Sandra Fettingis and Andi Todaro Shoot Laser Beams!

This past Saturday I found myself eyeing some wonderful geometry from local artists Sandra Fettingis and Andi Todaro. Using similar processes both create works of Art with an aesthetic all their own. Each utilizes the power and precision afforded by a laser cutter but to different ends. The overall gestalt of Sandra's work is that of refinement and subtle contrasts of texture and layering. Her pieces have a pristine, ordered quality and a definite fragility. This is counterbalanced by the structure inherent to the triangular and diamond shapes hewn from acrylic (edit, wood). A natural/unnatural distinction comes across with hints at natural wood beneath. Patterning can be found...Read more
Tonight! Bordo Bello skateboard art auction

If you haven't heard of the Bordo Bello, then you're missing out on one of Denver's most exciting annual art events for a cause. Hosted by the design organization AIGA, this event invites dozens of Colorado's prominent illustrative artists and designers to transform a blank skate deck by drawing, painting, etching, carving, and often completely changing the board itself. (Last year one designer turned his skate deck into a functioning tape deck.) Tonight the boards will be auctioned off at Artwork Network and all of the proceeds will benefit AIGA's mentorship program, Youth Design Denver, and annual scholarship, Access Gallery, which offers exhibition opportunities and s...Read more
Andre Azevedo: Brazilian art. (no waxing required)

Brazilian designer Andre Azevedo creates images that look almost as if he takes snippets of popular culture fashion photography, sketches them, and combines them with vibrant underground design. Simple patterns and a splash of multimedia generate pieces that speak in a modern pop/expressionistic manner. He also loves a dash of the surreal—which is always a plus in my eyes. I love his homespun brand of artwork; he seems to be endlessly creating. Although his work is similar to a few others that I know of, my heart goes out to all who work in this manner. Rock it, Andre. Here is a link to his website, an almost endless scroll of design material: http://www.a...Read more
Handmade Graphic Design, Saturday February 21

On Saturday February 21 at Kuulture Yogurt, xrocksthespot™ hosts Handmade Graphic Design, a solo exhibit of letraset creations by Begson, (also known as graphic designer Craig Holden Feinberg) with guest artists from xrocksthespot™. As the title of the show implies, these letterpressed prints intend to recall a pre digital era, when design required a physical exertion well beyond quick keystrokes and toggled clicks. As a sonic contrast to this visual showcase of nostalgic technique, Analog Space, DJ's Peter Black and A-What will hold down the digitally influenced 1's and 2's. ...Read more
Stumbling on Design After Dark

On Friday January 31, in an attempt to work out some remaining details for Illiterate's big events on February 12, I decided to poke my head in to speak with our hosts over at RedLine. When I walked through the large double glass doors of the warehouse turned arts incubator, I found that the zig-zag walls from the previous labyrinthine exhibit had been removed to give way to a clean checkerboard of black pedestals each anointed with a miniature glass-encased installation. Laura Merange the director of RedLine explained that it was all in preparation for this year's Design After Dark, and directed me to speak with the woman wearing black and glasses. ...Read more
McQueen at Target

(McQueens Muse for the Line, Leila Moss of The Duke Spirit ; Photo Courtesy KOKO)Alexander McQueen: the designer who brought us the unconventional fashion show. Ever since he invented the human chess piece fashion spectacle from his Spring 2005 Collection, I've fallen in love with his British designs and progressive take on the art of fashion. Once ahead of the curve, always ahead of the curve some might say. McQueen will soon launch an extension of his more affordable McQ line at the nearest Target (pronounced with a silent T of course) near you. Fashionistas everywhere are simply frenetic. This could change how most of Middle America dresses! Could you imagine? Beginning...Read more