Archive for November, 2008
The art and politics of editorial cartoons
Editorial cartoons, are one of the funniest but also wittiest and most effective forms of commentary. And it achieves the goal even without saying much. It can stir laughter or introspection, and at times controversy. The smartest ones always provoke the audience into thinking. With the advent of internet technology, however, only a few cartoonists managed to bring their game to the next level. It’s essential because the readers are getting much younger, and they’re moving away from the more traditional media. But they also need to be reached out, because they are ones who form public opinion, one way or another. It is for that reason, that we believe Ann Telnaes‘ animated work is so effective. And we just love it. Her work is published three times a week in the venerable Washington Post’s website. From the economy to the war in Iraq, Telnaes delivers the satirical punch like a true Pulitzer-winner that she is (only the second woman ever to do so). A native of Sweden, she obtained her Fine Arts degree, specializing in character animation, at the California Institute of the Arts. She was a designer at Walt Disney before becaming an editorial cartoonist. And the world of journalism is much better for it!
Flickr Friday: Blue Aluminum
Award-winning jewelry designer and metal artist, Jon Ryan is the winner of the 2008 Jewelry Artist Magazine’s Jewelry Arts Awards. This University of Iowa graduate has taken the art of metallurgy to the next level with his work that reflects both tradition and what’s in vogue. In his blog, Blue Aluminum, Jon reflects about the daily grind of his profession. We’ve also learned that his been selected as one of the participants of the 5X5X(5) all-media exhibition, this coming December at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, Virginia. Kudos to this Rhodia fan!
Flickr photos via Jon Ryan
“The Poem of a Life”
“The Poem of a Life” is a biography of Louis Zukofsky, a highly-acclaimed writer, known for his “objectivism” poetic movement and the 800-plus-page literary masterpiece, “A”. Author Mark Scroggins’ work details the life and career of an American modernist poet, who has become an inspiration to many other poets like Paul Metcalf and Robert Duncan (Zukofsky himself is a protege of Ezra Pound). This new critical biography by Scroggins is being hailed by the New York Times as a “terrific” read. Recently, Scroggins writes about Rhodia notebook in his blog, Culture Industry.
Via Culture Industry
Flickr Friday: Satomilogy
From Sapporo, Japan we bring you Satomi-chan, a college undergrad who is also a student of the English language. We are truly amazed at how Rhodia has become a cult brand in the Land of the Rising Sun, and Satomi is becoming a part of the movement. And we can only be thrilled.
Flickr Photo via Satomilogy
What’s Up?
Today, November 12, 2008, the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival will kick-off in the Hollywood of the North. Toronto has increasingly become a center of global cinema, and today’s event, just one of many, only proves that. This five-day film fest features works by East and Southeast Asian artist in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. Founded in 1997, the Reel Asian has been named Toronto’s Best Small Festival by NOW Magazine: “(Reel Asian) strikes the best balance between cutting edge and community. Strong programming and deep roots attract a super-hyphenated tribe.” If you happen to be in T.O., go check it out.
Via Torontoist
BIG NEWS PAGE!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! At long last it’s here! The much-awaited Notebook Engraver! We’ve been putting this under wraps for a few weeks now, so as not to jinx it. And now that it’s finally here, we can’t help but let y’all know. No less than the genius, Ben Katz of Etchstar, delivered the news fresh off the virtual press. Y’all remember Etchstar way back in July. The newly-launched Notebook Engraver, meanwhile, features artists such as Hannah Stouffer and her Parisian-inspired creations, as well as David and Goliath, no not the biblical pair, you silly, the fashion and apparel designer. Of course, you can whip up your own master-piece as well. The list is only expected to grow as more Rhodia fans and notebook collectors become aware of this. Indeed, personalized engraving, whether on your Blackberry (a la Mario Lopez) or your Macbook, has become a how new trend. But we’re not just going with the bandwagon. We’re betting our name on it that it’ll become a new medium for self-expression and artistic creation. So, check it out folks! Thanks Ben for the heads-up!
Flickr Friday: 女紅
Throughout these years, Rhodia has inspired so many divergent and creative individuals from artists, poets, cartoonists to travelers, food lovers and entrepreneurs. Certainly, we can count Miss Hsinchu, Taiwan as one of those creative types, and we are so thrilled with her work. Her work evokes a warm and comfy flavor. Truly original and imaginative.
Flickr photos via 女紅
Rhodia Tribute: Yes We Can
Sorry for missing a post last Monday. Your Rhodia driver is a journalist by profession and passion, and as you very well know, yesterday was the US presidential election. So it’s been a hectic few days. In 48 hours leading to the election, yours truly only go a couple of hours of sleep, writing reports and uploading videos. As early as 5:30 am yesterday, we’re already off the field waiting for the Democratic candidate, Barack Obama to vote. Yes, Rhodia, Obama happens to live just a few miles away from us. Later, we would see him again deliver his victory speech in a park in downtown in Chicago. And what can your Rhodia driver say? We report to you that it was a very awesome night. We witnessed history.
