word of the wise

yesterday during a meeting, Darryl contrasted the work of over-artdirected designer with the work of unhappy cook at a breakfast joint.
"no love in the pancake."

create your own work

make your work is a very inspring collection of interviews by a Japanese author Mr Nishimoto. It's a study of creating one's lifepath through uniquely creative working style. I wish it was translated in English, so I can share it with many of my friends...

It's so easy to lose myself in daily act of designing and problemsolving, and lose the perspective in what I'm trying to create in this lifetime. When I was in School, I believed that designing is the act of problem solving: that one shouldn't put too much of self into the solution. Now I think otherwise- design does not exist only in the concept, but has to manifest itself in the world as an object. That is way more tactile and physical than a concept can ever be. And to create an object, the designer can't avoid processing it through his/her body, which as a result leave a mark of themselves in the solution.

This book reminded me to stay aware of what I create as I chop away in the forest of design problems... so when I look back there will not be a pile of disposable and clever design solutions, but something I will be proud to call my own work.

new site!

alkemidesign's new website has launched as of Tuesday!
yey!!

photography show in Paris

Last November, when I was in Paris, I met an awesome photographer Guillaume Grasset and his assistant at Les Halles. They asked if they can take a picture of me, and knowing how hard it is to ask someone to participate in a project, I said yes.
Now it'll be exhibited at the Typikkhalles until March 21. (if you jump to the link you'll see my little name at the bottom of the article) :)
Check it out if you're in town!