On Monday, 19 November, SpaceX will send its Falcon 9 rocket into space. But, this time the launch will be adorned with a Tavares Strachan sculpture of Robert Henry Lawrence Jr, the first African-American NASA-trained astronaut. Sadly, Lawrence Jr never made it to space (he died in a jet crash in 1967) but, thanks to this collaboration, a 24-karat gold bust of his likeness will …
Tavares Strachan and SpaceX Send Art to Space
Designer Room Cat House
$369
This minimal cat house—made from plywood and a black aluminum frame—is ideal for indoor or outdoor felines. Cozy but not claustrophobic, the house features a half-wall for entry/exit, as well as two windows—for views and ventilation. At 18 inches tall, it’s available in finished or unfinished wood.
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Land Ark’s Mid-Century Modern-Inspired RV
Referred to as the “Draper,” Land Ark’s latest RV pairs mid-century angles and materials with sophisticated spatial management. From an exterior panel that drops into an elevated outdoor patio to a sleeping loft flooded with natural light, indoor and outdoor frequently engage. There’s a walk-in shower, convertible couch and large kitchen, too—but it’s the white-washed pine and elegant proportions that truly impress. See more photos and …
Gravity Images Reveal Lost Continents Under Antarctica
For four years, the European Space Agency’s Gravity field and Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite accumulated data on Earth’s gravitational field. Now, scientists are using that information to best understand what lies beneath Antarctica’s ice sheets. Here, they’re learning that East and West Antarctica bear fundamental differences, including lithosphere thickness. Underneath the former, there are actually several similarities to the continent’s closest neighbors. Read more at VICE.
Tracing the Influence of Early Black Designers
In a new exhibition at the Chicago Cultural Center, titled African American Designers in Chicago: Art, Commerce and the Politics of Race, the influence of black designers is traced, from 1900 to 1980. Jackie Ormes’ highly sought-after Patty-Jo Doll, based on her cartoon character, is on display. As is work—for Coca Cola and more—from the country’s first African American-owned advertising agency, helmed by Emmett McBain and Thomas J Burrell. “It’s …
Chinese State Media’s AI News Anchor
Xinhua (China’s state media) in collaboration with Chinese search engine Sogou, has just unveiled its Chinese- and English-speaking AI news anchor. Its evening slot wasn’t just a test run, in fact, “the simulations can be used on its website and social media platforms” now, but there’s no word on whether any TV channels have picked it up. Created to deliver news in a 24-hour cycle, …
Holiday Gift Guides 2018: Kids + Pets
Articles of distraction, instruments of creation and many more options for little loved ones
Buy Guide
The latest additions to our shoppable directory
58mm Lens
$80
Compatible with any of Moment’s photo or battery cases, this 58mm lens is a high quality telephoto attachment that improves your phone’s camera capabilities. This means users can capture 2x or 4x on a dual-lens phone (with the help of their nifty app). Whether it be on an iPhone, Pixel or Galaxy, the lens’ focal length allows for compelling portraits and sharp images—even from a distance.
“Glass for Good” Hand Wash
$15
A limited edition collaboration between SFMOMA and method, the reusable crystalline Glass for Good Hand Wash features a copper-tone pump top. Accompanying the vessel, Method includes a plant-based, biodegradable violet noir fragrance soap, which they refer to as “a subtle medley of violet leaf, lavender, and cedarwood.” Most important, proceeds from sales will benefit SFMOMA’s educational initiatives.
The Japanese Garden
$70
Across 300+ pages, garden designer Sophie Walker explores the magic of the Japanese Garden—from 800 years of history to the various aesthetics and philosophies incorporated. Undeniably, the Japanese garden is an art form of its own, and a living one. This book features 100 examples—with accompanying essays and notes by artists, architects and more.
Hyacinth + Bamboo Candle
$55
With 60+ hours of burn time, this hyacinth and bamboo candle boasts fresh and clean floral notes. Made in Brooklyn, it’s crafted from natural soy wax, with a cotton wick and housed in a 100% recycled glass votive. Additionally, the Starling Project endeavors to help organizations like UNICEF offer solar power systems to communities in developing countries. They’ve raised over $250,000 so far.
Your Smith: The Spot (Young & Sick Remix)
Your Smith (aka LA-based singer/songwriter Caroline Smith) released her debut EP, Bad Habit, earlier this year and much of its thoughtful, playful ethos and sonic palette honestly remind one of Sheryl Crow’s debut Tuesday Night Music Club. Dutch artist Young & Sick took EP-standout and lead single “The Spot” and gave it a disco-driven, dance-worthy remix. It’s an uptempo cocktail party track that will have hips …
SG Lewis feat. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs: Dusk
London-based SG Lewis (aka Sam Lewis) has just released another enthralling track, this time teaming up with fellow British DJ/producer and vocalist Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs for “Again.” The song is from the second chapter of Lewis’ three-part concept album Dusk, Dark, Dawn and is a textured electronic track that’s a little heavier than the releases from Dusk. Still, it’s warm and rich—thanks in part to the tender …
MIT-Developed Atolla Personalized Skincare
Monthly tests and a proprietary algorithm result in fully customized products
Founded by Meghan Maupin and Sid Salvi, with Dr Ranella Hirsch, Atolla brings a scientific method to skincare—removing trial and error, and drastically reducing waste. By using machine learning and a proprietary algorithm, the team at Atolla creates serums that are crafted specifically for each user—tracking changes in skin’s moisture, oil and pH levels due to diet, weather, allergies and more. Currently funding on Kickstarter, the fledgling company is offering …
“Music Keeps Me On Track” Print
$500
Unique thanks to Stephen “ESPO” Powers’ hand-drawn embellishments (aka all those little notes and sketches covering the piece), this print will resonate with art and music enthusiasts alike. With pencil-drawn cassettes, microphones and ESPO’s familiar sweet and sometimes sarcastic lettering, this four-color screen-print measures 24 by 24 inches.
Tiger Beer’s Tiger Roar Collective + Global Talent Showcase in Seoul
One epic, immersive experience in South Korea, and the birth of a community to support the arts
Regina Spektor: Birdsong
Regina Spektor drapes serpentine vocals atop fingerpicked acoustic guitar to form “Birdsong.” This latest track from the singer and multi-instrumentalist appears in an episode of the new Matthew Weiner show The Romanoffs on Amazon Prime. It’s brief, clocking in under two minutes, but uses every moment for a considered beauty that’s undeniably Spektor.
Panda Bear: Dolphin
In typical Panda Bear (aka Noah Lennox) style, his new song “Dolphin” is delightfully oddball. Complete with droplet sounds, the gentle psych-pop tune is led by acoustic guitars and Lennox’s delicate vocals. Without any real hook, the track will appear on the upcoming album Buoys, which Lennox co-produced and co-mixed with Rusty Santos.
Inside the Mind of Jihan Zencirli, aka GERONIMO
We visit the LA-based artist in her studio to learn more about The Mirrored Forest installation, created for Summit LA
Glass Teapot Set
$4500
With the filter built into the lid and a body made heat-resistant glass, this teapot is foolproof. Included in this set are two green teas—Sencha Unro and Gokujo Genmaicha—which can be brewed for a single cup or a big batch. Appropriate for teabags or loose-leaf, this 750ml pot will elevate tea time.
Velvet Baseball Cap
$95
Made in the very same factory that manufactures caps for major league Japanese baseball teams, Poten’s caps are crafted from unexpected fabrics—like this lush velvet iteration. A soft, treated cowhide sweatband complements the 100% rayon velvet body, which comes in three sizes and elevates the entire concept of a baseball cap.
Pearl Skateboard
$55
From the ever-playful NYC-based Alltimers, this deceptive skateboard appears adorned in pearls—atop oyster shells, of course. The deck measures eight-inches and is made from seven-ply hard rock maple.
This Book is a Camera
$35
Kelli Anderson’s This Book Is A Camera is quite literally a functional camera and its guidebook. People of all ages can learn the basics of photography thanks to the enclosed folded-paper pinhole camera (complete with a lightproof bag and five sheets of photo paper) as well as instructions for use and developing photos.
Black Ember’s New WPRT Collection
Bags that boast interchangeability and weather-proofing
The latest from SF-based Black Ember is the WPRT Collection: a pair of roll-top bags that are durable, waterproof and super-functional. Launching on Kickstarter today, the Minimal and the Modular bags both allow for extensive customization with Black Ember’s range of accessories. Without sacrificing organizational features or easy-access pockets, these bags are entirely waterproof—even at access points, thanks to a 800-denier, three-layer MICRO-HEX performance textile and …
Sleep Kit
$70
With two components, The Nue Co’s Sleep Kit comes with Magnesium Ease spray and Sleep Drops, make falling—and staying—asleep easier. The spray—made using magnesium chloride with lavender and arnica oil—helps to reduce muscle tension. Simply spray it on and massage into your face (be prepared for a mild tingle and the flavor if it hits your lips). The sleep drops are essentially a tincture, made with …
Fortune Cookie Cat Toy
$12
Filled with catnip, this fortune cookie toy will delight any cat—especially those who can read the message: “blame it on the dog.” Made from eco-friendly felt, it can be spot-cleaned easily and air-dried. The 100% catnip will affect two-thirds of cats as a mild hallucinogen. Adding to the high (for cat and owner), Modern Beast donates 100% of their profits to various animal welfare organizations.