Hilla Shamia

Israeli product designer Hilla Shamia creates stunning furniture out of tree trunks and aluminium. By pouring the molten metal directly onto the trunk, the wood darkens and forms the base out of which Shamia then makes stools, benches and coffee tables.

 "The negative factor of burnt wood is transformed into aesthetic and emotional value by preservation of the natural form of the tree trunk, within explicit boundaries. The general, squared form intensifies the artificial feeling, and at the same time keeps the memory of the material."

I think it's the perfect mix out of natural and modern materials. Also, they would look great in my living room....

Mapping the Moon

Wow, have you ever seen the moon like this? These images, made by the US Geological Survey  are maps of the moon and so colorful and striking they might as well be artworks.
I always think of the moon as something very fascinating, it's so far away and yet we feel its influence each day in the tides of the ocean.
The images above show the north and south side of the moon, below are maps of the near side.
Enjoy and check out more maps on the official page of the US Geological Survey.

via: http://anthologymag.com

Porcelain by Meyer Lavigne

I wish I could eat from this plate everyday. I think my food would just automatically taste twice as good. 

It's from Meyer Lavigne, a small design firm that specialises in whimsically decorated porcelain, sculptures and textiles. 

Gold Sea Platter, recycled porcelain, hand-cut hand drawn

The duo behind the Copenhagen based company Meyer Lavigne is Kristine Meyer and Sabine Lavigne, both graduated from Denmark’s School of Design in Ceramics and Glass Design. 

The trademark of Meyer-Lavigne is their focus on the decorative and the unique expression. It is most important to them that their desig adds something distinctive and personal to the piece so that each piece seems to tell a story of its own. 

"Happy Days", "Rainy Days", "Winter Days", vases/tealight holders

This large hand modulated owl sculpture was part of the group exhibition in Århus in Lynfabrikken Box in 2009. 

Assorted porcelain vases

Assorted porcelain plates, hand drawn

Check out their blog here: http://meyerlavigne.blogspot.de/

Illustration by Andrew Bannecker

If you regularly commute by bus or subway you most likely have already seen some illustrations by Andrew Bannecker. The Washington based artist creates amazing art and designs but also commercial ads, event posters, newspaper illustrations...etc.
I love his style, the crisp color pallete and clear lines are great.

After reading the description of his workspace I am even more in love:

"A collector of old ephemera and just about anything wood and metal, Andrew creates beautiful art that captures the imagination and tells a story. He works in a studio in Washington DC, beautifully cluttered with everything from toy rocket ships to vintage glass beakers filled with skittles. "

Liam Brazier - Superhero Illustrations

I have never been big on superhero comics. Spiderman, Batman, Superman...never really cared.
Today I do enjoy those old comics for their visual style but I really LOVE how graphic designer
 Liam Brazier interprets those pop culture icons: