The Circle Bridge

Copenhagen has a new wonderful pedestrian bridge, 'Cirkelbroen' - or the Circle Bridge. It opened last week and has been on it's way for years, but it was certainly worth the wait. 

It was designed by Olafur Eliasson, mentioned before on this blog in several contexts. He explains how he, when asked to design a pedestrian bridge, immediately dismissed the 'straight line from A to B' style, but made it an exploration of meandering, walking slowly. He made it a pleasant room in it self, a place to stop and take in the view.

I think the result is just beautiful. I love the tall ship references and the red railing, and it looks stunning from all angles. I sailed under it a few days before the official opening, and it even looks great from underneath!

The Bridge connects two points in the busy Copenhagen harbour, and needs to be able to let ships through, and does so in a most unusual manner: it pivots! 

You can see a short time lapse here, that shows the final construction work, and in the end of it, you see how the bridge actually works. 

See map for location. 

And lots of more info here.

(all images here are by Anders Sune Berg, copyright Studio Olafur Eliasson)

Irving Harper

A few days ago, Irving Harper, one of my new found design heroes, died at 99, in his home in Rye, New York - surrounded by a lifetimes worth of work from his hands; and his house was, quite literally, filled with something that interests this blog particularly - his fantastic paper sculptures and model experiments.

Not many people in Denmark know of Irving Harper. I discovered him by chance, browsing around on mid-century modern Pinterest boards. In US he has become the widely acclaimed designer of that particular era, that he deserves to be - and now I am going to pay him a little tribute as well, and here's hoping that some of you feel like getting to know this abundant, wonderful design mind a bit better. 

He was the man behind lots of iconic designs from the era, mainly as an employee for George Nelson and Herman Miller (many of these have just lately become credited to him), but he worked for other manufacturers as well, and in many fields of design. He did lamps, furniture, kitchenware, textile design and graphic design. He made Herman Millers logo and had great impact as an design director for the company. 

He loved modelling in paper, he found paper to be a versatile, inexpensive, quick medium to work in, and one that only required a knife and some glue. And his work in paper - which filled his house to the brim - was simply amazing. It leaves me breathless. 

Here is a little taste. I will end the post with some nice links, also to a couple of very fine YouTube videos, if you have gotten curious. 

Images for this post are very hard to credit - they seem to have been reposted over and over again.
Some are by Leslie Williams, some are from Elle Decoration, some unknown by me. 

Some may be from this 2013 book: Irving Harper: Works in Paper.

Here are two fine videos from YouTube:

About working in paper 

From Rye Arts Center: Irving Harper: A Mid-Century Mind At Play

Grattis, Tove! (It's Tove Jansson's 101 year birthday today)

A few days ago I discovered a folder of notes and images I meant to blog about, exactly a year ago. I somehow missed the date last year, but I won't neglect to pay tribute to one of my literary heroes on her birthday - and since it is Tove Jansson (1914-2001), mother and creator of the Moomin Troll, among many other things, perhaps it is not at all odd to celebrate her 101st (instead of her 100th!).

To those of you, who only know vaguely of the Moomins, as quirky, animated characters from children's shows - as I did in my own childhood - she is a wonderful acquaintance to make as an adult, as well. She was an incredible artist, especially graphic artist, but she also painted and drew other things than sweet, melancholy trolls. She was a great writer, for both children and adults, and a kind of philosopher in her own right.

If you want to explore the non-Moomin side of her writing, I warmly recommend 'The Summer Book'.

Not so many years ago, I knew only of her wonderful children's book 'The book about Moomin, Mymble and Little My' (beside, of course, the images of the Moomin trolls, printed everywhere on mugs and t-shirts and the like). That book, from 1952, somehow remained in print in Denmark, while the rest of her work didn't, and I had marvelled at it's strong and unforgettable images, it's fantastic use of color (and cut-outs!) and really powerful graphic detail, many times.

(It is even turned into a wonderful app - and there are other digital activities, read more here!)

Here's an example - an excerpt of one of the pages:

Having enjoyed that book so much, as a work of art and poetry, I decided spontaneously to start reading her work, and get to know her better. I read Swedish, and started collecting her Moomin books in their original language instead (Tove Jansson was a Swedish-speaking Finn and wrote in Swedish), and one summer I practically lived in Moomin Valley.

The novels about the life in Moomin Valley are infinitely readable for adults (and for children from, I would say, around 7 years and up). Here is a list of the titles.

I still haven't finished reading every one of of the Moomin novels (which are now on my book shelf, all of them!) but I sometimes read a chapter or two, or an entire novel. I love their strange and beautiful mixture of really weird (but all so human*) creatures, their sweetness, sadness and complete unpredictability.

I think these guys will follow me for the rest of my days. So grattis (= congratulations in Swedish), Tove Jansson. here she is, drawn by herself, surrounded by some of her creations.

 *And yes, they do feel so human, her fanciful characters. And they are, of course. Have you discovered what kind of Moomin character you are? (here is a great wikipedia list, in Swedish)

I have known for years. I am a Filifjonke, or a Fillyjonk, whether I like it or not.
With a touch of Mymlen (Mymble), perhaps?

Summer Slow

This little guy from a narrow canal street in Amsterdam, sums up everything at the moment: full stride ahead, but still... Slow + exclamation mark. A little reminder, I guess. In the last weeks I have made two or three projects, we have been on a road trip to Luxembourg, visiting friends. We also stopped in Belgium, spent several days in Amsterdam - and went to Legoland, which is technically not a country, but certainly feels like one. And now we're off to Sweden.

Blogging is something I don't have a lot of time for right now. Have lots of nice stories and ideas up my sleeve, though. So, patience. 

HuskMitNavn on instagram: a daily dose of giggle

HuskMitNavn is a Danish street artist who has become a very popular multimedia artist, working and exhibiting all over the world. I am a big fan, and I think his transition from the underground to the fine galleries and various commercial projects has been a succesful one (in more than the obvious fame-and-fortune ways). His particular brand of playful sweetness and his endless creativity when he flips around words or portrays mundane everyday scenes or hot political issues, is exactly the same as in his early work, black and white marker drawings which he pasted onto walls all over Copenhagen.

HuskMitNavn literally means RememberMyName - and he has managed to remain anonymous and keep his privacy under this name for many years now.

I follow him on Instagram, he is a quite frequent poster and has a small specialty going on at Instagram: these 3D drawings, where he twists and rolls and tears the paper to make funny things happen. They are so great and appear at least weekly. And just when you think he must have exhausted the idea, he posts an even more brilliant one. Right now, the hot summer weather that finally came, is a theme - and the boy on the toboggan is from last winter, of course.

He has such an eye for all the people types you see around you every day, and he loves a silly word play (- and so do I!!). 

That last one he posted as a comment on having recorded a podcast interview about his life and work!

Listen to that podcast, here at www.undergang.net.

Check out his own website. 

A lot of his work is affordably available as silk screen prints and such - I think the best places for buying his work would be these: V1 GALLERY, Schäfer Grafik or Limited Works.

But lots of his work is still out there to enjoy for absolutely nothing, whether on Instagram, or here on a wall in Belgium somewhere.

The Orange Feeling

I'm doing a bit of packing. Just a few items dumped into a big plastic holdall, nothing fancy. Where do you suppose one is going, when packing the following items.....?

Item one: Completely outworn Birkenstocks (they almost went into the bin - but then I thought, nope: I have use for them, for a special occasion!). Next item: old trainers I use for painting, therefore adorned with various colors of paint speckle (also very worn). Sunblock. Cheap, small bumbag. One roll of toilet paper. Small flashlight. Wobbly, but small, wooden folding chair. Baby wipes. Pile of clothes (small) that I don't feel too particular about, well suited for lounging on the (dusty) ground. Solar powered cell phone charger that doesn't work very well. Visa card (most important item).

Yup, you've guessed it - of course.

I've been going to Roskilde on and off, since I was *sixteen. Not every year, far from that, but still I think I've lost count of my many visits. Sometimes I've gone for the whole length of the festival, sometimes just for a day or two. Lately we've taken to camping there again, but for fewer nights and in a very quiet corner.

To me, Roskilde is the festival. We have a load of festivals in Denmark, but I only need this one, and that's how I've always felt. The weather may sometimes disappoint, but to me, this festival never does.

I always came for the music. Even when I was sixteen! I missed out on the crazier aspects of camping life (which is legendary on this festival - with outrageously creative theme camps and wild parties in the camping areas), because that whole culture just didn't exist when I was in my teens and twenties, and now I an waaay to old for that. I need my sleep! 

But I also need the live music. And The Orange Feeling (TM... I think?). It really is very, very special. And the festival has evolved enormously over the years I've known it. 

To me, today, it is a much more interesting place, and a safer place for young kids (even though it is more than twice the size!) - and it's a cleaner, more environmentally conscious place. You can do better, cheaper shopping for the daily necessities (and also for the un-necessities!), get better showers and even swim in a lake! Back when I was sixteen, we had crappy tents, polartec fleece or lightweight raingear weren't invented (and my first festivals were quite rainy). Cash was king, and we never had enough of it. We didn't have cellphones, and sometimes spent half the festival looking for lost friends. Recycling on the festival grounds was limited to glass bottles, so everything paper and plastic were just piled up here and there, and sometimes turned into really stinking bonfires. And, another thing: we didn't really dance (and I love dancing, so much). Dancing was considered a kind of a non-rock'n roll thing to do, and therefore limited to a bit of hopping around, when funk or salsa bands played. But of course we had fun all the same! (Later, in the club crazy nineties, the whole dancing thing really took it's natural place at Roskilde - and now it's here to stay!)

I don't go there for the headliners, really - even though they are interesting, I mean, there is always at least one headliner that make you go woooow, can't wait to see that! But often you are surprised at the outcome. Last year, the headliner I looked forward to the most, was a rather boring concert (Stevie Wonder, one of my biggest, lifelong heroes. But his gig was really dull, I think. Endless singalong-audience-sessions, and one of the most miraculously funky bands in the world, that just never really got to play! Sigh.) On the other hand, a headliner I didn't think I was even going to bother seeing, was the most fantastic experience: Major Lazer created the wildest, happiest, silliest party I have ever witnessed in front of Orange Stage!

I go there to dig for new music - music I haven't heard before, and Roskilde's lineup at the bottom of the poster, with the small print, is always what interests me the most.

Last year I fell completely in love with Connan Mockasin from New Zealand, an artist I had never heard of before Roskilde, and have listened to ever since. Connan, and his very fine band, played one of those unforgettable sun-and-beer-drenched magic afternoon gigs, that only happens in a place like Roskilde. It was glorious. Here he is, from that day (photo credits, anyone?) in his weird fur hat (it was about 28 degrees C. in the tent, and a bit later the band - and most of the audience - took off a lot of clothes!), while his psychedelic, funky guitar gently weeps.

I hope I will have such delightful surprises again this year. Actually, I know I will. Because I really never haven't!

*I was sixteen in 1979. Among the he headliners that year were Jeff Beck and Stanley Clarke (we may have danced a bit that day), reggae legend Peter Tosh, Talking Heads and blues old timer Taj Mahal.

Lokalkompagniet - a cool place and a work project

Just a few weeks ago, I was hired to do a design job for a really fun and unusual place; Lokalkompagniet. Situated in Nykøbing Sjælland, Odsherred, a northern region of Sjælland, famous for it's beautiful landscape and coastline, it's bountiful gardens and farms - and it's appeal to all kinds of small farmers, foodies, artists and craftspeople.

Lokalkompagniet, is both a shop, an information centre, a local activity hub and - last but not least - a super cozy coffee bar and eatery, for anyone interested in great quality food from small local producers. Which is exactly the point of the place; giving all the small farm - and arts/crafts shops in the area a shared venue in the main town, Nykøbing Sjælland, in the middle of main street! You will find it in the former farmacy, in Algade 24, and it is open every day. There is a cozy garden out back, where you can enjoy today's special lunch, at a very reasonable price - and based on local products entirely! Much more info (in Danish) here...

And what did I have to do with this? Well - I designed the logo, and (because that's all we've had time for up till now) consulted on colors, typography etc. It had to be a super quick minimalist project - there was no time for a lot of printing and producing things, so all energy went into creating an interesting logo, and using the logo for some small touches here and there, like simple rubber stamps for a bit of quick and easy branding, and on large blackboards for various info. But it is an ongoing process, so more will follow!

Lokalkompagniet opened Saturday, and I was there for the opening, of course - the name (and therefore the big handpainted logos on the facade) was a secret until the opening hour, and it was revealed with speeches, live soul music and lots of festive to do! 

The place is so promising, and an absolute must, if you are in the area!

The shop has everything you could wish for when it comes to jam, honey, syrups, cordials and oils, all made from the lush gardens in the area - and high quality organic meat, handmade sausages, and even locally produced (and grown) wine and beer. 

The lunch wagon in the back yard is highly recommended; I had a yummy, really spicy frankfurter with relish, potato salad, homemade mustard and ketchup and fresh apple cordial to go with it.

Lokalkompagniet is also the host of some of the local arts- and crafts people - you will find quality ceramics, glass and jewellery among other things, and the group of participating companies is sure to grow eventually. Check the website and facebook for info (links further up in the post).

I was asked by the super talented jewellery maker Ane Meinert Folke, one of the artists represented in the shop, if I would like to wear some of her jewellery for the opening, and I chose to wear these beautiful earrings in gold and grey enamel, and had many compliments! (- a bit like when Bvlgari or Tiffany calls Beyoncé before the Oscars, and asks her if there is, perhaps, some little diamond tiara or such, she would care to wear....?)

Fun project, great day!

Thanks to all of you up there, and see you soon again.

Midsummer week in woolies

It's freezing here in Denmark, and it is really getting on my nerves. It is such an utter waste of time to be frustrated about the weather, but this cold is really draining me. I sit indoors all day, with a constant fire in the wood stove or a feeble electric heater on (- that causes the meter to spin out of control!). I can't be bothered to do any gardening, and it takes half a day to build up the courage to shower in the outdoor shower.

We went to a summer party at my son's preschool today, and the children had made lovely collages, where they explored single colors - for instance the yellow of the sun. They warmed me!

The young artists hadn't signed their work much, so I can't tell you their names. But they did beautiful yellow!

Tuesday was the official Midsummer's Eve in Denmark, and since it was just an ordinary working day, we weren't really doing anything. But then we were invited to dine in the most spectacular location, last minute. And so we did. And the ocean was right there, below us, and the sunset was just wow. And we even built a fire. 

So what am I complaining about? Not much. I just want out of this sweater.