Toronto Craft Alert: CRAFTY HAPPENING: february design fever

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

CRAFTY HAPPENING: february design fever

Two major design events are coming up this month, both neat-o responses to the Interior Design Show (February 21-24 at the Direct Energy Centre, check out Fibre Quarterly’s IDS08 preview here).

1. MADE presents Radiant Dark

Third Floor of the Burroughes Building, 639 Queen St. W.
Free Admission, open daily 12pm to 7pm (Sun.12-5), 21th February to 2nd March, 2008 [NB: show delayed & extended]
Opening Reception (by rsvp) - Wednesday 20th February, 7pm to 10pm

MADE curates and presents an exhibition of modern works by emerging Canadian designers and artists. The exhibition Radiant Dark examines themes of darkness and luxury. The grey February landscape shines with approximately 70 new works of artists, architects, industrial designers and craftspeople exploring options of materials, concepts and theme. Radiant Dark tells a rich story of current Canadian design.

Today’s changing concepts of luxury speak towards value over wealth; personalised experience over exclusivity. Radiant Dark offers designer’s personal explorations of luxury through pattern, decoration, tradition and materials. Wallcoverings span a more traditional paper format to sumptuous felts and experimental tiling (Rollout, Katy Chan, Andree Wejsmann). Furniture and textiles combine texture, quality and attention to detail that lends aesthetic richness (Melanie Zanker, Kelly Palmer, James Fowler).

A number of designers, unafraid to visit the dark side, create moody, ambient lighting covering table lamps to pendants to chandeliers (Tamara Rushlow, Jen Graham, Propellor Design). Others make comment on the decline of natural resources and their increasing luxury (James Wright, Standard Issue, Joe & Josephine). Some continue that conversation with research into sustainable methods, local sourcing and natural materials (Brothers Dressler,608 Design).

Several artists cross disciplines and boundaries, their work becoming more experiential and less a display (Dorkenwald-Spitzer,Todd Falkowsky, molo). All apply integrity of design. Radiant dark is an invitation to visitors to engage with thoughtful and individual design. Many of the makers will be present to discuss their works over the duration of the show.

A visit to the Radiant Dark website contains comprehensive information on designers and their works. http://madedesign.ca/radiantdark

The free public event fulfills MADE’s mission to showcase and make available inspired, functional objects with a compelling selection of current Canadian design. The show will be on view daily from 12pm to 7pm, Wednesday 20th Feb to Thursday 27th of February (Sunday the 24th Noon-5PM).

For further information contact: Julie Nicholson or Shaun Moore, Tel: 416 607 6384, or email: info@madedesign.ca

2. COME UP TO MY ROOM 2008 GLADSTONE HOTEL'S 5TH ANNUAL ALTERNATIVE DESIGN EVENT Friday February 22 - Sunday February 24, 2008