Jointed Pieces and Knitted Vase

Bits ‘n Pieces is a traveling exhibition with work from a variety of artists, scientists and researchers who are trying to “..anticipate the next phase of the digital revolution, focusing on how society is imbued with, shaped by and shapes technology.”  It’s a great way for art and science to interact and lead to thought-provoking and inspiring pieces of craft and design:

Jointed Pieces by Alissia Melka-Teichroew (byAMT) is an example of craft made possible by science:

Jointed Pieces

Her jewelry is made of ball joints, which used to be impossible to create in one piece without assembly in the mediums of ceramics or plastics.  However, with Selective Laser Sintering technology, she can now create the ball joint and combine them for her line of bracelets and necklaces.

Another inspiring combination of technology, crafts, and design is the Knitted Vase by Ilona Huvenaars and Willem Derks, which is made to fit any amount of flowers, from a single rose to a bunch of wildflowers:

Knitted Vase

The vase is made from synthetic fiber and created through the Rapid Manufacturing technique.  It’s designed to stretch and wrap around the flowers like the neck of a knitted sweater.  Sounds comfy!

Check out these impressive prototypes and many more on the Bits ‘n Pieces website.  If you live near New York City, check them out in person at Material ConneXion at 60 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor.

St. Mark's Comics and Toy Tokyo

When I lived in New York City, I used to spend a lot of time in Greenwich Village.  Two notable geek stores on the block are St. Mark’s Comics and Toy Tokyo.  They’re both a bit difficult to find (St. Mark’s Comics is on a lower level than other shops, and Toy Tokyo is on the second floor, with only a sign and a painted Godzilla to guide you).  They’re both packed to the gills with their respective material: St. Mark’s Comics is full of comic books and old toys and collectibles; Toy Tokyo is full of fun, hip toys, from The Simpsons to Domo-kun.  But are these two shops worth the walk?  Find out after the break:

St. Mark’s Comics is probably best for its ambiance.  It feels like being inside of the mind of a stereotypical geek: dusty, crowded with old memorabilia, hidden away in some basement area.  Ironically, it’s not really a great place if you’re looking for a particular comic book.  I’ve bought more comics at Jim Hanley’s and Forbidden Planet, where the shelves are much better organized and the staff is much more knowledgeable.  Instead, I go to St. Mark’s for great geek inspiration, to see old toys and get a fun sense of nostalgia.  So if you have an ample amount of time to browse and want to remember when geek was as far away from chic as possible, this is the place for you.

Toy Tokyo, however, is hip and fun, with a wide variety of vinyl toys, plushies, kawaii trinkets from Japan, and both American and Japanese pop culture icons (a la Astro Boy, Star Wars, Godzilla, Nintendo’s Mario, and Peanuts, to name a few).  The Kidrobot store in Soho is much more minimal and manageable, but the crowded and frenetic nature of Toy Tokyo is also very enjoyable.

Has anyone else been to these stores and agree/disagree?  Anyone need directions?  Feel free to comment away!