Victoria Lyon Interiors

Chinese Artist Ai Weiwei Combines Old With New

2012-01-30T16:06:29Z

One of the most unique characteristics of modern furniture is it’s incredible ability to showcase much more than just something functional. Though many of the pieces we enjoy are designed for comfort, others are equally impressive in their ability to combine old and new concepts to create something stunning.

In the work of the world famous Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei shown here, we find pieces that “combine traditional Chinese furniture techniques with modern day design practices.” The striking result is furniture that is inspiring as art.

You may have also heard of Ai Weiwie from his recent run ins with the Chinese government. Recently released from prison, we can expect that much of his future work may be based on his political activism.

Currently, you can find much more of Ai Weiwei’s work in public collections in places such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego.

What do you think of the pieces shown above?

Images via Ai Weiwei (1-2), Design Boom (3)

Tibetan Lamb Throw

2012-01-11T16:35:13Z

Think soft music, glowing fire, half-filled champagne glasses on the floor, James Bond. Need I say more? And, as if it wasn’t sensuous enough already, this lush throw is lined with deliciously soft ultra-suede.

Dimensions: 68” long x 46” wide

To purchase, please visit our products page.

Schneekirche Snow Church – A Winter Wonder

2012-01-25T20:27:05Z

What are some of the things you do to celebrate traditions? Maybe you have a special meal or a gathering with friends? In the small town of Mitterfirmiansreut in the Bavarian region of Germany, each year the residents build a Snow Church, an incredible building made completely of snow and ice.

The yearly tradition takes place for the townspeople to commemorate a historic snowstorm that occurred in 1911, that forced the people to stay in rather than attend mass on Christmas Day. Rather than miss out on mass, neighbors burrowed into a large snow drift to hold the ceremonies and began the tradition of the Snow Church.

This year’s Schneekirche Snow Church, designed by architect Alfons Doeringer, can hold up to 200 people and contains nearly 50,000 cubic feet of snow and has a steeple which rises 62 feet in the air. Using ice blocks to bring light into the structure, the amazing building functions as both a temporary church and an extraordinary piece of architecture.

What do you think of the structure? Can you imagine a tradition like this here?

Source and images via Inhabitat