Category Archives: Lifestyle

MB & F HM9

A few weeks ago I invested in a top of the range 12.9” iPad Pro to produce some very detailed drawings. The problem is there are so many available Apps on the market. Don’t get me wrong this is a major advance in technology as most of them are free (or competitively priced). Finally, after installing/trialling several programs I have mostly been using Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk Sketch. Essentially these Apps enable me to create realistic professional artwork to present to clients. However, as a designer, I am mindful not to over complicate concepts (at this stage) because manufacturing these products might not be possible. In contrast companies like MB & F don’t seem to have these constraints. That is why they can invent incredible timepieces like the new HM9. » Read more

Jordan Sprigg Sculptures

A few months ago I decided to embark on an art based project with my 9-year old son. The challenge was to transform our generic modern white box into something a bit more unusual. However, as the budget was tight we had to be very creative in our approach and broke into stages. After weeks of deliberation, we completed phase one and clad the house in a charred timber called Shou Sugi Ban. This innovative technique originated in Japan and has become very popular with contemporary architects. Interestingly we are the first homeowners to use this distinctive material in South Australia. The second phase involved commissioning a local artist (SA Screen Creations) to manufacture some Cor-ten steel laser cut panels, which were mounted on the fence and vertical columns of our home. They also work perfectly with our large fish sculpture, which is fabricated from salvaged agricultural machinery. » Read more

Louis Moinet ‘Spacewalker’

As well as being passionate about writing and design I am also a real film fanatic. In fact, the subject of my dissertation focused on Cary Grant and his valuable contribution to light comedy. That is why I am eager to watch a movie called ‘First Man’ starring Ryan Gosling and directed by Damien Chazelle. The storyline chronicles (legendary American Astronaut) Neil Armstrong’s epic journey to become the first person to walk on the moon, which took place on July 20, 1969. However, 5 years before (on March 18, 1965) this historical event occurred Alexey Leonov, performed the worlds first spacewalk. This achievement has been celebrated by Louis Moinet in the shape of a beautiful watch called the ‘Spacewalker’. » Read more

ERA Timepieces Prometheus

Recently I invested in an iPad Pro and numerous artistic Apps to focus more on design. Apple became the first Trillion-dollar company in the world (followed closely by Google) and it is not hard to understand why. Obviously, there are many other Graphic’s tablets on the market depending on your personal preference. However, I used Apple as an example to illustrate how these modern devices make life a lot easier for creative types like myself. Certainly, this is evident in the wonderful world of horology. It also has enabled the consumer to get their hands on striking watches at affordable prices. A great example can be found in the amazing Prometheus by ERA Timepieces. » Read more

Mecurio Design Lab Villa Mistral

A few days ago I had the privilege of attending the wedding reception of beautiful Vietnamese and Chinese couple. Certainly, love was in the air and everybody really enjoyed the event. At my allotted table I was seated next to a delightful lady who was formerly a property developer. Interestingly she specialised in demolishing dilapidated older style houses and sub dividing. However, nowadays the margins are too tight and consumers desire more than generic properties. As a writer, I can totally understand that homeowners crave for individuality and that is why they commission architects to articulate their visions. » Read more

Sea God Black & White DATE

A few days ago my son turned nine and we decided to have a family day together. As it was his special day we allowed him to make the choice. Amazingly he opted for a burger (with fries and soda) at a popular fast food restaurant followed by a suitable movie. Fortunately, the film we all decided on was a new release called ‘Johnny English Strikes Again’ starring the charismatic Rowan Atkinson. Obviously, this is a spoof of the popular James Bond series but it is very well written and executed. Interesting the protagonist describes himself as ‘Old School’ and is oblivious to modern technical devices. In fact, rather than a state of the art hybrid he chose a vintage petrol Aston Martin and refuses the standard issue iPhone. It might all sound far-fetched but turntables are making a revival and so are mechanical watches. » Read more

Louis Chevrolet Swiss Watches Classic 8

Last month I published a review featuring Urwerk’s magnificent UR-111C. The timepiece is engineered and designed to the meticulous standards you would expect from the brand. It also is bang on trend because of the futuristic aesthetic, which was inspired by Science fiction movies. Certainly, anyone who is passionate about fine horology would love to own a watch of this calibre. However, respected industry specialist Sophy Rindler (in response to my post) posed the question about the relevance of these novelties in the modern world. Ultimately I feel she was alluding to the $134,370 price tag that is beyond the realms of most people’s budgets. In contrast, many renowned Swiss labels are launching stylish affordable timepieces on crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter. A great example can be found in Louis Chevrolet Watch Classic 8. » Read more

Chen + Suchart Studio Little Art Studio

Even though I don’t in way perceive myself as a gambler I do occasionally (every week) purchase a lottery ticket. I realise the odds of winning are extremely unlikely and do not anticipate a large windfall in the foreseeable future. However, it is a bit of fun and I often daydream how to spend my (imaginary) gambit. One of my aspirations would be to design a modernistic concrete and glass home in collaboration with a renowned architect. Certainly, there are several to chose from in Australia many who have a passion for minimalism. On the wish list would be an Infiniti edge pool, cinema, chef style industrial steel kitchen and maybe most importantly an artist studio. Potentially this last requirement could be situated in a separate annexe similar to Chen + Suchart Studio Little Art Studio. » Read more