Going Traditional in a Digital World

What's behind the resurgence of wooden toys in the screen age? First, they are sturdy enough to be passed on for generations. Second, they never go out of style. Most wooden playthings also enhance the creativity and imagination of kids and help them with numeracy, literacy, motor skills and problem solving. They are also biodegradable and some are made from sustainable timber. Last but not the least, there are lots of quality wooden toys on the market that won't leave a hole in your wallet—like this unique piece of artwork from Greek design studio Matolaki.

This beautifully-crafted push-pull toy is guaranteed plastic free, doesn't need batteries and run on pure imagination. In the box you'll find a nice hand-printed cotton pouch, tied to a plan-card of a few animal toy models. Recommended for children ages 3 and up. You can get them for about $63 on Etsy.

Comments

Finding Art That Speaks To You

The internet is a vast ocean, and every now and then, you stumble upon something that makes you stop in your tracks. Recently, I was scrolling through my Instagram when I discovered Laurent Proux 's art. I surfed for what felt like hours, and thanked the IG algorithm for its foresight. It's rare to find an artist who can evoke such a strong feeling with their creations, and I instantly became a fan. The French artist's paintings often feature opposing elements—light and shadow, nature and industry, pleasure and violence, the real and the surreal. His figures are often fragmented, distorted, or contorted, blurring the lines between the human form and the landscapes they inhabit. Think of a vivid dream where everything is a little off-kilter, quite nightmarish, but in the most charming way possible. Proux's work is a reminder that art isn't just something to be observed in a museum or gallery. It's a powerful form of communication, a way for artists to share their...

In Memory of Laura

So sad this morning to hear of the unexpected death of Laura, an old fiend and former dentist. I will always remember her bizarre taste in music, her dark humor, and her unwavering belief that a person’s worth is tied to their oral care routine. Last year, we wanted to meet and work together again on something and I am very, very sorry that will never happen. I've mentioned her in a 2015 blog post , and today I will rerun the tale... Not So Happy Ending Not so long ago, I went for a drink in a pub in Ortigas. I had second thoughts about entering the establishment when I noticed there were so many people inside. There were men with ironic beard and pretentious hairstyles dressed in rolled up chinos and check shirts; women in vintage sundresses, skinny jeans, and acid wash denim cutoff shorts; actors and models trying to look hip; and a bunch of call center agents who wanted to get drunk before they start their graveyard shifts. There was this famous guitarist at one table, with sho...

Experiencing Hiroya Kurata's Art

Finding moments of genuine peace can feel like a rare treasure these days. But what if I told you that a dose of serenity could be as simple as gazing upon a canvas? Hiroya Kurata 's work makes you want to slow down and find tranquility in daily life. His oil paintings look like delightful children's books or manga that whisper calmness through their composition, their palette, and the very essence of what they depict. Hiroya's canvases are basically a visual diary, capturing little snippets of moments he spends with his family in ordinary places. And, in a way, his art provides a pause button, a moment to simply be in the presence of something beautiful and serene. His work has been exhibited extensively in solo and group exhibitions across the globe, from New York to Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London. Waiting , his debut solo show at Carl Kostyál , is on view until August 2, 2025.

finding cain

Search This Blog