It’s hard to follow some of our recent posts – especially some very well written pieces by Jenny and Kate.  But I must, and today the focus is European Design.  It’s shaping up to be a pretty decent weekend in Indianapolis.  Around the IMA, lots of us are preparing for the arrival of all-star designers, scholars, designophiles, students, playas, and many more.  European Design Since 1985: Shaping the New Century kicks off tonight with the opening party.  Tomorrow and Saturday will be dedicated to the European Design Symposium – a collection of speakers ranging from Alberto Alessi, IMA’s own R. Craig Miller,  matali crassat, Jerszy Seymour and lots more.  And of course there is the exhibition itself – 250 works of incredible, daring, surreal, beautiful design.  And this is all happening in Indianapolis!!!!

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Filed under: Design, Exhibitions, New Media

In my two short years at the museum I’ve come to know a few people. I’ve also come to know a few of the museum’s resident magical creatures. Over this last weekend, Dynah, the flirtatious Lilly House-elf, agreed to meet me for tea at Starbucks. The following is what we talked about.

Phil: Good morning, Dynah. How are you?

Dynah: Ay-Yay-Yay! I don’t see you anymore. What, you don’t have time for Dynah? The only one of you that comes to see me anymore is the one they call Peeper. You can’t stop by? Say hello to little ol’ Dynah?

Phil: You’re right, you’re right. I’m sorry. I’m in Public Affairs now and don’t handle Lilly House A/V anymore. But we’re talking now aren’t we? After all, this is your interview.

Dynah: You said you’d call. I miss my handsome green eyed shaygets.

Phil: Whoa, Dynah, whoa! Hands off. Sit. Drink your tea. Tell me about something. Anything. Have you been to The Toby yet? Seen a show?

Dynah: I have. But forget that little girly of yours. She can’t cook like I do…

Phil: Dynah, I’m sure you’re better. But can you elaborate on your Toby experience? Please?

Dynah: (Pouting) If you insist. I like the foreign films and a human of mine is going to sneak me into your Winter Nights this Friday. She says the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra is going to play along to “The General.” Oh, how I enjoy Buster Keaton. Care to join us?

Phil: I may stop in for second. What else? Are you excited about our next exhibition? European Design Since 1985?

Dynah: How many more questions do you have? I thought we were going to talk about us?

Phil: Two more, I promise. And I promise we’ll talk later. But now, Dynah, please, our next exhibition?

Dynah: Fine, but you’re going to talk to me later. Yes, as you know, I live in the Lilly House, and I have an affinity for fine design. I’m also close friends with James Dyson’s house-elf, Margaret. We used to play bridge together. She’s excited about the exhibition too because she has in her silly head that the show will have one of the very pieces she used to clean Jim’s carpets.

Phil: That’s interesting. She sounds lovely. Last question and you’ll have to forgive me, but fans of house-elves everywhere are asking, do you know Dobby?

Dynah: Sure I do. The putz dated my cousin.

Filed under: Current Events, Film, Interviews, Marketing, New Media, The Toby

The IMA pharmacy prescribes the following links to combat Monday online anemia.

Jeremy Mayer – A week ago, I saw the “Bodies…The Exhibition” exhibition in the basement of the Indy Weber Grill. At the end of the show, you are given a little glimpse of what a human looks like underneath when there’s metal implants and stuff grafted into flesh. I’m into cyborgs in general and T-800 in particular and I have a feeling Jeremy is too.

Obamicon.me – Make your own Obama “Hope” poster with this fun website from the Paste Media Group empire.

Designm – (By way of Jenny the intern) This website calls itself a blog, but it’s really much more than that. It has resources for everyone from a professional in the design world to the college student wondering how to get into the business. Even for us wannabe designers there are useful tips on how to better use illustrator, improve your website, etc. Check out the gallery for some inspiration…

IMA European Design Website – Brand new and up and running. View the trailer, read about designers, and sign up for the symposium at the online  home for “European Design Since 1985: Shaping the New Century.”

Filed under: Current Events, Marketing

We’ve not launched the perfect, complete site for European Design Since 1985: Shaping the Century. But we have launched a beautiful site, filled with information, and with weeks remaining before the exhibition opening, plenty of time to hit you with additional art content. Last year at SXSW, I heard the founders of I Can Has Cheezburger? discuss the way their site gained momentum, their approach to online marketing, and how they launch sites.

plenty more here

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Filed under: Exhibitions, New Media, Technology

Today I’m talking about the youngest….Formula 1 champion, Lewis Hamilton and sharing with you some of  my favorite car designs over the last 50 years in F1 racing.  What’s the relavance?  I’ll get to that.

This past Sunday, Lewis Hamilton became the F1 champ passing Timo Glock in the last corner on the last lap of the last race of the season.  For less than 30 seconds, race winner Felipe Massa of Ferrari was the champ…until that last corner.  Lewis was crowned champion by 1 point.  Wow.

Lewis Hamilton, 2008 F1 Champ

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Filed under: Current Events, Design, Musings