Inkbase | Jason Landry

I listen to a number of podcasts every week and have recently added another to my must-hear list. The Moth is a non-profit, story-telling organization in New York and their podcast is a collection of some of their best stories from the past 11 years. I’ve only listened to six episodes so far, but it has quickly become one of my favourite podcasts. Highly recommended.

At the end of August, I’ll be heading down to Seattle to check out Flatstock 18 at Bumbershoot, the annual music and arts festival. Flatstock is an art show featuring rock posters by a number of artists including Doublenaught, The Bird Machine, Art Chantry and many others. I don’t expect to be coming home empty-handed.

Plans are afoot to bring Interesting, a conference of interestingness, to Vancouver this fall. Interesting was initiated in 2007 by Russel Davies and has slowly been spreading around the world. From one of Russel’s early posts:

“The plan is to have all sorts of speakers speak about all sorts of stuff. Not brands, advertising, blogging and twitter but interesting, unexpected, original things.”

The idea to bring it to Vancouver was initiated by Brett Macfarlane, and myself and others will be lending a hand to bring it to fruition. So, keep an eye on the website and, if you have something interesting to share, why not offer to be a speaker?

The Cheaper Show, a local art sale, is happening Saturday June 21st. One night, 300 pieces of art, $200 each; exactly the type of thing I am interested in. The list of artists includes Peter Taylor, Sean Orr, Kris Krug and Paul Nickless, a former colleague of mine. I won’t be there—I’ll be backpacking on Gambier Island—but if you have an empty wall in need of some art, check it out.

No, this post isn’t about the new James Bond book by Sebastian Faulks. It’s about the reissue of Ian Flemming’s originals to mark the 100th anniversary of his birthday and, in particular, it’s about their wonderful cover art. Illustrator Michael Gillette was hired to produce 14 paintings for each of the 14 covers. The results make for a stunning collection that I would love to have in my bookshelf. I’ve never actually read a Bond book—maybe now is the time to start.

View the collection...

Pork and Beans, Weezer’s first single off the upcoming Red album, is getting tons of airplay on the radio, and for good reason. The song is classic Weezer with a nice beat and catchy chorus, making it impossible not to sing along (no Timbaland needed). As a bonus, the artwork that accompanies the single is pure genius.

Pork and Beans [Fash/mp3]

Update: in a wonderful coincidence, the video for Pork and Beans went on YouTube today and is getting linked everywhere. So, nice beat, catchy chorus, brilliant artwork and a meme-filled video… I might have to buy the album just to thank them.

Tomorrow I’ll be on Granville Island to attend Vidfest (thanks to Kris Krug, hence the image). I have a ticket to an unspecified individual session, but I don’t really know what that means. Do I get to pick one session to attend? Once I’m in, will I be allowed to stay for the day? I don’t know, but I’ll arrive in the morning and will stay as long as I can. If you spot me, come say hello.

The D&AD Awards are possibly the most prestigious awards in the world of graphic design and advertising, and unlike other award shows, there is no guarantee of a winner. Agencies around the world vie for the coveted yellow and black pencils. This year, 58 yellow pencils and 6 black pencils were handed out, but in the category of Graphic Design, not one pencil was awarded and only two pieces were even nominated. Needless to say, this has caused a bit of a stir in the graphic design community.

More on the reaction...

This piece is getting linked all over the place, and for good reason. If you’re a fan of street art, you’ve probably already seen it. If not, definitely check it out. The work is by Blu, an Italian artist who spent much of last year traveling and painting throughout Latin America. Keep an eye out for Megunica, a documentary about the artist and his trip—peep the trailer.

If, unlike me, you find yourself in New York this weekend and you’re looking for something to do on Saturday night, swing by the Jonathan Levine Gallery in Chelsea for the opening of Tim Biskup’s The Artist in You.

“The Artist In You expands on Biskup’s well known graphic style and decorative aesthetic, yet also reflects a new direction—his recent analytical exploration of themes surrounding the complexities, contradictions, and separations within the fine art world.”