Love Tags
Design: Matteo Sgaramella
Client: Design Lines Magazine
Date: 2012
Created by the magazine, and given out by the roaming editors during Toronto’s design week.
1 comment January 29th, 2012
Exhibitions
Ones to watch 2012
To celebrate the New Year we have produced a list of important creative talent in the country and introduce them both as inspiration and to give the business community a guide to our premier design talent. This was a tough list to put together. The well is deep but our selections concentrate on people who consistently bring amazing ideas to the world and raise the value and relevance of design. It is our feeling that these people will be the drivers of design in 2012, sparking growth, imagination, and enriching the creative experience in Canada.
Marian Bantjes – A one-person design powerhouse who has created a global marketplace for her ideas and illustrative style. Her work comes from an obsessive mission to bring wonder to the world. Bantjes’ work proves Canadian design is a desirable export and that prestige clients will look north if we give them a confident vision
Peter Friesen – Preloved pioneered green design, creating a high-end fashion label remixed with existing clothing. Cutting, sewing and hacking clothing into new clothing, Friesen’s process as Creative Director is truly an innovation. This approach gives the Preloved line a richer story, and both the consumer and the planet win. This process is seeking new outlets and it would be wise to learn from Preloved’s success.
Zoe Coombes – Nailing the space between design and architecture, Coombes’ work evolves like a Canadian explorer breaking new ground. An expert in new languages for objects to reflect contemporary life, her studio has become the darling of the New York design elite, evidence that Canuck design thinking is being picked up around the globe.
Doublenaut – Brothers Andrew and Matt McCracken have singlehandedly created an addictive graphic design look that has spread like wildfire into the Canadian design scene. Masters at using social media and traditional swaps to push their unique style, they are always finding fantastic outlets and collaborators. Unpretentious, they are keen to work with a broad collection of clients, big or small, a lesson for all designers.
Cristina Covello – A dedicated force for good in the world, Covello taps the potential of design to make meaningful improvements in our community. Her work is a template for any designer wanting to have a positive influence in the world.
Carey Ann Schaefer – Clearly the Avant-garde of the Canadian scene, Schaefer has been using design process to make marvelous art. An object poet, her work reminds us how much wonder is contained in the things around us; that objects can wake us up and invite us to new ideas and joy.
Rita – Quebec is full of big name design talent but Karine Corbeil and Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard are carving out some of the coolest turf with their fresh body of work. Their studio uses design in a broad way, embracing everything from interiors and architecture to graphic design and products, reminding us that great design has few edges.
Stéphane Monnet – With a solid background across multiple design outputs, Monnet has built a reputation for dropping the ego and putting his clients’ needs out front. No trendy statements or modernist cookie cutting, his work remains focused and classy. His work will continue to help clients solve their problems, and not as a vehicle carrying the latest graphic trend.
Bookhou – Springing from the Toronto craft community, Arounna Khounnoraj and John Booth’s work always stood out. Linking design to craft, they produce a straightforward collection of beautiful and thoughtful products to stimulate the eye and heart. Bookhou will keep raising the bar, lifting craft from its folksy roots to contemporary sensibility.
Lukas Peet – Seemingly coming out of nowhere this multi-disciplinary designer has been a quick study, breathing new life into the furniture business in Canada. Completely broken free from traditional Canadiana or the wood themes that dominate interiors in Canada, he will continue to be a fresh departure with a global aesthetic.
1 comment January 5th, 2012
Best of 2011
As the end of 2011 approaches, we at the CDR have picked 10 designs we feel have stood out this year. All chosen projects promote the shared values that make Canada unique, and connect us to the world with innovation, style and even humour. This collection is by no means comprehensive, but it kicks off our first annual list and simply aims to highlight some favourites from the past year.
1. Lucky Iron Fish – We love this project above all others this year for its common sense and humble design. This project was conceived to promote the use of an iron implement for the treatment of anemia in Cambodia. This is design at its best: being used to solve wicked global problems.
2. Portable HIV Monitor – Another social design, this portable, instant results testing device is heading to the front lines of the global AIDS epidemic. This project not only provides faster feedback on results and thus swifter treatment, it is enabling more accurate data of how the disease is spreading.
3. Cervélo S5 – Simply the best bike made in the world. In a sport dominated by Europe, Canada has invaded the scene and established itself as a top player. From the Bixi commuter bikes and guerilla cycling lanes, to boutique manufacturers like Marinoni and Dekerf Cycles, Canada is becoming a serious cycling culture force.
4. Plethore LC750 – The auto industry in Canada is interesting: we have the world’s largest auto parts manufacturer creating concept cars to build in-country, to the supermilage cars from University of Ottawa and the Université Laval, and now one of the fastest cars in the world – Canada’s first super car. We have all the right pieces to dominate the automobile markets of the world.
5. Shit Girls Say - Slick production values and a social media monster, this series of online shorts hits close to home for many of us and is funny as hell. Building on our collective history in comedy and film, the creators are using new media to broadcast out and attract millions of fans around the world.
6. Canada Goose Hybridge Jacket – We love that the best winter parka in the world is from Canada. It’s a wonder more Canadian brands have not embraced our harsh season, which our forbearers suffered through to carve out the life we all now enjoy. We also love their collaboration and environmental action.
7. Patkau Architects Winnipeg Skating Shelters – This simple structure gives ice skaters a shelter to put skates and mitts on and hit the lakes and rivers for an afternoon. No big architectural philosophy but lovely and modest, the form references huddled buffalos on the prairies.
8. Best Made Co. and HBC Axe – Evolving from the myth of the Canadian outdoors, Best Made Co. and Hudson’s Bay Company have worked together to bring the Canadian aesthetic to the big city.
9. The Jimmy Native Shoes – An updated version of the classic duck boot with colourful, Native-brand style. Adding to the distinctly summery collection, The Jimmy has broadened Native’s line up and we look forward to seeing what’s next for this global fashion label.
10. Ken Lum Monument for East Vancouver – We are biased on this one (CDR’s founder created the project) but we think it’s cool. Part souvenir, part art project, the Ken Lum piece has become the accessory of East Side Vancouverites and the project as meeting place for designers and artist to collaborate.
6 comments December 29th, 2011
The Modern Eye exhibit catalog
Design: Michael Erdmann and Motherbrand
Client: Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
Production: Hemlock Printers Ltd.
Date: 2011
In addition to conveying a lot of information in a small amount of space (the 120 page catalog features more than 200 Canadian designs, over 70 designer bios and two curatorial essays), The Modern Eye catalog succeeds at conveying the tone of this era in Canadian design without resorting to flat-out mimicry. The design makes prominent use of Carl Dair/Rod McDonald’s Cartier Book typeface and a classic modernist grid structure, while the airy, full-bleed layouts, floating page numbers and unique cover treatment aim for a more contemporary feel.
”The Modern Eye curator, Allan Collier was interested in developing an eye logo for the cover, but this felt a bit too on-the-nose (and too corporate). Instead, we developed an eye graphic (with a tiny maple leaf ‘glint’) that could be laser cut into the solid red cover. All of the cover text is applied as a gloss coating, so what grabs your attention is the eye.“
- Michael Erdmann
The Modern Eye catalog is available for purchase from The Art Gallery of Greater Victoria or online at abcartbookscanada.com
1 comment December 16th, 2011
PennySmash Vancouver
Design: Todd Falkowsky, with Scott Hawthorn, Bob Kronbauer, Tyler Quarles and Adrian McInnes.
Client:
Date: 2011
citizen brand proudly presents PennySmash, a project that hijacks the familiar souvenir penny press to produce truly affordable works of art. For just $2.01, fans can purchase new work by Ken Lum, Jerszy Seymour, Ian Grais and Natalie Purschwitz.
Marrying conceptual art with accessible design, PennySmash is a locally produced counterpoint to the generic mementos of our time. When you buy a PennySmash penny you not only receive a unique piece of artwork by a celebrated artist or designer, you also take part in the production process. Equal parts art piece, souvenir and experience, PennySmash is an indelible reminder of where you were and when.
The first PennySmash machine was launched in Toronto, and was recently added to the permanent collection of the Design Exchange. Full sets of pennies from all machines are available at pennysmash.ca.
Buy pennies from all the machines.
Add comment December 12th, 2011
The Royal Canadian Snowflake Collection
Design: Robert Chaplin
Client:
Date: 2010
“Like discovering a new star, sponsors get to name their snowflake. Sponsors receive the first snowflake cast in sterling silver, to keep or give to a friend. This first snowflake is a unique piece of sterling silver jewelry, an original work of art. Signed and delivered as a pendant or lapel pin, it’s name is engraved on the back — a snowflake everlasting.”
Via.
Add comment December 5th, 2011
“2010 Rings” Exhibition
Design: Curated by Lily Yung
Client: Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h
Date: 2010
2010 Rings, a note from curator Lily Yung
In 2005, I invited 4 artists to participate in a 5-person show of 1001 rings inspired by late jeweller and teacher, Onno Boekhoudt. I thought it would be fun to do a show in 2010 of 2010 rings, ten artists contributing 201 rings each. I spoke with some artists and they expressed interest.
When 2009 rolled around, I’d had my fill of chemotherapy and surgeries and decided I must proceed with the project. The 1001 rings show had been a tribute to Onno Boekhoudt who was killed in a car accident. For 2010 Rings, I wanted a fun project, kind of an extreme jewellery show. I sent a call for participation to 50 artists at various career stages, jewellers and non-jewellers. The 14 final artists are Lise Downe, Pam Ritchie, Anneke van Bommel, Beth Alber, Lily Yung (all shown above), Michele Perras , Lois Betteridge, Teresa Biagi, Kai Chan, Wing-Ki Chan, Doug Guildford, Lori Myers, Tiana Roebuck, and Sarah Troper.
To showcase each artist’s work properly, my stipulations were that the rings be for the fingers, that each ring be limited to a certain size and finally, the quantity of rings. I am sure there will be many wonderful surprises.
Add comment December 1st, 2011
By Any Other Name
Design: Jeff Hamada, David Coates & Rod Roodenburg, Isabelle Swiderski, Chris Allen, Carolina Becerra, Talent Pun, Nadia Chiu, Kat Cortes, Grace Partridge, and Alex Nelson
Client:
Date: 2010
Curated by Working Format Design & Typography together with the Emily Carr Alumni Association this installation at Waterfront Station in Vancouver explores the alternative names of the city.
2 comments November 21st, 2011
Sleepwalk Guitar Festival Poster
Design:
Client: Sleepwalk Guitar Festival
Date: 2011
Presented by Six Shooter Records and curated by Luke Doucet, this new Toronto festival is breaking into an already crowded market of local events, but has all the ingredients to be a success. Check it out at www.sleepwalkguitar.com.
2 comments October 13th, 2011
Prototypes Exhibition
Design: Burnkit
Client:
Date: 2011
The show features design prototypes of a handful of local designers including Niels Bendtsen, Red Flag, and Lukas Peet Design. The concept is to introduce the process of designing to the viewer, informing them of the decisions and thinking that designers make to produce objects.
2 comments October 2nd, 2011
The Tie-Break Promos
Design: Tibi Tibi Neuspiel and Geoffrey Pugen
Client: Scotiabank Nuit Blanche
Date: 2011
“The most riveting episode in sports history.” That’s what ESPN called what played out in the fourth-set tie-breaker waged between unkempt tennis legends Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe in their historic 1980 gentlemen’s singles final at Wimbledon.
On Saturday night at Toronto’s Commerce Court, performance artists (and spry tennis players) Tibi Tibi Neuspiel and Geoffrey Pugen will replay that tie-breaking thriller every hour as part of the city’s all-night art blast Nuit Blanche—wooden rackets, headbands, naked emotion and all. Amazingly, these guys, who bear a resemblance to the court heroes of yore, will attempt to recreate each point of the tie-break stroke by stroke.
-Via
1 comment October 1st, 2011
From Quebec
Design: Josee Lepage
Client: City of Montreal and the Province of Quebec
Date: 2010
“A three-week long showcase of trend-setting products designed in Québec, From Québec – In New York City brought together the most talented designers from the Canadian province for a three-week gallery-boutique that was supported by the city of Québec and held at New York’s Relative Space in 2010. Limited quantities of the featured designs were also available for purchase during the show.”
Via our friends at Bondtoo.
1 comment September 9th, 2011
Honest Edwardianism: Hand Painted Signs in the 21st Century
Design: Robert Chandler, John Martins-Manteiga
Graphic Design: John Pelo
Client: George Brown
Date: 2010
“this show was put together to illustrate to the graphic arts community and beyond that honest, straightforward, hand-painted signs, though almost extinct, can still be found alive and well. And so we celebrate this exceptional element in the field of graphic design.”
2 comments July 16th, 2011
Jardin de la Connaissance
Design: Thilo Folkerts and Rodney Latourelle
Client: International Festival des Jardins de Metis
Date: 2011
This sculpture/architectural installation was designed for the International Festival des Jardins de Metis (Quebec), and features 40,000 used books.
Add comment June 21st, 2011
Burton Kramer / Expo 67
Design: Burton Kramer (Paul Arthur & Associates Ltd)
Client: Expo 67
Date: 1966
The task of designing the complete way-finding signage system for Expo 67 in Montreal was entrusted by the Canadian Corporation for the 1967 World Exhibition to Paul Arthur & Associates Ltd. It was the first time that an entire graphic programme of official and commercial signage on such an immense scale – for the equivalent of a thousand-acre city – had ever been planned in advance as a modular system and integrated into a master planning concept.
Pictograms of animals in black silhouette were used to identify the various areas of the two mammoth parking lots, each of which accommodated about 12,000 cars.
- Burton Kramer
Add comment May 10th, 2011
