I’m a big fan of rAndom International and have featured them here several times. I do, however, everything I can to avoid queueing so waited until now to experience this at the Barbican. The general queues are still long but I made the most of the members’ event to get in straight away. There is a real feeling of […]
One-minute blog of interesting things
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As a working contemporary artist I visit many exhibitions and shows, but sometimes it is the things I see that are part of daily life that capture my interest. My one-minute blog of interesting things reflects the fact that although we are increasingly time-poor, there is creativity all around us. Email me at info@carolinebanks.co.uk with your name and email to receive a weekly post that only takes 1 minute to read.
Ramshead wrought iron railing
Here is something I spotted that made me smile while walking down the street the other day. A whiff of Aleister Crowley?
An ethical approach to controlling the pigeon population in Paris?
Following consultation with animal protection groups, this dovecot is part of a programme to control the local pigeon population. Food and water are provided, the pigeons nest there and their eggs are subsequently sterilised. Sick or injured birds are taken to a sanctuary for treatment. The structure reminds me of the small buildings sometimes built by architects and has a certain […]
ME by Melia – pre-opening preview
ME by Melia London is due to open officially on the 6th January so my visit to the Radio Roof Bar last week (and the accompanying snaps) are just a taster. I love seeing it jut out into the Strand like the prow of an ocean liner; Foster+Partners have improved on the original structure whilst keeping its inherent character. […]
Ceramics at Contemporary Materials
Stuart Carey curated this show which was understandably dominated by ceramics. Stuart’s work involves purity of line with subtle colouring. I love the way his handles feel and really wanted to test the pouring quality of his spouts. Nicola Tassie specialises in jugs with a 50’s sensibility which are very satisfying to hold. It’s no surprise that her work is […]
Jin Eui Kim’s ceramics
If you like contemplative objects then Korean ceramist Jin Eui Kim is worth investigating. His precise pieces work with optical illusion in cool neutrals which to me invite touching as well as looking. You can actually feel the meditative nature of making and painting in this work. He’s based in Cardiff but exhibits all over the place […]
Meissen Home: tradition redefined.
Here is another brand developing beyond its established historical base. I’ve always admired the quality of Meissen and was interested to see their new home collection launched at Maison & Objet this autumn. Note the 18th Century shapes for this tea set but in 21st Century metallic finishes. Using motifs from their archive of 60,000 designs and colours […]
Night sky ceilings at Travelodge
I was surprised and delighted to receive news of this project by Travelodge of all people. Carl Marshall of Marshall Nightsky ceilings was commissioned to paint a room in 12 Travelodges around the UK. The hotel chain conducted a survey to find what Britons preferred as their sleeping location and under a star-filled sky is apparently the favourite […]
Thomas Eyck and colour
I do like the selection of designers Thomas Eyck collaborates with and want to focus on 2 of them in this post, notably for their use of colour. Irma Boom has created a book derived from specific Unesco protected sites. Each page is a record of the colours seen at a particular location so the wallpaper produced from this research will […]
Jalo smoke alarms
A smoke alarm is normally one of those items that whilst necessary, is inevitably unsightly. Jalo, a Finnish manufacturer, has decided to change our perception of this humble yet essential safety item. I like the purity of Kupu designed by Harri Koskinen but can see the appeal of Lento designed by Paola Suhonen: swatting a fly when I’ve burnt the toast […]