Opening reception Saturday, May 1st from 6p.m.-8p.m

Please join Richard Karsten to preview: "Beyond Color: Achromatic Phenomena," his book exploring the visual phenomena that influence the way we see and feel about surfaces and objects that surround us. Simply put, achromatic phenomena are those attributes outside of color that affect the way something appears. Fundamental examples are luster, gloss, transparency, luminosity and iridescence. This is an exploration of how we see surfaces and objects in art, design and nature as demonstrated by inspired photography and visual experiments.

Design C.L.O.T.(Collective League of Talent) is an exhibition of bold new work from emerging designers on view at powerHouse Books in Dumbo from April 27th though May 9th. The show features work of Masters of Industrial Design graduates, a conglomeration of various ideas and inspirations that are united by an intrepid drive to improve our material world through meaningful objects and ideas.

Beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
For directions and more information: www.designclot.com

Gloss or Matte

Matte or gloss?

Kindle or iPad?

Translucent products

What happened to those colorful translucent products from the turn of the century? Macs, staplers, pens, lamps....they were ubiquitous. Why were they so popular?

Josef Albers, late nights and Color Aid paper

In art school, I recall spending hours and hours staring at swatches of Color Aid paper making middle mixtures and experimenting with simultaneous contrast. At times it was frustrating, but in the end I was able to see color more critically. What was your experience with these lessons?

Transparency - Clearly a phenomen

Transparency is the quality of a surface/liquid/object that allows light to pass through. The viewer can easily see objects through a transparent surface. Color plays a role as in the example of stained glass. Are there any transparent art pieces, products or things from nature that make YOUR day brighter?

So here's a question for you. Why do people like shiny things?

Welcome

Welcome to my blog on achromatic phenomena. Loosely stated, achromatic phenomena are those attributes that effect the way an object or surface appears. Examples are gloss, luster, iridescence, luminescence, transparency, holographic, metallic & translucency. The blog is designed to explore how achromatic phenomena impact the world of design, art and nature. Please post your favorite examples and let me know how the make you feel or why you think it's cool. Most importantly have fun!