Vintage Jazz Album Covers

A fantastic find, thanks to @VinaMist on twitter. Birka Jazz, a jazz dealer based in Sweden, has an archive of stunning vintage album covers, organized by label. I particularly like the exceptional Columbia collection, many designed by David Stone Martin. I'm posting a couple of my favorites, though it's really hard to choose from so many iconic masterpieces. The Billie Holiday (which I've never seen before) has a Polynesian allure that appeals to me, and we happen to own the Oscar Peterson LP.

Birka Jazz link
 

Currently Reading: Penguin 75

Penguin 75
Designers, Authors, Commentary (the good, the bad...)
Edited and introduction by Paul Buckley
Foreward by Chris Ware

A fascinating look at the complex process of creating book covers. This was released in commemoration of Penguin's 75th anniversary.

Link

Hybrid

Awake

 

Somewhere around Jack London Square in Oakland.

No One, No One At All

I found this endearing handmade book at Little Otsu's San Francisco store and fell immediately in love. No One, No One At All is made by Daria Tessler featuring pen and ink drawings illustrating a haunting tale about a lonely boy searching the galaxy for companionship in his steampunk spaceship. At first glance the style feels a little Japanese, which was probably why I picked it up, but with further viewing it has more of a nostalgic, Art Nouveau storybook sensibility to it.

Little Otsu is an independent publisher that collaborates with artists to create one-of-a-kind books and stationery. They use soy inks and 100% recycled paper. According to their site, otsu is "an antiquated Japanese word meaning…strange; quaint; stylish; chic; spicy; witty; tasty; romantic (it depends on the context)." Fitting name for this publisher of unique and fanciful things.

Link:
Little Otsu

Peace Dove

I've been sketching doves lately. I like the idea of fauna merged with flora.

Ken Hamazaki's Grateful Red Exhibit at New People

Images projected on underside of umbrella casts a bluish glow.

A replica of the artist in bed. Projection of his tea ceremony in background.

Hamazaki's tonal red on red images were a bit difficult to capture.

Look closely and you'll see the artist's profile.

Instructions are to leave something red and take an original drawing in exchange.

This is the drawing I took home. I left a business card.

The second annual J-pop Summit Festival took place September 18 in San Francisco's Japantown. The J-pop Summit is a week-long film, art, design, music and fashion extravaganza that culminates in the main festival day with vendor booths on the streets. Read more and see more pix on my Tokyo Dreaming blog.

I was particularly captivated by Osaka based artist Ken Hamazaki's Grateful Red exhibit held at the New People gallery. You may have guessed by looking at my blog that red is a favored color, but in addition to the pop of red throughout the exhibit, I was struck by the simplicity, humor, and vibrant life force that emanate from Hamazaki's work. His pieces engage you beyond passive viewing, pulling you in to a personal vision with a playfulness that I found refreshing.

Links:
Ken Hamazaki
New People