Luddites, were essentially a group of anti-modernist misfits from the early 19th century. Â When the industrial revolution came rolling into the textiles mills and factories of England, the workers fought back. Â With the threat of automated equipment replacing skilled workers, the luddites banned together, destroying machinery, burning buildings, threatening inventors, and even clashing with the British Army. Â Now, the term luddite refers to those nostalgic of the past, resistance to change, and embracing the skillfully made.
Luddite in Brooklyn is all of those things.  The collection from Luke Scarola and Rececca Squires has influenced and appeared with the likes of the Ace Hotel and Freemans.  The items are well displayed, giving these pieces of history the respect they deserve.  Full of vintage furniture, flags, stools, lighting, maps, cases, skuls, bones and of course taxidermy  this is a must visit while in NY’s south shore.
Just arrived in NYC, and must say I’m very excited about this  trip.  Over the next few days, I’ll be doing a few posts about the city.  First off, Steve Boltz at Smith Street Tattoo Parlour, Brooklyn NY.  After Smith Street opened up almost 2 years ago, it has gained attention as ground zero for traditional tattoos.  No surprise there after seeing who works alongside steve at Smith Street.  Eli Quinters, Bert Krak and just recently Daniel Santoro.  While all masters of traditional tattoo craft, each has a style his own.  In the tradition of history, the shop takes walk-ins, features only hand-painted flash on the walls, and has a real “tattoos while you wait” feel.
After already being tattoo by Bert in 2008, I guess that means I will be visiting Smith Street again in the future….
Just installed these shelves today. Â The client wanted a exposed beam/whitewashed look for her showroom and I was happy to comply. Â I always enjoy doing bold and simple work. Â These have great texture.
I am looking forward to an upcoming trip. Â Tomorrow I am headed off to New York. Â A great friend of mine has been living there for a few months, and it is time to visit. Â I have a couple of tattoo appointments booked, and am looking forward to checking out some small furniture stores.
I have been hard at work these last hot summer weeks. Â I am building a custom modular industrial shelving unit. Â It is getting closer and closer completion each day. Â There are still many days left of manual labour before it is ready to be installed. Â This unit is going to be very functional. Â Each shelf, and half shelf is going to be height adjustable. Â If they want to have a 12″ high shelf, but then find themselves buying a 14″ book, not a problem, just raise/lower one of the boards. Â It will also feature a sliding barn door with expanded steel.
I am hoping to finish to get the bulk of it done before I head to New York next week. Â A great friend of mine lives there and I will also be getting some new tattoos, very exciting.
I really dont know a thing about Wes Lang. Â But it doesnt matter, Â I still love his work. Â His work is clearly focused on the darker side of things. Â With subjects ranging from women, whisky, skulls, death and indians, who wouldn’t love his work? His past shows include: Skulls and Shit (2006), The Promised Land (2005), Going All The Way For The USA (2009), and Smile, Its a Grey Day(2010). Watch his interview from Vice’s Arttalk, you’ll be a better person afterwards.
Union Wood Co was featured The Cross Design’s “Things We Love” blog today. Â They included a few photos from Grace’s recent tour of the studio. Â They have a great blog, and store, full of beautiful functional stuff for your home. Â They carry a couple Union Wood Co products(more coming…) and source a lot of stuff from New York and Paris. Â Thanks for thinking of Union Wood Co you guys…. Â check out their blog here
Just finished the new logo and decals for the van. Â I think it’s starting to take shape. Â I have been doing some minor work on the interior, including a wood dash. Â More to come in the following months…. Â Thanks to Christina at Paper Clip Collective and Kristyn at Tint Centre for you work.
I am off to Portland for the week. Â Looking forward to the historic seaside towns and antiques on the way. Â And of c0urse all the trees, bricks, pioneers and trains.
Here is a sneak peak at a new bench. Â These vintage, industrial inspired bench legs were first patented by Chandler in Boston circa 1898. Â Cast iron, and height adjustable.
The last photo is of some nice Herring bone flooring. Â Laying hardwood floors Herring bone style is a serious skill, and should be appreciated.
Here is a little sneak peek at the new decals.  I love this van.  What could be more vintage and industrial than a retired postal van?  This thing spent over 20 years working out of the main post office on Smithe Street.  I am going to be outfitting the van with some logos.  I will be focusing my attention on its mechanical state for now, and go with the inner-city look on the exterior.  You’ll see in the last photo, Otis watched over as I painted, sanded, measured  and  attempted sticker placement.  Hope you are all enjoying your summer.
