Anima D'Acciaio Trailer

by Nathan Suberi

An exclusive first peek, this trailer for Daniel Leeb's portrait of Italian bike frame-builder Giovanni Pelizzoli, aka "Ciocc," celebrates the renowned artisan and his work. The short film, called "Anima D'Acciaio" (Soul of Steel), documents Ciocc's expertise as he makes a new fixed gear frame by hand, sharing his insights into the craft and his life along the way.

With commentary by other Italian bike heavy-hitters, tricks by Ed "Wonka" La Forte and a soundtrack from Blonde Redhead's Amadeo and Simone Pace, we highly recommend seeing it on the big screen at the Bicycle Film Festival, where it plays this Saturday, 18 July 2009, in San Francisco. Check out the BFF site for more dates and locations.

Scott Alger's Light Photography

by Bailee Wolfson

New York artist Scott Alger creates photographs using light to make a graffiti-like images. In addition to the resulting pictures, the process and performance of making the images are works of art themselves.

This past Wednesday, Scott began his new project, taking neighborhood staff from nearby bars and clubs in the Lower East Side of NY to re-create a picture out of the Rococo era using modern clothes, make-up and hair.

The lensman's idea to using light in a photograph resulted from being struck by lightening. Temporarily blinded from the electric shock, he wanted use the experience to help him heal emotionally. Scott started manipulating the image by slowing down the shutter speed on his camera and running around with light bulbs that he swirled in the air.

Two more performance shoots are in the works for this summer and a gallery show is due in the fall. To check out his work and get updates on his art, visit his website.

Check out more images after the jump.

Sophie Blackall: Missed Connections

by Karen Day

Chance encounters, momentary glimmers of hope for a new friend or lover—Sophie Blackall's blog Missed Connections illustrates the random interactions had by strangers and their quest to reconnect via Craisglist New York City.

Originally an advice columnist, the Australian-born illustrator is seemingly the perfect talent for such a project, combining her thoughtful nature with her superlative drawing skills to create an endearing and hopeful blog.

Check out Missed Connections, or for more of Sophie Blackall's work, have a look at her website.

via Paper Tastebuds

Graffini Swimwear

by Nathan Suberi

A mash-up of NYC graffiti and the elegantly seductive lines of women's swimsuits, Graffini brings an edgy vibe to beachwear. Available in five different cuts—from a skimpy Brazilian string bikini to a classic one-piece—each sport a different set of vivid images.

Designers use photographs of street art from walls, signs and even ATMs, taken in locations that include Chinatown, Soho and the Bronx, incorporating the images into the various suit cuts. We like the skull-adorned ATM (above left), Old School (middle) and Union Square (right). These walking testaments to the character and history of New York are sure to catch eyes and turn heads all summer long.

Graffinis range in price from about $140 to $180 depending on cut and print, and sell on their site.

Exovault iPhone Case

by Karen Day

A master at combining aesthetics and mechanics, artist Jonathan Schipper recently joined forces with fellow artist Amelia Biewald to create a stunning metal iPhone case that they've dubbed Exovault.

Made from solid aluminum, brass or titanium, the handcrafted cases lend a steampunk look to the device—a big step up from the plastic varieties that house most iPhones today. Over time, the lustrous surface will develop a uniquely exquisite patina, making the durable casing that much more appealing.

Accustomed to working with a variety of materials, the duo has collaborated on projects before, resulting in compelling installations such as "Firebird," a raven-filled tree comprised of parts from a 1969 Pontiac Firebird.

Designed in Brooklyn, New York, you can purchase the cases from the Exovault website. The aluminum and brass versions run $95, while the titanium version will set you back $300. To inquire about custom versions email exovault [at] gmail [dot] com.

See more of Schipper's recent artwork, including a video, on Cool Hunting.

See more images of the Exovault after the jump.