Bronnikov Bone Watch

by Watchismo

The Bronnikov family from Vjatka, Russia is responsible for this hand-built and hand-carved mechanical watch made entirely of bone (except for mainspring, balance spring and pivots), which sold at auction in 2005 for $25,000. (Click image for detail.)

Also the makers of wood and ivory versions, the Bronnikov's earliest model appeared in 1837 and is rumored to have been purchased by the future Czar, Alexander II. Producing only one watch per month with approximately 500 ever made, of those only about 250 have survived today. The horological dynasty continued with Bronnikov sons Mikhail and Nicolai, who carried out the tradition through the 1800s into the early 20th century. More about the history and more photos here.

Jason Young: New Works

by Ami Kealoha

Jason Young, the New York-based artist who makes "high-tech minimal 'trompe-l’oeuil'" paintings, has a show opening this Thursday, 15 March 2007, at NYC's Cristinerose gallery. The exhibition features recent works that layer resin and other materials over honeycomb alloy, a material used in the construction of airplanes, for an effect that adds surprising dimension. (To see his intensive process, watch this recent CH video.) Coupled with the subtle randomly ordered patterns, Jason's work has an organic—even cosmic—quality, while embracing both the artificial and sensual nature of his materials.

Jason Young: New Work
Opening Reception: 15 March 2007, 6-8pm
15 March- 21 April 2007
Cristinerose Gallery
529 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011 map
tel. +1 212 206 0297

On Location: Austin

by Ami Kealoha

Rocked-out rockabilly, vintage dancing queen, pure country two-stepper, off-the-wall zoot-suiter—in Austin, anything goes. A blue oasis in a red desert, Austin has earned its keep as the South's most beloved laid-back music scene, a hot and hilly hub where individual style extends from a way of dress to a way of life. If you're heading there for SXSW it's imperative to know where to shop, where to eat, and where to hang this week when the city comes alive and stays awake for a week of non-stop live music. See CH's review of Factory People here. For the rest, read on.

Kick Pleat
Some of the greatest local businesses can be found living in old Austin homes transformed into spaces that are comfortable, contained, and incredibly personable. South Austin's Kick Pleat (pictured below left) is no exception, displaying the top independent women's designers in an open, friendly, downright homey space.
910 South First Street
tel. +1 512 445 4500

Feather's
Vintage shopping for men and women at a store that's less like your granny's attic and more like an urban boutique. This is the place to come for one-of-a-kind party wonders, be it a Polynesian mini-dress, a killer set of suede zip-up boots, or a combo of both. (Pictured above right.)
1700 B South Congress Avenue
tel. +1 512 912 9779

Blackmail
What's an urban wardrobe without a little noir? Or in this case, a lot of it. Another South Congress favorite, Blackmail narrows the choice to one color, but opens the doors wide to interesting designs, textures, and compositions. (Pictured left.)
1202 South Congress Avenue
tel. +1 512 326 7670

El Chile
In Texas, Mexican food is an obsession—beans, tortillas, guacamole, chips, margaritas, and hot, hot, hot salsa. At El Chile, you get all this, a commitment to quality flavors and ingredients, and a nice patio where you can enjoy it.
1809 Manor Road
tel. +1 512 457 9900

South Congress Café
Shopping on SoCo can be hard work. But happy hour may be the best reward, especially when Mexican Martini's, $3 Mojitos, and Queso Flamado con Rajas are involved.
1600 South Congress Avenue
tel. +1 512 447 3905

Club deVille
A dark, slightly disheveled, but decidedly artsy ambiance makes this outdoor/indoor hangout the best spot for a martini, a chat, and some awesome style sitings.
900 Red River Street
tel. +1 512 457 0900.

The Scoot Inn
An eastside establishment that was recently revamped by the owners of the Longbranch Inn, the Scoot Inn has an incredible tree-shaded backyard and an impressive roster of shows for the week.
1308 East 4th Street
tel. +1 512 478 6200

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Sweet Brazil Chocolates

by Ami Kealoha

In Brazil, like most everywhere else, Easter tradition dictates giving chocolate eggs to relatives and friends. With the motto "Life has more taste when we feed our eyes before we delight the palate," Sweet Brazil Chocolates have been producing wonderful "design chocolate" since 1987—a superior choice for celebrating the holiday.

While every major chocolate brand working double to fill the supermarkets with thematic eggs—like Hello Kitty, X Men and the Power Puff Girls, among many others—distorting the original meaning of the gift and diluting the quality, Sweet Brazil makes miniature works of art out of chocolate that's also delicious.

Constantly searching for the ideal balance between design, form, flavor and texture, they've just launched their Easter 2007 products. Check their exquisite "Faberge Egg," (pictured above left) inspired by the legendary and priceless Russian pieces of jewellery, and the incredibly chess-pattern egg called "Op," (pictured above left), as well as other crafted pieces of pure chocolate delight.

by André Felipe, ag407

Edward Burtynsky: China

by Jonah Samson

Edward Burtynsky photographs a world changing for the purposes of industrial development. His most recent book, China, is a glimpse into the massive social and economic transformation currently underway as China tries to join the ranks of more industrialized nations.

Burtynsky says that “these images are meant as metaphors to the dilemma of our modern existence; they search for a dialogue between attraction and repulsion, seduction and fear. We are drawn by desire, a chance at good living, yet we are consciously or unconsciously aware that the world is suffering for our success. Our dependence on nature to provide the materials for our consumption and our concern for the health of our planet sets us into an uneasy contradiction. For me, these images function as reflecting pools of our times.”

His images of the Three Gorges Dam project on the Yangtze River (which is bigger by 50% than any other dam in the world, displacing more than one million people) look post-apocalyptic. Pictures of factories and the people who work in them are filled with endlessly repeating patterns and colors. In cities like Shanghai, massive urban renewal can be seen as countless skyscrapers and roadways replace traditional dwellings. See more images here.

Jennifer Baichwal followed Burtynsky as he traveled through China making these pictures and produced an award-winning documentary called Manufactured Landscapes, a riveting film that was just released on DVD. You can see a trailer for it here.

You can also visit Edward Burtynsky’s website for a very organized introduction to his work, including images, links, videoclips, and a schedule of exhibitions worldwide throughout 2007-2008. Signed copies of the book are available through Photoeye, unsigned copies from Amazon.

This Old Thing Pleated Ties

by Ami Kealoha

Adding a bit of irreverence to the necktie, these ties by This Old Thing look like something Edward Scissorhands might wear. We found the goth accessory at the new Brooklyn boutique Alter, which was founded by the same fashion duo behind This Old Thing. Made from vintage ties, the asymmetrical staggered look comes from little more than a series of simple sewn pleats but the effect is dramatic. Each tie costs $28. To order, call (+1 718 784 8818 ) or email alter [at] thisoldthing [dot] net.