There seem to be an endless number of talented artists creating portraits using assemblages of unexpected items; licorice, junk, toys, pills, pencils, diamonds, pushpins and more. I have already featured nine different artists who create portraits from such items unusual work on this blog and now I’m introducing you to a tenth, Mary Ellen Croteau.

(click on each image below to see posts on each of these nine artists):



above: Top row. l to r: Bernard Pras’ portrait of Bruce Lee, Zac Freeman’s portrait of Garrett, Scott Blake’s self portrait. Middle row, l to r: Jason Mercer’s portrait of Kim Kardashian made with licorice vines, Christian Faur’s portrait made of crayons, a diamond and sapphire gemstone portrait of Marilyn Monroe. Bottom row, l to r: Federico Uribe’s portrait of a tiger made with pencils, Charles Manson made of rubik’s cubes, and Eric Daigh’s pushpin portrait.

Mary Ellen Croteau had been working with plastic bottle caps to create columnar sculptures, but while crafting these, she became compelled to create a large self-portrait with them.

She describes this inspiration below:
“Plastic bottle caps – like bags, a plastic product that can’t be/ isn’t recycled. I conceived of an “endless column” of these caps, after Constantin Brancussi’s (sic) iconic modernist sculpture. One became two, and two became many…:

…While making these columns, I noticed the smaller caps tended to nest inside one another, and the color combinations reminded me of Chuck Close’s painted portraits. So I got sidetracked and started on a large self-portrait made entirely of bottle caps. The piece measures 8 feet by 7 feet. No paint is used, except to delineate a few shadows where white board was showing through. In a few cases, the caps are trimmed in order to fit a tight space.” – Mary Ellen Croteau

close-up of the nose:

close up of eye in progress:


The final assembled piece displayed for Art on Armitage:

Mary Ellen Croteau is an artist whose work directly addresses the absurdities of social norms, and lays bare the underlying bias and sexist assumptions on which our culture is constructed.
She lives and works in Chicago, IL.

See more of her unusual art here.

a shout out to This Is Colossal for bringing Mary’s work to my attention

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The Lonely Island is that hilarious musical trio consisting of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer. The emmy-winning songwriters and performers have been making videos together since 2000 and have appeared on The Emmys and in many SNL digital shorts.

Known to bring slap-stick comedy and pizzazz to any performance, the guys have embarked on their first role as Creative Directors behind the new Swedish vodka – RÖKK. The trio is responsible for the brand’s consumer engagement, which includes creating digital material to market the brand and help introduce RÖKK, the premium priced, freeze filtered vodka.

Below are the videos they’ve created for the RÖKK Vodka brand.

THE DREAM:

THE DIRECTOR’S CUT:

BEHIND THE SCENES OF “EVERYBODY LIKES ME”:

About RÖKK Vodka:

THE RÖKK RUNESTONE
(Swedish: Rökstenen) is the most famous runestone in Sweden, featuring the longest known runic inscription. It is considered the first piece of written Swedish Literature and therefore marks the beginning of recorded history in Sweden.

PURE SWEDISH SPRING WATER
RÖKK is made with clean water from glacial sources in Kalby, Sweden – the picturesque countryside five hours west of Stockholm. The spring is adjacent to the distillery and is renowned for its ultra-crisp, clean water.

FREEZE FILTRATION
After distillation, RÖKK Vodka is brought to sub-zero temperatures and then filtered through frozen charcoal to remove impurities that cannot be removed using traditional filtration processes.

Freeze Filtration raises the PH levels, reducing acidity, and giving RÖKK its unmistakable smoothness. (RÖKK is the only premium Nordic vodka that is freeze-filtered for exceptional smoothness.)

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With a keen eye for composition, a deft hand for realism, and an inherent knack for finding interesting subject matter, painter Curt Hoppe immortalizes his surroundings, people and objects in an impressive and aesthetically captivating style with acrylic and oil paints on canvas and linen.

Hot Copy:

The Hustler, Money Shot:

Sunbather:

Born and raised in Minnesota, the 61 year old New York based painter is also a talented photographer and sculptor. Citing pop culture, Madison Avenue and politics and some of his influences, he is moved by his obsession at the moment and his environment.*

above left: the artist sits under a painting of his in Sam’s Restaurant, East Hampton and above right; striking a pose (on the far left) under the John Jovino Gun store in 1975

Roller Derby Queens, the Hamptons, Burlesque, the Punk music scene, New York restaurants and portraits are amongst his intriguing repertoire. Here are just a few of my favorite paintings of his.

John Gotti on Mulberry Street:

Luna Restuarant, Mulberry Street, New York

Yonak Shimmel Knish Bakery, New York:

Sip n’ Soda, South Hampton:

John Jovino, Firearms on Baxter Street:

Grotta Azzura, Little Italy:

Dottie:

Coney Island Fire Eater:

Baby Ruthless:

Lux Alptram (aka Joey Hardcore XXX) Gotham Girl Queens of Pain:

Sugar Smack Gotham Girls:

Suzy Hot Rod Changes Wheels:

Suzy Hotrod:

Italian American:

Eye Opener:

You Wish:

Lou’s Game:

High Heels:

High Heels (in Curt’s studio):

Gal Friday in Curt’s studio:

Recent work of Curt’s shows the subjects standing in front of their portraits:

above: Clayton Patterson, acrylic on canvas 96″ x 70″, 2010-11 / Arturo Vega, acrylic on canvas 96″ x 70″, 2010 / Kurt Thometz, acrylic on Canvas 96″ x 70″, 2011

* 2007 interview with Curt Hoppe

A recent interview with Curt Hoppe:

all paintings and images were used with the express permission of the artist, please do not reproduce – but feel free to share the link!

Curt Hoppe
98 Bowery 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10013

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One of the UK’s hottest lingerie models, Rhian Sugden suggestively begins to touch herself in this provocative video, getting viewers all hot and bothered, only to reveal that she’s sporting a set of prosthetic testis. She’s promoting the act of self-examination to help bring about the awareness of testicular cancer for the MCAC (Male Cancer Awareness Campaign). The pro bono piece of work was created by JWT London and shot by British fashion photographer Rankin.

Stills from the video:

Learn more about prevention and awareness of male cancers such as prostate, testicular and bowel at the Male Cancer Awareness Campaign site

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Corpo Celeste – a heavenly body
The first product to be introduced by Salzburg’s innovation and design company, Corcel, is a luxury tub made of carbon fiber. From a material for purely functional applications, to one used in the luxury design of baths, carbon has found its way from space travel and motor racing to Corcel.

The bath manufacturer Corcel is distinguished by high-tech methods in conjunction with solidly hand-crafted products. Only top quality fabrics are used in the manufacturing of designer products.

Using elaborate CAD/CAM and autoclave technology and meticulous craftsmanship, the fine carbon fabric is processed into sumptuous designer furniture for the bathroom.

The No.1 is the first product from Corcel – an object of desire offering clean lines, generous space and distinctive character. It was selected from among 24 concepts submitted by artists and designers. The development process took about seven months and is manufactured from a selected prepreg carbon fabric.

After curing in an autoclave, it is given a last polish in the meticulous hands of our craftsmen. It is finished with a surface coating that otherwise is found only in the high-end sector of luxury cars.

Thanks to the materials’ properties, the No. 1 benefits from improved heat-retention features, compared with acrylic baths and ceramics.

Facts about the tub:
• The N°1 of 2011 is with 51 pieces strictly limited.
• A carbon fibre has a diameter of around 3-5 thousandths of a millimetre.
• Corcel uses only the highest quality fabrics in the production of design products.
• The N°1 is 2,43m long, 1,23m wide und 0,64m tall.
• The N°1 has 330 litres capacity.
• The development time of the N°1 lasted 7 months.

Limited edition
The product is redesigned annually. And each year, only 51 individual pieces are produced worldwide. Each one carries a certificate and is identified as an original. Due to the complex processes involved in the production, the lead time to delivery can be six weeks.

Towards the end of 2011, the company is expecting to launch a comprehensive line with all the necessary fixtures and furnishings for a luxurious bathroom.

CAD renderings courtesy of Studioastic, information and images courtesy of Corcel
Corcel Design & Innovation GmbH
Eugen Müllerstraße 16
5020 Salzburg

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Looking for a modern sanctuary?
Gandia Blasco, makers of high end outdoor funishings have just introduced the Cristal Box, an outdoor pergola system made of anodized or thermo-lacquered white or taupe aluminum frames. Available in four different sizes/configurations, the inside flooring is wood made of plant and plastic fibres which requires little or no maintenance. The ceiling is made from phenolic plate and the outer roof is galvanized sheeting.

Cristal Box 2:



Cristal Box 3:



Cristal Box 4:



Note: Glass not included.

320 x 320 x 250h cm / 630 x 320 x 250h cm / 940 x 320 x 250h cm / 630 x 630 x 250h cm
126”x126”x99”h / 248”x126”x99”h / 370”x126”x99”h / 248”x248”x99”h

The Cristal Box for Gandia-Blasco designed by José A. Gandía-Blasco
Price available upon request

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In early September, the spectacular Santa Barbara residence of 45 year old director Michael Bay (of the Transformers franchise, the Island, The Rock, Armaggedon, Pearl Harbor, Bad Boys and countless commercials) went on the market for 6.8 million.

Built in 1993, the 4 bedroom 4.5 bath residence is 5400 sq.ft. on approx. 1.3 secluded acres with expansive ocean and island views.

Designed by award-winning Santa Barbara architect Jan Hochhauser, the 3-bedroom, 3 and two 1/2 bath residence enjoys an infinity pool with spa, vast entertainment patios, lush landscaping and is complete with a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom guest house.

The home has a bright, open concept floorplan with a giant barrel-vaulted skylight illuminating the sophisticated great room which has a fireplace, of course. The living room, also with a fireplace, opens to firepit patio.

The well-appointed kitchen has carrera marble countertops:.

The luxurious master suite has two private balconies, generous closets, and a jetted tub in spectacular bath:

There are two other separate bedrooms, each with en suite baths. The home has a full laundry room, a/c, ample storage, a creekside deck, a rose garden, a sweeping lawn and 35+ palm trees.

Aerial view of property (courtesy of google maps):

The very private setting includes a gated entry, a three car garage, and is minutes to Upper Village in Montecito.

This listing is represented by Suzanne Perkins of Sotheby’s International Realty. To inquire about the home, call +1 805.565.8643

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Steve McQueen was the embodiment of rugged sexiness. The fact that he was as masculine offstage as on, makes his appeal timeless. So it’s no wonder that clothing company Barbour has introduced a Steve McQueen Collection consisting of good-looking outerwear, rough-hewn workshirts, knits and tees. Created to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the International Motorcycle jacket, the iconic British Brand designed this limited edition capsule collection featuring the King of Cool.

Items in the new collection are worth a gander and are playfully named after his movies or interests. Sweaters, outerwear, buttoned work shirts and t-shirts make up the small line. Although the t-shirts are nothing to write home about (colored tees with images of McQueen and Barbour International printed upon them), the jackets even have inner linings which feature black and white images of the handsome legend.

Here’s proof that cool doesn’t go out of style:

Shop the collection here.

Below is a reprinted interview with Chad McQueen, the son of the film star, motorcycle racer, stuntman and style icon.

Your father is often described as the ‘King of Cool’. How would you describe his dress style?
Classic, elegant, cool and timeless.

Why do you think your father’s dress style is still relevant today?
Cool doesn’t go out of style.

Knowing the heritage of the brand and the fact that your father is one of its most famous wearers, what does Barbour mean to you? Is it a brand you feel particularly aligned with? Do you wear Barbour yourself?
I have some great memories with the Barbour jackets. They were always around and I remember the way they smelled, the way they felt, and the weight of them. I do wear Barbour and of course it’s because of the images of my dad on the Triumph. It’s such a cool image that it’s burned in to my mind forever.

Back in the 60s when your father competed in the ISDT, he wore Barbour. You are also well known for racing 2 and 4 wheels. How did you and your father choose the clothes that you wore to race cars/bikes?
Sponsorships started coming in to play in the 70s so that really dictated what I wore while I raced, but I’m sure that Bud’s influence was a big part of my dad’s decision to wear Barbour.

What do you like best about the collaboration with Barbour?
I am happy to be part of the 75th anniversary of the motorcycle jacket with this exciting collaboration. All of the designs capture my dad’s sense of style and the timing is perfect – Chad McQueen for Barbour

Barbour Steve McQueen™ Collection

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From flash drives to fishbowls, here are five new items on the market that are guaranteed to bring some cheer into your life.

The Fishscape fish bowl:


By Aruliden for Gaia and Gino.
Made of hand-blown glass and manufactured by Gaia & Gino in Turkey.
$140
buy it here at Conran
or here at Unica Home

Avanti Kids Chair:



A beautiful walnut wood chair from Data Modern Furniture made to children’s proportions and comes with some fun cushioning – genuine Schylling sock monkeys.
Designed for kids up to 45 lbs.
$300
buy it here

Fire Kit Lamp:


Made for Skitsch by 5.5 Designers
buy it here

Tampon Flash Drive


A flash drive shaped like a feminine hygiene product. made of PVC material by Meninos, it’s not yet ready for mass production, but will be soon.

Cheer The Beard:



Fitted corduroy and felt New Era cap with detachable felt beard.
Designed by Jeremy Fish for superFishal
Buy it here

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The very hip type foundry House Industries has teamed up with Herman Miller to produce a limited edition series of 80 Eames wire-base tables.

The Eames wire based low tables (LTR) include letters, numbers and ornaments from their Eames Century Modern font collection.

Each tabletop is hand-printed by House’s own David Dodde in their Grand Rapids, Michigan factory, returned to Herman Miller for assembly then packaged in a special House Industries-designed wooden crate.

Andy Cruz originally showed sketches of a printed LTR table to Yoko Sasaki, Marketing director of Herman Miller Japan, during his trip to Tokyo in 2010. Soon after House Industries got busy with the Eames Office and Herman Miller in Zeeland, Michigan to bring the sketches to life. As with most House Industries projects, they tried their best to make the packaging for this limited edition something you wouldn’t throw away once the table was removed. I believe they succeeded.

Photography by Carlos Alejandro

Forty tables will be available in Hong Kong at the Herman Miller Reach event on September 16, 2011 and 40 will be available at the House Industries exhibition at the Herman Miller Tokyo Showroom on October 27, 2011.

Reach Hong Kong
September 16, 2011
Hong Kong Design Institute
3 King Ling Road,
Tseung Kwan O,
N.T., Hong Kong
http://reach.hermanmillerasia.com/

House at Herman Miller Japan
Opening Reception: October 27, 2011
Herman Miller Japan Showroom
Marunouchi MY PLAZA
2-1-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo 100-0005, Japan
http://www.hermanmiller.co.jp/

information courtesy of House Industries

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