So I ran into Henry Wilson the other day here in Sydney, at some random party, and it reminded me that I still had yet to edit this video. In any case, if you're not too familiar with Henry, or his design, I'm sure you will be soon enough. He's a great prospect and well on his way. Best of all, I seriously believe his approach embodies the best elements of what makes Australian design so interesting at the moment — Wilson's take on design is about re-thinking, re-interpreting, and in many cases, re-purposing things. Most of his pieces at the moment are one-offs (some of which I'd snag quickly if I were rich enough), but more importantly, Wilson's on the radar where it counts most. Big things to come...
We caught up a while back in Sydney as he had recently setup shop with Trent Jansen, doing this pop-up venture in The Rocks district of Sydney (historic/tourist-trap area of the city). The interesting thing about all this is that the 'pop-up' was intended to be very temporary, seasonal thing. Turns out that it's now grown to be a much larger operation, including an ambitious idea to generate workshops and a whole bag of other relevant events. The trentandhenry team, (Henry, basically) will soon be moving to the warf near by. The pier # is yet to be disclosed, and I'm happy to hear the news. He's good guy, Henry. Good luck! — d
Rossana Orlandi. What a woman. It was earlier this year that I travelled to Milan to attended the annual Salone del Mobile on behalf of the magazine, and ultimately had a wonderful time with Rossana in person. Now there's so much to say about this woman — such a modern patron of design — but the essence of her nature and presence is that she lives and breathes her work naturally (everything that is Spazio Orlandi), and particularly rejoices in the spirit of Milan at this time of year, spring. Spending a few hours with the legend herself, and quite chipper to be done with the show, she was all about pouring wine and chatting up a storm. While she's been known to shy away from the camera, I couldn't help myself and asked if I could take her portrait.
We kept on talking about the state of design, the calling and great timing for a place like Australia, the beauty of, yes, a little clutter, and the strongest characteristics of real craftsmanship that still hold firm in contemporary design. It was enchanting, but most of all, real. In an industry that can often seem cluttered with noise and hype all around, particularly at a time like this, Rossana brought a wonderful close to my trip.
On a recent trip to Italy for work, I had to stop in Shanghai to cover a story for the magazine — a swank little boutique hotel, perfectly set along the South Bund (The Waterhouse at South Bund). Anyway, I went for a walk around town at lunchtime, and headed west... The westside of Shanghai clearly retains a good deal of its cultural integrity, albeit in an old-fashioned manner of modest communal living. It was absolutely amazing. I was fortunate enough to take a good roam through this 'old side' of town, and found some incredibly nice people along the way. They proffered some outrageously-delicious food, not to mention a much needed cold bottle of beer...
I recently went back to Santiago to visit a friend and recalled there being an old hat shop that my folks introduced me to when I was a kid. Fascinated by the place when I first saw it, I was determined to return and see it again. It's long been an establishment in Santiago since the 1920s—called Donde Golpea El Monito ("where the monkey hits"). Anyway, I decided to go and find myself a nice classic brown hat for the season. However, there was a very bespoke style I was looking for, and they actually handmade it to my specific order at this place... Don Juan was the man that new exactly what I was after, and this is how he shaped it. If the place itself wasn't nostalgic enough, he was playing classic radio tango on an old transistor in his workshop. I was blown away, slightly transported to an olden time... A time when men wore hats, and they actually went to people, such as Don Juan, to get the bespoke hat they wanted. Encantado...
So I recently decided to take a handful of old film to get developed last week. What a pleasant surprise when I got the film back in my hands — as I was transported to recall the amazing time I had a while back with my friend Emma in Hobart, Tasmania (her hometown). It was a such a lovely trip. Flying a kite was just for a simple kick, and we did so at the very tail end of our trip. As always, film has the undeniable (tangible) quality of retaining my fondest memories. Big thanks to you, Emma — for showing me your home and sharing this time together at the beach house. You inspired me to such a great extent. All the best in NYC and your travels up north. Come back to us soon!!!
These are some family portraits, captured the day after my grandfather's death in Santiago, Chile. This is family, on my father's side. They're all brilliant characters in their own right, but on this occasion they were obviously crushed and caught off guard. What else is there to expect from the death of patriarch? Needless to say, it was an experiment in portraiture....
So I've definitely been going out a lot more lately. And I've been snapping away like crazy with my new DSLR, obsessed with people in the midst of their social bliss. Obviously, it's a very paparazzi approach here, but I've been having fun with the results. It's an easy thing for me to shoot, especially when there's a playful vibe in the air. Besides, who doesn't love a good, cheerful image captured in their lively acts of debauchery? Facebook depends on this sort of stuff.
I went to the optometrist the other day, and realized how far off my vision has been for the past few years, without my old proper glasses. It seemed a symbolic indication that now, perhaps more than ever, is the opportune time to refocus things. Sitting at the computer later on that day, I started organizing these old images that all had a few similar qualities to them: the light, the warmth, the distance or horizon. It's definitely the way I see the landscape ahead. Full of open space, whether in front or behind, there's always something we should be aiming for, beyond what we know and see. I think there's natural longing for discovery still within me. It's all part of human condition to wonder here and there, but wanting a piece of the beautiful unknown that exists "over yonder"—and actually going for it—well there's absolutely nothing wrong with exploring a bit bit further. And there's never been a better time than now....
An ongoing look at metropolitan moments, these images are shot in a quite and still manner as I roam through the city. Most often in transit, through almost any city, I have the habit handling my camera in a more instinctual way, always embracing the random. I like looking at these images and thinking: for an instance we freeze time — and photography makes the mundane look interesting somehow. I wanna be there again....
So I think we've all come to see there's plenty of fun to be had with the iPhone camera, given the right app. I think I should have been working with the "shake it" crew just as they were launching this app in particular, because literally once I started posting these photos on facebook, I think I saw the app blow up within weeks—everyone loves it!
Funny thing is, the moments captured with your phone are almost always passing, random and priceless, if you take the time to compose properly. I'm almost compelled to make a site just for this sort of imagery. Email me if you wanna share you mobile shots.
In early March I was to assigned a short video series in London, for the 2010 Red Bull Music Academy. The first video had to capture the inside of this spot on Tooley Street—and Rob, you did an amazing job on this piece. Needless to say the annual pop-up academy looked amazingly-well put together (extravagant almost). The space took in 60 talented musicians from 32 countries, and Red Bull ultimately enabled them to collaborate and build upon each other's work, with some sweet equipment to get the job done. I just wanted to hang out and read a book. Ridiculous..
So I had the pleasure of hanging with a dear friend of mine the other night (Seema Hamid), and to quite the surprise I suddenly found myself in the company of Miss Erykah Badu and Dave Chappelle. Don't ask how. In any case, it was an amazing night, and I was able to shoot a little something for the record. Hope you enjoy....
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