Rhodia Drive

Flickr Friday: Blue Aluminum

November 21st, 2008 03:11:14

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”

November 18th, 2008 08:11:01

“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

November 14th, 2008 05:11:42

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?

November 12th, 2008 08:11:56

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!

November 10th, 2008 11:11:48

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!

Via Notebook Engraver

Flickr Friday: 女紅

November 8th, 2008 02:11:09

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

November 5th, 2008 05:11:40

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.

Flickr Friday: Pumpkin Overdrive

October 31st, 2008 01:10:34

Flickr Photo via Yenna

Flickr Photo via Qbal

Flickr Photo via Queeny Ru

Is it not obvious already that orange is our fave color, and the pumpkin our top veggie? HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!

What’s Up?

October 29th, 2008 01:10:28

From October 4 to December 14, Tokyo’s Suntory Museum of Art and the National Art Center will simultaneously host an exhibit that centers on the work of the great Pablo Picasso. The exhibition is being hailed as “unprecendented.” The collection of works, mostly owned by Picasso himself is on loan from the Musée National Picasso in the Marais district of Paris. Of the exhibition, Tokyo Artbeat writes:

While Picasso went through various phases in terms of his painting style - from his “Blue” period, “Rose” period, Cubism, Neoclassicism to Surrealism - he also avidly sought out new possibilities for different materials and modes of expression. Living through the turbulent days of the 20th century, Picasso underwent dramatic transformations as an artist in search of the meaning of humanity and art, while also contemplating issues of war and peace. Another crucial element of his life were the women he loved and was inspired by. With approximately 170 works on view, this retrospective exhibition looks back on the 91 years of Picasso’s life, in which life, love and artistic creation were all closely intertwined.

Via Tokyo Artbeat

Jeff Abbott: In Praise of Clairefontaine Notebooks

October 27th, 2008 02:10:32

Fear and panic are probably two of the most dreaded words that aptly capture the mood of the economy nowadays (although not us, because we’re always positively positive with a healthy grasp of reality). Our version of Fear and Panic, are of the literary kind, authored by best-selling story-teller Jeff Abbott. Jeff’s novels have been called “exciting, shrewd, and beautifully crafted” by the Chicago Tribune, “fresh, original… intricately woven” by Publishers Weekly. Jeff turned out to be a fan of Clairefontaine, the mother company of Rhodia. In his blog recently, he wrote:

I’ve used a variety of notebooks over the years, from a super-cheap composition notebook to more expensive varieties, and now I am wedded to the Clairefontaine nootebooks.

Clairefontaine is the only notebook company that makes its own paper.

Link via Jeff Abbott

Flickr Friday: Quattrokid73’s Rhodia & Fisher Pen

October 24th, 2008 05:10:50

Design and graphic art extraordinaire Quattrokid is a self-described pen addict. Judging on the photos of pens that he has accumulated, it’s not too hard to believe his assertion. This student of the Academy of Art University is also into model making, including clay modeling and wood laser cutting. Not to be missed is his teapot design, which is just pure genius. A Mac guy, he also dabbles in macromedia flash, final cut among others. About his life as a design master he writes, “I want to be immersed in the world, designing for real life. Every day is a learning process, working towards the end goal of making the world a better place to live in.” Meet Quattrokid73!

Flickr photo via Quattrokid73

What’s Up?

October 22nd, 2008 10:10:42

If you happen to be in Chicago on Friday, October 24, and looking for some interesting diversion, check out animator Don Hertzfeldt as he tours the country and showcases his award-winning works. The event will be held at Music Box, 3733 N. Southport Ave. from 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Above is Hertzfeldt’s work, Rejected, which was nominated in the Academy Award’s Best Animated Short Film in 2001.

Pelikan Pen on Rhodia?

October 20th, 2008 08:10:31

Your Rhodia Driver has always been fascinated with the pelican. Perhaps it was the novel, and then the film that ignited the interest. So it was such a pleasant surprise to discover a pen of the same name. The Toledo from Pelikan has been one of their signature pens for decades. Introduced in in 1986, the Toledo “was based on the classic Pelikan T111 of 1931.” The cap and barrel were as used on the Souverain M400, but the band on the barrel was a sculpted overlay depicting a mother Pelikan motif. We wonder if anyone has ever tried a Pelikan pen on a Rhodia paper? If not a Pelikan, in your estimation what’s the best pen on a Rhodia pad?

Via the Stylophile Online Magazine

Flickr Friday: 3views, Rhodia and Lomography

October 17th, 2008 07:10:51

We look before and after
And pine for what is not:
Our sincerest laughter
With some pain is fraught;
Our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.

from 「To a Skylark」 by Percy Bysshe Shelly (1792-1822)

Flickr Photos by Rhodia Notebook fan 3views

What’s up?

October 14th, 2008 11:10:05

For all these years, Algiers, the city of Al Qasbah and grand mosques, still retains its mystique. Shaped by its Mediterranean influence, its African heritage, and uniquely French blend, its allure has remained intact. Did you know that not too long ago, your favorite orange notebook was so hot in this part of the world? In the 1950s, a production unit was set up in southern Algiers. This unit used paper produced locally, and supplied the substantial North African market of Rhodia. That may be in the past, but memories linger. We’re reminded of Algiers when we saw this painting by Eugène Delacroix. Now, a special exhibit is being held at the Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais at the Louvre (Denon Room) in Paris. This event is still ongoing, so if you happen to be in Paris, go and behold the women of Algiers!

Read an article on the exhibit at Art Daily

Here at Rhodia Drive, we have strived to inject more interesting events from all over the world. Starting today, Wednesday, we’ll feature an event or two that might be of interest to you guys. We’ll just simply call it, “What’s Up?” This is aside from our occasional “Where In The World Is My Rhodia?” segment that we introduced just a few weeks back. So send us thos photos. ‘Til next Wednesday!

Bad handwriting and medical errors

October 13th, 2008 04:10:17

Your Rhodia Driver had a medical scare in the extended family not too long ago. And it got us into thinking how important it is to have a good doctor. No, not a high-priced doctor, just a good one. Then we ran across this article from Canada’s Globe and Mail about medical errors brought about by bad handwriting. It reads in part: “We know from the literature that there are certainly medical errors that result from miscommunication,” said pharmacist Lora Jaye Gray medication safety co-ordinator for the WRHA. “There are continually reports throughout Canada of patients who have been harmed and killed through medication errors. We also know from the Canadian Adverse Events Study in 2004 that 7.5 per cent of patients admitted to Canadian hospitals had at least one adverse event. Not all were medications, but medications were a big part of that.”

You can read the entire story here. Via My Life in the YY.

Flickr Friday: Dibujo de Saltillo

October 10th, 2008 12:10:33

We use our Rhodia pads for different reasons. Some use it to jot down recipes, while others it as a flip book. As a journalist, your Rhodia Driver us it to take down notes. Still others use it as a medium to express their artistic imagination or simply to write graphic notes, like our buddy Vayhu from Saltillo, Mexico. The funny thing is, Vayhu was doing this while in his class. As a student who sometimes feel like being stuck in a boring lecture, we can totally relate to his sentiments. A visit to Vayhu’s Flickr collection would reveal his rather eclectic taste, as well as his interests. So check it out guys and gals!

Flickr Photos via Vayhu

IN OTHER NEWS…

Your Rhodia Driver is such big fan of the Nobel Prize. Not that we have any hope of winning a prize in chemistry or physics. Truth be told, we’re far from being “scientific” if you can use that term. But we’re fascinated by it, and totally impressed with those geeky professors. We think they’re totally cool! This year, two of those super smart guys are from our neck of the woods in Chicago. The first one is from the venerable University of Chicago, 87-year old professor in physics Yoichiro Nambu. According to a Chicago Tribune news item, Nambu was cited for his discovery of “a subatomic principle called spontaneous broken symmetry, which among other things explained why some particles are far lighter than others.” Speaking of the University of Chicago, did you know that so far it has produced as many as 87 Nobel Prize winners? Amazing right?

Even closer at home here in Skokie, an old resident who is now a professor at Columbia University in New York won the prize in the field of chemistry. Martin Chalfie, who grew up in Chicago and moved to Skokie at the age of 8, with his family, went to high school at the defunct Niles East, which is now home to Oakton Community College, where your Rhodia Driver is taking some classes while processing his grad school application. His the second Niles East alumnus, after MIT’s Robert Horvitz, to win the prize. We wonder, is there something about the water in Skokie? Have a great weekend everyone!

The Return of Biffybeans: ePure Review

October 6th, 2008 05:10:05

Biffybeans, the “Ex Metalhead turned Artsy Metaphysical Hippie Chick” from the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania, returns to give us her thoughts about the much talked about Rhodia ePure Journal. As we’ve mentioned before, Biffybeans is a percussionist and her choice of instruments are Djembe, doumbek, shekere and for that matter, “anything I can get my hands on.” She also an avid user of fountain pens, and often have something to say about a new pen, journal or brand of ink. So writing about ePure comes out naturally:

“Paper is SMOOTH, but isn’t as “shiny” as typical Rhodia paper. Made very single fountain pen tested feel like an ultra smooth writer. Ink appears to dry quickly”
Read the full review here.

Flickr Friday: Eslite

October 3rd, 2008 12:10:48

Your Rhodia driver is becoming more and more of a Francophile every day. And not just because he’s taking French class at a local college. Or his longing to visit Paris and come face-to-face with Mona Lisa at The Louvre. Or his fascination with Sarkozy. It’s because every day, he is growing more and more enamored with the orange notebook. So when he noticed this picture of a collectible Rhodia with the heading, La Vie En Bloc, he’s transfixed. He’s wondering how many out there still own collectible Rhodia pieces? He’d really like to know…

The same flickrite also captured the next display featuring the Paul Smith collection, which included a really nice-looking towel. One wonders if that Paul Smith towel is up for sale? That would be really neat. For now, au revoir!

Flickr Photo by Eslite

We’re Wired!

September 29th, 2008 12:09:26

From the magazine, Wired: “Why make a flip book? Because all animation – even stick-figure Flash animation and multilayered, highly technical 3-D effects – is built on, and can benefit from, the basics of the craft first developed by artists working at the beginning of the last century. And while fancy computer programs are nice, you can teach yourself these basics using nothing more than a pad of paper and a pen, and replay them over and over without any extra technology needed.”

Also check out this amazing YouTube video about flip books using the Rhodia notebook. Neat!

What about you guys out there? What do you use your trusty little orange notebook for? Share it with us! Don’t be shy.

Read full article at Wired.com

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