Thursday, August 23, 2012

Hunt and Gather: Seaworthy Jewelry

By Amanda Rickenbach


Seaworthy is a local Portland jewelry line created by Marisa Howard. Her line began with all vintage parts and pieces and evolved to include a variety of handmade mixed metal pieces. All are hand shaped and hammered with 12k gold fill wire, perfect for sensitive ears. Seaworthy's jewelry is so in tune with the Americana trends we have happening right now, while somehow managing to remain soft and timeless.



"I am inspired by simple, geometric shapes and textile patterns from the 1930's. A customer told me that my jewelry has it's own language. I like that idea." -Marisa

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Hella Jongerius


By Amanda Rickenbach


Holland would be nearly completely under water if it weren't for the ingenious invention of polders and dikes in the 12th century. Is 65% nearly completely? Maybe not, but it's a pretty high percentage. This incredible engineering feat reflects the adage "God created the world, the Dutch created Holland." To this day the Dutch continue to reclaim land from the rivers and the sea using a complex system of dykes and drainage canals. 
"Hella Jongerius's 2005 Polder Sofa for Vitra references the geographic makeup of her homeland in both name and design. Its elongated horizontal lines, low-lying form, and asymmetry echo the patchwork of the Dutch landscape and create visual interest from every viewable angle."  Each section of the sofa is defined by it's own unique fabric, color, and proportion. Decorative buttons made of natural materials like bone and mother-of-pearl create another level of dimension and character. 

The Polder Sofa is available in a variety of sizes and several colors of either leather or fabric. The pictured sofa by Jongerius was created with Maharam Polder for Vitra. The textiles include mohair velvet and two scales of checked wool. This sofa is a fun mixture of geometry, texture, and comfort. I personally love the checked wool cushion and think that the inspiration behind the design is unique and fabulous. 
Photos: Maharam