It starts with photographs of everyday objects, and then Kevin Van Aelst reassembles and rearranges them into new forms and illustrations. He attempts to examine existence and create order from randomness.

Selected by Real Art Ways as one of six emerging artists in the Hartford’s institutions Step Up call, Van Aelst’s solo show opened yesterday. The work will remain on view through August 15, 2010, a serves as introduction to the New Haven-based artist’s output.

I’m particularly taken by the pieces which deal with garments… one of the reasons highlighting Van Aelst seemed appropriate here.

A selection of his creations (taken from his website) follow.

(cqc)

WSJ discusses the secrets to lightweight and proper packing with a man who should know – Tumi’s president, Jerome Griffith. Discussing the carry-on specifically, “Mr. Griffith is judicious about what he puts in his suitcase, which is 20 inches long—comfortably within airlines’ carry-on limits—and made of black leather, a color he says won’t “show dirt.” To start his packing, he takes out the “suiter,” a compartment designed for suits, in order to free up more room. He works in a casual business environment, he explains.”

Read the full story, “Packing Light and Right” at WSJ.

Those looking to complete their military grade wardrobe should review these khakis from Dockers. “Beige San Fransico made Dockers K-1. This 5th edition K-1 is a regular straight cut fit in Cramerton heavy twill. Features one back button pocket, strengthened belt loops, zinc bronze metal button fly fastening.  This khaki pant takes on all of the design details of the original U.S. Army Khaki pant produced in the early 1940s, only with slight alterations to make it more relevant to date.” Nittygritty has them.

More looks at the Dockers K1 No. 5 Khaki Pants in Ammunition Tin after the click.

Meet Jeff Jones, a mountain bike builder and one of six bicycle makers highlighted in the Museum of Arts & Design exhibition Bespoke: The Handbuilt Bicycle.

On view through August, 15, 2010, the exhibit is not to be missed. Absolutely fantastic. (Surprisingly so, as I am not particularly keen on MAD).

From Wallpaper*.

We know it’s officially time for us to declare ourselves ‘over’ oxford shirts, but we don’t roll like that. And, given Individualized’s shirt making history (we’ll save you a speech, but they’re pretty good at it), we can never be over what is well made quality, and most importantly, on sale product. There’s also the natty granddad collar, which sets it apart from the legion of oxfords in your wardrobe. (CHCM)

Take a leap to see some detailed images.

Folk have just ‘dropped’ some polo shirts for you to sink your teeth into (or just wear). The whole ‘no logo’ thing is rather important for us when it comes to Polo shirts; it’s just about the only thing separating you from the masses – and let’s be honest, that’s the main reason you’re into clothes – Folk have got that right. There’s a variety of colours, including a pale pink (don’t they know it’s called washed red these days?) and some long sleeve versions. They’re available from Folk’s store now.

Ahh, the old ‘wooden sole’. After being (rightly) chastised for writing this down a couple of times, we can now point out that these Bottega Veneta brogues don’t have wooden soles, merely leather ones. That aside, the stitching on these shoes make them what they are – in a good way. They’re also on sale at the low, low price of £350, which officially makes them the best bargain in the history of bargains. (Browns)

Beau Colburn does Thursdays…

01. TEDxOilSpill (above)

“This is a week-long project to document the current situation in the Gulf of Mexico and bring a first hand report back to the TEDxOilSpill event in Washington DC on June 28th. We’ll be working on land, air, and maybe even on boat. Our team is composed of several talented photographers and videographers. In addition to documentation of oil on the water and on the beach, we’re particularly interested in the human side of the equation and will be talking to some of the people most affected by the catastrophe in the Gulf. We’ll also be documenting any and all evidence of media interference by BP, the Coast Guard, or other officials. During the week, we’ll be posting public dispatches from the field through a variety of outlets and are looking to get coverage at all levels from our own personal blogs all the way up to major media outlets. We’ll be working with writers both in the field and remotely to help communicate our story.” (photo: James Duncan Davidson) (tedxoilspill)

02. I’m Comic Sans

“You don’t like that I’m on the sign for that new Thai place? You think I’m pedestrian and tacky? Guess the fuck what, Picasso. We don’t all have seventy-three weights of stick-up-my-ass Helvetica sitting on our seventeen-inch MacBook Pros. Sorry the entire world can’t all be done in stark Eurotrash Swiss type. Sorry some people like to have fun. Sorry I’m standing in the way of your minimalist Bauhaus-esque fascist snoozefest.” (mcsweeney’s)

03. Shawn Smith’s Pixelated Sculptures

“I find images of my subjects online and then create three dimensional sculptural representations of these two-dimensional images. I Build my “Re-things’ pixel by pixel to find out how each pixel plays a crucial role in the identity of an object. Through the process of pixilation, color is distilled, some bits of information are lost, and the form is abstracted. Making the intangible tangible, I view my building process as an experiment in alchemy, using man-made composite and recycled materials to represent natural forms.” (whatthecool)

04. Stereotyping People By Their Favorite Indie Bands

“It is a common fact that Cormac McCarthy readers are men who don’t eat cream cheese, but what about those who listen to The XX on repeat and The Flaming Lips on hallucinogens? They need labels, too.” (flavorwire)

Luxuryculture turns us onto this collection of luggage made from brushed aluminum from the Dunhill house. We’re told that these items are part of their new collection offering ultra thin and lightweight trunks which hide the scuffs expected from those terminal handlers. They’re awfully eye opening. Wondering how TSA will feel about these. Would be a shame to plaster them with “security” tags/stickers.