for a smooth rocking motion.

I would like to make it mine.

Eighteen Sweater & Shirt Combinations I Have Worn

This is a detail from a print I am developing. It depicts eighteen sweater and shirt combinations I have worn. The idea was borne from a desire to create simple, almost obvious (to the attentive eye) collections of daily life. I plan to create further prints showcasing daily dinner plate color palettes, and collections of logos from products used (in order) on a daily basis.

PARINAMA Therapy

Just finished a new identity for my client, Parinama Therapy. The principal, Carrie Ericson, who is a yoga and massage therapist, hired me to create collateral including business cards, as well as advertising and marketing. I've just completed the first phase of the project which was to design the company logo and create business cards.

Carrie's company focusses on guided, in-home yoga practice and also, massage treatment. Parinama is a Sanskrit word which means "transformation". Her basis for these therapies eminates from eastern disciplines and philosophies and focuses on transforming unhealthy habits and practices.

She expressed a desire to visually represent that foundation as much as possible, hence the "OM" and the lotus flower - both symbols commonly associated with such ideologies. I illustrated the icons and bestowed both with a Henna-like treatment that Carrie had sketched previously in pencil. After, I paired these icons with carefully chosen typefaces in order to express the organic nature of her therapy, while effectively representing Carrie's professional and credible approach to her work.

LIVING Stones

If only someone would stone me with these. What a delight that would be! Imagine rolling around on fine wool mini-boulders in front of the flat panel or in the boudoir. If you're a minimalist or just a good old fashioned Buddhist, these are the comfort accoutrement for you.

Designed by Stephanie Marin in 2004, the Livingstones are made of 100% virgin wool.The interior are made with hypoallegenic polysilicone fiber.Cushions and sofas are built around a structure in foam “Bultex” type.A product that can be great for a kid room.They may look like stones but in fact they are really comfortable.Prices are available from smarindesign upon request.

See more from Stephanie Marin at her website.

When TELEVISION Had CLASS.

This segment of an NBC morning show from 1956 showcases the unveiling of the then new Eames Lounge Chair, with Charles and Ray Eames themselves presenting their wares. I can't get over how these three people relate to each other and how charming they all are. I find their manners (as in the manner in which they behave, not etiquette) so beguiling. They speak intelligently, with kindness and courtesy, and most important of all, they sound and act graceful.

I have a project I am considering, a book. This program speaks to the subject matter perfectly. Our culture has been stripped of its grace and class. At least on the scale of the masses. Gone are the days when anyone would relate to another person with such care. Granted, this was 1950s television and propriety was of utmost importance. The question I would seek to pose is: why isn't it now?

Detroit BASHING

My friend Jim showed me this article he spotted on Detroityes.com.

In a nutshell it is a Columbus, Ohio writer responding to her community's gripes over their Macy's department store [apparently] leaving the downtown area. She goes on to point out how Detroit has many more ills, having more "wig shops" than anything of interest. I was annoyed by her article and told her so in this email.

Dear Ms. Saunders,

I was disappointed to read your article, "Refugee from Detroit loves our city".

I can certainly understand it. Nothing is more popular than bashing Detroit. I just wonder why you could not find the depth to take any other stance on the Motor City but the absolute, most clichéd, overused view of them all? Everyone knows Detroit has ills, but does citing and mocking them to Columbus readers do anything for anyone? (Except you?)

I realize moving to another city is hard. I am about to do so myself. When you're in a new town you want to make friends and show support for your new home and community. That's survival, it's understandable. However, imagine the character your readers would be admiring in you if instead you'd written this article from an alternate, positive point of view.

Imagine, if in response to gripes of Macy's leaving Columbus, you'd have reminded people how fortunate they are to live in a thriving downtown community. How lucky they are to enjoy a civic center not plagued by decades of neglect, violence, and cantankerous political and industrial in-fighting. Consider the positive influence you'd make by reminding people that you came to Columbus to enjoy its multitude of opportunities, comforts, and security. Someone might have actually gotten something out of your article, instead of more false, negative perceptions about Detroit. Positivity, Ms. Saunders! Take the high road!

No one could blame you for seeking a better life, it's a hard time in Detroit right now. Still, a lot of people here in Detroit are reading your article and wondering why their daughter, sister and friend (assuming you had family and/or friends here) has turned on their home, in word, as you have. I can guarantee when I have to leave my Detroit, I won't stab it in the back from afar.

Enjoy your new home, Columbus is a wonderful city.

Yours very sincerely,


Jamie Latendresse


P.S. Wig shops? Spare us. That is beneath you, Ms. Saunders.

More EAMES PACKYDERMS.

Stopped into my Flickr account tonight and found an email waiting for me from Eames Demetrios with this little nugget attached. Back in July I had posted about these elefellas going on sale at the Eames Office site and how after seeing them at the Henry Ford we figured that was the last of them for us.

But no! Check out this great little film of the gentle giants touring the greater Los Angeles area.

It's TAXING

Time for a working class uprising.

As the state government tries to find the money to pull us out of our 1.75 BILLION dollar deficit, guess who's going to fall onto the chopping block. Me. Consultants. The legislators thought taxing consulting services was a good way to make some dough. So when I go to bill a client, hah, guess what? I have to charge them a tax for using my services. Guess who doesn't have to do that?

Lawyers.

They get off scott free. Know why? It didn't occur to me until it was pointed out but — what do legistators do when they're not legislating? That's right! They're lawyers. Also safe: golf course and cable companies. ??? Seems I've just been thrown under the bus by my own party. Oh and when I move out of state but work for clients in Michigan from afar. Yep, still have to pay.

Freep article.

Hotel CHEVALIER

This made me extremely happy today. Wes Anderson's films, like the most soothing and tasty cocktail you could imbibe, just lull me into a state of relaxed bliss. I could leave "Hotel Chevalier" playing over and over, like a new song with hooks I can't get enough of.

Chevalier acts as a prologue to Anderson's forthcoming film, "The Darjeeling Limited". It provides a glimpse into the events that precede the arrival of Jason Schwartzman's character, Jack, in India to join his two brothers. Natalie Portman's character appears in cameos in the film.

Download free from iTunes.