Paper creations by Jenny Pinto
February 10, 2010 by Rita
I’m always excited by useful objects made with beautiful paper. I was enchanted by the completely sustainable paper lamp designed by the talented Mr. Gardener. Now, I’m a regular visitor to this incredible resource for paper and product lovers.
Jenny Pinto is a hugely talented designer operating from her studio in Bangalore, India. She makes paper by hand the old-fashioned way using agricultural and waste fibers from the banana tree, sisal, river grasses, and more. The papers have a rich textural quality. Wow. Oh, please let me touch…. Check out her inspired paper designs.
All art from jennypinto.com.
Unbleached banana fiber paper sandwiched with paper strips
Dyed shibori paper
The papers get turned into yummy stationery…
Filebox made from assorted fiber papers
Journal, banana fiber
… And gorgeous, gorgeous, lighting for home and studio.
"Oyster Mushroom," banana fibers
"Spider," banana fibers; handcut
"Dried Flower," banana fibers
Have mercy.
Then it gets better.
Jenny has a heart of gold. To source material, she contacted NGOs working with women in rural parts. She then taught key members of each group her paper-making techniques, and empowered them to be self-sustaining entrepreneurs who make and market paper products. Read about Jenny’s vision here.
If you’re ever in Bangalore, be sure to contact Jenny and visit her studio for more art and exquisiteness.
"Time Maps"
"Water Stories," hand stitched and sculpted book
Tom Biederbeck
January 26, 2010 by Rita
Art from feltandwire.com
I was delighted to hear that Tom Biederbeck is editing Mohawk’s admirable Felt & Wire site, and the newsfeed for the Academy of Art Univ (my alma mater). Tom, originally of STEP and the effervescent Dynamic Graphics Magazine, is one of the finest editors I’ve had the privilege to work with. I had written for many publications and books before I started my columns with his magazines, but it was different with Tom. I’d hand him my technically-sound writing (at least it was that) and it would emerge colorful and interesting. I’d gape at the edited draft. “I wrote this?”
And, I’ve also missed our long conversations about art and life…
Felt and Wire is eye candy for designers interested in paper art and products. Really gets my creative juices going. I visit their shop often to drool over the “curated paper goods.”
We can now look forward to Tom’s curated musings too.
GGG at MediaBistro’s Ebook Summit
January 12, 2010 by Rita
Last month’s Ebook Summit in NYC was informative and gave us many opportunities to show n tell. The audience was mainly publishing types (editors, authors, agents, publishers and distributors). Read reviews of the speakers and events here.
Graphics Gone Green had a table at the event, and we generated a lot of interest and buzz at our table. Here are some pictures.
The following week, mediabistro’s blogs, GalleyCat and eBookNewser sent me these questions to answer:
They asked for some some practical tips for how publishers can set up an environment-friendly policy; and what the eBook revolution will mean for the environmental footprint of publishers.
My replies were posted on GalleyCat and eBookNewser. Good press.
December 10, 2009 by Rita
We’re excited to attend and exhibit at the first-ever eBook Summit in NY. Hosted by mediabistro, It runs December 15-16, and will give us exposure to new technologies for ebook platforms, and a chance to seek new distribution channels.
Visit us there!
Design it to last
October 1, 2009 by Rita
A packaging tip: Although this seems counterintuitive, consider a packaging design that lasts beyond its initial use. Packaging themselves can become keepsakes if they are attractive and durable enough to provide an alternative use.
Jewelry Designer Mimi Tudor likes to re-purpose interesting everyday containers to package her creations. Anything from used cupcake boxes, chocolate tins, and packaging for tea products enjoy a lovely second life in her studio.
