Gallery and design store Moss recently reminded us of the exciting and beguiling art toy Toroflux. Created in 2000 by German brothers Jochen and Conrad Valett of Valett Design, the simple tools and construction for the kinetic sculpture consists of a large plastic ring with a slinky-like metal coil wrapped around it. The result though is a surprising example of physics and artistic invention. When …
A 60-foot catamaran comprised of recycled PET and reclaimed plastic bottles, Plastiki proves the power of imagination and ingenuity with British eco-adventurist David de Rothschild at the helm. More than just a boat, the Plastiki symbolizes how waste can really become a resource, taking on the intimidating task of sailing from San Francisco to Sydney. De Rothschild, inspired by a news story about the “garbage …
Derived from the natural inclination to flip and play with pens, BaliYo is simultaneously a toy and pen designed to maximize hand-eye coordination with its three-piece twirl-able construction. The center piece, a functioning ballpoint pen connected to two parallel arms, means that the symmetrically-sized pieces swing and rotate, changing speed and exertion as you play. The cleverly designed BaliYo structure allows for a number of …
