MJP

Lost

2009-04-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

We all rush after the beauty and sparkle of the ordinary things in live. We go to a shopping centre and see this piece and that thing and everything so artificial, manufactured and put there to get us spell bound. Yes, do not get me wrong, there are certain things that we need, some things that in it`s design form and function that is a piece of art. But those are usually for the few who truly understand them. It is like looking at a piece of Art. You can judge or critique it, but what is it that the artist is portraying. Is it a master piece due to technique, or is it the message that is being translated to us, or is it both? There is a very fine line between these things, and the majority of the worlds population just cannot see this. They look at art and wonder why, they cannot grasp the complex yet simpleness of it. Is it so hard to let your inner walls down, and entertain a thought only to eventually broaden and make yourself a better person, more diverse and interesting in nature. Not only that, but more educated as well. Not just running after everyday things, and one being money, and fame and all these unnecessary things we are exposed to.

I took a walk, and found a different world around me. I walked away from home, into a field with tall grass. There was a sense of fear in me, cause I didn`t know what to expect beyond the tall grass and trees. So I entered this cluster of trees, and suddenly felt I have a vantage point, and I felt safe for a moment. Surrounded by nothing, yet in this cluster of dense branches the sun was dancing around on the floor and I felt completely separated from everything else that bothers me. I wanted to take this feeling with me, just being me and clear of thought, purely enjoying the moment and having nothing to worry about. The warmth of the sun on my skin, and the sound of leaves rattling in the wind.

Walking back home, cars and people once again intruded and made me weary. Coming home, there was people and the irritating noise of voices and televisions and a heavy feeling coming over me. I cannot escape it, this cold and hard feeling of death and decay. It is killing me slowly, and finding me to become lost in it. If I need out, then it was now. But as all thing happen, nothing is instantly achievable. For me to find my own sanctuary and a place of quiet to turn to and let my thoughts wonder, this I accept is all part of settling in again, turning my back on this world, and finding myself again. My soul feels empty, and I can only wait. Wait for the day my soul can be relieved from all this evil and corruption, and misery.

I wish for a day where I can say: "I am me again, not judged by this world, nor involved in anything that drags my soul down and binds it to a pole exposed to the misery of this world. I can be free and live beautifully to be happy and content in my soul." Maybe to share this with someone else, but to know that we will do it as one. I have been through enough heartache and moments of bare lust, driving away anything that is humane, and causing my heart to harden every single time. It is like wearing a jacket, and every time you rub against something and it leaves a dirt mark, adding up as you walk. And at the end of the day, you are filthy and in dire need of a new jacket.

MIPIM report, Cannes

2009-04-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Wallpaper* was a first-timer in MIPIM this year, nevertheless we already knew that in the architecture world, the annual Cannes fair is almost shorthand for large property developments and big investments. It forces everybody to think more realistically about finances, and spells “business” much more clearly than similar gatherings in the architecture agenda, like the Venice Biennale or the London Festival of Architecture.

For more info and to read further please follow this link:

http://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/mipim-report-cannes/3197

INFORMATION

Website
http://www.mipim.com

Letter to Insanity.

2009-04-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

Something beautiful is always to me a means of sadness and interrupted morale. I cannot seem to explain, but by finding beauty it has always fallen to me the undeviating curse of some intense sadness, yet we carry on and find something, making this beauty know to others. Even though in it`s most subtle ways of expression. They seem to find joy and pleasure from this, but it seems as though the totality of them in their souls laugh at us. Cursing us to become mere images of normality. Always bearing the fruits of mankind, and what they desire to see. Those close to us, the ones far away. My soul now has come to a point where it cannot be suppressed any longer. I feel as though I have been killed slowly by society, my whole lifetime. Every step is a pain full one, yet I kept on walking until this far. It is like new leather shoes, at first they are nice, then you wear them and they start to hurt, they hurt even more, until one day you realise there is no more pain. Then I could ask, is it that we just do not feel the pain anymore, but it is still there? In my life I have become numb to this pain, merely telling myself that this too shall pass. Putting a blindfold on, and treading along. Being led by sounds and images of imagination. Trying to see the world as a picture you have in your imagination. Becoming by force that that I don`t want to be. Could that be the cause of thing I didn`t see, or is due to the fact that I walked in this world consuming its normality's. Although in the same breath I could say I have become what I am, and only to change it and redirect myself into the path I want to walk. Imagine the possibilities if I could free myself from this, and become the person I should have been by now.

The Ecstasy of my being, the pure gravity therein weighs me down, yet pulls me up into a state of mind where creativity cannot be shared fast enough for the means of translation known is just not efficient to me. Bountifully my heart is, and filled with so much more than ordinary things. The love for my violin, and music and anything creative. A simple curved line can be beautiful, depending on so many factors though. Knowledge escapes us, myself, and my heart becomes weary and fills my eyes with tears as I see the masses trampling along, consuming and not finding the mere thing that drives us. I feel a deep pain, for myself and others, I wish to myself that I could express this thing inside of me, yet the means and ways are to elaborate for men of this place. And I would be crucified like a Jean de Arc for the extremity and blindness of ordinary men. The mere gesture of sanity would be trampled by the consuming masses, and there would only be the industrialist and the corporates.

Maybe my energy in this world is to small a thought, yet it does tell a tale of great significance. Then I find myself and my violin to be one, yet separated for this world, longing to be heard and grow and become more. To express the mere songs of joy and awe, to fall on the ears of a silent audience. To walk and stand tall, naked to the world, silent and to be the beauty of the moon by night, and be enthralled by the gracefulness of wonderful things.

And then again, my soul gets stung by the prick of this lives mere insanity. My creativity left to bleed and slowly die a bitter painful death.

II- Résultats de Schizanalyse.

2009-04-07T02:07:00.000-07:00

Under my skins
Dreams of bliss
Sharp Bones of ink
and Razor-thin sins

With butter
Bread and narcotics
Red Creation down the gutter
On mother of pearl wrists

Eating numb angel skins
Or Dolls on shelves
A taste of Matrice
Id or Ego, of my Selves

Persona made out of clay
Art of Escapology
At Night my therapists say
"Tis' possibly Vanity over Sanity"
…

(II- from 'Bondage-stitched dreams)
by Fayçal J.
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=52901783559#/profile.php?id=621680709&v=info&viewas=645799738

2009-04-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

"this winter there is no place like home. . ."

_home is one of the leading home ware stores in South Africa. A few years ago they launched their furniture range (livingspace) which has taken of with great success! Their new winter range (for those who live in the southern hemisphere) has launched, and is taking South Africa by storm. From textured scatters to funky and edgy monochrome prints, to 'black is back' combined with striking silver highlights and while white still makes a clean cut statement, right? Warmer undertones in white create a softer feel to a bedroom, where as cool whites keep you fresh and on edge for that office environment.

Have a look at their new winter range on this following link:
http://www.home.co.za/mirror.asp?linkpage=Catalogues/winter2009/main.html

INFORMATION

www.home.co.za

Contact Person: Matt (decor consultant)
Tel: 011 916 7900 / 3
email: MattP@home.co.za

Story Hotel: Stockholm

2009-04-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

With design from the Swedish supremos at Koncept , Story is an amalgamation of heritage sophistication and contemporary innovation. Adapting original features from the period building, Koncept have maintained Story’s historical integrity, whilst expertly mingling bespoke design pieces throughout.

Filled with original wallpapers and wooden flooring, eclectic contemporary pieces dotted with artistic abandon and an understated tertiary pallet - Story is the ideal mix between comforting and cutting edge.

INFORMATION

Website
http://www.storyhotels.com

Telephone
46.8 5450 3940

Address
Story Hotel
Riddargatan 6
Stockholm
Sweden

Letter from Norway

2009-04-01T11:01:00.000-07:00

The recent series of 'Norwegian Wood' projects has impressed with its experimental sustainable designs in wood. This innovative open-air stage has become a focal point in the centre of the municipality of Sandnes. The glass roof covers a level, flexible space, creating an acoustic shelter within the open public square - sound is amplified during concerts and background noise is reduced. The semi-transparent roof structure is supported on bunched columns in slender sections of solid, untreated oak – reminiscent of a cluster of trees. (September 2008)

Krzentowski collection at La Galerie des Galeries

2009-04-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Galerie Lafayette, a Parisian institution for nigh on a century, has long been nurturing the raw creative talents of artists and designers alike.

In turn, the latest pioneering show set to grace its hallowed halls, Today More Than Yesterday and Less Than Tomorrow, is a model collaboration between two of the champions of the design underdog.

The show will present a selection of cherry-picked work from Didier and Clemence Krzentowski's seminal collection of design. Gradually accumulated over the last thirty years, the vast collection is one of the most influential and comprehensive in the world.

The Lafayette, more specifically La Galerie des Galeries (the top floor of the former), will - from the beginning of this month - host an exhibition of 164 pieces from the Krzentowski's collection.

Didier and Clemence, with the assistance of their own institution the Gallery Kreo, (now in its tenth year), have accrued some of the most prolific pieces of design ever produced.

The pioneering pair founded Gallery Kreo as a means of supporting, informing and fostering design talent - regularly resulting in creative collaborations between the Krzentowski's and their countless proteges.

Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow, will be divided into sections representing 7 domestic locales (kitchen, office, bedroom etc) in order for viewers to appreciate each object in its own 'habitat'.

Resultantly, the fluidity of the Krzentowski's collective process is made astoundingly evident. Like a living, breathing mass, the collection can, in the words of the gallery, 'never be a finished whole'.

With work by industry heavyweights ranging from Le Corbusier to Hella Jongerius and Marc Newson to Rudolpho Benetto - the array of design on show is set to be a true reflection of the Krzentowski's enduring passion and, of course, their impeccable taste.

Regium Waterfront project, Italy, by Zaha Hadid

2009-03-04T12:28:00.000-08:00

The upcoming Maxxi National Modern Art museum in Rome will be the first Italy project by Zaha Hadid to be completed in 2009, but meanwhile the architect has a growing number of ongoing projects all over the country, including a modern art museum in Cagliari, a housing block in Florence and a train station in Naples. Last week, one more was added to the list, when the agreement for the Regium Waterfront project was officially signed at the Italian embassy in London.

The complex, realised with private as well as public funding, will consist of two different buildings; a Museum of the Mediterranean History and a multifunctional building for performing arts, including a library, auditoriums, gym, craft workshop areas and a cinema. Keeping its connection with the Reggio Calabria area strong, the museum will be devoted to one of the most famous people coming from the region, Gianni Versace.

Website
http://www.zaha-hadid.com

Q&A with architect and director of Llewelyn Davies Yeang, Ken Yeang

2009-03-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

Malaysian-born architect and director of Llewelyn Davies Yeang, Ken Yeang has been synonymous with skyscraper design for years; and his focus, embracing the growing demands of green design, swiftly developed into an extended analysis for the contemporary eco-skyscraper. He insists that in order to be both ecologically sustainable and high rise, a building needs to be the perfect balance between engineering infrastructure and mimicking nature - Yeang approaches each building as an addition to the earth’s living, breathing eco-system. Adopting techniques used in urban planning to analyse sites horizontally, he proposes their almost literal vertical application on skyscraper design – from circulation analysis, to vertical green zones.

In his new book, Eco Skyscrapers, the architect touches on aspects of his green design theory and presents stages of his 30-year-long research, through a plethora of plans, models, sketches, details and diagrams.

INFORMATION
Eco Skyscrapers, by Ken Yeang, (ed. Ivor Richards) Images Publishing

Website
http://www.ldavies.com

MINI Design Competition 4

2009-02-28T00:28:00.000-08:00

Design, Enter, Win: New Design Competition
Time to get out your cameras, pens, paper, and other design artillery and get crackin' on the newest MINI Space design competition. The theme is "Always Open."

Your designs will be shown on MINI Space where the top three will be chosen by the MINI Design team. In addition, MINI Space users can vote for their favorites, and the most popular design will win a Wacom tablet.
Prizes (click for info)
1st - Apple Macbook Air
2nd - Canon digital camera
3rd - Design book by PHAIDON press
4th (Popular Vote) – A Wacom Design Tablet 20 top finalists will receive recognition on MINI Space.
Creative Briefing/Some Tips for You
Reinterpret the topic "Always Open" by designing a background for the MINI Space website. We took our inspiration for this theme from the MINI Cabrio Campaign, but your work does not need to feature the MINI brand, or even the MINI car to win. Our theme can be taken literally, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. When you think "Always Open," you can think of anything from a flashing neon sign in front of a shop late at night, to a creative mind hard at work, always open to new ideas and new channels of inspiration. Remember, in the end, this is still about creative use of space, and since your space is your computer background, we want you to think creatively, but also logically, about using it. Keep in mind that the left side of each uploaded background will always be covered up by MINI Space content. Think about how your design can work with the format of the site and fit with the content that is already there. We want your designs to be seen clearly by all our users. So maybe you want to use vector graphics and photos to create a really stunning and original design, or maybe you want to use other forms of expression, such as collage, drawing, sculpture, or typography. The voting system is now updated but the competitive design edge remains the same, so go for it! To sum up: - Designs should be created to work both as a background image for the homepage of MINIspace.com and as a stand-alone image.
- The design can be made out of any type of still media (photographic, illustration, graphic, etc.) as long as you have the rights to all design elements that you use.
- You are welcome to use MINI material in your design but it is NOT necessary nor will it increase your chances of a win.
- Your image should be 1280x800 pixels in size and JPG format.

Deadline
Upload at least one (and up to 9) design/photo until 1st of April 2009, 11:59am GMT.

Link:

http://www.minispace.com/en_us/background/?country

Wallpaper* Select Prints

2009-02-25T03:09:00.000-08:00

Wallpaper* Selects

Wallpaper* magazine works with the most exciting and acclaimed photographers in the world, despatching them to far flung corners to shoot boldly and beautifully. Now you have the chance to own limited edition prints of our unique archive of work by Jonathan de Villiers, Mauricio Alejo, Jonathan Frantini, Christopher Griffith, Stefan Ruiz, Daniel Stier, Benedict Redgrove and Joël Tettamanti.

A collaboration between Wallpaper* and contemporary art publishers Eyestorm, Wallpaper* Selects offers you the opportunity to start collecting some of the most compelling contemporary photography, produced in editions of 10, 20 or 30 and signed and numbered by the artists. All of the works have appeared in Wallpaper*, having been commissioned especially for the magazine, but have never before been available to buy.

http://www.eyestorm.com/wallpaperselects

Rooikop

2009-02-25T03:04:00.000-08:00

For the quirkiest designer accessories, and interior elements, with sustainability and conscience!

Rooikop (Afrikaans for Red head) is the brainchild of Zoe Willems - Eco entrepreneur deluxe!
And as her red hair was often the cause of ridicule - it is now her brand with endless opportunities! So too the humble plastic bag, despised for its contribution to the landfill is transformed, to become a beautiful designer bag

On the weekend of the 19-22 of Feb Rooikop was launched at the Homemakers expo, and the response was phenomenal!
Our growing product range includes designer handbags, and interior elements i.e. lamps.

Rooikop's Products are mainly manufactured from recycled plastic packets.
So you, yes YOU, buying one sexy bag, equates to 16 less plastic packets in your local landfill!
We will be opening a recycling centre in the near future.

We know that you will enjoy the gallery of images or visit our site (www.rooikop.co.za)

And be encouraged! By the fact that one creative idea has led us to do our bit towards saving the planet!

Contact Details
Website: http://www.rooikop.co.za
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

Le Corbusier cards, by Stefi Orazi

2009-02-25T02:58:00.000-08:00

Cité de Refuge, Paris, Le Corbusier (1929 - 1933)

Illustrator Stefi Orazi has for some time been taking inspiration for her work from icons of modernist architecture and design across her home city of London, so it wasn't suprising that she had started to look further afield.

INFORMATION
The cards cost £12 for a pack of six.

Website
http://www.thingsyoucanbuy.co.uk

ISCM World New Music Days 2009

2009-01-13T11:14:00.000-08:00

ISCM World New Music Days 2009
in Sweden: Visby – Växjö – GöteborgSeptember 24 – October 4

The 2009 edition of ISCM World New Music Days will be held in Sweden between September 24 and October 4. The festival will move through three cities, each with a strong contemporary music profile. The first part will be in medieval Visby on Gotland, the meeting place in the Baltic Sea, the second one in Växjö and the Kingdom of Glass and the last one in Sweden’s gateway to the western seas and the Continent, namely Göteborg. The artistic theme for the 2009 festival is Listen to the World!

Second Solar spaceship, Germany

2009-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:00

The small German city of Böblingen is now home to what might be the world’s biggest and most elaborate children’s toy. The Second Solar spaceship, designed by Different Futures and constructed for the Sensapolis fun park earlier this year, is a three-level, 850 sq m interactive replica of a real shuttle, albeit one better suited to exploration of the cognitive rather than the galactic variety.

Website
http://www.sensapolis.de

Address
Flugfeld-Allee
Böblingen-Sindelfingen

Blue as the Turquoise Night of Neyshabur

2008-12-26T08:03:00.000-08:00

The ever so slowly passing day hastens to become the shimmer of dusk, reflecting in my soul the mistery of what is to come. I do feel intreuged by this fear of illusion, for my heart longs for words unspoken to man. The journey to my centre being has started, to bring forth from it the mere, yet awe inspiring passions of creativity. The deserts I have passed through, lingering in the heat of a blazen sun. Burning, bowing down to the forces of nature. Being moved by them, strenghened to stand alone. Beginning the journey with faith. Coming to the mountains of old, yonder my voice can be heard shadowing the sun and shades of the hills and dunes. I have come to climb the mountains to find in it the heights of Yastribar. My hearts feared fire of bitter envy, yet overcoming it by the compasion for the white snow covering my soul. Cold I have become, illuminated by the reflection of life. For days, and years now I have tread this path of bewildered enlightenment. Now I have come to a place of calm in my heart, to find that I have reached the lands of great. Yet they lie before me waiting, I cannot go into them, as I need to prepare myself the final journey down the mountains. Finding the woods and jungles in them full of evermore so fearsome creatures. Yet my instinct tells me to be quiet, and follow no path laid by man, but only that that has lead me this far. Oh day of revelations come hastely to me as I have come to thee in a manner of suffering and passion. To follow where there is no path, I do need to find the Turqoise Night of Neyshabur in all it`s wonder so my blue colour may shine amongst the shades of Royalty in the lands of great.

MJP

Motorola’s premium handset AURA

2008-12-15T04:06:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the launch of Motorola’s premium handset AURA, Amsterdam-based architecture practice UNStudio were commissioned to create an installation ‘that pushed the boundaries of design’. The piece, entitled 'Time Out of Scale' opened to the public yesterday at St Martins Lane hotel in London and Wallpaper* went along to see what it was all about.

Beijing

2008-12-15T03:44:00.000-08:00

Architecture overview: tall buildings

2008-12-15T03:42:00.000-08:00

In the old days, tall buildings were the shape of up-ended bricks. Sometimes they may have had a tiered effect in the higher stories, but that's as fancy as it got. Now though, all manner of forms are appearing on the skyline. It's partly to do with clever construction techniques, and partly to do with developers' egos. After all, who doesn't hanker after a few superlatives, and an eye-catching visual to match?

Porsche Design - Mobile Phones!

2008-12-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

Visit http://www.mobileporschedesign.com

Things that make me go: "Ah!"

2008-12-14T00:33:00.000-08:00

These are some pictures that made me go ah, I wish I could live this moment forever!

Johannesburg, Old Banking District.

2008-12-14T00:09:00.001-08:00

Here are some pictures from Johannesburg, my home city. This is from the "old" banking district. It is still very much so a well and alive area of the city. There is a lot happening in the city center, revamps and promoting the city lifestyle. New Cafe`s and high-end retailers have started to establish themselves again. Even with the current BEE status of our country, things are starting to balance out.The past decade or so the city has been neglected, and due to crime and illegal immigrants, the city did become a very unsafe place. The matter has not been resolved at all. Up to this day the older generation doesn`t even go to the city, or at least try and stay out of it as far possible. Most people are very concerned, and wouldn`t see any change. Yet there is change, and we need to support this change, for good, and make it something extraordinary!
I think the city has a lot to offer, and certainly will see me returning to it.

Durban (continued)

2008-11-25T10:28:00.001-08:00

The City Hall in Durban CBD and a view from the new peer in Umhlanga Rocks north of Durban City.

There is Only Now

2008-11-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

I have thought that it is impossible for me to feel any form of love.
Meaning a heart warming experience, something that creates the feeling of security and being safe. For the past few
weeks gone by, I could say I might have come accross this feeling. It is yet to sink in, at this stage it all feels like a dream.
My dreams are becoming positive, I see beauty in things I use to, and I have become more aware observing my thoughts. Discovering once again the feeling
of excitement and courage. I only wish that in this new found confidence, I do not come accross as arrogant or harsh. I have always been someone
to bend my ways to suit others, yet I sometimes find myself consumed for days by my wondering thoughts. Thus sometimes making me anti-social, causing
me to shut down from this world. But at the same time, I can get so inspired by those thoughts, it would be as watching a blind person paint the
most beautiful picture. Or a deaph man compose a masterpiece never to be heard. I might be intreaged by the philosophy of existentialism, yet some
days I find myself converting to an optimist. Only to find the facts of being and humanity to creep back and cause my leaves to turn brown and fade, and fall off.
Is this going to happen again, in so many ways I am scared, to face the truth, to live my destiny. But I am changing that, moving on to a place I know
I belong. I was not put here to be used, abused and live in fear. I know that there is a time to scream, and a time for silence. A time of faith has come to me,
and I don`t know if I can handle the outcome ever. As this world is not my home, and its infected ways, causing decay in every way thinkable.
There is only now, and the time is now.

.time with my violin reflecting my loved one.

2008-11-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

spend some time
with me and the violin.
with words and notes,
with tongues and fingers,
with eyes and skin.

with you gracefully,
with sounds and melodies,
with warmth and sensitivity,
with the deep stare,
the longing of my heart racing.

with nothing but the saddened smile of the moon
with dim light kissing the ocean while cradling
with mother of pearl foam on our face spitting
for time is a small death if I don't see thee soon

and nothing but the blazing sun,
the only comfort is the trickle of a stream
to cool down my burning desire,
I wish to come to my love this day.

yet as the day progress in it`s maturity,
I find myself dying like the wilting flower in the field.
hanging my head wishing for the comfort of rain.
Do come hastily, treading on the dry ground,
to find they comfort consumed by myself.

Come, scream, lonesome beam
strings of violins pierce my loins,
but I offer thee my spleen, while my heart groans
yet I find rest in the breast of the moon

I will sing to the moon,
my lonesome song of tradgedy,
my piercing song of sorrow,
to find in it only the zest of my desire.

אלון דה לוקו - דניאל

2008-10-31T11:22:00.001-07:00

Ma Sheat Osa Li

2008-10-31T11:03:00.000-07:00

Dome of the Reichstag

2008-10-27T11:59:00.000-07:00

Dome of the Reichstag rises over Germany's resurgent capital, Berlin

Le Cube TV, Reciever Box

2008-10-27T11:41:00.000-07:00

In the increasingly design-savvy world of home entertainment technology, the humble television receiver box can be easily overlooked. Hardly surprising that manufacturers would rather spend their time refining the big-ticket items, but annoying for consumers forced to endure the ugly and cumbersome (but essential) bit of gear in their otherwise immaculate living rooms.

French pay-TV broadcaster CANAL+ might be about to change all that, offering a sleek, functional and, dare we say it, attractive alternative that you won’t need to hide in a cupboard. But Le Cube, created by San Francisco-based industrial designer Yves Béhar and his team at Fuseproject, isn’t just an exercise in empty aesthetics.

Read more at http://www.wallpaper.com/technology/le-cube-tv-receiver-box/2760

Christian und Oliver: The moment of truth!

2008-10-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

bitter sweet state of mind

2008-10-19T05:25:00.000-07:00

It is all wonderful to belong to a big organisation, make lots of friends, and enjoy your life. Then comes a day, when as you thought you`d have earned your good reputation and people respect you, that someone says something about you, a few tails get added and then some more tails, and at the end off the day you get multipile stab wounds from behind. So severe that you feel like it is the end. And maybe it is to a certain degree the end, or have you been chosen to serve a higher purpose? Thus I feel intreuged by the thought, as I have noticed certain things I have been prepared for without knowing them. And so concluding that I was prepared for all this turmoil. It s like keeping a snake in a cage, feeding it and learining its ways. Then comes one day and that snake gets released. Now you have to survive, and learning its techniques and habits prepared you to deal with this snake. It is like the owner becomes the hunted. Yet the owner, becomes the hunter. Thus what life has taught me in the past 6 years, or even longer, will get me through this time of exile. Already I am finding myself slowly starting a new page. Maybe not all as I wanted it to be, yet it is a new start to a lifetime of great stories to be told. If it all was perfect, then there would always be something to hinder that perfection. And create some defect in its purity.

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

2008-10-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

faKe it uP.

2008-10-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

I have found myself moving through a very complex stage of my life.

I live with my parents now for the first time since 1996. And I never asked them for anything, nor expect anything. Just to carry on , and be who I am. That is all I want, and I want them to carry on with their lives. And it is fine, it all is going well. And no "but" either!

Then we come to work, everything is in place. The economy is down, my industry is suffering due to that, and then at the same time I feel my company is run by a bunch of egocentric mumble buffs! But I do my best to grab every chance I get to improve myself.

In my personal life, I feel I need some tender loving care. Something to fall into and just get lost in it, yet coming out the other side ever so beautifully and unharmed. Incorporating the essence of a phoenix.

My mind wonders and dream of great things, yet the practicality of it does not always lend itself to this worlds standards. Standards of which I am not a big fan of, or maybe if I lived in the 15th century they would have been more to my liking. Peace, beauty and the natural cycle of things. Enjoying being a part of a system made perfect. Yet our human nature seems to rot the mere purity of a natural life. Free from all other unnatural things presented to us in this modern day and age.

Making me Confused

2008-09-09T05:27:00.000-07:00

During the past 7 months I have gone through a growing phase in my life. I have found that some people I have been friends with turn out to be true friends, caring and finding time to ask how I was. Then I could almost say in the same sentence that some I have found to be the opposite. I have betrayed people to win the trust of others, I am not proud of that, yet all seems lost in the end. As I have found that the true nature of someone can never be fully understood. The lack of communication, the advantage of playing with someone's feelings, sometimes finding oneself lost in the extremities of another's emotions displayed at random. I find this truly disturbing, as I do not feel I know myself at all. The world and society presents you with a picture of idealism. Yet the mere thought of it leads to existentialism.

At first I set out to go and find myself, to free my mind and soul of the ideals of this world. Then I found that I merely moved towards a different interpretation of my vanity inflicted soul. Everyday has become a process of dilapidation, one thing after the other slowly breaking down the wall of thought that I wound myself into the past few years.

So I have come to find myself enraged with the feeling of confusion, not knowing where to find myself in this world. I feel like dying, yet it always happens on another day.

Initial Access Gallery - 'Lightness of Being'

2008-09-09T04:44:00.000-07:00

‘Lightness of Being’ is the fifth major exhibition at the new Initial Access Gallery in Wolverhampton. Frank Cohen, fast-building a name as one of Britain’s most exciting and extensive private collectors, has lent the gallery his neon collection, the idea being to shed some new light on the extensive use of neon in contemporary art.

Website
http://www.initialaccess.co.uk

Address
Initial Access
Units 19 & 20
Calibre Industrial Park
Laches Close (off Enterprise Drive)
Wolverhampton WV10 7DZ

Durban, South Africa

2008-08-30T00:52:00.000-07:00

Just a few Images of Durban, South Africa.

The LEGO Beijing Olympic Arena

2008-08-30T00:27:00.002-07:00

LEGO minifigure turns 30

2008-08-24T23:54:00.000-07:00

It's not every day that a children's toy becomes a design icon but in the case of LEGO's minifigure, those tiny plastic male and female figurines that animate (in an inanimate sort of way) children's building block creations the world over, icon status seems oddly fitting.

2008 marks the minifigure's thirtieth year in production - an impressive milestone in design as much as business, considering that the basic look of the figurine has remained virtually unchanged since its inception - a body, three LEGO bricks long, beneath a head, one brick high, with that mini plastic toupee clipped on top.

When you consider that an astonishing seven LEGO sets are sold around the world every second, it's no surprise that the miniature builders, firemen, cops, and nurses (as well as 'celebrity' guest figures including Darth Vader and Indiana Jones) have become so ubiquitous - over four billion are scattered around the globe. If they ever decided to form their own autonomous state it'd be more populous than India and China combined. Now there's a scary thought.

Phew. . .

2008-08-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

To all you fab readers, I will be offline for 4 weeks. Thank you for your support!
See you in 4 weeks!

Couture, la joie de vivre!

2008-08-03T05:27:00.000-07:00

Travel should be about freedom, experimentation and the wind in your hair. Time to unearth your four-wheeled friend, the mighty skateboard. You may not have clapped eyes upon this little chap since tootling round your primary school playground but fashion demands otherwise. Skater chic is upon us.

Think America in the '70s. The Cadillac - a new and vastly improved model of skateboard - has just been released. Geeks and jocks forget their differences and come together to share their love of skating. There’s a drought in California. Dried up swimming pools become dude paradise. The Goonies is soon to be released and The Ramones are the band du jour. Life is sweet.

Mix checked shirts with retro t-shirts, don baggy jeans to house necessary knee pads, adopt beanies and gilets. Channel American vintage with a twist of Canadian workwear. Hair should be tousled and unkempt – you’ve been kickflipping off a stairset, not standing infront of a mirror. Decorate your board or rucksack with some dark comic art, and voila - you’re the hottest young thing since Rodney Mullen created the ollie impossible. Watch out South Bank.

Sunset behind the City

2008-07-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Durban with the sunset behind the City. I was out towards the oceans side when I took the picture as the City faces Eastwards.

London Festival of Architecture

2008-07-22T11:27:00.000-07:00

Check out Wallpaper* for more info!

Shibuya Station, Tokyo

2008-07-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Architect Tadao Ando’s new Shibuya Station extension is all about making travel fun again. 'A station should be a place where visitors think "I was glad to come to this station’ or ‘that station was fascinating",' Ando says, as he examines the three-story atrium of the nearly completed building.

Ando’s design is based on what he calls a 'chichusen,' or underground spaceship. Commuters board the buried flying saucer near the top of the atrium and are carried down to the tracks at its base. 'Because this station has an atrium from top to bottom, you can easily see where you are... it gives you a sense of security,' Ando says.

An environmentalist, Ando is a strong advocate of public transport. 'Japan has the most substantial transport network in the world, even without a car you can still get around, and I repeatedly point that out, but the motor industry says: "He’s making trouble for us! He shouldn’t be talking this way." That’s the problem,' the 67-year-old says.

The environmental benefits of Ando’s new building don’t stop at getting people to leave their Toyotas at home. The design allows fresh air and light to circulate via the atrium and a ventilation shaft, and the glass-fibre reinforced concrete skin of the 'spaceship' incorporates a water-cooling system.

The combined result is a station that cuts power use and takes us back to the days when train stations were equivalent to cathedrals in the public-space pecking order.

International Poster Competition

2008-07-11T10:15:00.000-07:00

Things look bright in Chaumont. The 19th annual International Poster and Graphic Design Festival is currently underway in the small French municipality which, over the years, has become one of the premier graphic design destinations in the world.

The event brings together professionals and student designers for interactive workshops, vibrant exhibitions, and the much anticipated International Poster Competition, which this year received 2,194 entries from graphic artists across 46 countries.

The submissions were culled down to the 127 best, as determined by an international jury of industry pros, and after a period of public display, the judges awarded prizes to the top three – no small honour considering the breadth of competing talent.

Laurent Pariente

2008-07-11T09:55:00.001-07:00

For Laurent Pariente, empty space can be as much a building material as the painted walls and floors of the room segments he creates – able to be coloured by filtered light and moulded by structural demarcation. The manipulation of spatial perspectives by physical environments is at the heart of the artist’s latest project, Sans Titre, currently occupying the Grand Hall of the Mudam modern art museum in Luxembourg.

144 translucent coloured PVC panels, each four metres high and spread over 233 sq m, create a labyrinthine walkway, transforming the museum’s hollow central atrium into an intimate series of whimsical nooks.

The translucency lends an oddly voyeuristic element to the ordinarily open space; the movement of other visitors behind distant screens attracts special attention and adds to the rhythm of the installation.

The effect recalls in part the giant metal sculptures of Richard Serra, and like Serra’s richly textured sloping walls, Pariente’s shiny facades fascinate both as visual tricks and as ornaments in themselves – not to mention as smart mini-feats of constructive engineering.

Urban Sketch

2008-07-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

This was taken with my mobile phones camera, then I went and edited it with photoshop to create my "Urban Sketch".
Tell me what you think, and why you like it, and why you wouldn`t like it. Or even where you`d make it better. I`m open for criticism!

Urban Sketch, presented to you by MJP.

RCA Vehicle Design 2008

2008-07-08T12:28:00.000-07:00

Vehicle design at the Royal College of Art turns 40 next year. The postgraduate course, with a global reputation for nurturing up-and-coming car designers, boasts an alumni that reads like the who’s who of the car design world.

Winners:
Best concept - Pierre Sabbas
Best use of glazing - Jon Radbrink

Commended:
Raquel Aparicio Lopez
Sergio Loureiro Da Silva
Jung Hoon Rhee

Check out Wallpaper* for more info!

Perfect Sunrise

2008-07-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

The perfect sunrise from uShaka peer. Just about 2 minutes walk from my front door. Mmmm, hope I got you jealous now! Lol!

City Ruin

2008-07-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

This a daily thing in Africa, or at least South Africa. People say it is unnecessary bad publicity, but to any investor I`d say keep you eggs in another basket than this market. Yes, it is advanced, but then again the people who are in charge are not as advanced in processing power.

Aujourd'hui

2008-06-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

It is raining outside, thunder bolts decorate the sky for mere seconds. Ever changing as the time goes by. Yet the constant sound of rain seems to be the metronome to it all. At the same time it is warm, not uncomfortably so, but bareable. It all feels like a normal summers night. But the only difference is that it is not. It is a winters night in Durban.

So, going through today I realised that what I need is to enjoy summer! I use to get depressed because there is no frost on the grass in the mornings, and no freezing your butt off in the afternoons. But seeing I need to stay positive, I desided to become creative and forge winter into summer for me here. It is a perfect day, I keep on hoping and I have stopped worrying.

A windless night.

2008-06-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Innocent as a Child

2008-06-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

I wish I could go back to the innocent child I once was. This world has consumed me in so many ways, causing me to do things I regret.

I use to go to school, and every afternoon when going home I walked down my street, lined with trees and the air filled with the excitement of freedom. The fact that I could go and do whatever my heart wishes for was all the excitement I needed. When reaching home on a summers day afternoon I would day dream to hearts content. Staring at the clouds, listening to the hustle of the birds in the back garden. I would play with the dog, chasing it, it chasing me and discovering a whole new realm of freedom every day. Lying on my back, out of breath and staring at the clouds as they turn to pastel shades of pink. The night would come softly and relieving the days heat bringing with it the creatures of the night. Moths, bats, crickets and night flies. All glorifying the wonder of life. Even during winter I would find myself starring out the window, wondering where it all goes. Yet when spring comes and I watch the bulbous plants shooting out of the ground ready to flower, an excitement fills me. It makes me wonder what the year to come will hold in. And somewhat makes me hesitate for a moment, but then I get consumed in the awe off the time and find myself looking at the autumn leaves again.

Lately I have been missing that feeling. My life has become somewhat less structured and tends to lose itself all the time. I have seen beautiful things and found myself in life changing situations. Moving me so that I can feel my heart beating heavier than normal by the mere thought of it. And my eyes seem to become hazy and filled with questions. Losing people you loved, and finding them to be missing from your life. Silence and patience, all of these moments I could never replace. On and on my heart wonders. Wishing it could go home. Yet I do not have no home here. I might feel surrounded by beauty and tell myself that there is comfort in the vanity of life. Yet every time I make mistakes that compromise the mere being of myself in such a way that I drive myself to madness. But the only comfort I find is in the sanctuary of my beliefs.

So I came to realize today that each one of us are different. If I could describe it I would put it this way. We are all going about doing our own thing, yet we need the people around us. They act as a platform on witch each one of us build. Some might come to stand in our way, others might not even care. And then there are people whom we become friends with, and others enemies. These people are the black and white in life, but then there is the gray patch. Somehow I find that this gray patch drives me to either white, or black. Yet no one is ever white nor black. We are all different shades of gray. As we go through stages in our lives we tend to vary in intensity and saturation. Sometimes becoming to involved in certain matters, causing us to burn our fingers and regret. Then sometimes we just don’t get involved, and find ourselves losing the joy of being alive. Imagine living every day the same. Doing the same things, seeing the same people, having the same conversations. And on, and on I can go. Yes, sometimes it does feel that way. I have felt that way, yet I would like to add that it is only thanks to our own vanity and indulgencies. A good friend gave me advice and said always think more of others than oneself. Then think of yourself. So, I could add it is not always easy putting others first. Maybe it is something we should all try. Not to abandon oneself, but to think of others and find your place in this world. Moving and advancing to further improve yourself in this way. Thus we could all live in harmony.

So I could say, I wish I could go back to the innocent child I once was. This world has consumed me in so many ways, causing me to do things I regret. Yet, during this process I have grown to become a stronger person, although weakened by the cruel ways of mankind. I find myself being able to withstand its tremors and not fear the storms. Believing in what I know to be true and just. Finding a way where there seems to be none. I can only look forward to find that I can overcome the impossibilities so many a day presents itself with to me.

BMW Gina Concept

2008-06-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

http://www.wallpaper.com/newgallery/17050356/1

Setting Moon

2008-06-09T04:55:00.000-07:00

This was taken very early (to me at least) in the morning from the roof where I stay.

High Five!

2008-06-07T21:41:00.000-07:00

I would love to have a statue like this one in my front garden! I think it is just great! Lol! Love it!

Abstract Colourscapes

2008-06-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

These two art pieces are my latest creations.

4 / 06 / 2008

2008-06-04T08:43:00.000-07:00

I was sick for the past few days. There is a stomach bugg in the air and it caught on to me. From last week Friday until today I was sick as a dog. I won`t go into detail. . . for good reasons! But all I would say is that I felt like I was dying!

So, the story goes, I had pills etc, but that didn`t stop it right away. I only started to recover yesterday, and today was my first day up out of bed. I do not want to experience that again! ! ! I don`t even wish my enemies that!

Somehow, I feel my system has also detoxed itself in the process of eliminating the bacterium. So, I had been spring cleaning the whole afternoon! Thus eliminating the crap in my living space! And it feels so much better!

Thus, this has brought me to the conclusion that I am going to make a fresh start from today onwards! I want to be who I know I can be, I don`t want to be bound by the rules and forces of this world, but instead become someone greater than the ordinary. Yes we all have this dream you could say, but I know and have the faith do go and do something about it. So, I will keep you updated as to what is happening in my life.

The first good step I have taken is that I am taking lessons for my violin again. I haven`t been working on my playing for a few years, yes I played, but I didn`t do anything to advance further and become better. My teacher wants me to play for the Kwazulu Natal Philharmonic Orchestra latter on this year! It is all very exciting, and I would love that! When I have my first concert I will send anyone who wants, a ticket! :) I need to practice a lot now, so I hope my neighbours don`t complain to much! Lol!

Cheers for now!

Kono Michi

2008-05-27T11:47:00.000-07:00

Bon jour tout!

I have been thinking a lot, but I am yet to find the awnser to my questions.

South Africa is a deteriorating country doesn`t matter what the news and propoganda tell you. Living and seeing what is happening day to day makes me worried and feeling why do I contribute so much in trying to make a change for the better. I would much rather give my effort to a country that is worthy of it. Unless I find myself in a "click" of superstisious believers, I do find things telapedated and wearing from it being missused and soon to collapse in misery.

I do not know how it is in the rest of the world, but to me everything seems vague and pointless. Why do even carry on running after money and find ourselves empty of moral thought and sanity in living a full live. Valued and nurtured by the very essence of beauty.

I find my existence in this place a mere whisper, as I do not feel at home here. Aboring the very existence of live as we know it is in its very own right the only thing I can do at this stage.

At the same time I am excited as to knowing what lies ahead of me. It is no normal thing, as I do not always know why I can stil laugh and find certain things amusing and funny, yet, I enjoy the moment when it happens.

This live of ours seem to lead us on strange paths, finding within it no meaning but in the surroundings we are caught up. To see where it leads us, and slowly every day finding new meaning in it. It makes us want to walk another step even though we would hate to find out what lies around the next mountain of possabilities. But we walk on.

Je suis de retour!

2008-05-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Ik ben appologise omdat ze niet hier in bepaalde tijd. Ik vind dat ik niet echt de behoefte voelen om elke dag, en ja, ik heb het gebruik van Mijn Space meer in de afgelopen maanden.

So to those of you who thought I had vanished from the face of the earth, I am stil here and very much so alive and well yet overworked!

My New Space

2008-03-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

Please click this link to view my new space.

http://matti-boy.spaces.live.com/

cityscape

2008-03-05T21:07:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my basement.

Energy Saving

2008-02-27T10:00:00.000-08:00

This is the most current update on the energy crisis in South Africa.

Cape Town Harbor

2008-02-25T11:39:00.000-08:00

This is the most beautiful city in South Africa!

Rocking beats! Yea baby!

2008-02-21T08:12:00.000-08:00

I got myself this disc the other day, haven`t had time to put it to use until tonight. Man does it rOcK!!!

Block Rockin' Boots!!

Here`s the torrent link: http://www.torrentech.org/index.php?s=467356f1c195c05f63e8e3f4a64d95c8&act=Attach&type=post&id=12013

Yea, rock it up! ;) Whoo come on! Ohh, come on! Ahhhoo!

2008-02-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

These are some photos from the below mentioned link.

the-best-photos-of-2007-msnbc-version

2008-02-18T11:53:00.000-08:00

http://freakymartin.com/2008/01/17/the-best-photos-of-2007-msnbc-version-73-photos/

Check out this collection of stunning photographs!

Sunset

2008-02-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

This is sunset over the Harbor in Durban from my Bedroom window.

C`est moi

2008-02-13T12:05:00.000-08:00

Another one of my experiments. The theme is something to do with a cool bohemian island forest ideal.

Look me in the Eye. . .

2008-01-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

I think this is one of the novelest pieces of art that I have seen today. Well done to the artist!

Darren Almond Exhibition

2008-01-27T23:00:00.000-08:00

INFORMATION
Gallery opening times:
Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 6pm
Sunday 12 – 5pm

Event dates
18 January 2008 to 30 March 2008
Website
http://www.parasol-unit.org/
Telephone
44.207 490 7373
Address
Parasol unit
14 Wharf Road
London N1 7RW

Timeball Boulevard

2008-01-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

At long last. . .

2008-01-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today I moved into my new apartment in Durban, South Africa. I use to live in Johannesburg, but due to the fact that most of my friends now live in and around Durbs I desided to move there. I`m sharing the place with my best friend, Francois. Many things have been said about us, mostly due to the fact that people get so jealous of our good friendship. But I`m here to stay, and it`s like a new beginning for me. Thus I do not want to have anything to do with the old ways of my life. I know who I am, what I want to do and get out of my life. I`m going to walk tall, so watch out world, here I come!

This is the view from my bedroom window! ;)

Sunset

2008-01-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know.
Everyone takes photographs of sunsets. But I just had to have one of my own!

Makes me think of intertwined bodies. . .

2008-01-24T04:53:00.000-08:00

Judge, don`t do it. . . it ruins situations.

2008-01-20T08:21:00.000-08:00

Today I`m confused, and it all started yesterday. Why does every one want a piece of you when you can`t give them that. I have good friends, and I`ll always be friends with them. Then I have friends who are there, but you only see them every blue moon. And then there is that special person who you like so much you`d go to the end of the world to please and see happy. And that`s how I see it. But then people say things that don`t make sense, or annoys the other people around them. I wish all my friends, loved ones, or in what ever way they may be related to me could just co-exist in peace and not judge. I find you all dear to my heart, and come to love you all in different ways.

Harbor View Heights, Durban, South Africa

2008-01-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

2008-01-19T05:12:00.000-08:00

Beauty with a difference I`d say.

Louvre in Abu Dhabi!

2008-01-19T04:50:00.000-08:00

I think this is going to be a stunning piece of architecture!

2008-01-19T04:31:00.000-08:00

Each journey is a work of Art. . .

John Minton by Freud, Lucian

2008-01-19T04:22:00.000-08:00

Me and my Violin

2008-01-18T02:33:00.000-08:00

Kandinsky

2008-01-18T02:19:00.000-08:00

This is one of my favorite works by Kandinsky.

Exhibition Coming up!

2008-01-18T02:12:00.000-08:00

The Opening Post

2008-01-04T01:35:00.000-08:00