Friday, July 31, 2009
Why Napkins? No Really Why?
The use of my drawing material usually brings one of a couple reactions. Sometimes people are amazed at the detail that can be achieved on such a fragile surface. Sometimes they wonder why I don't use better materials. And sometimes they wonder how in the world I think I can charge money for a doodle on a napkin.
One of the original intentions of using napkins was the idea that all great ideas are born on napkins. Inventions, math solutions, business models have all had their birth on a napkin...often fueled by the alcohol or coffee served along with the napkin. Another reason for using napkins is that I really enjoy the idea that I am repurposing a completely ordinary/disposable material. And the last reason, I will admit, is that I enjoy drawing in bars and this project gives me an excuse to go to different and tony bars that I might normally not go to.
As for charging money for these, one only needs to go to a current art show to see that this is definately not beyond the pale.
One of the original intentions of using napkins was the idea that all great ideas are born on napkins. Inventions, math solutions, business models have all had their birth on a napkin...often fueled by the alcohol or coffee served along with the napkin. Another reason for using napkins is that I really enjoy the idea that I am repurposing a completely ordinary/disposable material. And the last reason, I will admit, is that I enjoy drawing in bars and this project gives me an excuse to go to different and tony bars that I might normally not go to.
As for charging money for these, one only needs to go to a current art show to see that this is definately not beyond the pale.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Long Now: The Über Orrey
A planetary clock of unthought of precision. Instead of gears it uses a stack of binary mechanical computers. It is designed to show seconds, minutes, hours, years as well as track the orbits of the inner six planets for 10,000 years. A second scale prototype (shown) has been built that is 6 feet high. The final version ,which will be embeded in a mountain in Nevada or Texas, will be at least 60 feet high. Insane and brillant and beautiful.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Musee des Arts et Metiers
A fantastic museum in the heart of Paris that is often (actually completely) overlooked. Started in 1794 as "a warehouse for new and useful innovation", it is marvel to behold. Three floors organized into 7 catagories, the museum has more than 3000 inventions on display. Including a working Foucault's Pendulum (dated 1855 and used in the Universal Exhibition).Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
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