Bonus Bone: "Set Piece"

Looks like a nice chair, yes? Clean, modern, a little basic, maybe, but probably well-made and expensive. This is exactly what artist and designer Peter Andersson wants you think but let's admire it from all angles, shall we?

Oh?

Hey!

Brilliant!

Generally, I've always felt that artwork that pushes me off center and pulls out a smile, a sneer, tears, or any other kind of reaction I didn't expect, is good work. Peter Andersson's "Set Piece" made me catch my breath, grin, and then nod a lot (while still grinning). So, yes, good work.

Specifically, this conceptual piece speaks to me because it also represents what we do, collectively, as design bloggers. We publish the perfect micro-moment from our homes, knowing that it's styled and looks just so. As readers, you never see the mess we moved out of the way to get that shot. I think the jumble and chaos is beautiful in its own way (as are the wispy dustbunnies and pile of unopened mail) but these are the details uncelebrated.

With "Set Piece," Peter Andersson is letting it all hang out and challenging what we think is beautiful. Do we only value the glossy end-result or is the visible strength and construction of the piece more interesting? I say that it's both. Sure, I'll enjoy the aesthetics and serenity of the completed piece (or room or recipe or hair-do or home) but I'll appreciate it more if I can see its guts.

For these reasons, I, Cardboard, declare this a Design Boner.

Photo credit: Yanko Design

Kiva: Good for the Soul

Want to do something good? Pay attention...

Kiva is a really great idea. It's "...the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend directly to unique entrepreneurs in the developing world." Basically, how it works is that YOU loan some money to someone in a developing country who needs a little help. Some people want to start a business, while other needs to fix their home or car. Once their loan has been completely fulfilled, they are obligated to start paying it back. In theory, you will get your money back so you can either collect it or sink it back into another worthy participant.

My sister, Bamboo, gave me a $25 gift certificate to Kiva for Christmas. I just now found my perfect family. I loaned my money to the Hernandez Garcias (seen above). They are requesting funds to simply make their home more livable and secure. It might be awhile before they receive their total requested amount but when they do, Kiva will email me with updates and their repayment schedule. And, you better believe, my meager $25 will go right back into the system.

So if you're like me and always searching for a way to reach out, look into Kiva.