Art Hound

Naama Hofman is exhibiting her newest light objects in her show, Meet my Project, in Paris. The term “light object” is deserved, in my opinion, as they are far too beautiful to be simply thought of as lights.

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Gold ‘mistake’ keys by Erica Dorn via I’m Revolting. Some mistakes are golden, aren’t they? I love the precious/disposable mix.

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Galleries were closed so I hit up more design spots around town.

The Reformation = cool, wearable clothes made from recycled textiles. It was closed when we walked by on Saturday so I returned to do some shopping. Turns out they have a store in New York too!

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Food trucks on Abbott Kinney Road in Venice.

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A “Cali” dog (beef hot dog, basil mayo, avocado, crunchy onions, tomatos and arugula). Tasted as good as it sounds.

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A + R is a super-cool design shop with a mix of modern design staples like this and more unusual items like this and this.

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ModKat x 2.

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Tortoise General Store is my new favorite design store. Yes, I know, I’m totally obsessed with Japanese design! For those other Japanophiles out there I’m telling you this place is a little slice of heaven, AND it just so happens they’re considering opening a shop in Brooklyn… if only! We bought a few, darling items and somehow they all fit in a teeny, tiny paper bag.

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Ha. No, we’re not moving to LA. We love Brooklyn way too much. This post is about uncovering some of the crazy-cool art and design in Los Angeles. There’s a reason New York and LA are known as Meccas of art and design – it’s not all hype!

My husband and I both have family in Los Angeles so we make our way out to the left coast from time to time, and when we do we try to explore as much as possible.

This weekend we’re here visiting and doing the design thing. Being here has made me realize how much fun it would be to share my discoveries with others and so I’ve decided to put together an informal guide to art and design in the LA area. In the meantime here are some tidbits from our trip.

Day 1 of 2.

Our very cute hotel’s amusing attempt at weather-proofing.

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Right outside our hotel – must be a sign.

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DF Feet. Too bad they are men’s only.

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The Heath Store has become a must when we’re in town. They always have different stuff in the store and it’s always fun to check out their discounted seconds. I didn’t get a photo, but right now they have table linens in the most amazing colors by the legendary Belgian company Libeco.

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We think these are giant cookie jars.

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P B & C = Peanut butter Banana & Chocolate plus seven different ways of brewing coffee at LAMILL in Silver Lake.

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Adorable planters by Jen Kuroki at Yolk.

Note: I made a big mistake and planned to gallery hop today when it turns out that most are closed on Sundays. I’m trying not to kick myself too much and just view this as more of a “design” trip.

Stay tuned for tidbits from Day 2.

A week ago today I kicked off Design Crushes to share my love of design objects, fashion, etc. This week I’m back with more eye-candy for the animal-lovers among us!

Hand-carved wooden pig on High Street Market. $24.

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Mail Donkey Print Purse by Caitlin Hinshelwood. $20.

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Owl salt & pepper shakers from Task. $30.

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Cat pillow by Shelly Klein at Branch. $108.

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Large gold butterfly necklace by Stuart Cathey Jewelry. $500.

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Drinking birds coin purse by Rose de Borman. $19.

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Elephant bottle opener from Task. $25

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Wolf necklace by a common thread. $22.

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Hummingbird rustic bowl by Gleena Shop. $30.

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Cute fox print by Couve. $20.

I have a confession for you all: I love design wares and accessories almost as much as I love art, and for a while now I’ve been looking for a platform to share my “design crushes.” After briefly experimenting with tumblr, I’m starting a (more or less) weekly column to share the design goods that I uncover on my daily online excursions. There will be bits of jewelry, fashion, accessories, home goods, paper goods, furnishings and more.

Teak measuring spoon set on Task New York. $21.

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Dinky Porcelain Hanging Drop Vase by Wendy Jung. $21 each.

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Tote by feel design. $195.

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Scalloped Edge Mirror on Terrain. $398.

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USB key by byAMT $50.