Jane Abma

WE'RE SUPPORTING

Jessica Allan is working as a freelance illustrator in Shoreditch. Her work is a mixture of screen prints, etchings and mixed media, and she is inspired by dreams, narrative, meditation, Mexico, Japanese patterns, Aubrey Beardsley and M.C.Escher. Read more

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

We asked some of New York’s more creative residents where they like to hang out in the city, and got a mixed bag of responses back. We’ll be running their insider tips over the next few weeks. This is illustrator Marcos Chin on his favorite arcade bar, aptly named … wait for it … Barcade: ‘Barcade is a time-warp into the 1980s when going to the arcade was the major past time for many of my friends and I. Lined throughout the space are a series of classic 25 cent video arcade games, like Q-bert, Donkey Kong, Arkanoid and Tetris. There’s also a pool table near the back of the space, and a terrific selection of beers to choose from. And yes, you can drink-and-play. It’s located near the Lorimer stop on the L train, at 388 Union Avenue, in Williamsburg’. Read more

WE'RE WEARING

I’m not much of a jewelry guy, but if bling is in order, it’s ordered from my man Osa at Complete Technique. Originally from Japan, Osa is now based in Dumbo, Brooklyn and makes the finest metal jewelry, on par with any of his ancestor’s samurai swords. From speaker rings to turntable pendants, it’s all fresh and mostly music or hip-hop related. He’s been at it for about ten years and works harder than most people I know. If you need some jewelry, show him some love.

WE'RE THINKING

Argentinean artist Benito Laren’s illustrations roll through the mind like a restless childhood memory. They remind me of building blocks — solid, inviting and always full of potential.

WE'RE READING

Marton Schoeller’s new book of portraits aims to highlight the contrast between the extreme physiques of female bodybuilders and the vulnerability expressed through their eyes and nuanced facial expressions. Read more

Rarely is a film politically poignant as well as wonderfully written, acted and shot. The second feature from director Kimberly Peirce of Boys Don’t Cry was inspired by her brother, who joined the army, and was only possible after months of meticulous research. Read more

WE'RE LISTENING TO

Whitest Boy Alive follow their own rules: no overdubs, no FX, and the music is always recorded live in one take. Fronted by Erlend Øye (of Kings Of Convenience notoriety), the Berlin collective produce a distinctive blend of minimalist melodies and pillowy grooves. And on the eleven tracks that constitute their new album, Rules, they convey one polite directive: please, move your body. We have their latest single, Island [listen below], available for free download in the Music Download section of the Lost At E Minor site [pssst, it's in the third column], along with new releases by Vic Chestnutt, Winter Gloves, and Cut Off Your Hands.