the function key » artists

Commune Design designs inspired by Louis Bourgeois.

kimberly phillips — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:30:13 +0000

While scouring the internets looking for pretty things, Commune Design’s new Ticking Table Linens caught my eye, as did their post highlighting Louise Bourgeois’ textile designs — I didn’t even know she designed textiles. The inspiration is uncanny and thoughtfully executed.

would you swing on a bunny?

kimberly phillips — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:56:13 +0000

I would…especially if it was this one:

This Hare Swing by Adam McEwen s is a limited edition of 10 and costs a mere $15,000. It’s made of fiberglass, lacquer, and rope and can be purchased at Grey Area.

little robots.

kimberly phillips — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:24:11 +0000

Yes, “Little Robots” recalls the work of Marcel Dzama and the now defunct Royal Art Lodge, but damnit, it’s so cute!

happy easter (eggs).

kimberly phillips — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 13:25:55 +0000

We hope you had a lovely holiday . . .

Eggs, 1982, Andy Warhol

killer kites by daniel frost.

kimberly phillips — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:37:37 +0000

Easily the most amazing, original, humorous, meant-to-fly-high kites I’ve ever seen . . .

From Daniel Frost‘s “Big Kite Show.”

beatrice coron puts a positive spin on papercuts.

Allie_Kushnir — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:17:36 +0000

Bestrice Coron’s whimsical papercuts are incredibly intricate pieces of artwork. They draw inspiration from various angles such as poems, current events, and even philosophical concepts…and quite frankly, I can’t stop looking at them.

richard woods focuses on floor coverings.

kimberly phillips — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:31:37 +0000

RW04

Known for his hyper-realistic patterns that recall planks of plywood and other building materials, Richard Woods‘ work is first-rate, over-the-top pop. For his latest collection with Established & Sons, Woods extends his signature wood block prints to the floor and onto 100% hand-knotted New Zealand wool rugs. Perhaps he intends to do an entire room? Now that would be a sight to see!

His objects are an acquired taste for sure — intended for the design enthusiast who has excellent taste and and an even better sense of humor. Someone like Jeffrey Deitch perhaps (who’s already tapped Woods to turn one room of his new Los Feliz mansion into a super-Tudor-pop party room).

Thereza Rowe’s Online Advent Calendar.

kimberly phillips — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 16:32:24 +0000

London-based graphic designer and illustrator Thereza Rowe is giving fans a true treat for the holidays. For the next month, she’s posting one drawing a day to her blog, therein creating an online advent calendar. What a fun idea!

have a handmade holiday: win a golden girls zine and set of postcards from jacqueline bos!

Erin_Goldberger — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:24:10 +0000

This contest is now closed! Congrats to Vanessa from Singapore!!!

Jaqueline Bos is a Portland based illustrator. Among other things she enjoys magic, myths, minty tea, and hanging out with her super fat cat Zooey Papaya. Jacqueline’s Etsy site, JackiePeppermint, is filled with all sorts of lovely illustrations and goodies. You can also check out her handprinted textile collection here.

Today Jacqueline is offering the function key readers a free set of Golden Girls postcards and a zine!

Here’s how it works:

*Add a comment to the bottom of this post and tell us which piece is your favorite over at Jacqueline’s site.

(Extra entries! (Add these as separate comments for more opportunities to win):

*Leave a comment that you have blogged or tweeted about the giveaway! (and leave us a link )!

*Leave a comment that you have added JacquelinePeppermint on Etsy as a favorite!

*Leave a comment that you are now following Jacqueline on Twitter!

*Leave a comment that you are now following The Function Key on Facebook or Twitter!

***Please make sure to leave a valid email address in the comment!***

We will close the giveaway on Saturday, December 11th at 5PM! So get your entries in!

Busy Beaver Button Museum.

Allie_Kushnir — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:02:07 +0000

Everywhere you turn, someone has a statement to make…and judging by the work of Christen Carter, founder of Busy Beaver Button Co., the biggest statements are often best made on a small platform…such as a 1 inch button.

In the late 1800s, buttons were used as a colorful way to promote all kinds of things…politicians, celebrities, holidays, landmarks and, well, just about everything else. And although buttons did take a lengthy hiatus from the limelight in the early 1900s, they reappeared in the 1960s and were considered a fashionable method to show support for political causes, favorite bands, artists, etc. Today, besides their popularity in the punk scene, buttons haven’t been considered cool since the 80’s when teens used them to adorn their backpacks and jeans jackets…but thanks to Carter, buttons now seem to be making a comeback.

Last month, Carter celebrated Busy Beaver’s 15^th year anniversary of button making with the grand opening of its pop culture button museum in Chicago; a collection of about 1,000 buttons in four display cases mounted on the factory walls. With buttons dating back as early as 1896, Carter hopes that this museum will help others to view buttons less as cheap souvenirs and more as time capsules…a lesson in social history.

Carter began the company in Bloomington, Indiana. then moved it to San Francisco, and finally settled down in Chicago. They have since developed over 18,000 designs and produced millions of buttons for clients such as Missy Elliot, Bumble and Bumble, Addidas, Threadless, and Burger King; but also produce for regular clients who would like buttons made for their own hobbies, clubs, events…or whatever else your little heart desires!