Craig Richardson’s weblog, guestbook, database of music and collections of writings

Shephard Fairey isn't the only artist to capture the zeitgeist of this historic year through the visage of President-elect Barack Obama. Throughout Miami, Mr. Obama was seemingly everywhere, as works featuring his likeness were given prominence by exhibitors. One couldn't help but feel comforted by this collective embrace of the potential he represents, even as news of the economic crisis continued to put a...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

by Juliet Kinsman The sophisticated Ksar Char-Bagh (pronounced Kuh-sah Chah Baah) is so serene that all guests at this 12-suite retreat in the Palmeraei area of Marrakech are surrounded by the sound of water trickling and birdsong. Designed by French husband and wife, Nicole and Patrick Le Villair, this modern-day purpose-built palace is a triumph of grace and age-old architectural features. The palm-dotted Persian-inspired gardens,...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

Cambridge artist Alan Warburton collaborated with a non-art audience to produce this series of work in which he asked volunteers to use fruit to explain politics. "In Caracas, Venezuela, volunteers explained the complex and lively political scene using melons and in Cambridge, diverse residents used locally picked apples to explain the issues that affect the city," he says of how the series unfolded....

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

In the spirit of classic slogans like I ♥ NY and Virginia Is For Lovers, Soundscreen Design pays tribute to the continual obsession of music junkies' everlasting love of vinyl records with a series of collaborations wherein designers and studios create iconic interpretations of the phrase Vinyl Is Forever. Hamburg-based graphic design and illustration studio, Human Empire inaugurates the collection of limited edition shirts,...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

With the vast amount of speakers and docking stations available for your iPod or MP3 player these days, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. We've picked our top ten and put them in our 2008 Gift Guide, and to help you out we've included a range of styles and prices for everyone, from the Lego lover to the serious sound junkie.For a full look at our...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

Sculptors/photographers/all-around creative cats Floto + Warner have discovered a bright new idea in re-purposing cast-off keepsakes. Their brilliant new Pendant light is crafted almost entirely from recycled and second-hand necklaces and pendants scored at the Goodwill and Salvation Army. The completed designs range in size, but even the smallest ignites a glittering chandelier feel. Read more at Refinery29....

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

Work by Asian artists, and those of Asian descent, seemed to dominate the Scope Miami fair this year. The sheer volume on display confirms that Eastern art is gaining sway in Western markets, and rightfully so, as the below selections would support. Rogerio Degaki, a Brazilian artist of Japanese descent, was on exhibit at the Rhys Mendes booth. The vibrant, glittering sculptures looked like anonymous...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

Just in time for the new year Cool Hunting is giving away six of the ingenious Bubble Calendars designed by our friend Stephen Turbek. Prepare to add a satisfying pop to every one of your days in 2009. The calendars are available in Japanese, German and English and we will be giving away two of each. To win, simply go to the bottom of...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

We love a good high-brow low-brow mash up, and that's exactly what Chuao's new Firecracker chocolates provide—a combination of very tasty chocolate, a little salt, the heat of chipotle and the pop of crackling candy. We were surprised how much we liked it. While they offer a small variety of firecracker chocolate bars, we particularly enjoyed the chocolate truffles, which delivered, as someone said, "a...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting

by Russ Lowe What if Nixon, known for making watches geared toward design-sensible board sports enthusiasts, off-kilter iconoclasts and Tokyo drifters, among others, made headphones? What if they were compatible with that iPhone or BlackBerry you lug around everyday? What if they were beautiful and sounded like the third row at a Radiohead show? Well, It’s your lucky day. The Encinitas, CA-based horologists have officially...

Josh Rubin: Coolhunting