James Gustavson

WE'RE SUPPORTING

Our friends over at Paper Tiger have just released their first print of the new year, and we’re lovin’ it. It’s called a Touch of Class and is the work of artist, Nathan Ota, who had a recent solo show at Hollywood’s La Luz de Jesus gallery. Ota, whose earliest influences were Frank Frazetta calendars and Vampirella comics, primarily creates his work using acrylics and wood panel.

WE'RE TRAVELLING TO

Instead of demolishing the old Paddington Reservoir, architects TZG have incorporated into the design a new outdoor public garden in Paddington, Sydney. The results are stunning, with the nineteenth century structures providing an amazing starting point. Looking less like a garden and more like an overgrown ancient city, with the remnants of historic walls and vaults, this new public space is well worth frequent visits.

WE'RE WEARING

When I first stumbled upon local label, MUSE by Good Mixer, in Bangkok, I knew I’d found something special. In an industry plagued by copycat designers struggling to find their own identity, you’ve got to admire the ones who have carved an original signature style. By taking unlikely inspiration from American football and mixing it with Eastern influences, the latest collection by designer Chaichon Savantrat plays masculine sportswear against exotic evening wear. Teaming structured shoulder silhouettes with free flowing fabrics, Savantrat uses a palette of black, white and red to showcase intricate embroidery. And with pieces for both men and women, he’s got both teams covered. Read more

WE'RE THINKING

As I sit here trying to figure out what exactly to make of the work from New York City-based artist John Hodany, I come across many elements which I’m sure resonate with the day-to-day life of all us city folk. Sushi, yup, had that for dinner last night. Alarm clock, a few hours ago (hit snooze three times). Locks, always. On everything. Pigeons, oh my. It’s all so familiar but ultimately pieced together in a way as to make it feel rather disorientating. That about sums up a typical day in the city, no?

WE'RE READING

FFFFOUND! is a fun website that allows you to bookmark your favorite images from the Internet and share them with fellow users, sort of like a del.icio.us specifically for pictures. The site is still in private beta and not currently supported on Mac, but as its collection of images expands, it’s likely to become much more widely available.

Oh, ok, so now I’ve seen it all. Or perhaps, in this case, I’m not seeing enough. Japanese game shows are so much fun. Seriously.

WE'RE LISTENING TO

His name echoes those of colonels and soldiers who fought in the American civil war. But far from that, William Fitzsimmons is actually an obscure songwriter from Jackson, Illinois. Read more