Things 2013 #5: A porcelain hippy, and Southampton’s factories :it’s the thinking person’s Things

Through the letter box this week we received Southampton’s industrial infrastructure, a comprehensive guide to contemporary typography, evolving brand identities, a young invalid’s visitors and a white porcelain conversation piece. Go on, get stuck into this week’s Things.

Steven Harrington: The Thinker

Los Angeles based artist and designer Steven Harrington sent us this white porcelain head. Is it Jesus? Is it a hippy? We’re not sure what it is, but we do know we like it. Apparently Harrington drew on the theme of “creating a dialogue between artist and viewer” when he made The Thinker. Well, it’s certainly a conversation piece. 
www.stevenharrington.com

Greg Moss: The Works

Greg Moss’s project, The Works, focuses on the industrial heritage of his home town Southampton. Through his photographs of the Eastleigh Works, a locomotive and railway carriage building and repair facility, and the soon to close Ford factory, he aims to “record how the hard work and innovation of its workers has helped to define Southampton, and made the city an integral component of the nation’s manufacturing base.” It’s a beautiful, admirable project. 
www.gregmoss.co.uk

S. J. Harris: Eustace

S. J. Harris’s debut graphic novel Eustace is a delicately drawn, slightly disturbing, decadent treat. This new offering from publisher’s Jonathan Cape tells the story of an invalid boy whose convalescence is suddenly upset by a myriad of prostitutes, drunkards and pipe smoke. We’re looking forward to convalescing with this one.
www.harriscoagulated.com

Computer Arts Collection: Typography vol. 2 pt. 2

The second part of Computer Arts Collection’s typography edition is a thick, glossy, comprehensive guide to contemporary typography and type design sure to make font fanatics drool. Features include trend reports, a look at bespoke type in branding, detailed articles following some impressive projects and visits to typographic studios around the world.
www.computerarts.co.uk

Irene van Nes: Dynamic Identities

Dynamic Identities: How to Create a Living Brand by Irene van Nes is a compilation of dozens of visual identities, looking particularly at logos and how brands need to evolve to become “living organisms.” 
www.ireneontwerp.nl