I don't know what happened. I didn't do that much cooking this month... but i did do quite a bit of baking. And had a higher than normal success rate! Yay—I'm learning to read!

But Did It Work?

It's very rare that I walk away from a movie uncertain about how I feel.

I recently rented POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold, a documentary about branding, advertising and product placement that is financed by brands, advertising and product placement.

Product placement is a form of advertising where branded goods appear in tv, movies, etc. The most infamous product placement in is probably the Reese's Pieces in ET in 1982. The candy was used prominently in the film to lure the alien out of it's hiding place (M&M supposedly turned down the opportunity to be this candy). Sales for Reese's Pieces went through the roof.

It's a Morgan Spurlock production (Super Size Me, 30 Days), which is part of it's appeal, and probably the only reason this concept had any chance of working.

Basically what happens is, Morgan wants to make a documentary about branding and product placement, and to do this he decides to have the entire movie funded by brands, promising them product placement in the film. So the entire documentary is him trying to lock down sponsors, and him plugging their products, while still retaining creative control of his film.
POM Wonderful ends up being the title sponsor. Merrell, a Wolverine World Wide brand is also a sponsor (which is the other part of the film's appeal- for me). Mane 'n Tail is NOT a sponsor interestingly enough, as they seem to get the most air time in the movie.

Now I'm in advertising, I get how this works, but I think I'm struggling here for a couple reasons.

First. Yes product placement happens. Yes producers go to corporations and give a schtict promising to prominently feature their products. But one would think they would choose products that naturally fit into a scene. (Dentists aren't going to have patients gargle with Quacker State motor oil for example.) And I for one would rather see a can of Coke versus a government issue style can of cola—it makes a scene in suburbia much more believable. (And in the case of the Reese's Pieces, it's cute!)

Second. There wasn't an end to the movie. I wanted to see if the movie was a success. Did the brands that sponsored this bizarre documentary see any positive results? But obviously they can't show the effects of a film, in the film they're currently making. It's logistically impossible (though I'm sure I could look it up now...). So the premiere of the movie (and reactions) is not in the movie because, well, they had to finish the movie before they could premiere it. (God my head hurts).

I'm sure Morgan realizes all this. He's simply poking fun at the whole process and challenging us to question everything we see. But I can't get past the question, did it work???

YES. I have to say it did. BECAUSE, after watching this movie, I said to myself, 'you know, I've never had POM. I think I should try it. And I went out and bought a little bottle of POM for $5—spending much more than I normally do on juice—and I tried it. I fell for it.

So any of you readers see it? Do you think it worked?

** Here is a review I found online that I think said it really well: “The premise of The Greatest Movie Ever Sold is more intriguing than the execution.”

Warrington Colescott: Absurdly Delightful

It's great having friends who join things!
Tonight I was lucky enough to attend the member preview for “Warrington Colescott: Cabaret, Comedy & Satire” at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

Now I had never heard of Warrington Colescott until a few weeks ago when I was touring ArtPrize and came across a poster at the GRAM advertising this upcoming exhibit. (in fact, I tried to vote for this banner). Being me, I always have a notebook, and fishing it out of the black hole that is my purse I made a note. Later this is what some of what Google told me:

Warrington Colescott (b. 1921 is Oakland, California) is an American artist best known for his satirical etchings. Warrington studied painting and drawing at University of California, Berkley and while he initially experiment primarily with screenprinting, by the '60s he was focused primarily on etchings with complex color. He has a cunning wit (even now, listening to him talk at 90 years old at the GRAM tonight!) and when you combine that his sharp imagination and enthralling artistic style, the result is fascinating.

I'm a fan of screen printing, etching and block printing in general. I like the process, I like the effect, I like the tactile-ness of it. I've dabbled with these “a bit”, but what Warrington has done is like nothing I've ever seen—it's on a whole different level.

His style, though varied, is very effective– the strokes are so unique and emotional, I never would have guessed they're etched. There's also an extraordinary element of collage, his use of color is brilliant and adventourous, and… he's funny!

There's a lot of history, politics and social commentary in these image. A lot of imitation of other artist in a surprisingly accurate manner, while still being entirely unique, and true to his medium. It's a lot of a fun and if you have a chance I highly recommend checking it out.

The exhibit runs from October 28th to January 15th.
Additionally there is a display of “Inside Jokes: the Tradition of Satire in Art” running in conjunction with Warrington's work. And if you're into printmaking there is a new exhibitions “Prophets, Priests and Kings: Woodcuts by Chris Stoffel Overvoorde” from November 18th to Jan 28th.

Thanks Anne for letting me be your + Guest this evening. Hopefully I can return the favor someday!

Burger of the Week #28

What do burgers wear on Halloween? They can disguise with the best of us!

A friend sent me this link of "Weird and Unique Hamburgers". Most of them are disturbing, but I'm quite fond of this Mario Mushroom Burger which makes me long for the simple afternoons spent playing Nintendo in the neighbors basement.

Before and After: The Wall

I know many of you were horrified when I said I took down "the wall". Well rest assured, I never took it down, it was just time for an update. Phase 2 shall we say?

I was very happy initially to have the wall complete, but the squareness of it always bothered me. Granted, I planned it out that way. The OCD alignment nerd in me did the math and figured out how to make the wall parallel. But I grew to need something freer. Something with more open space and fewer harsh lines. Something that could evolve and change easily. (Perhaps this is the Gaudí and Wright angels on my shoulders dueling it out).

So one day I just started taking pieces off. And putting them back in different orders. Removing all the black frames lightened up the wall and I added shelves to make it more dimensional and functional.

Before (Phase I)

After (Phase II)

I'm happier now for the time being. But I'm sure "the wall" is certainly still a work in progress.I'd like to add a small, white, ornate mirror and a cuckoo clock but I'm still on the hunt for perfect specimens.

SpeakLoudly, There's a New Shop Open

I'm happy to say that under the combined efforts of fivefeettall and ScrappyLynn, CafePress has a new shop:

SpeakLoudly: Products and apparel to show how you feel.

CafePress is an online retailer of stock and custom on-demand products. it has a vast selection of apparel, posters, mugs, gifts, etc., etc., etc.

This platform allows the team of fivefeettall and ScrappyLynn the opportunity to offer designs on a variety of products on an as-needed basis. Check back to see new releases relating to current events.

Have your own message you want to SpeakLoudly? Let us know and we'll see if we can get a shirt designed for you!

Shopping for Good Design

I admit it: I like pretty things. Not sparkly pretty like diamonds, but things that look nice and uncluttered. Things that are well designed and are functional items we can use in our everyday life. Things that are practical and beautiful.

There's no catalog that exemplifies what I mean than the MoMA catalog. The MoMA store continuously offers innovative products that are fun to look at and simply make sense. This description is taken from the MoMA website.

"New York’s Museum of Modern Art is known for its extraordinary exhibitions and for presenting the world’s finest collection of modern and contemporary art. ....the MoMA Design Store exemplifies good design with a well-edited selection of products highlighting the latest in materials, production, and design concepts from around the world."

Here's a few personal favorites taken from the MoMA site:

Half Pint Creamer: It's kitsch with a purpose. There's no surprise here that I like it. Nothing says cafeteria like milk in cardboard boxes.

Collapsable Salad Spinner: Salad spinners are totally necessary. What frustrates me with these necessary kitchen items is how much cupboard space they require. Cupboards should be built like Mary Poppins' carpet bag. Million dollar idea right there. Someone make it happen. (Also I really want the dress Jane is wearing in the above clip. Make that happen too.)

Ray Tray: The mesh of this fruit rack prevents produce from spoiling. Love that the tiers keep veggies from squishing each other or disappearing under the depths to mold in secret. Also, the technique of building up and not out allows more storage with less counter space. Appreciated.

Conceal Bookshelf: I love books. And I love the idea of stacking books from floor to ceiling. But this is an illogical desire, because how would I access the books at the bottom? Problem solved.

Hint Hint

I know it's only mid-October, but if you're at a loss as to what to get me for Christmas, may I make a suggestion?

I am absolutely freaking out over these Pantone Christmas Balls!

It doesn't matter that I don't put up a Christmas tree—these would so get hung. And then in the summer I'd use them when I go fishing!

Burger of the Week #27

I can't decide if this t-shirt makes me miss burgers or trampolines. Either way, it makes me both nostalgic and happy.

Not So Simple Paper Designs

I'm a long-time fan of Matthew Sporzynski's paper constructions which have been seen in Real Simple Magazine since 2005. (Sporzynski also happens to be responsible for the Sherman Williams ads I was admiring over a year ago).

So when I saw the 3D Paper Art of Noelia Lozano I was quite impressed. Noelia started out studying journalism and telecommunications, but later realized she was interested in design and changed her area of study. I applaud her for following her passion.

They Brought Their Own Pumpkins

The signs are all around us: football clogs the television stations, leaves crackle underfoot, and the house distinctly like cinnamon (or is it nutmeg?). Autumn is here.

Summer made a valiant effort, giving us it's last stand with 80 degree weather just a week ago. But Autumn has taken over. And while I know this means snow is mere days away, I decided to celebrate this transitional season with a Pumpkin Carving Party.

I hadn't carved a pumpkin in well over a decade, and I wanted my friends around as witnesses, in case I detached a digit or some such thing. That, and I needed them to help me eat my double bundt.

It was a distinctly Fallish afternoon. Take a look:

Every party starts with an invitation and a little inspiration.

And snacks. There must be snacks.

It's our diverse pumpkin collective. A masterpiece in itself.

Snacks to go! I had never made granola before, but thanks to Martha I now know how.

Party's not over yet— I still have seeds to toast! And luckily we didn't need it, but I had the first aid kit all ready to go!

I think harvest time is best at twilight! After being inside all day with the fresh squash, burning candles, mulling wine and crackling (electric) fire, the house was toasty warm and smelled cozy and delicious.

Burger of the Week #26

Last Thursday, as the design team discussed the loss of Steve Jobs, we meandered back to the stories of our first computers.

Mine was a Commodore 64, and a collection of stellar, classic arcade games. It was 1987 when my brother got that computer for Christmas—I was 4 years old. I don't remember life without a computer, but I do recognize how they've changed and how they've changed my life.

While the platforms may have advanced for the greater good, I'm not sure I can say the same for the games. That's right, it's Burger Time. You can reminisce online here.

To all my Friends with Clean Closets

As Jenny and I are in the midst of preparing for Fall and Holiday Art Markets, we thank all of you who cleaned their closets and donated their old clothing—to be turned into our new inventory!

New products are in production—all made for repurposed clothing! So while we will continue to offer our classic sweater mittens and slippers, you can expect to see new items as well. So far, my personal favorite is this beautiful bonnet made from a men's button down shirt!

Look for new products real soon. And to all our donaters, you can expect a special thank you real soon too!

If you have old clothing you're looking to get rid of, we are continuing to collect, most specifically: denim, t-shirts, sweaters, and men's flannel and dress shirts. Contact me for drop-off information!

I will post market information as dates come closer!

Burger of the Week #25

Put a drink on it.

Six coaster set from the MOMA store. Minimal yet still so very obviously delicious.

ArtPrize and my Battle Against Cynicism

Well, I've given the Top 10 announcement some time to sink in—and this is not meant as a criticism, rather a frustrated observation—I believe that ArtPrize has lost it's heart and soul. While I maintain that the event has been manipulated and merchandised, and that public opinion threatens to make GR look silly and tasteless, I still spent the afternoon on the streets of our city in search of art. And I found lots.

The art is out there, and so are the people. I think it just takes time for people to get past the centrally located, larger than life bits, and for word of mouth to spread about the gems hidden in church basements and up freaky freight elevators. Round One isn't long for rumor and buzz to take root, so it's all about location, location, location.

Today I heard a lot of "If this was in the GRAM, it'd be in the top ten instead of _______ ". And these comments were probably correct. The way the event works now, (certain) Venues essentially choose the winners before the public get a vote, simply by selecting them to be in their facility.

Needlesstosay, I'm insanely disappointed with this years Top Ten. Slightly embarrassed even, and concerned what it'll do to the city's and event's reputations. But rather than state all the reasons I hate the Top Ten, I've decided to list ten pieces I really did like— maybe they aren't worth a quarter of a million dollars, but they make the event worthwhile.

1. Grand Rapids, Pen and Ink, Taylor Mazor, The Spot

2. Mother Earth, Je'siq and Horst, Kendell CAD

3. Birth of Dream, Robin Protz, Monroe Community Church

4. Elephants Never Forget, Anne Hale Murra, Cathedral Square

5. Screwed Rapids, Screwed Arts Collective, UICA

6. Blackfoot Chief, Richard Mitchell, Huntington

7. Drawn to a Drawing, Richard Pociask, Open Concept Gallery

8. Dream Home, Ghost of a Dream, UICA

9. Have Sticks Will Travel, Jonathon Brillian, Kendall CAD

10. Departing From the Rules of Harmony, Scott Carter, Cathedral Square

I believe that the ArtPrize Foundation is aware of the flaws and challenges taking over the event, and that they are working to remedy them. I hope the event continues in the future in some fashion, and I look forward to seeing what changes they make.

Unfortunately though, I think Jesus is going to win this one.

Jam on with Ryan Gosling

I'd like to personally thank Ryan Gosling (seriously, does anyone know how I could get in touch with him?). For many winters now, I've been in search of adult-sized footed-pajamas.

Well praise be to Ryan Gosling! Thanks to his appearance on the Ellen Degeneres Show, I can pad around my house in fleece-footed happiness!

Check out the many, many styles on Jumpin' Jammerz. I went with the hooded footed pajamas with pockets and thumb holes! My one complaint is there is no foot grippies—it's been quite treacherous on my wood floors.

And, if you have a couple hours to spare, check out the Ultimate Ryan Gosling Animated Gif Wall. It's a good time (but seriously don't click on it unless you're looking for a major diversion from whatever you're supposed to be doing right now).

Time to get my sweat on. Check ya later.