Hungry eyes

Food and fashion are both seasonal items and as such have more in common than you’d think. Legendary Italian photographer, Fulvio Bonavia has made a recent effort to take the food off plates and serve it on the catwalk. ‘A Matter of Taste’ ensures that you will never look at food or fashion in the same way ever again.

'A Matter of Taste' by Fulvio Bonavia

'A Matter of Taste' by Fulvio Bonavia

'A Matter of Taste' by Fulvio Bonavia

Explore your options

Do you need a holiday but find yourself stuck in the office? Try being a lonely desk toy whose sole mode of transport is a model car and only method of travel is Google maps.

‘Address is Approximate’, is the brainchild of Tom Jenkins and Simon Sharp from The Theory.

Cops and Robbers

Film is a very powerful form of media that can trigger a number of emotions in even the strongest of people. It can inspire, infuriate, and create sadness or happiness. I recently saw a short film entitled “Speed of Light / aka / The World's Tiniest Police Chase” by a UK production house called The Theory. Their creative effort allowed me to reminisce on my childhood as a boy who grew up playing cops and robbers with my toy car collection. In my opinion, what separates a good film from a bad one, is its ability to allow the audience an opportunity to escape from reality or to connect with the characters they view on the big screen. Every person perceives things in their own way, but for 2 minutes and 22 seconds, I felt like I was a kid again!

Many hands make Louis Vuitton work!

Renowned French photographer Vincent Bousserez has launched a new photo series entitled “Larger than Life”.  The series that was commissioned by well respected fashion house Louis Vuitton, not only showcases some of their most iconic designs, but also takes us to another realm in which miniature figurines mimic some of life’s daily activities in a creative and humorous way.

"Larger than Life" by Vincent Bousserez

"Larger than Life" by Vincent Bousserez

"Larger than Life" by Vincent Bousserez

"Larger than Life" by Vincent Bousserez

Caine's Arcade

In 1993, Charles Barkley made a commercial for Nike where he said, “I am not a role model. I’m not paid to be a role model. I’m paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court. Parents should be role models. Just because I dunk a basketball, doesn’t mean I should raise your kids.”

 

This is the first thought that came to my mind when I saw the video of Caine’s Arcade.

Nearly twenty years ago you’d never have heard of anything like this unless you happened to live next door, only ever entering the public eye if one of the current affair programs couldn’t afford not to cover it. Today, thanks to the advancement in social media with tools like Facebook and Twitter, stories like this can be mixed into your daily digestion of politics, scandals and pop culture that make news on radio, television and other forms of commercial media. A father’s love and support for his 9 year old boy to build the arcade of his dreams can only reaffirm what Charles Barkley had said all those years ago. 

Follow Caine's Arcade:
facebook.com/cainesarcade
twitter.com/cainesarcade
cainesarcade.com

Tupac’s guest appearance at Coachella 2012

Many would have loved the opportunity to see Tupac live in concert, and for the first time since his death in 1996 he has made his comeback in the form of a hologram. 

Dr. Dre was the man responsible for this epic performance and it’s said that he sought approval from Afeni Shakur (Tupac’s mother) before embarking on a laborious four month collaboration between James Cameron’s Digital Domain, U.K. based Musion Systems and AV Concepts, who were the hologram-imaging company responsible for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button", and the youthful version of Jeff Bridges in "TRON: Legacy".

“While the actual specifics of how the hologram works are under wraps until after the festival closes, in an interview with Dr. Dre last week on Los Angeles radio station Power 106 revealed that Coachella organizers had given the rapper a "blank cheque" to do whatever he wanted for his weekend sets”. 

Get More: Music News

Do you think this sort of trickery is just a creepy cash grab that rides on the back of a dead artist’s success? Or do you believe that this sort of breakthrough is actually pushing the entertainment envelope to provide quality performances to those who never had the opportunity to see their favourite stars on stage? Could this mean that we might see the return of legends like Michael Jackson and Dean Martin?

If the video wasn't enough to satisfy your holographic needs then you can keep up to date with the latest by following Hologram Tupac on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/HologramTupac/ 

CHALK|WORKS - Art is a lifestyle.

The average time that a person spends driving to work is about 20 minutes each way. 

If you feel confined by the routine of your daily commute then perhaps it’s time for some improvisation.

Neil Prasad took the creative road when deciding on a paint scheme for his BMW.
The solution was chalkboard paint which is a thicker type of coating that dries to form a layer which allows you to write on the surface over and over again. Art can be a lifestyle when you focus on what experiences you want to have and how you want to live, instead of what you own.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/neil1138/

Co-driver Couch

For most people, a chair is a necessity that prevents you from eating on the floor or watching movies while standing up. Lounges are items that usually end up dumped on people’s front lawns for the taking or at an op shop somewhere trying to hide their stains in order to find a new home. A foldable futon sofa bed and the front seats from an old Mercedes Benz have helped to create a lounge that’s guaranteed to rev up any entertainment experience.

Mercedes car couch.

Just like going to the Cinema..

Heads or Tails?

The robust bull head design of this wall lamp pays respect to two of my favourite artists:

The first being Marcel Duchamp who used commercially made cult objects and, with little or no modification, displayed them under his name as works of art. The second being Pablo Picasso and his "Bull's Head" sculpture which was made from a rearranged bicycle saddle and handlebars. 

I was inspired to create my own version with the addition of lights after a recent visit to the Picasso exhibition, which was held at the Art Gallery of NSW. It’s always been my philosophy that good design should evoke emotion and encourage imagination. I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the artwork as I relived the adventures of riding my bike as a child. I can only hope that it has the same effect on you!

The artwork was created using parts from a retired Malvern Star bicycle, a lamp kit from Bunning’s and fabric from John Galliano.

Wood grain are you insane?

Destruction breeds creation. When something falls apart it leaves room for a new beginning and gives you the freedom to do your own thing. I have had many opportunities through my previous projects to rediscover the value and creative challenges that come with trying something different. Thankfully, that has helped me to integrate old and new materials with unique techniques to construct a truly bespoke ride.

My bicycle specifications are as follows:

-Chromoly vintage bike frame;
-Diatech Dirty Harry brake levers;
-Shimano Tiagra 4600 brake callipers;
-Shimano crank set;
-Tange forks;
-Brooks seat;
-Wood stick handle bar.

Bike against a wall mural in Leichardt Sydney.

Woodstick handle bar.

Close up of Brooks seat and wood grain paint work.

Special thanks to John Holloway from Cycle Stop for helping me with this Frankenstein build and Michael from AQUA DIP for the amazing paint job.

Jay-Z and Kanye's Maybach goes under the hammer for a good cause!

The wrecked Maybach from Kanye West and Jay-Z’s music video “Otis” is set to go up for auction. While the car may be a write off, don’t be so quick to give it the same treatment as the proceeds of this sale will go to the Save the Children foundation. 

The car will be auctioned off through Phillips de Pury & Company of New York on the 8^th of March, in an attempt to raise awareness for the difficulties facing many East African families.

Scenes from Kanye and Jay-Z's "Otis" video clip.

Comical Furniture

Comics are a unique form of art and literature that have the ability to communicate with people from all over the world even if they don’t speak the same language. Silvia Zachello is universally connecting people with her storyboard furniture which is available either online or at all good furniture stores in Venice and Milan.

Vintage Camera Night Light

Growing up, my father always had a camera in his hand. It was part of his profession as a graphic designer and a part of my life because it was also his hobby; I’d be the one who’d usually have to hold the side light for him on shoots. In a digital age, using film based cameras might sound a little out there, but it used to be that the only way you could see your picture was to develop it, or have them developed.

 

Jayfish on Flickr has managed to find a way to add functionality to vintage cameras by taking examples from the 50’s & 60’s and converting them into night-lights.  

If you like what you see and would like to own one, head over to Etsy online store. Alternatively if you have any collecting dust on your shelf and would like to have a go at making one yourself, he’s been kind enough to provide a DIY guide.

Words Create Worlds

I made this piece of pop art to demonstrate that audio alone has the ability to create powerful and vivid images in the mind of the listener. You can close your eyes, but you can’t close your ears. 

Listening is a difficult experience not to do, and for this reason I felt that the combination of an iconic gun with a rotary dial phone was appropriate. If you’ve ever heard a gun being fired then you will know the distinctive sound that echoes in your head. The turning dial represents the chamber in a revolver and the phone symbolises the power of the spoken word.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Reinventing Wheels!

As 2011 comes to an end, I’m already gearing up for a big year in 2012. I’d like to thank everyone who has shown their support for my blog, I will continue to provide you with more of my projects, write ups and miscellaneous content from around the globe.

I hope you all have a great Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

BMW commissioned illustrator Gavin Patterson to utilise his skills for creating a Christmas card while in the passenger seat of a new BMW M5.

Ice Cube Celebrates The Eames

Ice Cube the rapper and actor recently filmed a video for Pacific Standard Time which is a collaboration of more than sixty institutions that have come together to tell the story of the L.A art scene. In the video he helps to celebrate the lives of Charles and Ray Eames who throughout their life made many valuable contributions to the design world.

The hip hop artist also makes mention to the fact that “it’s not about the pieces; it’s how the pieces work together”. The Eames’s are a prime example of what a great team should be and I’m a firm believer that having good people around you is the key ingredient to success and happiness.

Ice Cube and I have something in common, we both share the Eames philosophy of repurposing. In an interview with the New York Times, he said: “So being that they put together a house in two days and used discarded materials — something about their style caught on. As I got older, I could equate it to sampling. That’s what we were doing, taking discarded records from the ’60s and ’70s and revamping them”. 

Perhaps Ice Cube's music wasn’t really motivated by guns, money and running from the Police. Maybe it all goes back to his days at the Institute of Technology in Phoenix where he studied architectural drafting. 

Ice Cube replicates an old advertisement, complete with a pipe and a 1953 DAT Chair.

 

 

Life after luggage

Carry on, carry off and then carry home, this is a typical day in the life of a suitcase.

What happens when its services are no longer required? Is there life after retrenchment?

Going against conventional wisdom, I decided to repurpose the old timer and give it a new lease of life. The simple addition of legs, salvaged from an old cabinet, and a couple of coats of 'Dulux Whisper White' paint has managed to totally transform this 1950’s hauler.

Judging by the overall condition, the case was lovingly cared for by its previous owner. Despite showing signs of wear, it still radiates charm and will continue to be a cherished item for many years to come.

Toyota's Dream Car Art Contest 2012

If you want to know the truth, just ask a child. Anyone who has ever been around them knows how brutally honest they can be, even at the expense of embarrassing their parents. When you listen to their stories, it's easy to sort fact from fiction, despite the latter is usually more entertaining. A kid’s vivid imagination can prove to be a valuable source of inspiration when creating cars. Inside every grown man and woman is their inner child, which leads me to believe the most successful designs stem from childhood fantasies that are then weaved into real life creations. 

Toyota is hosting an international art contest where anyone under the age of 15 can submit their design for a new car. Five winners from three different age groups in Australia will win a $200 Dick Smith Gift Card. The top fifteen Aussie winners will then be entered into the "World Contest" with the chance to win a trip to Japan in August 2012 for the awards ceremony.

More information is available at www.toyota.com.au/dream-car

'The Hangover' 1965 Mercedes 220SE for sale.

When I think of movie memorabilia, the convertible Mercedes Benz from ‘The Hangover’ isn’t the first one that comes to mind.  Most will remember the 1965 220SE from two scenes, the first is when they are driving along and hear a thumping noise, only to discover a naked man in the trunk who attacks them and flees. The second is when Mike Tyson’s tiger wakes up from a drug induced sleep with an appetite for German leather. The opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a part of the ‘Wolf Pack’ is on offer through Daniel Schmitt & Co (minus the roofies, tiger and adventures).  

This car is one of five cars they used for the movie including three original convertibles and two coupes that were modified to resemble convertibles. The idea was to destroy the chopped coupes since they’d never be roadworthy again and to retain the convertibles for normal scenes. Due to some confusion on the set, a real convertible was unintentionally destroyed alongside a modified coupe. This is one of the two remaining convertibles which was originally listed for $95,000(USD), but is now reduced to $79,000 (USD).

Iconic scenes from the movie involving the Mercedes 220SE for sale.

Mercedes 220SE Cabriolet for sale through Daniel Schmitt & Co classic cars.

The Pirelli calendar for 2012

Pirelli has a lot more to offer than just tyres, they also provide their loyal customers with some motivation to get them through the day - think of it as a break from being nuts about bolts. Pinups have been used in automotive workshops for over forty years, both as a way to remember key dates and as an excuse to admire half naked women. The first Pirelli calendar was created in the early 1960's and throughout the years they have produced some artistic releases, despite the fact tyres have never appeared in any of the issues.

Mario Sorrenti shot the 2012 Calendar; carrying on the tradition of Pirelli’s personal organiser which has gained cult status thanks to the beautiful, nude women who adorn its pages. The featured models on the calendar include Kate Moss, Lara Stone, Isabeli Fontana, Guinevere Van Seenus, Malgosia, Edita Vilkeviciute, Natasha Poly, Rinko Kikuchi, Milla Jovovich, Margareth Madè, Joan Smalls and Saskia de Brauw; but unlike previous year's, Sorrenti's version differs as he strays away from the usual straightforward themes. Instead, he has chosen a more subtle approach which is complimented by simple shots that evoke natural beauty. The images are so elegant that I was almost convinced I'd just perused through a French Vogue calendar. There is plenty of nudity so I’d advise not clicking onto it at work. Otherwise enjoy!

Photographer Mario Sorrenti posing with models featured in the 2012 Pirelli calendar.

The making of the Pirelli 2012 calendar.

Reinventing a Vespa PART II

Rather than discarding the other half of my scooter, I converted the leg shield into a comfortable lounge chair. If you are curious about what happened to the back, look in the blog archive for my post titled “Reinventing a Vespa”.

AFTER: Lounge chair.

AFTER: Lounge chair.

AFTER: Lounge chair.

Reinventing a Vespa

When people hear the Italian word Vespa, it’s instantly associated with the brand.
The word actually means ‘wasp’ and was used by Enrico Piaggio for his scooters when they first appeared in 1942, mainly because of their appearance and the buzzing noise that was produced by the humble two stroke engines. Tougher emission laws and the push to “go green” have made it increasingly difficult for owners to maintain their retro rides on the roads of today. Instead of sending rusty Vespa’s to the trash pile, I have found a more creative solution: turn the Italian icons into functional pieces of designer furniture!
 

The donor for my project was a 1968 Vespa sprint that was beyond restoration, making it the perfect candidate. I feel that this was a more honourable fate than the scrap metal yard.

BEFORE: Ready to go to the Vespa cemetery, until I rescued it.

I have tried to retain the traditional characteristics by converting the back half into a functional work station, complete with adjustable lap top stand. My aim was to deliver the feeling of riding a Vespa without the helmet hair. Anyone want to take it for a spin?

AFTER: Study desk / Laptop stand.

AFTER: Study desk / Laptop stand.

AFTER: Study desk / Laptop stand.

Toyota 86 is confirmed for production!

It’s said that racing improves the breed? That's a wise saying Toyota takes very seriously. The much anticipated new chapter in the brand's sport car collection was unveiled to the press this week at renowned track - Fuji Speedway. The new model will be called “86” in Australia as a tribute to the Corolla AE86, which inspired its creation. The Japanese domestic market version will be appropriately named “Hachi Roku”.

Toyota and Subaru have teamed up to create both the 86 and Subaru’s variant which will be called the BRZ. Under the bonnet, you'll find a naturally aspirated, horizontally opposed 2.0 litre four cylinder boxer engine upgraded with D4S direct injection technology. The increase in torque and performance should hopefully translate to a little more punch from the motor. Customers will have the choice of either a short shift six speed manual transmission or a tip-tronic six speed automatic transmission which will transfer its power through a limited slip differential that will then drive the rear wheels. Both the drive train and seating position have been set as low and as far back as possible to optimise balance within the car. 

Motorsport is hardwired in the manufacturers DNA with victories that include four World Rally Championship drivers’ titles, the Indianapolis 500, Daytona 24 Hours and the 12 Hours of Sebring. These are all pages and stages that sum up Toyota’s sporting heritage, but what makes the new 86 truly special is it's close connection to the 1965 Sport 800 which was also powered by a horizontally opposed boxer engine.

The design works within the technological constraints of achieving the most compact dimensions possible including a low centre of gravity. The modern aggressive styling helps to retain the presence asserted by modern day sports cars but is still humble enough to recall it's origins. Although I wasn’t fortunate enough to be one of the few that were able to drive the car, based on what I’ve read and seen from driving clips, the 86 will offer affordable power, good handling and everyday usability.